What is the main purpose of a bra? Seduction? Support? Looking feminine? Keeping everything in place while exercising? The thing is — a well-fitted bra is all of the above and much more! A bra that fits perfectly together with a well-defined waistline is a key to exceptional tenure, so you should take time doing your bra size measurement to make sure the piece you wear flatters your look and compliments your body.
Too loose, overly tight and ill-fitting bra will not only hurt your posture, it might also damage your breast tissue, cause sagging breasts and even spine deformations. Besides having the right size, a lady should also know what a good bra should feel like and what model is appropriate to wear at what occasion.
Three steps to finding a perfect bra:
- Know your size
- Know a good bra when you try it on
- Know how to wear a bra properly
Genie Bra Size Chart: Measure Like a Madwoman
When Math comes first, Sexiness comes right after
Even if you already know what size to look for when shopping in the underwear sections, it’s never too late to get a professional advise on how to define your size. All the bra measurements must be done when wearing simple underwear that doesn’t modify your natural shapes or volume. It might be a good idea to check out bra fitting guide first to understand that you are starting off with a proper brassiere.
Once you’ve determined that the bra you are wearing now doesn’t distort your natural shape, you need to determine two main values that will lead you to a right bra size.
The Band — the Queen of the Bra
The first number you need to define is the band size. The band is one of the most important parts of your bra in terms of support, so don’t neglect it. There are two ways to measure it, and we suggest you do both and make sure the results match:
- Wrap a measuring tape around your rib cage, just below your bust line. Make sure your breasts are virtually “sitting” on the tape. (Line 1 on the pictures below);
- Wrap a tape a little higher now — under your arms and above the bust line, where your upper breast connects with a collarbone.
NB!
- Keep the measuring tape in a nice even line around your chest, just like the band should be;
Make sure the both numbers match with a 10–15% margin of error. Now it’s time to do the math!
The basic bra measurement chart will simply require 2 steps:
- Round up the value to the nearest whole number (optional, the chart below also includes decimal numbers);
- Add 4 to every even number to get a band size;
- Add 5 to every odd number to get a band size.
Sometimes you will see a more complicated scheme. For example, Victoria Secret bra size chart will require 4 steps:
- Round up your result to the closest even number (or if you don’t do it, then add +1” in the next calculations);
- Add 4 to every number that is smaller or equals 30”;
- Add 2 to every number that is from 32” to 36”;
- Add 0 to every number that is 38” or more.
In order to define your basic bra size, we suggest you follow the first “Plus 4 or 5 rule” and then later adjust the model fit by finding sister sizes, which we will show below.
For Example:
31.2” Your Chest Measurement = 32”(round up to the closest whole number) = 36 Band Size
Why do you round up 30.8 to 30, when 31 is closer? Don’t forget that unlike the tape measure, the band is made of elastic materials that will give in when you breathe. So always round up to the smallest number when possible or exhale while measuring.
The Cups — the Lair of the Brassiere
Now let’s assess the most generous part of your curves. Again, you will do it in two ways to make sure the value you use represents your breasts in the most accurate way.
- Wrap the meter around the middle part of your breasts, on the same level as your nipples; keep it even and tight against your back, but not squeezing the breasts tissue;
- Bend down, your back parallel to the ground and measure again your fullest bust line. This is necessary to take into account big breasts. If this second number if greater than the first one by over 2”, then use it in all your further math manipulations. If the difference between the value you get while standing up and leaning over is less than 2” — use the first number.
Let’s do little more math now:
- Round the amount you get to the nearest whole number.
- Subtract the band number from the breast measurement to get the cup size.
Bust — Band = CUP
For example:
34–36 = 2 = B
37–34 = 3 = C
Bra Sister Size Chart
Have you tried the defined above size and it doesn’t fit? Then you need to adjust either a band or a cup. Remember the rule when you are trying sister sizes — whatever you do with the band, do the opposite with the cup. So if you go down in a band size, go up in the cup to keep it proportional.
NB!
- Keep your arms down while measuring, you might want to ask someone to help you with this;
- Subtract the band number, not the chest measurement you got in the first place!
The Straps — the Bra’s Loyal Servants
There are no strict requirements as per how to measure for a bra as far as straps are concerned, just keep in mind the following:
- The straps are only quarterbacks of the whole support process, the most work should be done by the band, otherwise you will experience shoulder pains and back discomforts;
- Move your arms freely — the straps should stay in place and not hinder your movements;
- When trying a bra for the first time, make sure the straps aren’t extended or shortened to the very last position, because it means that you won’t have possibility to adjust size later;
- If the bra has partially adjustable straps, make sure the comfortable position isn’t at the very end of the strap, since the fabric can loose its elasticity over time;
- If the straps are too loose — adjust them, but if they tend to fall down too often — maybe the cup isn’t full enough and you need to downsize;
- Constantly falling down straps mean that in this model they are set too far apart and this style is not meant for your shoulder types or that you need to go down in a band size for more support there;
- Be careful with the straps that are too thin — everyday models should have comfortable thick straps made of soft firm material.
Let’s Sum up Everything in a Bra Sizes Chart?
So now that you know your most important measurements, let’s see again what size of bra you require. Of course there’s no rule that won’t allow you to go out of the size you’ve just defined, and for this reason you can benefit from the sister sizes chart above.
Once you’ve figured out how to measure your bra size in the brands you know and love, it will be easier for you to navigate their styles.
Mastering the fitting room magic
Okay, the math part is done, hurray! Who would have thought that such a little piece of clothing requires so much trouble defining the size, models and fits?
Now it’s time to try the model you’ve selected and see if it fits. Unfortunately many women encounter their first problem already in a fitting room, because they don’t know how to put on and wear a bra correctly. Here are the bra placement techniques you should follow daily, not just at the store:
- Begin in the front: take the bra by its band’s opposite ends and place the cups in front of your breasts;
- Lean a little forward to fit the bust into the cup, put the wires flat against the chest and hook the bra on the middle notch;
- Adjust and put the straps on;
- Adjust each breast in the cups. It’s OK to touch your bosom and manually put it in the right position inside the cup. To do this, first you need to secure the wire’s position with one hand and then spread the breast tissue away from the underarms area and towards the center;
- Now hold both wires with your hands and lean forward, do a little shaking to the left and right. When you rise back up the breasts will be positioned evenly inside the cup and pushed upwards a little.
Double Check Your Bra Measurement
So you’ve chosen the right size and it fits just like you wanted? Congratulations, but don’t rush to the check out just yet. Let’s give yourself a second look and make sure this bra doesn’t just fit, but also looks good.
If you did everything right, your breasts mush have nice even shape and be positioned right in the middle between your shoulders and elbows. A little breast spillage is allowed for push-up or demi bras, all the other models should cover your bust evenly; the nipples should be facing front and center, the band and straps fit firmly against your skin without digging into it.
Double check that you look as good as you feel in this undergarment:
- The breasts fill the cups without overflowing
- The cup doesn’t cut into breast tissue
- The cup underwire is sitting flat against the chest
- You are able to slide two fingers under the band
- The straps don’t leave red marks on your body
- The cleavage line is visually appealing
And finally — does the bra feel good wearing it? Then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t buy it. Browse here thousands of bra models from your favorite brands and compare them instantly to find the best fit!
