topic Re: How to measure for a bra in Suggestion Box

How to measure for a bra

Cat L — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:19:56 GMT

Please have vendors who show bras, explain how to measure for the proper fit. Studies have shown most women wear the wrong size, so please don't just show us the size chart, show us how to measure.

Re: How to measure for a bra

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:48:52 GMT

While i agree that something like 80% of women are supposedly wearing the wrong size bra, I am always amazed that 20% of women got it right ... probably through trial and error, not a measurment formula.

Years ago I had a heck of a time getting the right size. A Nordstrom's fitter had absolutely no idea what she was doing and had a real attitude .... I should have reported her. She put me in a bra that was so tight that I couldn't even take a full, deep breath. I told her I couldn't breathe and she claimed that "No, you are just one of those women who can't be pleased!". No kidding.

Later that weekend, out of frustration, I googled "bra size calculator". It came up with three different calculators from different sources. In each one I typed in my bust and band sizes ..... and got three completely different "perfect" sizes!

I now think getting the right size is part art, and part science.

Re: How to measure for a bra

on the bay — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:58:53 GMT

That would make sense that they show how to measure but you know what?

I really think we are very lucky if we get it right by ordering online.

I could measure today and it would not be the size that I would order because for some reason that still would be too tight. Because even if I measure correctly I don't think the entire chest area is taken into account or something.

I guess like @Tinkrbl44 said it is part art and science and I'll add plain old being able to try it on-like jeans, bathing suits hats shoes-well sigh! we can't always do that now.

Re: How to measure for a bra

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:31:23 GMT

@on the bay wrote:
That would make sense that they show how to measure but you know what?
I really think we are very lucky if we get it right by ordering online.
I could measure today and it would not be the size that I would order because for some reason that still would be too tight. Because even if I measure correctly I don't think the entire chest area is taken into account or something.

I guess like @Tinkrbl44 said it is part art and science and I'll add plain old being able to try it on-like jeans, bathing suits hats shoes-well sigh! we can't always do that now.

@on the bay

I once recall hearing someone say that you measure your band area below the bust, and then add 5 inches to get the "correct" band size.

All I thought was ... "FIVE INCHES ... are you crazy?"

LOL

Re: How to measure for a bra

meallen616 — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:40:10 GMT

I join all of you in DREADING to have to go bra shopping and try to get the right fit!

Re: How to measure for a bra

on the bay — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:50:02 GMT

@Tinkrbl44,

Wow, I've never heard that before but for me it makes sense because that is kind of right! No one believes that I tell them I am a certain chest size but I think I have large shoulder blades/back or something-years of swimming? and it only works if I get a yes probably 5" more! I like that smart person! Who was she?!

Re: How to measure for a bra

Bhvbum — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:35:52 GMT

I think one reason so many bras are a poor fit, is that companies simply don't offer the sizes that are needed. There is an ample model for QVC who 95% of the time has on the wrong size bra she is displaying, because she is overflowing the cups. The reason is the cupsize only goes to a DDD and this model needs a larger cup size.

Re: How to measure for a bra

kaydee50 — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:11:46 GMT

And I also think that fit varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A 40C in Bali's doesn't fit the same as a 40C in Playtex and even with brands there are different models that fit differently. What a PITA!!!

Re: How to measure for a bra

Eileen in Virginia — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:35:10 GMT

If I bought my bras in the size that comes up using bra calculators, I wouldn't be able to breath after wearing them for an hour. In the past few years, I've found bras that work for me in the sizes that work for me. I've also discovered bra band extenders that allow me to loosen my back closure bra if it's getting tighter as the day goes on. I like front closure bras because the straps stay put, so I order them in one band size larger and one cup size smaller than my regular bras. For me, it comes down to trying bras on and seeing how they feel. Now that I know what brands and types of bras work, I have no problem ordering them online.

Re: How to measure for a bra

reviewer from sc — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:16:51 GMT

Unfortunately, this is a lot of trial and error for us women. It used to be that I had to go to a physical store and try on. Of course, these past couple of years have put a damper on that. Fortunately, another website had a special "free shipping AND free returns". Couldn't resist. I read lots and lots of reviews, and I ordered what, in my opinion, was the best brands and sizes--based off reviews and size charts. If this will help, here is what I found:

Your band size normally correlates to your chest size. So, if your chest size is 44 inches around, you need a 44 size bra. If you want it looser, then go up to a 46 size bra. And so on... As far as the cup size, I've been a C size since I was a teenager. I think once you find your cup size, that may be true all your life, unless you get surgery or have significant weight gain or loss.

I hope this helps. This is just my opinion, and what I have found for myself. I agree that each company probably has their own "size". I have found that I go to certain brands and certain material (prefer nylon or poly bras over cotton). Why can't companies come out with the same size chart for bras? I guess it's because every woman is different with her different issues in that area. Best wishes to all!!

Re: How to measure for a bra

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 22:22:22 GMT

Based on the comments here, I suspect that manufacturers aren't sizing bras correctly or uniformly ..... it's not us ... it's THEM.

Why do I say this? Because as women with all sorts of "figure flaws" and "problem areas", most of us have been in enough fitting rooms with 3 way mirrors to know what to look for ... and what to avoid. We KNOW how to find the one that fits right.

I've tried on enough pairs of slacks, blazers, blouses etc etc to find the one that fits me. It's not the same with bras. Since true sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer .... and even with different styles of the same brand .... it's like trying to hit a moving target that is not only constantly moving but also changing shape!

