How To Measure Up For A Bra & How To Choose The Correct Fitting Bra  

Finding The Correct Fitting Bra

It is important to accurately measure your breast size so that you can be sure to choose a bra that fits comfortably and flatters your body. To get the best fitting bra you can take your own measurements, have a friend help you measure or you can visit a department or high street store that offer a bra fitting or measuring service. It is always recommended you wear a bra for full support of your breasts.

Follow these easy steps to get the best fitting bra:

To determine your back size (torso measurement), have someone stand at your side with a tape measure. Gently pull the tape flat against your ribcage, directly under your breast. Make sure the tape does not rise higher at the front than it does in the back. Add 5" to the measurement. For example if the measurement is 29, add 5, so your back size will become 34. If the back size comes out in an odd number, then round up to the next even number.

To determine your cup size you need to measure around the fullest part of your bust. Have someone by your side to assist in bringing the tape measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust, ensuring the tape is not pulled too tight. Cup size is based on the difference between your back size and fullest part of the bust measurement.

Subtract your back size from your fullest part of the bust size.

Cup size is based on each inch of difference between the bust measurement and your body size. You would be a B cup if your body size is 34" and your bust measurement is 2" higher, or 36". The total measurement will determine the correct bra size to purchase.

The charts below will give an indication of determining your cup and breast sizes, although bras will differ between manufacturers and styles.

Difference in Measurement:

5" = A
6" = B
7" = C
8" = D
9" = DD
10" = E
11" = F
12" = FF
13" = G
14" = GG
15" = H
16" = HH
17" = J
18" = JJ

European Conversions for Bras:

UK: 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

USA: 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

Euro: 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110

French: 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125

Figure Types:

Small Busted: AA to B cup sizes. Breasts are firm and spread further apart. A properly fitted bra will cup breasts for light support and natural shaping.

Average Figures: B to C cup sizes. This is the most common bra size. Breast can be firm or fleshy, depending on age and overall figure type. A bra can easily shape as necessary.

Full Figured: If you are young and full busted, applies to C and above cup sizes breasts will be fuller and firmer. A supporting bra is required to provide easy lift and moulding for desirable shaping. With more mature, full busted size C and above cup sizes breasts may be larger and have less elasticity. Therefore, they need a well fitted bra with firm support and complete cup coverage for additional shaping.

Your bra is fitted incorrectly if:

* The cup does not completely cover the breast, this indicates a cup size too small * There is puckering of the material on the cup, this indicates a cup size too large * Your bra feels uncomfortable. Your bra should feel so comfortable that you can't tell you are wearing one! * The back of the bra rides up your back and sits higher than the cups of the bra. You should reduce the band size of your bra by one size * The centre of the bra does not lie flat against your breast bone, the cup size or style of bra may be wrong * The straps are uncomfortable or cut into your shoulders, the straps would need adjusting to fit comfortably

Why are bras important? Bras are important in reducing movement, producing shape and improving the appearance of a woman's breasts. Yet, they are vital for the health of a female whilst wearing a bra. The wearing of a correctly fitted bra keeps the breasts supported in a position which can improve the posture of the individual who is wearing it, especially woman with larger, heavier breasts.

Bras are important during increased activity such as sports, as correctly fitted bras can reduce breast tissue injury. A bra which doesn't fit correctly can cause back problems, muscle tension and headaches.

It is important to know that 7 out of 10 women are wearing incorrectly fitted bras. Now you have all of the information you should now be able to get the best fitting, most flattering bra to suit your body. As you know how to choose the best fitting bra you will be able to go shopping for practical knickers and bra sets or beautiful sexy lingerie sets, with confidence that it will be the best fit and will provide the required support for your breasts.

About the Author

Tracey Lloyd has her own lingerie website http://www.isplingerie.com offering sexy lingerie, erotic outfits and daring clubwear. Tracey also manufactures pole delights poles, http://www.poledelights.com - lap dancing fitness exercise dance poles, for use at home, clubs or gyms. You can learn to pole dance in the comfort of your own home, with a dance pole and a full range instructional dance DVDs.