If you are wearing an ill-fitting bra or the wrong bra size, it can spoil your entire day and even lead to back, shoulder, and neck issues down the road. This is why investing in the right cut, style, and size of bra that fits your breast perfectly and comfortably. There are a few common bra types available, from push up to bandeau, and from bralette sports bra. So how do you know if you’re wearing the right bra?
1. Bra size
The list below will help you determine whether you are wearing the wrong bra size:
- Developing wrinkle in your cups
- The under-wires of your bra poking the sides of your breasts
- You have a band that rides up
- You experience cup spillage
- You have a slipping straps
Furthermore, you also need to keep in mind that you should change your bra size if:
- You have lost or gained weight
- You are on a new exercise regime
- You are pregnant
- You are planning a change in diet
If you are confused about the bra size and type that is best suited for you, the tips below will help decide from the common bra types available in the market.
2. Determine your band size
Take a measuring tape and measure around your torso directly under your bust. You can do it wearing a non-padded bra or bra-less. Ensure that the tape is in level and very snug. While measuring, you can round up to the nearest whole number. If the measured number is even, add four inches to it. And if the number is odd, add five inches to it. For example, if you have 30 inches, your band size will be 34, your band size will be 36 if you have measured 31.
3. Measure your bust
Take a measuring tape and wrap it loosely around your chest. Make sure to do this at the nipple level. Like above, round to the nearest whole number.
4. Calculate your cup size
To get your cup size for common bra types, subtract your band size from the size of your bust. For example: 37 inches (your bust measurement) – 34 inches (your band size) = 3 inches. This means your cup size is 34C.
5. Support comes from the band
Remember that cups of common bra types only hold the breasts in place. It is the band that offers 90 percent of the required support to your breasts. Hence, look out for the common bra types which offer support to your breasts both at the cup and band level.
6. Round-up, if your breasts are two different sizes
It’s normal to have different breast sizes. You can always round up for the insignificant difference.
