How to Find The Best Bra for Your Breast Type

Exact measurements help determine your bra size.

If you suffer from persistent back, shoulder or neck pain, your bra may be the culprit. Finding the perfect fit for your breast size and type may seem simple, but can get complicated without proper guidance and preparation. Women's bodies vary greatly, which means you'll need specific measurements and other details to find the bra that works best to prevent discomfort from improper support.

Things You'll Need

• Soft measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Take your measurements with a soft measuring tape to find your size. Wrap the tape across your chest under your breasts, around your back and under your armpits to get the band size; if it's an odd number, round up by an inch. To determine your cup size, wrap the tape around your back and over the largest part of your breasts. Subtract the band size from this new measurement to get your cup size -- every inch will be one cup size. For instance, with a band size of 34 inches and a cup size of 36 inches, you wear a B cup.

2. Try on several different bra styles until you find one that is comfortable, supportive and complimentary to your shape. If the straps feel tight, the bra is not providing enough support. Check the sides to see if your breasts are fully contained in the bra, and be sure the underwire sits comfortably underneath your breasts and against your rib cage.

3. Ask for help from lingerie-department personnel, who are trained to help find a bra that fits your personal style, breast type and size. They can also help with measurements and offer a variety of alternatives that fit.

4. Purchase your bra from a retailer specializing in plus-sized bras if you wear larger than a DD cup. They'll have the experience to get you a comfortable and supportive fit.

References

• Women's Health: How to Measure Bra Size; K. Aleisha Fetters
• Type F: How to Find the Right Fit for a Bra; Michelle Powell-Smith; March 2011