Finding the Perfect Bra
For years, many of us have gone to our local retailer, picked a bra that somewhat fit, and wore it out and about without ever considering how constricting it was or whether or not the cups genuinely fit well.
For some reason, there’s this strange secret that’s slowly making its way to the forefront of society: 4 out of 5 women are wearing the wrong bra size. This is why we are always lamenting how uncomfortable they are, because a proper bra fitting can be somewhat pricey, and that’s if you even know the experience exists!
There are actual repercussions to an ill-fitting bra that you might not be aware of, making that one-time fitting price look a lot more reasonable.
- Breast, back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Skin abrasions
- Damaged ribs
- Premature sagging
- Bad posture
Yes, it’s true. Your bra can do severe damage to your muscles, bones, and soft tissues if you don’t wear the right size! You must find a perfect fit. If you aren’t interested in going in to be measured, you can try it at home. Here’s how!
The number and letter on a bra, such as 36C, are the band and cup size. To derive the number, you’ll take a soft measuring tape and measure yourself around, just below your breasts, where the bra band would rest. For the cup, you generally measure your bust around, but this can be tricky as breast shape plays a huge role in the actual sizing.
To figure out the exact cup you need, you’ll need to play detective. A 36C might fit your breast, but the band could be awkward, either too large or too small. Many people try to size up or down the band and keep the cup, thinking this will solve the issue. However, cups aren’t the same size! That’s right. The only mainstay is the band. The cup size fluctuates depending on the band size. That’s why there are “sister” sizes you need to look into. For instance, 36C, 34D, and 32E are all the same cup size. Shocking, right? Therefore, if a 36C is a bit too loose around your ribs but the perfect cup size. You want to try a 34D next.
The actual shape of the cup should correspond to your breast as well. Even a correct cup size can feel awkward if it’s made for a form you don’t have. Here are the most common shapes:
- Athletic
- Bell
- East/West
- Relaxed
- Round
- Side set
- Slender
- Teardrop
This is why you see so many different styles in the store. It’s not all about how they look; it’s about the fit. For some, a wireless bra with a wide cup will be much more comfortable than a lace balconette. If you have a more relaxed type of breast, measuring your bust isn’t going to do you much good once you try to find the proper support. You must try different ones until you find what feels best and looks best with your main shirt style.