Wednesday, October 22, 2008

What is Your Bra Size?

Base on the survey I’ve been carried out, I realize that it’s very easy to know weather a woman is wearing the correct bra size just by asking one simple question: What is your bra size?

For those who are wearing the wrong one, the answer would be most probably sounds this: Mmm…I’m not too sure, but if not mistaken it’s 34 or 36.


U might be wondering, is there any problem with the answer? Yes!

There are actually two parts to a bra’s size: The band (which refers to the number 32/ 34/ 36 etc) and the cup size (which refers to the alphabet A/ B/ C etc). That’s why we have the bra size like 34B, 36A etc.


The common mistake that most of the women make is they get only the measurement of the breast, which is the top bust and assume that is their bra size.


So, I’m going to share with u girls how to get your correct measurement base on the following steps, but please noted that this method is not the most appropriate way to get the most accurate bra size. Each brand has its own measurement. The following method is just a guide for u to know your size, and u are advised to fit yourself in the fitting room when u shop for the bras. Don’t worry, I’ll go step by step and even tell u what is so call perfect fit!


Now, be ready with your measuring tape….

  • Step 1– Band Size

Use a measuring tape to measure around your rib cage, just beneath your breasts. The measuring tape should be aligning with your lower bra band and rest flat on your skin – not so tight that it digs in, yet not too loose that it sags down at back. Make sure that the measuring tape is not slack or twisted.


Next, add 4 inches to the even number or 5 inches to the odd number. Example:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->U got 28 inches for your chest measurement, add 4 inches to it:

28 + 4 = 32 ---------- your band size is 32

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->If your chest measurement is 29 inches, then add 5 inches to it:

29 + 5 = 34 ---------- your band size is 34

  • Step 2– Bust Measurement

As with the chest measurement, when you're measuring for bust measurement, make sure the tape is not too loose or too tight. Hold the tape as level as possible to ensure accuracy. The tape should go over your nipple point (to ensure you are measuring the widest part of your bust) and circle the body in a straight line.

  • Step 3– Cup Size

The number that is the difference between the band size (Step 1) and the bust measurement (Step 2) will become your cup size. The chart below changes your number into the appropriate letter to get your cup size:


  • Step 4– Bra Size

Let’s combine the band size and cup size, and u will have your bra size.

Now u have your ideal bra size, it is time to go shopping and find bras in your size that u like. Bras and bodies both vary, so use the measurements u got as a starting point, and try on the bras.


As what I’ve mentioned before, every brand of bra fits differently and sometimes u have to take a size bigger or smaller.

Here is a tip: make a note what bra size fits u best for which brand. This will help to find great bras even faster!


Now u know why the bra size is so important for every woman to get their bras. A woman with a circumference of 38 inches at the bust doesn’t mean that she is going to get a 38 bra. In fact, if she has a small chest circumference, her bra size might be 34D or E, depending on the chest measurement.


In the next one, I’ll share with u girls what is so-called ‘PERFECT FIT….


Why is Knowing Your Bra Size So Important?

A mini survey has been carried out by me recently. This survey is all about brassss – bra fitting, bra sizes and bra type.


Based on the survey, I found that 95% of my girl friends don’t wear the correct bra. Well, it’s well known that 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. That means if u are a woman who wears a bra, u are most likely one of the boob offenders, treating your breasts badly by squeezing them into too-small cups or letting them swing haphazardly due to lack of support. So, it’s normal to have this phenomenal which 95% of them are wearing the wrong one….


Now, I'm here to share with u girls about some health facts of breast, bra fitting and how to get your correct size.

First of all, let's talk about some health facts before we go any further.....


The main reason why tight bras can be a concern for breast health is because they may restrict the lymph flow in your breasts. There are many lymph pathways and lymph nodes surrounding the breast tissue (toward the armpits, under the breasts, and in between the breasts). If a bra is too tight and cuts into your skin (and consequently cuts into the tissue), some of the lymph fluid might be unable to do what it is supposed to do, namely washing waste and toxin away from the breast tissue. In fact, sometimes when u find a lump in your breast, it may be filled with lymph fluid that was not able to move away from the breast tissue. U should not wear tight bras that cause red lines around the breasts.


A bra that is too loose will allow breasts to sag and cause back problems due to strain; if it's too tight the elastic and underwire can pinch and poke sensitive areas leading to discomfort, bruising, and even breast health problems, such as blocked milk ducts.

  • Can your bra cause breathing problems?
The British School of Osteopathy found that ill-fitting fashion bras put stress on bones and muscles, which can cause breathing problems. The study reported that badly fitting, tight and underwire bras supported the breast by pressing on the rib cage which restricts breathing and puts pressure on the diaphragm. Breathing is undertaken using a number of muscles, one group of which is the accessory muscles. These run from the upper part of the cervical spine and attach to the upper ribs. When wearing tight fashion bras, the middle ribs are held tight, which means the upper ribs have to work harder. Sports bras can cause breathing difficulties if worn all the time. They are designed to hold the breasts in place during exercise, but should not be over used because they are much more constrictive than ordinary bras.
  • Can your bra cause irritable bowel syndrome?
Fashion bras can constrict the rib cage by several inches more than conventional bras. The pressure can be so great that it could even affect digestion. The British School of Osteopathy has noted Irritable Bowel Syndrome and constipation as a result of ill fitting bras constricting the digestive process by putting pressure on the diaphragm.
  • Can your bra cause skin problems?
Several studies have found that bras which are too tight can cause lesions or lumps on the skin - also called lymphomas. They are caused by hooks on the back of bras digging into the skin. Choose a bra with a thick back strap with at least two sets of hooks and padding on the inside of the hooks.
  • Can your bra cause circulation problems?
Large breasts require support or the muscles supporting them will have to work too hard. The most problematic areas are the pectoral muscles in the chest. If the problem is severe enough, the neurovascular bundle of nerves to the arm can become compressed and the woman may feel pins and needles. The constant wearing of a sports or tight-fitting bra can also cause circulatory problems if the elastic around the rib cage is too tight. These bras rely on support by compression rather than a good fit. Constantly having breasts being pushed inwards can cause circulation restriction, which may damage breast tissue.

Extracted from:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-182372/Is-bra-bad-you.html


It is recommended to give your breast tissue free time from bras for about 8–12 hours within a 24 hour day (try not to sleep in your bra). If u have breast pain, try to reduce the time u are wearing a bra (try to be braless at home, of course when there is no guys at home). Other than breast health concerns, poorly-fitted bras can also cause back pain, muscle tension, headaches, and can sometimes be responsible for poor posture.



Finding the right bra size should be simple, but it’s not. In fact, many women don’t know their correct bra size. Women should be fitted by a lingerie consultant once a year (beginning in her teens) and after every noticeable growth spurt, to ensure that she is wearing the right size bra. (U can measure on your own) Just go to a department store and ask to be measured by a lingerie consultant. It is free and the consultant will be able to help u find a bra that fits.


Well, of course I won’t just stop here. I’m going to share with u girls on how to get your correct bra size on your own in the next one.

Sources: http://www.liv.com/index.php


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