Bra Basics
Figuring out what to wear under your favorite T-shirt or how to stop your bra cups from digging may seem more like a matter of trial and error than a series of lessons you’d learn in math class. But since an estimated 70 percent of women wear the wrong size bra, chances are, trial and error isn’t enough to determine what works best for your body. To start, you’ll need to understand the ratio that determines your band and cup size. So if you want to find the perfect bra, look good in any outfit, or just improve your math and measurement skills, this is the class for you. Sit down, students—Bras 101 is now in session!
Finding Your Fit
Most women put up with straps that slip, bands that pinch, cups that poke, or even backaches and lowered self-confidence, thanks to improper support and shaping. If these problems sound painfully familiar, it’s time to get measured. You can do it yourself: Just put on an unpadded bra, and grab a tape measure. (Or, in a pinch, a string and a ruler will do—wrap the string around yourself like a tape measure, marking where the two ends come together. Then lay it flat, and use the ruler to measure the resulting length.) First, measure around your ribcage, just beneath your breasts, and write down the number. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts, and write down that number too. Remember to measure in inches, with the tape measure flat and slightly snug against your body—don’t let it dig, but don’t let it hang, either.
Now, get out your calculators. Take the number you got from measuring your ribcage, add five, and that’s your band size. (Bands only come in even numbers, so if your number comes up odd, just go up or down a digit, depending on comfort.) Next, subtract the band size from the number you got when measuring around the fullest part of your breasts—that determines your cup size. According to the experts at declarebeauty.com/braided-hair-styles/, a difference of less than an inch means you’re a AA, while a difference of an inch means you’re an A. From there, every inch of difference represents another cup size: two for a B, three for a C, four for a D, five for a DD or E, and so on.
Here’s a practice problem: Jane’s ribcage measurement is 31 inches. Her breast measurement is 38 inches. What is her bra size? (If you answered 36B, you’re correct.) And if you’d rather not do the math, you can always get measured by a professional. Victoria’s Secret offers free fittings in every store, and most department-store associates can measure you too.
Applied Bra-ology
Now that you know your size, it’s time to go shopping. Diane Pizarro, a national fitting consultant for JCPenney, recommends that your lingerie wardrobe consist of at least seven bras—one for every day of the week and every outfit—so you have a lot of work to do.
First, use your correct size as a guide to point you to the right section of the racks. Unfortunately, it can’t tell you which bras will look good on you—not all bras are created equal, and some styles will fit better than others—so grab some bras in your size, and head for the dressing room. Try them all on, and double-check your fit. Do the straps rest comfortably against your shoulders? Do your breasts fill the cups completely, without overflowing? Does the center section between the cups lay flat against your body? When you’ve found a bra that meets all of those criteria, congratulations: You’ve achieved the perfect fit! (And remember, bras stretch with wear, so new bras should fit perfectly on the loosest hook—when they stretch, you can move in to the tighter hooks, to keep your band snug and supportive.)
Pop quiz! Will that bra work with your outfits? Don’t forget to consider how and when you’ll wear them. Do you love V-necks? Stick with demi-cups and balconettes, which won’t peek out of your low-cut outfits. Do you wear a lot of white? Remember to buy a bra that won’t show—choose a beige or brown close to your skin color, or if you’re very fair, experiment with a pale pink. Do you live in jeans and T-shirts? Then you’ll want a seamless T-shirt bra for a smooth look. Do you wear cozy sweaters all winter long? Pick up a molded bra, even if you’re already well-endowed. Contrary to popular belief, molding is more about creating shape than creating size, as it ensures your natural curves aren’t hidden by chunky knits and warm layers. And though it seems counterintuitive, big-busted women can benefit from a little molding: It gives the cups structure and strength, which gives you more support.
The final exam: Is your bra comfortable and cute? Do you love the way you look in it? Then kudos—you’ve aced this course, so go out and strut your stuff. Class dismissed!
Finding Your Fit
Most women put up with straps that slip, bands that pinch, cups that poke, or even backaches and lowered self-confidence, thanks to improper support and shaping. If these problems sound painfully familiar, it’s time to get measured. You can do it yourself: Just put on an unpadded bra, and grab a tape measure. (Or, in a pinch, a string and a ruler will do—wrap the string around yourself like a tape measure, marking where the two ends come together. Then lay it flat, and use the ruler to measure the resulting length.) First, measure around your ribcage, just beneath your breasts, and write down the number. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts, and write down that number too. Remember to measure in inches, with the tape measure flat and slightly snug against your body—don’t let it dig, but don’t let it hang, either.
Now, get out your calculators. Take the number you got from measuring your ribcage, add five, and that’s your band size. (Bands only come in even numbers, so if your number comes up odd, just go up or down a digit, depending on comfort.) Next, subtract the band size from the number you got when measuring around the fullest part of your breasts—that determines your cup size. According to the experts at declarebeauty.com/braided-hair-styles/, a difference of less than an inch means you’re a AA, while a difference of an inch means you’re an A. From there, every inch of difference represents another cup size: two for a B, three for a C, four for a D, five for a DD or E, and so on.
Here’s a practice problem: Jane’s ribcage measurement is 31 inches. Her breast measurement is 38 inches. What is her bra size? (If you answered 36B, you’re correct.) And if you’d rather not do the math, you can always get measured by a professional. Victoria’s Secret offers free fittings in every store, and most department-store associates can measure you too.
Applied Bra-ology
Now that you know your size, it’s time to go shopping. Diane Pizarro, a national fitting consultant for JCPenney, recommends that your lingerie wardrobe consist of at least seven bras—one for every day of the week and every outfit—so you have a lot of work to do.
First, use your correct size as a guide to point you to the right section of the racks. Unfortunately, it can’t tell you which bras will look good on you—not all bras are created equal, and some styles will fit better than others—so grab some bras in your size, and head for the dressing room. Try them all on, and double-check your fit. Do the straps rest comfortably against your shoulders? Do your breasts fill the cups completely, without overflowing? Does the center section between the cups lay flat against your body? When you’ve found a bra that meets all of those criteria, congratulations: You’ve achieved the perfect fit! (And remember, bras stretch with wear, so new bras should fit perfectly on the loosest hook—when they stretch, you can move in to the tighter hooks, to keep your band snug and supportive.)
Pop quiz! Will that bra work with your outfits? Don’t forget to consider how and when you’ll wear them. Do you love V-necks? Stick with demi-cups and balconettes, which won’t peek out of your low-cut outfits. Do you wear a lot of white? Remember to buy a bra that won’t show—choose a beige or brown close to your skin color, or if you’re very fair, experiment with a pale pink. Do you live in jeans and T-shirts? Then you’ll want a seamless T-shirt bra for a smooth look. Do you wear cozy sweaters all winter long? Pick up a molded bra, even if you’re already well-endowed. Contrary to popular belief, molding is more about creating shape than creating size, as it ensures your natural curves aren’t hidden by chunky knits and warm layers. And though it seems counterintuitive, big-busted women can benefit from a little molding: It gives the cups structure and strength, which gives you more support.
The final exam: Is your bra comfortable and cute? Do you love the way you look in it? Then kudos—you’ve aced this course, so go out and strut your stuff. Class dismissed!