Correct Bra size?

[NDelible Gurl]

My girls are getting bigger. They could use a little support so I would really like to buy an underwire bra that can left. The problem I have is I don't know how to correctly measure myself for the right fit. In the past I'd just try em' on and use one that felt good. I haven't gone bra shopping in ages and it seems sort of rude to be trying on stuff and then putting it back.

What do you lades suggest?

[Renate]

I suggest going somewhere for a proper bra fitting.
The saleslady should be eighty, chain-smoking, have eyeglasses on a gold chain and a tape measure around her neck and preferably be an emigrant from some unnamed eastern European country!
She'll measure you then offer up a dozen bras for your consideration.
It's fun!

[sd]

I did a test on bra fitting and measuring.
I went to something like 14 different websites, some were manufacturers, some were stores, some just random places telling you how. I ended up with around 8 different sizes.

Either get fitted, many specialty shops will stay open after hours for private fittings, or find out what brands the store you plan to shop at carries, and check that manufacturers site for a guide. Then be prepared to possibly have to return it.

[rejennyrated]

Try following the measuring instructions which I found at a UK online store.

Bra sizes are made up of two components:

An even number that represents the back size (32, 34, 36, etc.) determined by the size of the torso.

A letter that indicates the cup size (A, B, C, etc.) determined by the size of the breast itself. Important Note: Always measure while wearing your own best fitting bra.

To determine the back size:

Torso measurement: Have someone stand at your side and bring a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast (see A in figure above).Add 5 to the measurement (i.e. if "A is 29", the back size is 34)

After 33 inches, only add 3 inches to the back measurement (i.e. if "A is 35", the back size is 38)

Verify the back size:

Measure around the top of your breasts (the line above B in the figure above). This measurement should equal your back size calculation. For example if you measured 29 inches around your ribcage, the calculation is 29 + 5 = 34. The measurement above your breasts should equal 34.

Hints:

   1. If the back size comes out to an uneven number, try the next size up.
   2. If you are in-between sizes or you are having difficulty finding the correct fit, then if you go up in cup size come down in band size or if you go up in band size come down in cup size. For example, if you are wearing a 42D, but it is a little too snug around the band, then you would move up to a 44C.

To determine the cup size

Breast measurement: Have someone stand by your side and bring a tape measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust (see B in figure above).Subtract the back size from this measurement (ie. if "B" is 37" and the back size ("A" +5) was 34, the difference is 3"). This difference determines the cup size

It is a good fitting guide which I found worked ok for me. I'm a 40F / 40G, but then I've been on the girly pills for nearly three decades.

I assume that the size codes are the same in the US and providing that is the case then I can vouch for the fitting method - my bras fit lovely!

[tiger]

Form my limited experiance you are going to have to try them on before buying.

Many of the online calculators show me as a 42a/40a (which they don't make), but I've found that 38b fits much better. Also there are many more styles in that size.

[Valerie Elizabeth]

I have also gotten a bunch of different sizes from online sites.

I just go to Victoria's Secret.  Ask for a bra fitting.  Simple as that.

Ok, it can be a little nerve wrenching if your not that comfortable in public, but if you can muster the courage, it's really not that bad.  Most of the girls and women that work there are really nice anyway.


Speaking of bra fitting, I need to go again soon, and probably drop down a band size.  I lost about 2 inches in my chest (kinda crazy) and a 36 is getting a little to big.  I think I need to go down to a 34.  Now if only my boobs would get a little bigger.

[V M]

Yup  The VS girls tend to be very nice and helpful and love to get folks fitted

I mostly did allot of experimenting on my own, but had some help from someone I like to call the "Bra Fairy" because who ever it is leaves a variety of bras at my doorstep 

[Janet_Girl]

By the calculators I am a 42B, but a 38B fits better.  So by all means go for a fitting.  I used the calculators and began just buying bras.  But most women wear the wrond bra to begin with.



Hugs and Love
Janet

[pheonix]

In my experience, the "How to fit a bra" stuff on-line is typically wrong and the Victoria Secret employees don't tend to really know anything.  Find a good independent store in your area to get sized and once you know it you can shop anywhere.

My best experience was with a place in NYC called Bra-Tenders.  I had been trouble finding bras that actually supported me.  Bra calculators showed me to be a 36 band.  Vicki's employees at 2 different store insisted I was a 38 band.  But my bras kept floating on me.

I scheduled a private appointment at BraTenders.  When I got there, the woman took one look and was like "the reason your bra's don't fit is your band is too big."  With a 34 band, they fit perfectly.

Now that I'm sized properly, I can pretty much shop anywhere.  Since each style is a slightly different cut, the key is to try the related sizes for the best fit.  When I go to the dressing room, I take a 34C and a 36B (when you go up a band, drop a cup and vice versa), and buy whichever fits best.

[NDelible Gurl]

Thanks ladies!

[Eva Marie]

Form my limited experiance you are going to have to try them on before buying.

Many of the online calculators show me as a 42a/40a (which they don't make)

biggerbras.com advertises a 40a and a 42a bra.