AlgeBRA

A visit to a professional bra fitter (like Basics Underneath) is the easiest and surest way to get a perfect fit, but the DIY version goes like this:

Figuring out your BAND SIZE

1. Wrap a measuring tape (the soft, flexible kind made out of cloth or plastic; not the metal kind!) around your ribcage, directly and evenly under your bust. Make sure the tape is snug “like a hug.”
2. Round the number you just measured to the nearest whole number.
3. If the number is even, add 4 inches. If it’s an odd number, add 5 inches. (For example, if you measured 28 inches, your band size is 32; if you measured 31 inches, your band size is 36.) Write down your number!

Figuring out your BAND SIZE

1. Wrap the measuring tape around your chest, crossing the tape at nipple level over the fullest part of your bust. Hold securely but not tightly. Write down that number; it’s your bust size!
2. Subtract the band size from the bust size. So if your bust size is 37 inches and your band size is 34 inches, the result would be 3 inches. at’s the number you’ll use to determine your cup size (shown in letters) with the help of the rules below. In this example, the bra size would be a 34C

Signs that you’ve found the perfect fit… or not!

Band size, cup size and style all play a part in a perfect t. A good fit will have the
underband firmly anchored around the body, level at the front and the back. If the band is riding up in the back and not parallel to the floor, the band is too big and can’t do its
job of supporting the breasts. e shoulder straps should be comfortable and not be digging into your shoulder (it’s not their job to carry the weight of the breasts!).

As for the cup, underwires should sit at against the chest wall and completely contain the breast. e cup should not squeeze the breast out of the top of the cup (creating a double-boob effect).

The style of the bra can help, too. Make sure you like the way the straps are set — farther apart vs. more centered on the cup, wide vs. thin straps, wide back strap, ballet back — and pick a fabric that feels “barely there” on your skin.

Great starter models:

So , stretchy bralettes are great for newbies. Slightly padded wire-free styles are also perfect for getting comfortable with wearing bras. And they cover nipples super well! “Full coverage” and “minimizer” bra styles are a good choice for large breasts. (The ladies at Basics Underneath love brands like Miel and Wacoal.)

Sports bras:

Sports bras support the breasts during any activity where bouncing is involved. A good sports bra will make PE so much more tolerable (maybe even enjoyable ;)). ere are pullover styles that come in small, medium and large sizes. Larger breasts call for cup sized sports bras. The right sports bra will let you move without the bounce!

BAD FIT

• If the underband is riding up, the band size is too big
• If the wire digs in at the underarm or the bust is bulging over the cups, a larger cup size is necessary
• If the wires lift under the band when arms are raised, a smaller band is required