How to Identify Parts of a Bra

For women that wear bras, it's important to be able to identify the parts of the bra. Adjust the bra parts properly to assure a good fit and comfortable feel in your bra. Use the following information to help you learn to identify the parts of a bra, so that you will have fewer problems getting that perfect fit in the future.

Instructions

1. Look straight at a bra and the most apparent part is clearly visible, the cups. The cups hold the breasts and are the letter indicator in the size when you purchase a bra. A 34C indicates that the cup size is a "C." "A" is the smallest and moves up the alphabet with the increased size of the breast cups.

2. Keep a bra up over your shoulders securely with the shoulder straps. There are many types of straps ranging from the very basic straight over the shoulder to comfort straps, adjustable straps, criss-cross straps and halter style straps. Of course, there's the bra without any straps, called the strapless bra.

3. Check the sides of the bra to see the panels that start on each side under the arms. These panels are here to support and to hold the cups in place. This is a tricky area to fit properly for some women.

4. Close the bra or secure the attachment of the bra in the back or in the front, depending upon the design of the bra. Most bras have a back fastener. It usually has hooks with two, three or four rows to hold the bra securely in place. Some bras have a band that runs smoothly across the back as the closure is in the front. Front closures are usually a single hook, but styles will vary.