Bra Size Guidelines

To check your bra size, you need only take two measurements while standing with a bra on. Ask a friend to help, so as to get the most accurate measurements. 

Under bust Measurement

1. Frame Size

Measure the diameter around your chest below your breasts.

2. Bra Size

If the “Frame Size” you get is odd add 5 inches.
         Example: You measure 31 inches, add 5 inches .... 31 + 5 = Bra size 36

If the “Frame Size” you get is even add 4 inches.
         Example: You measure 32 inches, add 4 inches .... 32 + 4 = Bra size 36

(bras only come in even numbers).

Over bust Measurement

3. Breast Size

The diameter around your chest, over and including the fullest part of your breast.

4. Cup Size

The deference between your “Bra Size” and “Breast Size”, is used to find your cup size.

Determine Your Cup Size:

Subtract the your “Bra Size” measurement from the your “Breast Size” measurement.

The difference is your cup size.

For example, if your “Bra Size” is “36" and your “Breast Size” is 40", you would use this equation: 40"- 36" = 4".

According to the chart below, you would be a D cup.



1/2 inch difference      A Cup
1 inch difference         AA Cup
2 inch difference         B Cup
3 inch difference         C Cup
4 inch difference         D Cup
6 inch difference         DD Cup (E)
7 inch difference         DDD Cup (F)
8 inch difference         DDDD Cup (G)

Results:

Measurement #1 is your  “Bra Size” = 36 inches
Measurement #2 is (40 inches)  “Breast Size“ minus your “Bra Size” (36 inches)  = 4 inches D Cup

Your bra size is a 36D 



Adult Bras that do not use numerical bra and cup sizes are sized from extra-extra-small to extra-large.
Use this chart to determine your size


U.S. Numeric Shirt Size / Bust Size

                                      Size 2-4          Size 4-6              Size 8-10              Size 12-14            Size 14-16           Size 16-18
                                  30"-31"           32"-34"                 35"-37"                  38"-40"                  41"-42"                  43"

U.S. Sizes                     XS                   S                           M                          L                         XL                     XXL

European Sizes          XXS                  XS                         S                          M                            L                        XL
 



World Conversion Size Charts

Frequently Asked Questions about Bras

Now that you've found your true size, here are a few other tips to ensure that you get the proper fit.

I'm spilling out of/not filling out my cup size! What should I do?

Ladies, admit it. You're probably in cup denial. Most women don't like to accept their true size, big or small. But remember, your bra size is just like your shoe size; if the shoe fits, wear it! No one else needs to know the size! You'll feel more comfortable and attractive in the correct cup size, whether it's an A or DDD.

What types of bras should I buy?

While you may have a favorite bra, you shouldn't wear it both when you go out and when you work out. One bra style will not work for all fashions and functions. You will need lingerie bras as well as sports bras if you're active.

Should I retire my bra?

Measure your bra size every year or more frequently if you have major body changes like weight loss or weight gain, or pregnancy. Replace your bras every six months as most bras are worn out from laundering and wear by then. Check your bras for signs of wear and tear (loose strap, lost elasticity, tears, etc.), which signal that a bra is ready to be tossed.

What should big-busted women watch out for?

Finding the right size isn't as simple for the well-endowed woman. When trying on bras, big-busted women should lift their arms up after securing the bra band to make sure they are not dropping out of the bottom of the cup. If you have spillage, then your cup size is too small!

Ugh! What can I do about uncomfortable underwire?

Your underwire should surround and support your breasts, not poke and jab them! If the wire pulls away from the body in the center, then the cup size is too small.

What bras should petite women wear?

Women with smaller figures should look for bras with defined cups. Although petite women may not need heavy-duty support, a structured or push up cup helps accentuate the body's silhouette under clothing.

Bra Terms

Comfort Straps: Comfort straps are wider-than-average straps and are usually padded or lined to distribute the weight of the breast evenly and increase comfort.

