Why a Bra Fitting is Important

Jeanna Cornett

Never underestimate the importance of a bra that fits well.  A bra that fits well is comfortable, supportive, makes your clothing fit better, and makes you look taller, leaner and younger.  Getting the best bra for you means getting a bra that fits, and chances are good that the bra you're wearing is not the bra that fits you.

Your bra size fluctuates perhaps more than any other clothing you wear.  If you haven't been measured for a bra in more than a year, you're likely wearing the wrong bra size.  While a bra fitting is best left to professionals, you can measure yourself to see how far you're off. 

Wearing only your best-fitting bra, which should be unpadded, measure directly under your bust with measuring tape, making sure you've expelled all the air from your lungs.  If your measurement is fractional, round to the next whole number. If the measurement is an even number, add 4". If the measurement is odd, add 5".  This measurement is your band size.

Next, measure the fullest part of your bust. Keep your arms at your sides, and make sure the measuring tape stays parallel to the ground and is not binding or depressing your breasts. If your measurement is fractional, round to the next whole number. This measurement is your cup size.

To find your bra size, subtract the band measurement from the cup measurement. For each inch in difference, the cup goes up one size. As an example, if your bust measurement is 36 inches, then you add 4 inches to total 40, and your cup measurement is 42, you subtract the 40 from the 42, to get a bra size of 40B.   Generally, if the difference between your band and cup size is 1/2"- 1" your cup is an A, 2" your cup is a B, 3" your cup is a C, 4" your cup is a D.
 
A great fitting bra can change your life.  Make sure you have a bra fitting at least once a year to make sure you're getting the most from your bras!