A bra is something we often take for granted, but finding the right one can do wonders for your looks and even your self-esteem. It may take some time before you find the model that suits you best and that you value yourself best, but remember - it's worth it. Here is a guide for how to find the right bra.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Finding the Right Size
Step 1. Find the size of the circumference
Pass a tape measure around the rib cage just below the bust, where the bra should normally be positioned. Keep the tape measure as tight as possible, round the measurement to a whole number, then add 10cm if it's an even value or 13cm if it's odd.
- For example, if the measurement obtained is 79 cm, the size should be 92 cm.
- This measurement is taken by keeping the tape tight so that the circumference of the bra is perfect for your bust.
Step 2. Measure around your bust at the fullest part, above your nipples
If your measurement isn't exactly a whole number, round it up
Step 3. Subtract the circumference measurement from the bust measurement to determine the exact size of the bra cup
For every 2.5 cm of difference, it increases by one cup.
- If the difference is 0cm, it is a AA cup
- If the difference is 2.5 cm, it is an A cup
- If the difference is 5 cm, it is a B cup
- If the difference is 7.5 cm, it is a C cup
- If the difference is 10 cm, it is a D cup
- If the cup is larger than a D, each brand has a different size rating, so you may need to try several before you find the right one.
Step 4. Please note that the cup size varies according to the circumference of the bra
For example, the 34C and 36C do not have the same cup size. Therefore:
- If you want to try a size with a smaller circumference, you should compensate with a larger cup size. For example, if the circumference of a 36B is too wide for you, try a 34C.
- If, on the other hand, you want to try a size with a larger circumference, you would need a smaller cup. For example, if a 34B is too tight, try a 36A.
Part 2 of 4: Wear It the Right Way
Step 1. Hook the bra around your waist, then lift the front only
Pull this higher, without sliding the bra over the front of your breasts.
- This will ensure that the back remains low, to provide adequate support.
- This will cause the breasts to rise to the desired point in the front.
Step 2. Bend over and insert any flaps of skin into the bra
Start behind your armpits and push as hard as you can into the bra cup.
- Breast tissue is soft, and if your bra fits properly it should stay firm.
- Grab the front of the bra and shake it slightly to put everything in place.
Step 3. Try to figure out the right height of your breasts
With the perfect bra, the apex of the breast should be about halfway between the elbow and the shoulder.
Step 4. Do not over tighten the fasteners or straps of your bra
This would make it uncomfortable and this can affect your mood and posture.
- Never tighten the shoulder straps too tightly to exert strong pressure on the shoulders. This will make you lean forward.
- Never tighten the straps in order to pull the bra in the back. Try to keep the back lower as this provides adequate support for the front.
- When purchasing your bra, attach the ring to the end of the closure strip. This will allow you to tighten it as it stretches over time.
Step 5. Learn to wear a bra regularly
The size of your breasts will vary as other changes occur in your body.
- Learn how to fasten it even when you lose or gain more than ten pounds or maybe if there will be hormonal changes following a pregnancy or hormone therapy.
- Many lingerie stores or malls allow free tests and measurements.
- Don't be embarrassed! Salespeople are usually very kind and professional and have seen hundreds of breasts already!
- Try to measure various bras in a store that has a wide range of brands and sizes, otherwise the information obtained may be limited to what the store sells.
Part 3 of 4: Buying the Bra
Step 1. Find a good dealer
Although bras are widely available, stores usually cater mostly to the needs of medium sized breasts. Look for a store or brand that is best suited to your build.
- If you have trouble shopping in department stores, consider specialty lingerie stores or try shopping online.
- Don't feel compelled to buy at any store or from a particular retailer. There are many options to choose from!
Step 2. Plan your budget
A bra can be very expensive, but it's important to avoid sacrificing quality just to save money.
- A badly made bra is not worth buying. In the end it will only annoy you, physically and psychologically.
- If necessary, aim to have some in your wardrobe. Buy bras that are versatile, such as those with interchangeable straps. Buy them in a color that matches those of the clothes in your closet.
Step 3. Remember to always measure any bra before purchasing
Size is only a starting point, since sizes can vary and each bra is different from the others. Take some time to try it out in a store and make sure it fits you well.
- When shopping for bras, allow for a certain amount of time for selection and measurement. Don't worry if you can't find the right solution for you right away.
- If you order them online, make sure that the site you buy them from also provides for the return and replacement of the product.
Step 4. Find out which models compliment your breasts best
The shape of your breasts and that of your bust are unique, as for every woman. Depending on the proportions, certain models will look better on you than others.
- Your bra will be perfect if it manages to harmonize all the part of your torso. Ideally, the shoulders should be in line with the hips.
- If your shoulders are wide, try to find bras with narrow straps and a shape that protrudes more towards the center.
- If your shoulders are tight, try to find bras that create a more distinct horizontal line along your bust.
- If your trunk is short, a bra that extends more towards the center, can elongate the bust.
- Consider the shape of the breast. There is a wide variety of breasts, all of different shapes and sizes. look at this guide.
Step 5. Try moving, to make sure the bra stays put
Put your arms above your head and turn your waist to the right and left.
