Love them or loathe them, bras are an everyday part of life for many.
Ill-fitting bras are more than just unsightly – they can also damage your breasts.
Despite donning them on the daily, lingerie store Boux Avenue revealed to Metro.co.uk that only 19% of people are wearing the correct bra size.
Are you one of them? Find out here…
Signs you’re wearing the wrong bra size
If your bra doesn’t fit properly, chances are you’re not getting the best form of support.
There are many signs that your bra isn’t fitting as well as it should be.
A spokesperson for Boux Avenue explained to Metro.co.uk that the main things to look out for are the following:
- The underband no longer supports your bust and is rising up your back, or it is digging in severely leaving red marks around your rib cage
- The cups in the bra are gapping or creating a double bust effect
- The underwire digging into your bust leaving red marks
- The straps on your bra leaving red marks on your shoulders
Any of these signs may mean you are wearing the wrong size or style bra.
How to measure your bra size
At home
Not everyone feels super comfortable with getting their kit out in front of a stranger.
Lucky for them, you can easily work out your correct bra size at home.
All you need is some measuring tape, and your boobs.
Any measuring tape will do, but some companies such as Nudea allow you to order tape that is specially designed with measuring breasts in mind.
You are going to need to work out a number and a letter, which, in combination, is your perfect bra size.
A Boux Avenue spokesperson explained to Metro.co.uk: ‘The number is used to ensure we get the right fitting underband and the letter is what we use to ensure the cup fits correctly.’
First of all, you need to measure your underband size.
While braless, bring the tape measure around the top of your rib cage, just below where your bra would usually sit. Pull it snug, but not too tight, and take the measurement in inches.
Whatever number you have come up with, write it down, and then prepare for some maths (don’t worry – it’s super easy).
If you got an even number as your measurement, you’re going to add four, or if you got an odd number then you need to add five.
So, if your original measurement was 30, your band size would be 34.
If it’s 31, your band size would be 36.
Next, you need to work out your cup size.
To do this, just wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, and write down the measurement to the nearest whole number.
Now subtract your calculated band size from step one (e.g. 34) from the bust measurement you’ve just done.
The difference in inches determines your cup size.
The cup size conversion rate is as follows:
- 0 inches = AA
- 1 inch = A
- 2 inches = B
- 3 inches = C
- 4 inches = D
- 5 inches = DD
- 6 inches = DDD, F
- 7 inches = G
So, for example, a bust of 37 inches subtracting a band of 34 inches will equal three inches. That’s a 34C.
In store
If maths isn’t your strong suit, then perhaps getting your bra fitted by a professional is the way to go.
Priya Downes, CEO and Founder of Nudea, told Metro.co.uk that 40% of women report buying up to five bras before finding just one that fits properly. Oh, the humid-titty!
An expert can help you in your quest for the perfect bra.
Many highstreet lingerie stores offer free bra-fittings.
You can book an appointment at the likes of Ann Summers, Boux Avenue, and Bravissimo.
Additionally, M&S and John Lewis offer fitting services, which are available to book for free on their websites.
The help of a trained professional will also mean that you can try before you buy, as different types of bras will fit differently.
A spokesperson for Boux Avenue told Metro.co.uk that there are a few things to keep in mind other than just the size of the bra:
- Style – Different style bras offer different style of fits and looks
- Bust shape – Not every bust shape is the same and may only suit one style bra
- Fabric – Due to the variety of fabrics out there, some bras don’t have the same elasticity as others. Therefore may feel tighter on the underband, and will be a different size
Why is it important that your bra fits correctly?
A Boux Avenue spokesperson explained: ‘There are multiple reasons why wearing the correct size bra is important, from ensuring you feel supported and comfortable, along to creating the look and style you require.’
According to plastic surgeon Dr Paul Banwell, wearing the wrong-sized bra can also change the appearance of your breasts – if your bra isn’t supportive enough, it may cause them to sag or droop.
Dr Banwell explained to Metro.co.uk: ‘Not wearing a bra is a significant cause of sagging breasts.
‘As we get older, our skin becomes less elastic and thins, so gravity has an easier time pulling us down.
‘That stretching process tends to accelerate as we get older and is exacerbated during times of high impact such as whilst running or doing high-intensity exercise.’
How can you tell that your bra fits perfectly?
There are four main signs that your bra fits you well:
- The bra feels secure on the loosest hook
- Your straps feel fixed in place but don’t dig in
- There is a finger-width of space underneath the band
- Oh, and it’s comfortable
Wearing the right size bra is such a weight off your chest. Literally.
Can your bra size change?
Priya told Metro.co.uk: ‘Yes! The average woman wears four bra sizes in their life and even a small amount of weight gain/loss can result in a cup or band change.
‘Monthly cycles, pregnancy, menopause all contribute to changing bra sizes.
‘This is why it’s so important to fit yourself regularly, it’s a good self-health check and unlike visiting the dentist you can do it yourself at home – so no excuse!’
A Boux Avenue spokesperson added: ‘We recommend that you get fitted every six months to ensure your bra size hasn’t changed.’
MORE : Going bra free during lockdown made me love my boobs as they are
MORE : Mum with 34JJ boobs that won’t stop growing was scared to breastfeed her daughter in case she ‘suffocated her’
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