By Amber Wolf

According to Oprah’s bra intervention, 80% of women are not wearing the right bra! Are you one of them? After hearing this shocking revelation, I got measured by a professional right away and lo and behold, I was one of those 80%!  Chances are, you are not wearing the correct size either!

You do not have to go to a professional to be measured. I will provide you with some simple instructions on how to correctly measure your bra size in your own time, in the privacy of your own home.

Step #1: Band measurement

 Measure under your arms, high on your back, around the top of your      chest. If this measurement is an even number, then this is your band size.      If this measurement is an odd number, then add 1″ to determine      your band size. Record that number, you will need it for step 3.

Step #2: Cup measurement

 While wearing your favorite supportive, comfortable bra, measure      loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Record that number, you will need it in a sec. 

Step #3: Do the math

 Subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement; each inch represents a cup size. (1″=A cup, 2″=B cup, 3″=C cup, 4″=D cup, 5″=DD or E cup, 6″=DDD or F cup, 7″=G cup, 8″=H cup) For example, if your band measurement is 34″ and your cup measurement is 40″, then the difference between these measurements is six inches, and you would wear a DDD or F cup. If you are not sure about your size, consult a professional bra fitter in a      department or lingerie store. 

Quick Fit Tips

 Measure your bra size every year, or more frequently if you have major body changes such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy, etc. Replace your bras every six months. Most bras get worn out from laundering and wear       out after about six months.    Check your bras occasionally for signs of wear and tear like stretched out straps and/or underwires that poke, which signal that a bra is ready for retirement.    A truly supportive bra that fits properly will fully encompass (but not necessarily cover) the entire breast regardless of the design.

Classic signs of an ill-fitting bra

   ‘Double-bubble’ effect-when you are pouring out       of the top of the bra    ‘Side spillage’-where you are pouring out of the       sides.  For optimal comfort and support, the back wings (back wings are the strips of fabric, which extend from the outer base of the cups and secure in the back) of your bra should be comfortably anchored at or below your shoulder blades. If you are bulging out of the top of your bra, first make sure you are wearing the correct size then check to see if the cup type you have chosen is too shallow for you. The shallowest cups are demi (as they are not intended to cover the entire breast) and padded (the padding takes up some of the space in the cup).      If you are consistently noticing the bulge, you       should opt for non-padded, full cup bras.    If you are experiencing pain in the neck and shoulders, you need a supportive bra, which evenly distributes the weight of your breasts.  If you would like to minimize your assets, choose a minimizer bra, which can reduce the appearance of the bust by up to one-cup size. 

It is important to note that bra manufacturers have different sizing guidelines. One manufacturers cup size DD may be another manufacturer’s size E. Please be sure to check your measurements against each company’s sizing charts!

If you are a busty woman and struggle to find clothing that fits, we can help! The solution to your problem can be found at http://www.erisapparel.com, Styles for the Busty Figure. We also are a retailer for bras and panties for the busty woman!

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