Anyone know how to measure for new bras pleaaase??

zoom

Tue, May 19 2020, 5:48 pm

hi

long shot, but is ther anyone on here that knows how to measure properly for new bras??

desparately need new bras. havent got since the birth of my baby and I feel like theyr totally not fitting lately.
like it just sticks out whatver im wearing.
how would I know which part, strap or cup, is too small?

and does anyone know professionally, how I could measure myself?

iv only ever been properly fitted and got no clue how to do this. iNEVER buy a bra off a shelf. its always what the saleslady recommends.

I wear underwired t shirt bras, full cup and im quite big so like to look smaller.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 5:53 pm

I really found this website useful in helping me work out my size.
https://www.brastop.com/t/bra-fitting-guide

Basics are-
spilling out cup-need bigger cup.
Back too high/loose-go up/down back size

I like the website figleaves.com for bras. I found they had a good range at decent prices.

ETA: this guide also seems good
https://www.bravissimo.com/bra-fitting-guide/

If you're nursing/after baby etc, I found my size flucuated a lot and the cups got stretched out etc much faster.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 5:59 pm

zoom wrote:

thanks.
everything is coming up blocked on my pc.

is there a specific video to watch or anyone can go through a step by step guide?

Copying from bravissimo.com basic background info. Will post actual measuring after

1. How should your bra band fit?

Your back band should be firm (but comfortable). It should be horizontal around your body without riding up or digging in. We recommend fastening a new bra on its loosest hooks so that you can tighten it if it stretches over time as you wash and wear it.

2. Where should the underwire of a bra sit?

The underwires in your bra should sit on flat on your ribcage (not your boob!) all the way round to your armpits. The wires between your boobs should lie flat against your chest without digging in, rubbing or poking out.

3.How should a bra cup fit?

When your bra cups fit well, your boobs should be fully enclosed in the cups – there should be a smooth line, with no ridge or bulging, where the top and the side of the cups end. If you’re bulging out of your bra or bra cups are wrinkling, it’s likely you need a different cup size.

Why is my bra riding up my back?

If your bra is riding up your back, the back size is probably too big! Try going down a back size and up a cup size (or two… or three!) until the back band is firm and your boobs are fully enclosed in the cups.

Why do my boobs come out of the bottom of my bra?

If your boobs are coming out at the bottom of your bra it’s a sign that your back band is too big. Your back band should be firm – so no room for under-spillage! Try a smaller back size and bigger cup size

zoom

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:05 pm

thanks so much.
tahts really helpful.

my bra is just sticking out, like jutting forward, iv got no other way to describe it, sorry.

does this mean going up a cup size or a strap or both?

also I remember the last time I got fitted, the woman said sometimes you can go up a cup size but down the band size? and vice versa. cos it sort of evens itself out then..?
anyone know what I mean?

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:05 pm

Measuring! Let me know if that's clear enough. If you google bra calculator, you should be able to put your measurements into it. Also I don't know if you need american or english sizing (they aren't the same)

Measuring back size
While braless or wearing a non-padded bra, use a measuring tape to measure around your torso directly under your bust, where a bra band would sit. The tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it’s odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band size is 38.)

Wrap the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest (at nipple level). Round to the nearest whole number.

Subtract your band size (Step 1) from your bust measurement (Step 2) and refer to the cup size chart here. Example: 37 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That’s a 34C.

When trying on a new bra-

Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups.

Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front.

Make sure the bra is not too loose. You should be able to slide only one finger underneath the band.

Fix falling straps. First, tighten the band, then shorten the straps.

Put on a close-fitting shirt over the bra. If the cups pucker or your breasts bulge, you are not wearing the correct bra size.

Look at yourself sideways in a mirror. Your breasts should sit midway between your shoulders and elbows. If not, you need a more supportive and better-fitting bra.

If you need to go down a cup size for fit, go up one band size, and vice versa. For example, if a 34C is too big for you, move to a 36B.

Choose a bra that fits perfectly when secured on the outermost hook. As the bra loosens over time, make the band taut by moving toward the tightest hook.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:09 pm

zoom wrote:

I found a really helpful article explaining about bra sister sizes when I was trying to work my size out (will see if I can find it), but yeah it was all about that idea. Basically it's all about volume-a 32f is the same volume as a 30e, or something like that.

