On fitting a Bra

The majority of women are buying the wrong bra size. To see if you are one of them, check for these signs of a bad fit:

* Your breasts bulge out of the sides of your bra
* Your bra straps fall off your shoulders
* Your bra climbs up your back
* You have red marks where your bra straps dig into you
* You have irritation or red marks where the band or under-wire digs into you

An ill-fitting bra can cause more than bulging – it can also create health problems such as headaches, poor circulation and neck, shoulder and back pain. You should get refitted if you have gained or lost more than 10 pounds, had a baby, or have recently started exercising regularly. And remember: no two bras fit the same. You must try them on to ensure a proper fit.

How to measure up

For best results, measure yourself wearing an unlined or lightly lined bra.

Step One: Band Size

Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. The tape should rest on the lower band of your bra. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front.

Add 5 to this measurement if it’s an odd number of inches, and if its even, add 4, to obtain your band size. For example, if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size, or if it’s 28” + (4) = 32.

Step Two: Cup Size

Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. The difference between this measurement and your BAND size is your cup size. Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size. For example, if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.

If the difference is:

Less than 1 inch = AA Cup

1 inch = A Cup

2 inches = B Cup

3 inches = C Cup

4 inches = D Cup

5 inches = DD Cup