Are You Wearing The Right Bra Size?

It is estimated that 70 to 80% of women wear the wrong sized bra. The wrong sized bra can cause many problems such as back pain, breast pain, arm pain, rashes, and headaches. Here are some signs that you aren't wearing the right size bra:

Breast spillage: A properly sized bra should cover the entire breast and no breast tissue should be spilling or budging out. If you are overflowing you bra, try a larger cup size. For a more minor adjustment, try a larger band size. Plus-size women may want to look for a bra manufacturer specific to their needs (eg Lane Bryant or Just My Size).
Bra puckering: A wrinkled cup is a sure sign that your bra is a bit too big , you need to try a smaller size bra cup.
Bra riding up: If your bra band rides up, try a tighter hook or loosen the straps. You can also try reducing your band size but remember that when you go down a band size you may need to go up a cup size to compensate.
Bra digging into shoulder: Especially for women with larger breasts, bra straps can be a true pain. First look for a bra with padded straps that will better distribute the weight of your breasts. It could also be that your band size is a little too big forcing the straps to carry too much weight. Most of your support should come from the band of the bra. Finally, you may just simply need to loosen your straps and let the band do its work.
Underwire poking: If you find that your underwire is poking you, it's often the case that you are wearing too small a bra size. Your breasts are pushing back and forcing the wire to dig into you. Try a bigger size and you should find that the wire lays flat against you. The simplest answer may be to not wear an underwire at all.

Bra fitting guide

How to measure yourself for a bra

Did you know that recent research suggests that more than 2/3 of us girls are wearing the wrong bra size? It’s vital that you find your correct size to ensure that your bra remains comfortable for the duration of the day and doesn’t make you feel like your being constricted.

The best way to ensure that your bra fits right and stays comfortable throughout the day is simply to get the right size! Logical yes, so let’s get to it and spend just a few minutes measuring up and you’ll be so glad you did! Just follow the guide below:

Measuring Your Bra Size

Your Bra Size (underbust)
Firstly you will need to measure around your body under your bust. From here it can be a bit tricky but don’t despair, its quite easy. Basically if the measurement is an even number, then add 4 inches (or 10cm), or in the case of an odd number, then add 5 inches (12.5cm).

An example is: If you measure and find that you are 30inches (75cm) then you add 4 inches (10cm), so your correct bust size is 34inches (85cm). If you measure and find that you are 31inches (77.5cm) then you add 5 inches so this means you are 36 inches (90cm).
Your Cup Size (overbust)
This time, just measure around the fullest part of your bust. You simply subtract the measurement that you just took from your bra size worked out above. Now the last bit is to check out the chart below to see the size you are in cup.

Difference between bra size and cup size	BRA SIZE CHART
Inches	-1	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Centimetres (cm)	-2.5	0	2.5	5	7.5	10	12.5	15	17.5	20
Cup Size	AA	A	B	C	D	DD	E	F	G	H

Common problems & tips for finding the correct bra size

If...

the underwire in your bra is poking or pinching you in the chest, this indicates that you need to go up a cupsize or select a softer bra without wire.
the straps slip off your shoulders, then you should opt for a bra with wider straps.
you notice the bust is sagging down then you should shorten the straps or choose a more supportive style of bra with less stretchy fabric.
you find the bra riding up at the back, then you can adjust the hook & eye, loosen the straps or try a smaller band size like a 32 instead of 34.
the band is too tight, then you can either get one with a wider band or opt for a larger size 36 instead of a 34 for example.
you notice bulging either from the sides or the cups overflow, then you need to go up a band size or a cup size respectively.
you find that your shoulders are sore then you should go for a bra with padded or wider straps.

One of the most common mistakes women make is picking the wrong size bra band. As a plus sized woman, I know the temptation to pick a smaller band size or cup size. Even my non-plus sized friends have the tendency to do the same thing. Dont obsess over the letter and number. The only thing that matters is how YOU feel.
To find your bra size you will need to take two measurements. I would reccomend buying either a cloth or paper tape measure for this. Wearing a bra, stand in front of a mirror to make sure the tape measure is level. If possible, have a friend do this for you.

Step 1: Band Size
bra size

Measure your rib cage directly under your breasts. The tape measure should go all the way around and be snug against you. Write down this number in inches.

Step 2: Bust Size

Measure around your breasts at their fullest point which is usually just over your nipples. Make sure that the measuring tape is straight all the way around and that it isnt too tight against you.
Write down this number in inches.

Step 3: Use Our Bra Size Calculator
Plug your numbers into our bra size calculator to find your bra size.

International Band Conversion Chart

US	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56
UK	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56
Europe	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	120	125	130
France	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	120	125	130	135	140	145