Under Clothes: Make Your Clothing Fit Better: Bras

by Karen

In light of this year’s Victoria Secret Fashion show, I thought I would do this quick blog on under clothes: make your clothing fit better. This is the first in a series so stay tuned in for more great tips. I know this is not every lady’s favorite subject and many of us are set on what we like. But, there are so many new products on the market that maybe some might want to try something out.

Let’s start with bras

Look at this graphic and all the different styles of bras out there. We all have an idea about the size we should be wearing, but what about the style. Each body is different and there are now bras to fit each body – isn’t that great!

Sizing a bra

This is important information here, don’t skip this section! The wrong fitting bra will ruin your otherwise beautiful outfit. So be sure to follow these quick steps for a great fit: Band size is measured in inches, use a measuring tape to get this number. The tape should be snug but not tight and your arms should be at your sides. Cup size is a bit tricky. It is not an absolute science, but here is the easiest way to find out what yours is. Bend at the waist and measure with tape, be sure it is snug enough to not move but not tight enough to crease your breasts. Now subtract the band measurement from the cup measurement. What you have left is generally your cup size. Here is a chart to help.

Less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) = AA
1 inch (2.5 cm) = A
2 inches (5 cm) = B
3 inches (7.5 cm) = C
4 inches (10 cm) = D
5 inches (12.5 cm) = DD
6 inches (15 cm) = DDD (E in UK sizing)
7 inches (18 cm) = DDDD/F (F in UK sizing)
8 inches (20.5 cm) = G/H (FF in UK sizing)
9 inches (23 cm) = I/J (G in UK sizing)
10 inches (25.5 cm) = J (GG in UK sizing)

Now don’t stop here

The graphic above should give you some guidelines about what style will work best with your size. Go to the store with your sizes and style in mind. Try on a couple of bras from different makers, it really does matter. I am not the same size from one brand to another a lot of times. Check in the mirror for these clues the bra does not fit:

Bulging under the arms and or over the cup of the bra
The underwire is poking you and not sitting flat. If the underwire is cutting into you at the sides, move up a cup size. If it is biting between your breasts, move down a size.

Now put on your shirt. How does it look? This matters. Your breasts should sit halfway between your elbow and your shoulder – did you know that? With your bust where it should be, your waist may even shrink!