The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bra
Different countries use different systems to indicate cup sizes. If you want to buy underwear produced in a different country, use the following size comparison to work out what you need.
Our weight can change over time, yet many of us persist in buying the same bra size regardless of physical changes. Don’t wed yourself to one size. If your weight fluctuates by 3-5 kg, take your measurements again and look at different size options.
Now it’s time to go to the store. Bear in mind that trying on different bras until you find the right one may take around an hour and a half.
How to try on a bra
The band circumference and the chest circumference have an effect on each other. A size C for a circumference of 29.5 inches differs from a size C for a circumference of 31.5 inches. How? The greater the band circumference, the wider and more spacious the cup. Bear this in mind when trying on underwear.
Take the first two designs of the size which you determined from taking your measurements. For example, 34A.
The following two models that you try should have a smaller base band size, but a larger cup size. So in this case, 32B.
The third should have a smaller base band size – in this case, 32A.
The fourth should have a larger cup size, e.g. 34B.
The final two should have both a larger cup and larger base band size – for example, 36C.
Each one you try should be evaluated according to three things: the cup, the base band, and the shoulder straps.
When you try on a bra, connect the row of hooks that is farthest to the right (that is, the loosest setting). Depending on the material, the base band can stretch up to 5 cm. That’s when you’ll need the remaining rows of hooks.
How the perfect bra should look: a checklist
The base band
90% of the support that a bra provides comes from the base band and only 10% from the straps. The base band should firmly reach around the ribcage but not cut into your skin. Lift up your arms and bend your spine from left to right – the base band should stay in place. The center of the bra should firmly hold the ribcage.
The cups
If the cups have folds in them, then the bra is too big. Try one with a smaller cup size.
The major part of the surface area of your bones should lie around the edges of the bra – including your ribs and breastbone. If your bones are even partly covered by the bra, then you need a larger size.
The straps
Make sure that there isn’t too much weight falling on the bra straps. Lower them from your shoulder slightly; the cups might fall down slightly, but the base band should remain in the same position.
Remember also that you should check the length of the bra straps each day.
One other point: the height of your bust shouldn’t be lower than the lower edge of your bra. A bra is meant to defy gravity.
A correctly chosen bra will help you to appear as though you’ve lost 3-5 kg.
Other things to pay attention to
When you’re deciding whether or not to buy a bra with a busk, remember that if you’re a C cup or larger, a little extra support won’t do you any harm.
If the shoulder straps on your bra keep falling down, try using a special fastener that joins them at your back.
If you can’t work out your size, you can always just take a bra with a larger cup size to a seamstress and ask them to shorten the base band.
If you have different-sized breasts, try wearing a classic design with molded cups that can hide the difference between them. Alternatively, try a push-up bra, and place a silicone or foam insert into the smaller cup (they’re often given out for free in shops).
If you have a wide back and a small bust, concentrate on getting the cup size correct – you can allow the base band to be a little small. All you need to do here is buy a bra extender and the problem is solved.
