Fitting a bra yourself involves taking a few key measurements and then understanding how to check if a bra fits correctly once you try it on. While getting a professional fitting or having a friend assist is often ideal, as mentioned in some guidance, you can still achieve a good fit by following these steps carefully.
Understanding Bra Sizing
Bra size is typically expressed as a number followed by a letter, like 34C. The number represents the band size (the part around your rib cage), and the letter represents the cup size (the volume of the breast tissue). Both measurements are crucial for a comfortable and supportive fit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring
You will need a soft measuring tape, a non-padded bra (or no bra), and possibly a mirror.
1. Measuring Your Band Size
This measurement determines the numerical part of your bra size.
- Wear a non-padded bra, or no bra at all.
- Wrap the measuring tape snugly around your back, directly underneath your bust where the bra band would sit.
- Ensure the tape is level all the way around and pulled taut, but not so tight that it digs in.
- As shown in the reference, place the tape right underneath the breast tissue.
- Read the number. If it's a fractional measurement, round to the nearest whole number.
- Practical Insight: Some methods suggest adding inches to this number (e.g., add 4-5 inches), especially if measuring without a bra. However, modern fitting often uses this underbust measurement directly, especially if it's an even number. If your measurement is an odd number, like 29 as in the example from the reference, you might consider trying both the size below and above (e.g., 28 and 30 band sizes) to see which feels more comfortable and supportive.
2. Measuring Your Bust Size
This measurement helps determine your cup size.
- Wrap the measuring tape loosely around the fullest part of your bust.
- Ensure the tape is level across your back and around your front, without pulling it too tight or allowing it to droop.
- Read the number. If it's a fractional measurement, round to the nearest whole number.
Calculating Your Bra Size
-
Band Size: Use the number you got when measuring underneath your bust (Step 1). This is your potential band size (e.g., 30, 32, 34, etc.).
-
Cup Size: Subtract your Band Size measurement from your Bust Size measurement. The difference in inches corresponds to a cup size letter:
- 1 inch difference = A cup
- 2 inch difference = B cup
- 3 inch difference = C cup
- 4 inch difference = D cup
- 5 inch difference = DD/E cup
- 6 inch difference = DDD/F cup
- And so on...
-
Example: If your underbust measurement is 32 inches and your bust measurement is 35 inches, the difference is 3 inches. This would suggest a 32C bra size.
Checking the Bra Fit
Measurements are a starting point, but trying on the bra is essential to ensure a proper fit. When trying on a bra:
- Start on the loosest hook: Bra bands stretch over time, so starting on the loosest hook allows you to tighten the band as it wears out.
- Scoop and Swoop: Lean forward and gently scoop all your breast tissue from under your arm and lower chest into the cups.
- Check the Band: The band should feel snug and stay parallel to the floor all the way around your body. You should only be able to fit one or two fingers comfortably under the band at the back. If it rides up, the band is too big.
- Check the Cups:
- Your breasts should fill the cups smoothly without overflowing at the top or sides (known as "quad boob").
- There should be no gaps or wrinkles in the cup material.
- Check the Center Gore: The center panel (gore) between the cups should lie flat against your sternum. If it doesn't, the cups or band may be too small.
- Check the Straps: The straps should feel secure but not dig into your shoulders. They provide support, but most of the support should come from the band.
| Fit Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Band rides up in back | Band too big | Try a smaller band size |
| Cups overflow | Cups too small | Try a larger cup size (keep band same) |
| Gaps in cups | Cups too big | Try a smaller cup size (keep band same) |
| Gore doesn't lie flat | Band or cups too small | Try a larger band or cup size |
| Straps dig in | Band too big, cups too full | Ensure band is snug, try larger cups |
Remember that sizing can vary between brands and styles, so it's common to try on a few different sizes around your calculated one. As suggested in the reference, while self-fitting is possible, professional bra fitters offer expert guidance and access to a wider range of sizes and styles, which can be very helpful.
