What’s Your Bra Size?

Posted on 27. Feb, 2006 by Toni Kelley in Your Home

{mosimage}Are you sure you’re wearing the right size bra? Amazingly, the number of women wearing the wrong size is staggering. How often have you bought a bra based on the size you always thought you were? Have you ever been measured by a professional or by yourself at home? Do you know how to measure your bra size?

Well, here are a few tips, I have found for measuring your breasts to find the perfect size for you. Believe me, I was a little upset to find that all these years, I have been buying the wrong size. It’s no wonder; I would only wear a bra when it was absolutely necessary.

1. Using a measuring tape, measure your bare rib cage, just underneath your bare breasts. If you have an uneven number, add 4 to 5 inches to that number to make it even. This is the measurement for your band size.

2. The next step is to measure the fullest part of your bust, placing the measuring tape in the middle of your back, while being careful to hold it level.

3. Take note of the two numbers you came up with. Here is a guide to help determine your cup size.

½ inch larger than band size indicates, AA, or A cup size
½ to 1 inch larger indicates an A cup size.
1 to 2 inches larger indicates, B cup size
2 to 3 inches larger indicates C cup size.
3 to 4 inches larger indicates D cup size.
4 to 5 inches larger indicates, DD, or E cup size

These measurements will give you a good base for trying on different sizes and styles. Remember, all brands are not equal. You may wear a 34 B in one brand, but in another you could wear a 32 C. The trick is to try them on. I know that we are busy moms, but too often I myself have bought a bra based on the size on the tag, only to discover I didn’t like it. I actually have a drawer filled with these mistakes.

Here are some signs that you might be wearing the wrong size. If the band cuts into you even after adjusting the hook, it is too small. If you find yourself pulling on the straps, or you feel like your breasts are falling out of the bottom, this could indicate the band size is too big. The fabric between your breasts should always lie flat. If it is stabbing you or sticking up, try a bigger cup size. If the material is puckered, try a smaller cup size. If your breasts are spilling out of the cups, move up a size, and if you notice wrinkles in the fabric of the cups, move down a cup size.

Having the right bra can determine how your breasts feel, as well as how your clothes fit and look. As moms, we don’t have a lot of time for frills and we sure don’t need a bad bra making us look bad. Another point to remember is that you should measure, or be measured every two years. Our breasts change with age, as well as childbirth, what you were at 25, probably won’t be right at 30.

The way we care for our bras is a factor in there fit and comfort as well. Always wash your bras by hand, or on the delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Do not dry them in a dryer. This shortens the life span of your bra, as well as modifying the shape, and comfort of an underwire if one is present. Hanging them up to dry, this will help your bras last a lot longer.

So, if your sitting there pulling on your straps, or itching the mark the band left on you, now is the time to get the right fit. Our breasts are an important part of who we are. We brush our teeth and take a shower everyday, don’t our breasts deserve the comfort and support they need? And, just as importantly don’t we?