The number of women out there wearing the wrong size bra is astounding. Wearing the wrong size can cause a multitude of problems from red marks, chafing, digging in, riding up, back ache and unsightly bumps.

Women who think they know their size could be mistaken by buying the same size bra for years – even though this measurement is out of date.

You will be amazed at the difference the perfect bra will make to your figure, the way your clothes look and the way you feel about yourself.

3 STEP GUIDE FOR THE PERFECT FITTING BRA

1. The strap that runs around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you stand side on at a mirror the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
2. The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out at the front.
3. Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You shouldn’t have any ridges or bulging over the top or sides of the cups, even if you are wearing a balconette style or lower cut shape.
   
   When you are trying a bra on, it’s best to start off by fastening it on its loosest hook. This way you will be able to tighten the bra up if it starts to give in the back when you’ve worn it a few times. Also remember to adjust the shoulder straps to ensure they are not too loose. When you try the bra on, you may need to adjust your breasts to make sure that they are in the cups properly. It’s a good idea to try a T-Shirt or top over the bra you are trying so that you can see the shape that style gives you underneath your clothes.

Back sizes – The bra should fit securely around your back and feel comfortable –this is where most support is felt. If the bra rides up your back it is too loose, you need a smaller back size. If you find you are getting red marks across the shoulders then this is indicating that the shoulder straps are taking most of the weight and not the back. To rectify this, try dropping down a back size.

Cups – Your breasts should fit fully inside the cups of the bras. If your bra is raised away from your chest at the front between the cups or the wires stick out at the front or dig in under the arms then the cup size is too small. The bra should sit flat against the chest and the wires should lie flat against your body and fully enclose the breasts.
If you can see wrinkling over the cups, particularly at the top or the sides, or the cups are sagging, your cup size is too big. The breasts should be enclosed in the cups with a smooth silhouette.

DETERMINING YOUR BAND/BACK SIZE

1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast at a constant height with the cloth measuring tape. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This dimension is your band size. (If the size works out at an ODD number go up one inch to the next EVEN number)
2. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, flat on your back, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the Bra Size

DETERMINING YOUR CUP SIZE

• To determine the proper Cup size, find the difference between step 1 and step 2
  (step 2 – step 1). Use the chart below to determine your Cup size.

CHART TO DETERMINE BRA CUP SIZE

EXAMPLE

Step 1: Underbust measurement is 31”. Add 5 inches. Bra size is 36

Step 2: Full bust measurement is 42”.

Step 3: 42 – 36 = 6” difference. Cup size is E

Result: Buy a 36E bra.