Finding the right bra size can be challenging. While you may know your cup size or have an idea of the size of your shoulders or the area around your breast, it can still be hard to find the bra that fits you perfectly.
A measuring tape is often used by tailors and bra fitting specialists to give you the exact number(s) to look for when you’re shopping for a bra.
If you don’t have a measuring tape handy, there are still some reliable ways that you can find the perfect bra size for you. Here are a few suggestions.
Bra Size Variations
A bra can do a lot to improve your appearance. If you want to make your decollete more appealing or shape your breasts in an attractive way, a bra can help you accomplish this? However, a bra is more than a simple fashion accessory. If your bra is too large, it won’t offer the right support.
If the bra is too small, it will be uncomfortable. If your breasts are not properly supported, this could cause back pain as well. You may even experience neck pain if you’re wearing a bra that doesn’t fit well. Your breast can even become deformed over time if you consistently wear a bra that is the wrong size for you.
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Bra size can be calculated in several ways. If you need English, American, Brazilian, European and Italian sizes, there are a few ways to get the results you need. The measurements will show you the next smallest and next largest sizes.
This will let you know which size to wear if you’re wearing an outfit that calls for a specific bra. When you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a bra cup size calculator to find your size.
How Do Bra Sizes Work?
Bra sizes are not completely accurate or standardized in all cases. This is why it’s tricky to find the right bra size sometimes. The size of a bra can vary depending on the style of the bra. Different bra brands will also have several variations of bra size.
Depending on where you live or where you want to purchase your bras from, you’ll need to know whether you’re looking for UK, EU or US bra sizes.
There are two measurements to pay attention to when you’re being fitted for a bra or looking for the right size. You should look at the band size and the cup size. The band size is based on the size of your underbust.
This is the area under your breasts and your ribcage. In the US band size is measured in inches. This is why you’ll see numbers like 30, 32, 34, etc., which come before the cup size. The underbust size is usually measured in even numbers in the US.
The cup size for your bra is based on the size of your actual breasts. This measurement is calculated from the difference between the underbust and the measurement of your chest or bust. You can get the measurement for your chest circumference by measuring the highest point of your breast.
This is usually measured in inches. Once you find the difference between your bust and underbust, the result is a letter of the alphabet that is assigned to reference various sizes. For instance, a D cup is larger than a C cup, and an A cup is smaller than a B cup.
For instance, if you have a 34 bust measurement and your underbust is 32 inches, there is a 2-inch difference between the two. The letter assigned to this cup size is B. So, your overall bra size would like be a 32 B.
Using a Bra Calculator
When you don’t have a measuring tape handy, you can determine your bra size with an online calculator. You’ll have to look at some of the bras you already own and check the sizes of the bras. If the bras are too small for you, you can estimate a larger bust or underbust size.
If the bra is too large, input bust and underbust sizes that are a little smaller. When you hit “calculate” on the online calculator, you’ll likely get more accurate results.
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If you have a general idea of your measurements but aren’t quite sure which bra is the right fit, you may want to use a sizing chart. This will let you know which cup size is associated with specific bust and underbust measurements.
A sizing chart can also help you when you’re looking for a bra band size that is measured in centimeters. For instance, if your band size is 28 inches, this is about 58 centimeters. If you wear a size 30 bra band, your bra band is 63 centimeters.
Getting Bra Measurement Recommendations
If you’re still not getting the right measurements by using a chart or comparing the bras you already have, you can visit a tailor. The tailor will take precise measurements of your bust, underbust, ribcage and even your shoulders and neck to find the bra that works best for you.
A bra fitting specialist can also help you select the bras that are best for certain outfits. Keep in mind that all bra brands have different size conditions. So, just because you’re a B cup in one brand doesn’t mean you won’t be an A or a C in other brands. Remember that the cup size is proportionate to your bra band size.
To ensure that you’re measuring your entire breast, bend over to make your chest parallel to the floor. Put the bra on while you’re in a position to ensure that the cup holds your entire breast and not just the part of your breasts that protrudes when you’re standing.
You should also be comfortable in your bra for hours at a time. If the bra is too tight around your ribcage, or you don’t feel enough support, it’s time to switch to a bra that will give you the right silhouette and optimal support.
