Bra Cup Sizes

- getting fitted with the right size

Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around between 50 and 80% of women wear the wrong bra size.

What this means is that most women are not enjoying the full support and comfort of a well-fitting bra.  This could lead to health problems such as backache if you have large breasts and adapt a poor posture.  It also means that you may not be looking as sexy and womanly as you could!

It’s particularly important during your teen years to wear a well-fitted bra as your breasts can feel tender and poor sizing can mean discomfort.  If your also experiencing the pain and itching that some girls experience, comfort is a necessity.

You’ll find that popular lingerie or department stores are used to fitting young girls and will do so without causing you embarrassment.  They're used to seeing girls without a bra on and are experienced in fitting all sizes from tiny to a large size bra.

As you are growing quickly, the lingerie consultant may suggest that you buy a cup size that is allows you room to grow a little, so will feel a little loose initially.

Whilst your bra should feel comfortable, you can still have some fun choosing it.  There are some great colours and styles out there for young women – buying matching bra and panties can help you feel like an attractive young woman.

With so many women being overweight, women’s average chest size is expanding, and an average size for a mature woman is 36C.

“If your bra still doesn’t feel right, the best thin is to try on different brands, and vary the size a bit.”  www.myfirstbra.us

Don’t go just by the measuring, a 32A in one brand may be similar to a 34A in another – if you try on one and it feels tight, try on the next size up.

Getting the right bra size measurement

Having a bra that’s the right size will mean that you feel comfortable and that your bra won’t rise up or move around at just the wrong moment.

There’s no mystery to measuring bra sizes.  There are two parts to any size:-

Chest Size – this is the measurement around your chest just below your breasts.

Table of Chest Size

Cup Size – this measures the difference between chest size and the measurement around the fullest part of your chest, across the full part of your breasts.

Cup Size ranges from AA (the smallest) right up to larger cup sizes F and G. 

Sizes AA, A, B and C are the most common.

When you’ve bought a new bra it’s important to adjust the straps to ensure that they don’t cut into you or slide down your shoulders.

Table of Bra Sizes

This is only a guide and you should follow the advice of your lingerie consultant or measurements in the lingerie catalogue.  Please note – this is just one of the ways of measuring size.

Alternative measurement table

This is an alternative way to measure size – again, follow the guidance of your lingerie consultant or store assistant.

Also remember that a bras straps and hooks give you some ways to adjust fitting.

Answers to your questions on how to check for the correct fitting

Your bra is too big if:-

• the back of your bra rides up your back
• if there is a gap between your breasts and the fabric of the bra itself

Your bra is too small if:-

• your breasts are overflowing at the top, side or botton
• the fabric cuts into your skin
• you can see where you bra line is because the skin bulges out either side of the straps

Tips for good bra fitting:-

1. the center seam should lie flat against your breast bone
2. the cups should completely contain your breasts
3. you shouldn’t be able to see the bra or any bulges below a close fitting t-shirt
4. you can comfortably fit 1 or 2 fingers under the band
5. when you raise your arms up, the bra stays against your body, without lifting up or away
6. it’s comfortable – remember that a proper fitting bra should be comfortable and you should not be aware that you’re wearing it

Don’t keep wearing the same bra size as you grow older – if you need support, choose a comfortable underwired bra and you’ll notice that you can look slimmer and feel ten years younger.

Whilst 90% of women wear a bra, mature women with small breasts sometimes choose to wear sports style bras or no bra at all.  This is a matter of choice, but should only be made once your breasts have fully matured.

Just looking a few photos of women with large breasts who have not worn any support should convince you to purchase adequate support!

Changes that affect your bra size

Your bra sizes changes as you age, at different times of the month, when you put on or lose weight, when you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or in the months that follow.

Get fitted properly for a bra and you’ll be surprised how much more positive you’ll feel about yourself!