Although for any bra size it is important to have the correct band measurement, for smaller bust sizes, it can add to the frustration level of trying to find a good fitting bra if the band size measurement is incorrect. This is because as the band size goes up, so does the cup size due to how bra cups are graded. For example, a 36AA cup is larger than a 34AA cup and a 34AA cup is larger than a 32AA cup. And, as we all know, it is hard enough finding a small bra that fits without having to add mathematical equations to it all! Since it is perfectly normal to change bra sizes throughout your life, and the best way to know about changes in you bra size is to measure yourself on a regular basis, we highly recommend that you measure yourself (or have someone measure for you) prior to ordering online.
To find the best fitting bra, not only do you need to know your size, but it is also helpful to know that there are variations among bra sizes based on the manufacturer’s size interpretation and also the style. Manufacturers normally use a B or C cup for their bra designs and an A cup is usually scaled down from either the B or C cup used in the design. Thus, the A cup may not be a true A cup and can result in a less than perfect fit for smaller cup women. Bra sizing is also very individual in that a great fitting bra for one 34AA woman in a particular brand/style may not fit another 34AA the same way. Within each bra size, we all vary in breast shape, volume and spacing, resulting in different bra preferences.
Bra fitting is not an exact science and we recommend you use your bra size as a guideline. There may be instances when, due to the design and size interpretation of a particular manufacturer and style, you may need to go up or down a size.
How to Determine your Bra Size
STEP 1: Determining Band Size
Measure around your body, just under your arms but have the measuring tape meet at a point above your upper chest area. Do not make it too tight or too loose. If the number is even, then that is your band size (i.e. 34”). If your measurement is an odd number then add 1”. For example, if you measured 31” then round up to 32”..
STEP 2: Determining Cup Size
To ensure accuracy, we recommend you measure yourself while wearing an unpadded bra. Using a measuring tape, measure around your body across the fullest part of your bust. Again, this should not be too tight or too loose. To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from Step 1 from your cup measurement. The following chart provides sizing details.
Difference
Cup Size
Less than 1”
AA
1”
A
2”
B
3”
C
Most manufacturers assume a 1” difference between cup sizes but some use 1½” or even 2”
Tips on Ensuring a Good Fit
•
The best way to know whether a bra fits well is to try it on!
•
All women have one breast that is bigger than the other so choose the cup size of the bigger breast and adjust the strap on the smaller side to accommodate.
•
Make sure the straps are adjusted so that in the back, the lower edge of the band should land below the shoulder blades and be level across your body. The back of your bra should not be higher or lower than the front. If it is higher, then you may need to go down a back size or readjust the strap length.
•
The center seam (space between the cups) should lie flat against your chest. You will need to go up a cup size if the center seam is not laying flat against your body.
•
Your breasts should not bulge out of your bra, either at the top or sides of the bra. The breasts should be in the cup (We understand this is not what a Victoria’s Secret model looks like in her bra but trust us!). You will need to go up a cup size or try another bra style if you experience bulging.
•
For underwire bras, the underwire should rest on your rib cage, not your breast tissue.
•
There should be a smooth line at the top and sides of the cups. If there are any wrinkles at the top or sides then the cup size may be too big and you may want to try one cup size down.
•
After wearing your bra for an extended period of time, it should not leave any lines or indentations on your body. If this occurs, you may need to go up a cup size, band size or both.
•
Bra support comes from the cups and the band -- only 20% of the support comes from the straps.
Additional Tips
•
If you find something that fits, you might consider stocking up as you never know if the manufacturer will discontinue the style.
•
Underwire is better for B cups or above. For A and AA, the best shaping can come from non-underwire bras.
•
Bras stretch with wear so wearing your new bra on the last hook in the beginning allows you to move up to the middle hook as your bra stretches.