Found this excerpt

Sister sizing is a technique used by bra fitters when they just can't find the right bra for you with your natural size.
Sister sizes are not the same as a perfectly fitting bra, but you could give it a go if you’re struggling to get a bra that you like in the size that you need.
All you need is a handy bra sister size chart UK, and we have just the thing - plus we’ve explained how to use it.

What makes them "related" is that no matter the band size, the cup letter changes, but NOT the volume it holds.
If you go up a band size, come down a cup size. Likewise if you go down a band size, come up a cup size.
Take your normal size bra (let's use 32F as our example) the sister sizes are 30FF and 34E.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:11 pm

sister sizes- think this might explain it more clearly.

What Are Sister Sizes?

Sister sizes are groups of bra-size equivalents that are related by cup volume. For example, a 36F (DDD) cup belongs to the same family as a 38E, a 40D, and a 42C. Stick with us — we’ll explain. But just know that your perfect fit may still be out there waiting for you. And we’re going to help you discover yours today.

Chances are, you learned somewhere along the line that you had a bra size and if it sort of fit, that was basically the end of the story. You may have also thought that unless one’s breasts actually changed size, there was just no way someone who was, for example, a B cup could also be a D cup. Wrong.

Bra sizes are more like ratios. The volume of a cup size (or how much breast tissue it can hold) varies with the band size. Let us break it down for you.
The Importance of Knowing Your Bra Sister Size

If you’ve ever struggled to find a bra that fits your unique shape, you’re not alone. It’s no easy feat, and even less so when you’re unfamiliar with your sister sizes. Remember: it’s not you, it’s your bra. Identifying your sister size can be especially helpful if you find that neither your cup or band fit properly.
How to Calculate Your Sister Size

Go up a band size (if your band is too tight), but go down a cup size. The same rule applies in the reverse if your band is too loose: go down a band size, but go up a cup size. We promise It only sounds more complicated than it is, so we created a handy sister size calculator for you to reference.

Find your current bra size, and your sister sizes are the ones listed in the same row (going across). So, for example, if you’re a 34C, your sister sizes are 30E, 32D, 36B, and 38A. Each row is a family of sister sizes.

zoom

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:21 pm

thank you everyone!!

gosh that sister sizes sounds complicated for me!
I really miss a fitter!

im assuming I need a paper measuring tape, I only have the metal type ones..? or can ijust attempt with mine?

also I always get measuered with my (padded)bra on. so I think il stick w doing that, cos I always get from the same shop and thats how they do it there.

how does the sizing work,are double numbers bigger then singles?
thanks.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 6:41 pm

zoom wrote:

I've also only had a metal tape measure, so I did the same thing. I think because it's not as flexible it might not be as accurate, but it should be good enough.

Sizing is single letter, than double letter, eg 32d is smaller than 32dd.

ETA: american cup sizes are different to english, but back sizes are the same. European are different altogether.

amother

Hotpink

Tue, May 19 2020, 7:03 pm

amother [ Babyblue ] wrote:

I'm having the same problem. I really need to get fitted asap. I'm down to 1 decent bra and that is even falling apart :/ I looked online at minimizers and it gives me 34 strap size but only with max dd! I'm a G cup size but 34 strap. I'm so top heavy it's ridiculous Can't Believe It

I'm a similar size-did you try sister sizes, as mentioned above? Also I find with a good bra you don't need minimizers-if it supports you well, you don't look as big-I found a racerback style was good as it took the weight off my shoulders on the straps and put it on my back (if you understand what I mean)
Also where are you looking? I found you need to look at companies that specialise in people with fuller cups. I found figleaves.com had a good selection of brands- Curvy kate, panache, etc. I hate that most regular shops won't do our sizes, very few go above dd.

amother

Babyblue

Tue, May 19 2020, 7:06 pm

amother [ Hotpink ] wrote:

Thanks I'll check it out. I'm going to text my lingerie lady tomorrow bc she may have some sort of option to buy through her still. I want to buy online this time though bc they're so expensive through her. Another thing with a big cup size we have to pay so much more than a b,c, d :/