- The bra shouldn't go up or bother at this point. If the band slips, try a smaller size. On the other hand, if it presses too hard on the skin, it means that the bra is too tight.
- If you are looking for a sports bra, try jumping in place or jumping up and down when measuring one to see if it can handle the movements of your breasts.
- Lean forward. If your breasts protrude, the bra is no good.
Step 6. Change your bra if needed
There are tons of accessories that can make your bras more comfortable.
- Each woman has larger breasts than the other. Adjust each strap to the correct length and consider padding one side.
- If your bra band is too tight, consider purchasing an expander for the closure.
- If your suspenders hurt you, you can try padded straps.
- If the suspenders keep falling off the shoulders, consider a clip to clip them together in the back.
Step 7. Be satisfied with your breasts
If you don't love yourself and your body in the first place, even buying a bra can turn into an unpleasant experience. Each body is unique, while bras are mass produced. No bra can ever be made to fit all body types.
- Remember that even with a perfect body - if it really exists - a poorly fitting and poorly worn bra can become unpleasant.
- If something doesn't suit you, remember that you can always opt for something else. So don't be too hard on yourself.
- If you're having a hard time finding a bra, that doesn't mean you're ugly or your breasts are oddly shaped. It just means you're different.
Part 4 of 4: Identifying Common Problems During Measurement
Step 1. Know the parts of a bra
In order to identify the fundamental points for which a bra should be good or not, one must be aware of the various parts that make it up.
- The cup: is the part where the breast is inserted. It is usually made of stretch fabric and can have up to three tailored seams.
- The part of the circumference: this is the elastic part that goes all around the chest.
- The lateral parts: these constitute the portion of the band that goes from the end of the cups to the center of the back.
- The suspenders: these rest on the shoulders and are often adjustable, sometimes even padded.
- The closure: usually consists of a hook in the back of the bra. Sometimes it can also be placed in front or be absent.
- The center of the bra: it is the part between the cups in the front.
Step 2. Count your breasts
If it almost looks like you have four instead of two, you have what is called the "quadrilateral effect". This indicates that the cups are too small and there is not enough space inside.
It's even more noticeable when you're wearing a shirt over your bra
Step 3. Make sure the bra doesn't slip over your breasts
If so, this means that the chest strap is too loose.
- Try raising your arms by bending back slightly to see if this happens.
- Remember that when you increase the girth size, the bra cup must decrease by one size.
Step 4. Check that the center of the bra is flat in the front
If this does not happen, then it means that the bra is not suitable.
- This could mean that the underwire shape is wrong for your breasts.
- It could also mean that the cup size is too large or too small.
Step 5. Make sure the bra band is not pressing too hard on your back or side
In fact, you should be able to run your fingers under the edge of the fabric.
- If there is more than 2 or 3 cm of space, it means that the band is too wide.
- If the band presses too hard to the side, to the point where it pains when put on, this means that the band is too tight.
- If the band goes up, try loosening the shoulder straps. If that doesn't work, it means this is too loose.
Step 6. Keep in mind that any back fat is completely normal
This does not necessarily mean that the band is too tight.
- Instead, try to find bras that have a wider band or a soft fabric band, to adhere to the body more smoothly.
- Unless the band is causing pain, don't go bigger or else you won't have enough support for your breasts.
- This may indicate that the cup size is too small.
- Another solution could be to wear a containment undergarment.
Step 7. Make sure the cups do not bend or have any gaps at the top
This could mean that the cup size is too large, that the model is not suitable for you, or that you have not worn the bra properly.
- Try adjusting your breasts with your hands to make sure they fit snugly into the cups.
- This could also mean that the bra is not right for the shape of your breasts.
- If your breasts are fuller at the bottom than at the top, you may need a differently shaped bra, such as a balconette model.
Step 8. Check that the shoulder straps are not too tight on the shoulders
This can cause pain and other discomfort.
- Braces that are too tight on the shoulders can cause long-term problems, such as head or back pain, permanent curvature, and even nerve damage.
- Try looking for bras with padded and wider straps, especially if you have larger breasts.
- Shoulder pain could also indicate that the band is too loose and therefore does not provide sufficient support. The support should, in fact, come from this and not from the risers, as is erroneously believed.
Step 9. Check that the suspenders do not fall off the shoulders
If you've adjusted your straps but they keep slipping off, try a different bra.
- Small women or women with sloping shoulders often have this problem.
- Make sure the straps are close enough together and are adjustable.
Step 10. Make sure the underwire is comfortable
When fitted correctly they should not cause any pain or discomfort.
- If the cup is too small, the underwire does not sit comfortably under the breast.
- Also, breasts may not necessarily be the same shape as a particular brand's underwire.
- You may have difficulty wearing underwire bras if you have a larger rib cage.
- Underwire is not recommended for women who are pregnant or have recently undergone surgery.
- Some medical conditions may also limit the use of underwire.
- Non-wired bras can be just as good, even for large breasts, if the size you choose is correct.
Advice
- Before buying a bra, try it on under a shirt. This is a good way to check if the seams are visible and to check if the shape suits you.
- Look for bras with a cotton lining to avoid irritation.
- After trying various bras, there is likely to be a favorite one. Remember the model and brand, so you can buy similar ones in the future.
