How to fit a bra and choose the correct size

A great deal of women complain that their bra isn't comfortable to wear; that it pokes into their skin in the wrong places, that it twists; or that it compresses the breasts too much. However, in a lot of cases the problem is that bra isn't the correct size or it isn't fit properly. The bra itself is only doing its job, the problem is in fact with selection of a bra. Studies have shown that a significant number of women are wearing bras that are ill-fitting. On a long term basis, these bras can cause back pain as well as tense shoulders. There is added speculation that ill-fitting bras may cause problems, due to the breasts being immobilized, as well as the increase in temperature caused by bra wearing.

So the onus is of course on selecting the correct bra that is going to fit the best. You can of course get professionally fitted for a bra, however you are able to determine your correct size and measurements in the privacy of your own home. You simply need to get a soft tape measure, and preferably measure yourself in front of a mirror (as this helps ensure the tape measure is level and you get accurate measurements). Simply stand up straight and measure across the fullest part of your breasts. Then measure underneath your breasts, around the rib cage, in order to determine your bra band size. Note, you need to measure yourself with your top and bra off, otherwise you won't get truly accurate figures, and that could result in purchasing an incorrectly sized bra.

Here in the US, the following measurements will help you determine your cupsize:

Less than 1" - AA cup
1" - A cup
2" - B cup
3" - C cup
4" - D cup
5" - DD or E cup (dependent on the bra manufacturer)
6" - DDD or EE or F (dependent on the bra manufacturer)
7" - EEE or F or G (dependent on the bra manufacturer)

Note that bras made by different manufacturers will likely be different sizes, so we always advise trying on bras to accurately fit them and obtain the correct size, as well as become accustomed to knowing what brands and sizes suit you best.