Wrong size
Women
often find it difficult to find the correct bra size. To achieve perfect sizing
consistently, a bra would have to be custom made, because a
"one-size-fits-all" manufacturing process is fraught with
difficulties. Breasts vary in the position on the chest, and in their
diameters.
A number
of stores have certified professional bra-fitters specialists. However, even
bra fitters have been shown to be quite variable in their recommendations.
Buying "off-the-shelf" or "online" bras is unwise if the
buyer has never tried on the brand and type of bra that they are interested in
buying. Some bra manufacturers and distributors state that trying on and
learning to recognize a proper fit is the best way to determine a correct bra
size, much the same as with shoes. Some critics observe that measuring systems such as the
one described above often lead to an incorrect size, most commonly too small in
the cup, and too large in the band. For anyone, especially cup sizes larger
than a D, one should get a professional fitting from the lingerie department of
a clothing store or a specialty lingerie store.
Wrong fit
Some women
intentionally buy larger cups and pad them, while yet others buy smaller cups
to give the appearance of being "full". Finally, the elastic properties
of the band make band size highly unreliable, and in one study the label size may
be different from the measured size. Fashion and image drive the bra market,
and these factors often take precedence over comfort and function.
As already
noted, there is no agreed standard across all manufacturers for measuring and
specifying bra size. Obtaining the correct size is further complicated by the
fact that the size and shape of a woman's breasts fluctuate during her menstrual
cycle, and also with weight
gain or loss. Even breathing can substantially alter the measurements.
Biological change
As breasts
become larger, their shape and the distribution of the tissues within them
changes, and becoming ptotic and bulbous rather than conical. This
makes measurements increasingly unreliable, especially for large breasts.
Similarly the heavier build a woman has, the more inaccurate the underbust
measurement as the tape sinks into the flesh more easily. Finally, most women
are asymmetrical (10% severely), with the left breast being larger in 62%,
especially when the breasts are large.
Many of
the health problems associated with bras are due to fitting problems. However,
finding a comfortable fit is described as very difficult by many women, which
has affected sales. Medical studies have also attested to the difficulty of
getting a correct fit.
Tell-tale signs of a poorly fitting bra
If you’re not sure whether your bra fits your properly, take a
look at our guide to the most common bra fitting problems and see if any of
these sound like you. If so, follow the advice for how to improve the fit.
Back band higher at the back
Your back band should be horizontal all the way around your body. If it
goes up at the back towards your shoulder blades then it is too big and has
slid up to the wider part of your back. If you have this problem, try a small
back size.
Shoulder straps too tight/ digging in
If you have this problem, first try loosening the shoulder straps. If
this makes your bust sag noticeably then you have been relying too much on the
shoulder straps for support, which should be coming from the back band so you
need to go down a back size. If you find that straps feel like they dig in even
when you have the fit right, look for bra style with wider or padded shoulder
straps, which will be more comfortable to wear.
Back-band too tight
You should be able to pull your back band away from your body by about
two inches but no more. If it’s so tight you struggle to get it on or it feels
uncomfortable or even painful then you should go up a back size.
Underwire not flat against your body
If the underwiring does not rest neatly against your body and moves out
in between your bust try going up a cup size.
Underwire digs in
Your bra underwire should sit around the breast tissue and not on it at
any point or dig in. If this is happening to you then you need to try a bigger
cup size.
Overspill at the top of the cup
Don’t be tempted to think that your bust is supposed to spill out over
the top of your bra to look sexy – the top of the cup should be flat across
your bust rather than cutting in to the flesh. The ‘double boob’ effect when
you’ve got a close fitting top on is a sure sign that your cup size is too
small. Keep trying a cup size bigger until you find the fit that’s right for
you.
Bra cups look baggy or wrinkled
The fabric of your bra cups should be smooth when your bra fits properly.
If the cups are crinkled because they are not being completely filled out then
try a smaller cup size. If they are puckered because they are over-stretched
then you should go up a cup size instead.
