Measuring and Buying a Bra!
How To Go About It!
 

QUICK!!! ..... WHAT IS YOUR BRA SIZE?
An estimated 70% of women and about 95% of CD's do not know their proper bra size. Without that knowledge, it is almost impossible to buy fashionable and well fitting clothes. Here are tips and tricks on "How to Achieve a Better Fit" and to look very feminine.
   
 THE PROPER WAY TO MEASURE
(Use a cloth tailor's tape measure)
 
STEP 1.
(BRA SIZE) While bare, (very important), measure directly under the natural breasts and note the measurement. Add 5 inches to that measurement. (There seems to be no valid reason for adding the 5", but it is critically important that you do so). This new dimension is now your BRA SIZE! (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go to the next EVEN number.) EXAMPLE: If the measurement in step 1 is 43" then add 5" and that will equal 48". The bra size for that individual becomes 48.

STEP 2.
Measure around the chest, to go around the fullest part of the bustline. Tape should be held horizontal. Arms should be down. For CD's hold the tape out to an approximate circumference of the desired bust size. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the BRA SIZE.

STEP 3.
(CUP SIZE) To determine the proper cup size use the chart below. (Examples will be given)

CHART TO DETERMINE CUP SIZE
 

  • Half inch difference  = AA cup
  • One inch difference   = A cup
  • Two inch difference   = B cup
  • Three inch difference = C cup
  • Four inch difference  = D cup
  • Five inch difference  = DD or E cup
  • Six inch difference   = F cup
  • Seven inch difference = G cup
 

*** EXAMPLE 1. 
Underbust measurement is 29". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 34. Full bust measurement is 36.
36 - 34 = 2" difference. CUP SIZE becomes B. Order a 34B.

*** EXAMPLE 2.
Underbust measurement is 37". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 42. Full bust measurement is 45.
45 - 42 = 3" difference. CUP SIZE becomes C. Order a 42C.

*** EXAMPLE 3.
Underbust measurement is 43". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 48. Full bust measurement is 53.
53 - 48 = 5" difference. CUP SIZE becomes DD. Order a 48DD or a 48E.
 

Glamorize Bra!

THE PROPER WAY TO FIT A BRA
 
  • The fullest part of the bust should fall approximately at the middle point between shoulder and elbow. If the bra has a horizontal seam it should be parallel to the ground. (If the seam goes up from horizontal, the straps are too tight - if the seam goes down from horizontal, the straps are too loose.)
  • Lean forward to let the breast forms fall into the cups and fasten the closure to the MIDDLE set of hook-and-eye
  • The bottom band should ride across the middle of the back and pass under the shoulder blades thus providing the support. It too should be parallel to the ground.
  • Adjust the straps to give firm but comfortable uplift to the bustline, permitting one finger to run smoothly under the straps to prevent digging in the shoulders.
  • With the new bra on, look in a mirror and see if the straps are vertical, front and back. Straps not vertical indicate wrong size bra or one of poor construction. It explains straps falling off the shoulder in normal use or cutting into shoulders.
  • It is good policy to buy nationally known brands in boxes. Unboxed bulk displays may be inferior.
  • As bra sizes increase for different body sizes and shapes, bra characteristics change to offer better support. Enhancements may be wider straps, wider sides, addition of side stiffeners, heavier materials, wider hook-and-eye, and a wider underbust band.
  • Heavy breasted individuals should never wear blouses, sweaters, jackets etc, with breast pockets.

 
NOTES

A bra band that has to stretch in order to "fit" is surely an incorrect size. The band should be snug, but not overly tight.

When sizes are DD and above, great care must be taken to be properly fitted. Some bra manufacturers make their BRA SIZE slightly large, that is, a bra marked 38 will probably fit a 40 body.

When ordering a mail order garment make sure that the return policy of the company is well understood.

Long-line and 3/4 bras should only be considered if their length is LESS than the distance from the underbust to the natural waist line.

These are guidelines only. Proper sizing may vary for different body size, height, and weight.

Shopping tips in the "Useful Info From Carole" section will give valuable information on acquiring female attire without embarrassement.
 

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