How to Find The Best Fitting Bra For You

Is your bra not fitting right? If it is uncomfortable, or you can just "feel" it there, then now is the time to readjust, resize, and rethink what a bra is supposed to feel like. Here's how to tell if your bra isn't the right size, and how to measure to get the correct size for you.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Current bra

Instructions

1. How do you know if your bra isn't the right size?

   If you can feel the back bra strap rising up, or if it molds into your skin making a 'dent', it isn't the right size. If the top of the breasts are spilling out over the cups, that is another indication. You might also experience straps that are too tight that they cut into your shoulder, lack of support, or a general uncomfortable feeling. Make notes on what makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. If the strap in the back is rising up toward your neck, instead of staying put just below your shoulder blades, you're wearing a bra size too big for you.

   If your breasts are spilling out over the cups, your cup size is larger than what you have currently.

   Once these numbers are even, you should have a bra that fits comfortably and is supportive. Different brands of bras also vary in support. Your breasts should be separate at all times and held up by your back, not your shoulders. Your breasts should look like you have two, not one uniboob.

3. To determine bra band size:

   First, put on a bra you currently have, preferably one that does not have extra padding. Use a pliable measuring tape that can wrap around your body. Wrap it around where the band of your bra would normally sit. Wrap it around the front, just above the bust level of your bra. (If you put your hand over your heart, this should be about the level where your palm is, or just below it.)

   The number you get when you do this should be the band number.

4. The cup size is measured by doing the same as above, except the front measurement is taken right over the 'perk' of your breasts when in a bra. It should be right over the breasts' nipples. Write down this number.

5. Take your cup size, and subtract it by your band size. If your band size is 36, and your cup size measurement is 40, the difference is 4.

   Use the following chart to determine your cup size.

   For 0 inches, your size is AA.
   For 1 inch, your size is A.
   For 2 inches, your size is B.
   For 3 inches, your size is C.
   For 4 inches, your size is D.
   For 5 inches, your size is DD.
   For 6 inches, your size is E.
   For 7 inches, your size is F.
   For 8 inches, your size is FF.
   For 9 inches, your size is G.

6. Once you find the right measurement, check for bras that offer support for your size. Try them on before you leave the store. Bras should be comfortable to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Band numbers are always even numbers. If you measure and get an odd number, round down to the nearest even number. If you round up, the band will rise into your shoulder blades.

• For your cup size, you might fall in the half inch zone. Round up to get a full cup size, or consider purchasing a 'half size' bra. These are the bras in between A and B, B and C, etc.

• Remember to adjust the straps (they should always be adjustable) as support should be 90% from your back, not your shoulders.

• If you experience any pain when wearing a bra, even after adjusting measurements, talk to your doctor.