Compression Bras: The compression bra is the most common sports bra and is designed to minimize movement by pulling the breasts in to form what looks like a single unit (rather than two separate breasts). The compression bra is best suited for women who wear an A or B cup.

Contour Bra: A contour bra has shaped cups that are always padded or lined and feature an underwire. Because they offer a significant amount of coverage and control, contour bras are a perfect choice for women seeking a sculpted silhouette under their clothes. Contour bras don't increase bust size; they create a rounder, symmetrical look.

Convertible: A bra designed with modifiable and sometimes detachable straps is a convertible bra. These are meant to be worn under halter, racerback, cross-back, one-shoulder, or low-back clothing.

Demi Cup: A demi cup bra offers minimal coverage for petite and average women. Demi bras cover the nipple and approximately ½ to _ of the breast.

Encapsulated Bras: Encapsulated bras are best suited for women with larger busts. Encapsulated bras resemble lingerie bras but they offer more support by compressing each breast individually rather than compressing them as a single unit. Encapsulated bras add structure and provide a more natural shape than compression bras. For better support, look for an encapsulated bra with underwire.

Full Cup/Full Coverage: A full cup bra completely covers most of the breast, offering more coverage and more support than a demi cup bra.

Minimizer: A minimizer bra does just that; it minimizes the bust by up to one cup size.

Molded: The cups on this bra are machine molded. They mirror the woman's shape for a natural look under clothing. Molded bras are generally unlined and may either have soft cups or underwire.

Padded: Padded bras have a padded lining in the cups. Graduated padding is thicker at the base of the cups and creates a natural looking silhouette and the appearance of increased cleavage.

Push-Up: Push up-bras create the appearance of increased cleavage using angled cups (which generally have underwires) and a variety of padding types.

Racer Back: This is a back silhouette in which the straps of the bra curve between the shoulder blades.

Seamless: Seamless bras are a great choice for pairing with knitwear or jersey material because they are essentially invisible under clothing. These may also be called `T-shirt' bras. A bra is considered seamless if it is constructed without seamed cups. There may be seams in other parts of the bra and still be considered seamless.

Underwire: This is a thin, flexible wire which offers added support to the cups of some undergarments. Generally, there are two types of underwire: mesh and seamless. Mesh underwire is found in most underwire bras. Seamless underwire is virtually invisible under clothing.

FIT TIPS

Fit Tip: If you're a fuller-busted woman, comfort straps are essential if you've experienced shoulder or neck pain from straps digging into your shoulders.

Fit Tip: Zippers or clasps should always have padding between you and the garment to avoid unnecessary irritation.

Fit Tip: Inner seams should be flat and soft against your skin.

Fit Tip: If wearing sports bras, women with smaller breasts are better off wearing a compression-style bra that flattens the bust and prevents jiggle. Women with larger breasts should go for bras with separate molded cups that encapsulate each breast as opposed to the flattened uni-boob shape of no-cup styles.

Laundering and General Care

So you've finally found that fabulous-fitting, flattering bra. Now how do you keep it that way? Although your favorite bra won't last forever, here are a few tips that will greatly prolong the life of your bras.

• Gentle detergents Remember harsh detergents won't just damage your bras, they can also irritate your skin.
• Cold water wash Always wash your bras in cool water. Hot water will often shrink the material, causing the underwire to pop out.
• Hand wash and hang Fill the sink with cool water and mild detergent and agitate for a few minutes. Rinse the garment in cold water, being careful not to wring or twist it. Hang it to dry.
• If you must machine wash. use a product and wash cycle designed for delicate fabrics. Attach hooks and eyes to prevent tangling and snagging. For even better protection, place your garments in a zippered lingerie bag and wash them in the delicate cycle.
• Alternate bras Try not to wear the same bra two days in a row. The "rest" will allow it to retain its elasticity and regain its shape.
• Fold to store Underwire bras can be safely folded in the middle to store. Molded bras can be folded with one cup tucked inside the other.

Pantie, Lingerie & Shorts
 Size Charts

Click Here To Go Back To Our Store