A sad and frustrating truth is that there is no one clear answer you'll receive when you ask the question, "How do bra sizes work?" It seems there is always a general answer that can give you quite a bit of information on how the industry works in general, but finding the proper bra fit can sometimes be an exercise in futility. There is no one solid answer.
However, here at BRABAR, we've done our best to try and crack the code for you so that you're never wondering, "Am I wearing the right bra size?" ever again. With our comfortable and high-quality bras, EZ-fit guide, and more, BRABAR strives to give you the answers that you've always wanted when it comes to shopping for bras.
So, why do women tend to wear the wrong size bras? Here are some reasons why:
Your Size Might Not Always Be Your Size
One of the biggest issues plaguing the bra industry today is the fact that there are no standardized bra sizes. Between different styles of bras, different wires, cup layouts, and more, trying to find a bra that fits you exactly how you want it to fit can be like finding a needle in a haystack. It begs the question: how do bra sizes work, and what exactly is a proper bra fit?
One problem that many women have is that they simply don't know what their bra is supposed to feel like. Many women aren't sure where the straps of their bra are supposed to rest, where the band of the bra is supposed to be located around their back, or even where the chest plate between the breasts was supposed to lie.
These factors are all major players in the proper bra fit game, and yet not many women can give you a solid, sure answer. This is because bras between brands can often change, so the size or fit that you may be in a bra for one brand is not necessarily the case if you're looking at another company. This lack of standardization makes it extremely difficult for women to accurately predict their bra size from store to store, leaving many women wearing the "wrong" size.
Here at BRABAR, we do our best to ensure that all of our products are as close to true to size as possible. If you follow our style guidelines on how to find your best fit, you're sure to find something that can fit you properly, no matter the style that you choose.
How Do I Know If I'm Wearing the Right Size?
When you purchase a new bra or are on the hunt for something new, the question at the forefront of your mind is probably: "Am I wearing the right bra size?" It's a question you may have asked yourself several times before, especially when the underwire starts to dig into your side or the straps of your bra start slipping down your shoulders. You may think something along the lines of "Well, this one feels okay, so I'll keep wearing it. But is it the proper bra fit for me?" It's unfortunate, but most likely, the answer is no. Many people are not wearing bras that are properly sized for them.
There are a few ways to help you determine if you've got the proper bra fit in the bras you've purchased in the past. First, it's important to realize that most of your bra's support comes from the band around your chest. Because of this, the band should fit snugly around your chest and sit parallel to the floor. The band of your bra should not pull upward where the clasp is!
When you're purchasing a bra, make sure you're choosing your size based on the loosest setting. That way, when the material of the band inevitably stretches, you'll be able to tighten the band to get more wear and usage out of your bra. Bras loosen over time, so if you buy a bra that only fits you when at its tightest setting, you won't be able to get your full money's worth out of it. That means you'll have to start the process of sorting through bras all over again.
When you're adjusting your straps, you should make sure that they aren't so snug that they dig into your shoulders, but not too loose that they continuously slip down your arms. Fortunately, the majority of bras do have adjustable straps that you can set according to your preferences. BRABAR bras do not have these adjustable straps, but due to the style of our bras, you shouldn't have any trouble sizing them correctly!
The cup of your bra should be able to hold your breast snugly and fully without creating any kind of spillage or gap. The cup should not cut into the side of your chest uncomfortably, but having a large gap between your breast and the cup shouldn't occur either. Looking for the proper bra fit is an instance in which less is not more, and more is not less. It has to be like bowls of porridge from "Goldilocks and the Three Bears": just right.
Finally, when you're trying on bras for a bra fitting, you're likely going to need to adjust your breasts to sit perfectly in the cups. When your breasts rest against your chest, they aren't like other appendages on your body that you can easily move and adjust. If you need to move your breasts, then you'll have to adjust them yourself.
Because of this, when you're trying on a new bra, try placing your breasts directly into the cup once you have everything fastened. Don't let the chips fall where they may, so to speak; adjust so that you are the most comfortable and so that you know exactly how the bra will fit when you put it on.
While it can be hard to figure out how to determine your bra size, these tips will help you get a little closer to your Holy Grail.
How Can I Measure for Myself?
At BRABAR, we provide you with a handy measuring guide to help you best figure out what size will be best for you in our products. Our EZ Fit Guide is an awesome way to help you figure out how to determine your bra size and what might work best for you!
The first thing you need to measure is your ribcage. Place your measuring tape around your ribcage directly under the bust. Whatever that number is, rounded to the nearest even number, is your band size.
To determine your cup size, you will next need to measure your bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your bust at the fullest part and determine the number. Whatever that number is, round to the nearest whole number to help determine your cup size.
You'll be able to calculate your cup size from the two numbers you've just acquired. All you need to do is subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Whatever the difference in inches determines your cup size.
Some examples of these cup size calculations are:
- A cup = a difference of one inch
- B cup = a difference of two inches
- C cup = a difference of three inches
- D cup = a difference of four inches
- DD cup = a difference of five inches
- DDD cup = a difference of six inches
For example, if you were measuring your ribcage and you had a measurement of forty inches, but your bust measurement was forty-five inches, then your bra size would be 40DD.
Of course, this is not the end-all and be-all of bra measurements. Everyone is different, and your needs may be different than someone else's. If in doubt about your bra size, you can always speak to a professional to have yourself officially measured, or contact us at BRABAR with any questions you may have!
BRABAR Gives You Choices and Quality
Here at BRABAR, we are thrilled to be able to offer you a variety of high-quality, comfortable bras that will leave you feeling comfortable, cozy, and confident! Our bra sizes range from 28-38 in a band size with A to DDD in cup size, providing you with a large number of options for you to choose from!
We're also happy to offer several different styles of bras. Our Everyday Bra is the perfect bra for your day-to-day routine! With an adjustable back closure, removable contour pads, and bust support, this mighty bra is great for wearing on a "bum" day or under your work clothing.
Our HUG Lace Halter bralette has a chic lace design with a racerback design along the spine, making it both comfortable and flexible to wear during long days. With no underwire and a full coverage appearance, this bra is perfect for teens or women with larger bust sizes.
Finally, our cotton stretch rib racerback bra is a comfortable, crop-top-like bralette with a double-layer cup for more support. It's perfect for lounging around the house or wearing out, and you'll feel comfortable and cozy wearing it.
If you're on the hunt for something cozy that can give you the proper bra fit that you're yearning for, then BRABAR may be just the place you need!
