vaginapagina | Bra fit guide (Reply)

aechei said: "That is a good bra fitting guide. you should post it separate and ask to have it archived. Lots of people ask about bras."

So I will.

I'm a fit consultant at Sears and here's my guide as I was trained:

I hate plugging my store in threads like these, but I have to. Sears (in canada anyway) has a really comprehensive lingerie program. Their fit consultants get trained bigtime, put through clinics and certified. It may sound silly, but a proper fitting bra is a BIG deal. A bra that is too snug can have many adverse health effects.

Regardless of what you measure, not every bra in that size is going to fit. Here's some examples from my experience: Playtex runs large, Warners run small, most "in-store" fashion brands run small, Wonderbra is usually fair but can vary by style and support level, and Vogue runs pretty fair. Also, even if a bra is the right size, it may not be the right style and support level for an individual.

Have someone measure you at home, in inches. (Sorry, I don't know a European metric fit guide)

1. Measure snugly under the bust (arms down in a well fitting bra). Add 4-5 inches to your measurement (whichever will give you an even number)if you measure about 36 inches around or smaller, 2-3 inches if your frame is larger than that. That is your band size. Example: A 34 band size will measure about 29-30 inches. A 42 band size will measure about 39-40 inches.

2. Measure around your bust, across the nipple (arms down in a well fitting bra). Take that measurement and subtract the band measurement.

0 difference = < AA
1 difference = A
2 difference = B
3 difference = C
4 difference = D
5 difference = DD (E)
6 difference = DDD (F)

Edit: I'll give an example.

I measure 31 inches around my ribcage. 31 + 5 = 36 = my band size.
I measure 35 inches across my bust. 35 - 31 = 4 = D cup .:. I am a 36 D

Some tips:

-Know that bras are expensive and it's one of the most important article of clothing for comfort and asthetic reasons. Don't be afraid to spend.

-For the "average" person (34A - 38D) expect to spend about 20-40$. If you are not average, you may be spending a bit more.

-Department stores that carry big name-brand bras are the way to go for quality, service, and fit in my experience. La Senza, Victoria's Secret, and the like tend to have a lot of staff turnouver and therefor may not have good training or much experience. This is going to very by store obviously so don't be too afraid to check these places out.

-Staff should be able to offer suggestions on products once you're measured and have explained your needs. They should also be able to direct you how the bra should look on and should be willing to come in and have a look once you're wearing the bra (if you're comfortable with that).

-If you can stick a pencil horizontally under your bust and it stays when you move your hands, you need full-support. Not necessairily everything that is full support says that it's full support. Your fit consultant can help you judge (or they should be able to, otherwise they need to find a new job).

-One bra that you wear day in day out with everything is just wrong on many levels. No bra is appropriate under every type of clothing, and one bra in your wardrobe is not going to cover your needs comfort wise or asthetic wise.

-Maximum lifespan with regular wear for a bra is about twelve months and can be as short as three months. Average is about six months.

-Bras are never to be put in the drier or near a heat source. If you put your bras in the washer they must be on delicate cycle and preferably in a delicate bag. If not, you're not going to get your money's worth.

-Don't buy a bra unless you've tried it on or you know you can return/exchange it. Trust me you'll be sorry.

Note I make this post from my middle-class-Canadian frame of reference. :)