Classy Bras

I am going to go out on a limb here, and tell you that bras sizes and bra sizing is a sham.

You've surely all read instructions on how to find your bra size, and for completeness sake, here is what is generally agreed upon (For US sizing):

Hint: It helps to have a friend or husband do this with you.

1. Put on your most comfortable bra.
2. With a tape measure, measure the distance around your chest directly under the breasts. In other words, circle the tape measure around your ribcage, and be sure that the breast tissue is not in the way of the tape. Also, take care to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor for the most accurate measurement. Let's assume, you measure 34"
3. Next, do some math:
   1. If the number is less than 33", add 5" (It's not)
   2. If the number is greater than 33", add 3" (34" + 3" = 37")
   3. If you end up with an odd number, add one additional inch (37" + 1" = 38")
4. This number is your band size. Write it down or remember it (38 = Band Size)
5. Next, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of the bust, also ensuring that the tape measure is parallel to the floor. This is your bust measurement. (Let's say it's 41")
6. Next, do some more math
   1. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. (41" - 38" = 3")
   2. The number that remains is used to determine your cup size. See the following chart:

   If...	Your Cup Size is...
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 1/2"	AA
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 1"	A
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 2"	B
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 3"	C
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 4"	D
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 5"	E (DD)
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 6"	F (DDD)
   Band Size - Bust Measurement = 7"	G (DDDD)

According to the chart, you are a 38C.

Congratulations, you now have the skills to pick out the wrong bra size 85% of the time!

Yes, it's (apparently) true. 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size...Are you?

Here's how you can find the perfect fit, and become part of that 15% wearing the right bra size...

But first...Have you ever tried on new shoes?

You go to the store, look around, find some shoes you like, flag down a salesperson, and ask to try on the shoes you like. Salespeople know the game, so what do they often do? They bring you your size, as well as a size up and a size down. You start with your size, and discover they're too small. So, you go up one size, and voila! The shoes seem to fit. Next, you'll get up and walk around the store to make sure that the shoes agree with your feet in a real-world scenario. If you're satisfied, you'll get the shoes. If not, you'll probably try on a different style of shoes until you find one that looks good and feels good.

Bra shopping is no different.

You know your "size", so you should find a few bras in styles that you like. However, you should also pick up the same styles in the "sister" sizes.

Sister Sizes: An explanation.

Using the example from above, you're a 38C. If you feel like the cup fits, but the band doesn't, you might try a 40C or 36C. However, one important note (that they never tell you), is that as the band increases (or decreases), so do the size of the cups, even though they maintain the same letter size.

For the best fit, try this instead:

If the cup fits, but the band does not, you actually want to try on a 36D or a 40B. The cup on a 38C bra is the same as the cup on a 36D and a 40B (or a 34DD or 42A). Confused yet? That's probably why 85% of women are wearing the wrong size!

Here's the trick, If your band size goes up, your cup size goes down. As your band size goes down, your cup size goes up.

Here comes the next problem: What if despite trying on various sizes, the bra still doesn't seem to fit right?

You have to move on to the next style. Here are some ideas:

If you have a wider breast that protrudes from the chest less: Try a soft cup style.

If you have a narrow breast that protrudes from the chest more: Try a minimizer or full coverage bra

If your breast doesn't fill the cup: Try a soft cup, a non-molded cup, a padded bra, or go down a cup size.

If your breast is too large for the cup: Try a full coverage, a soft-cup, a minimizer style, or move up a cup size.

If you have asymetrical breasts (Different sized breasts): Try going down a cup size, or a half cup size, if you can find a half cup sized bra. This is very common, by the way.

If your breasts are heavy, try a bra with wide or padded straps.

After doing all of this work, you should be able to find a perfect fitting bra.

Here are some recommendations: First of all, visit a larger department store or a shop that specializes in bras. Next, you'll want to take some time to try them on--You don't rush when you buy shoes, nor should you rush when you buy a bra. When you try one on, pay close attention to anything that rubs or pinches, even if it only does a little--just imagine how annoying it will be over the course of a day. Make sure you're trying out a few different brands. Just like shoes, bra sizes fit differently based on who makes them. Get rid of all of your biases, let the measurements do the talking. Many women wear too-small bra sizes just because they believe their breasts are small! Some women believe DD's are H-U-G-E (While they consider their breasts merely large), and of course, never consider their breasts to be DD in size, even though they may be. Lastly, when you find a bra that you like that fits, remember it! You'll likely want to buy it again in the future.

Alright ladies, with knowledge in hand, you are now ready to find that elusive perfect fitting bra. If you know what you like, there are tons of excellent bras in the Classy Bras.com shop.