How to Buy a Bra that Fits

No matter how stylish your clothing, no matter how much you paid for your fashions, if your bra doesn't fit right, your clothes won't look right.  Many women make the fatal fashion mistake of buying the wrong bra size.  Here's a simple how-to guide to buying a  bra that fits you perfectly.

Most women think they measure right over the top of their bust at the fullest point to determine what size bra they need.  That is the most common mistake women make when deciding what size bra to buy. 

The proper way to measure for bra band size is to use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your chest directly under your arms and just above your bust line.  Since most bras are only available in even numbered sizes, if your measurement turns out to be an odd number, you will have to determine if you want your band to fit a little looser or a little tighter.  Depending on your personal preference, either go up or down to the closest even number.  That is the size of the band you need.  For instance, if you measured 37 and 3/4 inches, you would probably choose to buy a size 38 bra.

Many women simply try to guess at what cup size they should be wearing.  Believe it or not, there really is a formula you can use to determine exactly what your cup size is.  Again, whip out our cloth measuring tape.  While wearing a bra, wrap the tap around the fullest part of your bust.  When you have that measurement, subtract the band size measurement from it.  The difference between the two is what determines your cup size.  If it is one inch, you wear an A cup, two inches, a B cup, three inches, a C cup, 4 inches, D cup, etc. 

Don't be surprised if you wear a smaller band size and a larger cup size than you had previously thought you did.  This is a very common discovery when women are actually measured properly for a bra.  You'll soon find that getting the right fit will make a huge difference in the way your clothes fit and feel. 

Okay, now that you are armed with the knowledge of what size bra you really wear, you're ready to go shopping.  Should be a piece of cake now, right?  Unfortunately, it's not always that easy.  Human breasts can vary in shape, ranging from conical to round.  Manufacturers do not make all bras identical, so it's important that you try bras on before buying them.  Try on several different brands and several different styles, such as lightly padded, underwire or front closures.  When you find one that you are truly happy with, if you can afford it, buy several at once.  That way you will be prepared if, for some reason, that particular style is discontinued by the manufacturer.

You'll be amazed at the difference a bra that really fits well can make in the way you look and even the way you feel.  Proper support will help alleviate back aches and improve your posture and you'll love the way your clothes fit now.