Personally ... I think it's an absolute MIRACLE that 20% of women manage to find the right bra!

It's not us ... it's THEM that has the sizing problem!

(Whew ... it felt good to get that off my chest! LOL )

Re: How to measure for a bra

Linda0215 — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:12:31 GMT

I'm going to let you all in on a secret. As a larger busted woman, for many years I struggled with finding the right bra. Nothing fit. Everything was uncomfortable. D cups caused spillage. I never had a bra that fit me correctly. I just accepted it and figured there was nothing I could do about it.

About ten years ago, I decided to try shopping online for a bra and found this website. When I tell you it was the answer to my prayers I am not exaggerating. They offer so much information on how to go about measuring yourself for a proper fit. It was a revelation. Once you figure out your bra size, they then break it down further to something called Universal Cup Siizing because, for example, all D cups are not created equal. They not only vary among manufacturers, they vary by American, UK and European cup sizes. We know it's all enough to drive us up a wall. With the UCS a D3 is a D3 is a D3 across the board. Once you know your UCS, pretty much any bra you chose will fit. After that, you can further parse it down into what bras work best for your body type. For me it turned out that bandless bras were my friend.

i just want to tell you what a game changer this was for me. For the first time in my life I had a bra that actually fit without me spilling out of it. Not to mention how great I looked in my clothes. I literally looked like I lost 20 lbs.

If you are interested in checking out the website, here's the link.

Herroom dot com.

Re: How to measure for a bra

Eileen in Virginia — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 21:46:35 GMT

@Linda0215 wrote:
I'm going to let you all in on a secret. As a larger busted woman, for many years I struggled with finding the right bra. Nothing fit. Everything was uncomfortable. D cups caused spillage. I never had a bra that fit me correctly. I just accepted it and figured there was nothing I could do about it.

About ten years ago, I decided to try shopping online for a bra and found this website. When I tell you it was the answer to my prayers I am not exaggerating. They offer so much information on how to go about measuring yourself for a proper fit. It was a revelation. Once you figure out your bra size, they then break it down further to something called Universal Cup Siizing because, for example, all D cups are not created equal. They not only vary among manufacturers, they vary by American, UK and European cup sizes. We know it's all enough to drive us up a wall. With the UCS a D3 is a D3 is a D3 across the board. Once you know your UCS, pretty much any bra you chose will fit. After that, you can further parse it down into what bras work best for your body type. For me it turned out that bandless bras were my friend.

i just want to tell you what a game changer this was for me. For the first time in my life I had a bra that actually fit without me spilling out of it. Not to mention how great I looked in my clothes. I literally looked like I lost 20 lbs.

If you are interested in checking out the website, here's the link.

Herroom dot com.

@Linda0215 I love Her Room. They have a huge selection of bras (as well as other lingerie) in all sizes and price ranges. In addition to what you've indicated, I like being able to pull the bra reviews for MY size only. While I may glean some useful information from reviews of other women, I first check what women who wear my size have to say about a bra. I like that they have overlays to show how a bra will look under different types of tops. But I get a real kick out of the "bounce test" for sports bras. Thanks for mentioning them.

Re: How to measure for a bra

Linda0215 — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 22:44:37 GMT

@Eileen in Virginia wrote:
@Linda0215 wrote:
I'm going to let you all in on a secret. As a larger busted woman, for many years I struggled with finding the right bra. Nothing fit. Everything was uncomfortable. D cups caused spillage. I never had a bra that fit me correctly. I just accepted it and figured there was nothing I could do about it.

About ten years ago, I decided to try shopping online for a bra and found this website. When I tell you it was the answer to my prayers I am not exaggerating. They offer so much information on how to go about measuring yourself for a proper fit. It was a revelation. Once you figure out your bra size, they then break it down further to something called Universal Cup Siizing because, for example, all D cups are not created equal. They not only vary among manufacturers, they vary by American, UK and European cup sizes. We know it's all enough to drive us up a wall. With the UCS a D3 is a D3 is a D3 across the board. Once you know your UCS, pretty much any bra you chose will fit. After that, you can further parse it down into what bras work best for your body type. For me it turned out that bandless bras were my friend.

i just want to tell you what a game changer this was for me. For the first time in my life I had a bra that actually fit without me spilling out of it. Not to mention how great I looked in my clothes. I literally looked like I lost 20 lbs.

If you are interested in checking out the website, here's the link.

Herroom dot com.
@Linda0215 I love Her Room. They have a huge selection of bras (as well as other lingerie) in all sizes and price ranges. In addition to what you've indicated, I like being able to pull the bra reviews for MY size only. While I may glean some useful information from reviews of other women, I first check what women who wear my size have to say about a bra. I like that they have overlays to show how a bra will look under different types of tops. But I get a real kick out of the "bounce test" for sports bras. Thanks for mentioning them.

You're welcome! I've had such great success with the bras I've bought from them I feel like I want everyone to have the same experience. My go to bras are Elomi bandless. It's a great website. I love the overlays too. I've had bras that peeked up out of my shirts. Not a good look!

Re: How to measure for a bra

ROMARY — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 04:45:04 GMT

They sometimes say: "Take your band measurments and look on the chart" for whatever-whatever'.....I don't understand it.

Last time I looked/checked/measured, it didn't make any sense.

I recall a hundred years ago, we had to add several inches to our band size.

Now-a-days, I just guess.

Well, shopping in person helps. I just know what 'my size' is, more or less.

I used to take my tape measure with me, now that I'm thinking about it. Duplicated the size of my bras at home that fit me the best.