subject: How to choose bra size [print this page] How to choose bra size How to choose bra size
So how do you determine the correct bra size for you?
Firstly you should find a good material tape measure and remove all clothing. The first measurement you need to establish is your band size - which is your ribcage measurement and you should place the tape measure just below your bust and read the number of inches to the nearest inch. So if it measures just over 30 call it 30 but if its closer to 31 then call it 31 inches. If you are measuring in centimeters you should round the number to the nearest 5cm.
If your measurement was an odd number then add 5 inches to your original measurement. If it was even then add 4 inches. So if your original measurement was 25 this makes your band size 30 inches or if your original measurement was 28 then this makes your band size 34 inches.
Secondly you need to measure around the fullest part of your bust in the same way. Keep the tape measure firm but not too tight to get an accurate reading. Stand straight with your arms by your side for an accurate measurement - it may help to have someone else help you for this bit.
Wearing a band size which is too large is probably the most common mistake women make when choosing a bra. Wearing the wrong band size would then also make the cup size incorrect. This is because not all cup sizes of the same letter are the same. For instance, a 34C bra would have a larger cup size than a 32C. Therefore a woman who finds that she is wearing a bra which is one band size too large would have to go down one band size and also up one cup size.Many lingerie retailers supply sizing calculators which state a woman should wear a band size which is 4-5 inches larger than her actual 'around the body' measurement. This is incorrect information from the 1930's which is still being passed from suppliers to retailers today. Early bras made by Warner's were sized in this way however new modern bras are elasticated and so a woman's actual body measurement is now very close to the correct band size she should be wearing.
Compression Sports Bra - these are the kind of single piece bras that you pull over your head and sometimes have a cross back. They press the breasts closely against the chest and help reduce movements. If you are a larger chest woman, you may experience discomfort as it won't fully support your breasts. They are more suited or cup sizes less the c-cup. The sizes come in small, medium, and large.
Encapsulation Bras - these are the kinds that look more like the regular bra with or without under wire support. Each breast is held and supported in separate cups and mostly have front fasteners. They offer the most extra support for bigger-chest women. You can find these in traditional bra sizes that run up to double d's.
And find information on http://www.stherbb.com/breast-products.htm
