A proper fitting bra. It’s the age old coffee time conversation among American women. Oprah talks about it, every style guru and show on TV talks about it…heck, I even talk about it!
Why do you need a bra that fits?
- Think of a bra like the cornerstone of a perfect outfit. If that cornerstone is out of balance, or not fit properly – the entire outfit will be askew in some way.
- The right fitting bra will make you look thinner (need I say more?).
HOW TO FIT YOURSELF
Get out the tape measure girls! It is best to measure yourself without a bra on. The reason for this is that most bras have some padding.
You are going to take 3 measurements:
1.   Rib
2.   Bust line (nipple high – don’t laugh…it’s just a nipple!)
3.   Chest (think armpit to armpit)
The measurement of your rib is your band size. If the measurement is an odd number, then round up. In other words, if you measured a 37, then your band size is a 38. However, if you measured a 38 ¼ – I suggest sticking with a 38 band.
The next number is the bust line number. Each inch difference between the band (or rib) size and the bust measurement represents a cup size. For example, if you measured a 40 bust, and a 37 rib – you should try a bra that is a 38C. Or, if you measured a 39 bust and a 34 rib, then you should try a 34DD.
To make this step easier, look at the following chart:
1 inch difference =  A CUP
2 inch difference =  B CUP
3 inch difference =  C CUP
4 inch difference =  D CUP
5 inch difference =  DD CUP
6 inch difference =  E CUP
7 inch difference =  F CUP
8 inch difference =  G CUP
The final measurement is to help you find a style that will work for you. For most women, the measurement of your chest will be the same as your bust line measurement. If it is larger, then you might carry your breast tissue high, and need to look into a bra that says ‘full cup’ or ‘full figure’.
You should re-measure yourself at least every year or of course after having a baby, weight loss or gain.
One final thought. Remember that bras are like jeans – each designer has a little bit of a different fit. Try on several different brands before you settle on one that you love. A good bra should be considered an investment – not an after thought. Treat yourself!
Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach and personal shopper. For more about Kathy, or for other great fashion and wardrobe tips – visit her blog.
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Actually … for those of us who's girls hang low, we frequently have better luck starting out the fit with our bra on – I measure Rib – 34, Bust line – 40, Chest – 35 –
Which would put me at a 34DD – *in my dreams* The bra I'm wearing that was professionally fit and approved at the home of the bra whisperer from Oprah is a 34HH
Thanks Dawn! – you are right. If the girls are low – you will get the best fit measurement if you are wearing a bra. Just be cautious that your cup measurement isn't skewed (if the size you are wearing is smooching you in a lot).
One of you fab fashionistas just emailed me with a great question, so I thought I would post it here. The question was on sizing – do all bra manufacturers size the same? The answer is no. Some carry DDD, some don't do the 'double d' thing…so taking your measurements with you to the store is a GREAT idea. Or, try searching at barenecessities.com – they have a wide range of brands, and great 'fit' advice.
I am going to have to go for a proper fitting once I am finished nursing. Which, will leave me with that wonderful "pancake" effect.
http://andria-and-co.com
I had bariatric surgery 4 months ago and after losing 70 lbs, I was struggling to find a bra that fit properly. I was fitted and was surprised that the woman only measured me at the chest and ribs. She gave me a cup and band size that I thought were complete BS … but the bras I tried on fit amazingly well. I haven't had coverage like this in years. Now, it could be because I'm still fuller figured, but this method of measurement worked for me.