Per Fit!

Many women profess that they would rather be comfortable but look unflattering, while others declare that they would rather be uncomfortable as long as they look cute. An ill-fitting bra is uncomfortable, unflattering, and sometimes, just downright ugly. Proper-fitting lingerie should not only be comfortable but should make a woman look her best by lifting, separating, accentuating, supporting and minimizing or maximizing her assets.

Most studies indicate that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra (you may not want to admit it, but you're probably one of them!). A poor-fitting bra does more than ruin a fabulous outfit; it also makes a woman appear unkempt and sloppy. Finding a well-fitting bra is a lot easier than you think. The key is to have accurate measurements. Lingerie should be comfortably snug, not binding, pinching, or gapping.

To calculate your bra size:

1. Measure for band size. Grab a tape measure and keeping it parallel with the floor, measure under your arms, around your back and directly under your bust. Round all measurements to the nearest whole number. If the measurement is even, that's your band size; if the measurement is odd, add 1".

2. Measure for cup size. Standing straight and keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor, measure the fullest part of your bust (around your back and across the nipple line). Please make sure you're not wearing a padded bra when you do this! If you have large and/or sagging breasts, pull your bra's shoulder straps up for a more accurate measurement. Round all measurements to the nearest whole number.

3. Calculate your bra size. To determine your bra size, subtract your band measurement (step 1) from your cup measurement (step 2). A one-inch difference is an "A" cup. For each inch in difference, the cup goes up by one size. For example: 2" = "B" cup, 3" = "C" cup, 4"= "D", 5" = "DD" and a 6" difference = "DDD" cup.

Example:


o Step 1: Band measure = 37". The measurement is odd, so add 1" = 38" band

o Step 2: Cup measure = 40"

o Step 3: Subtract band measure from cup measure: 40" cup - 38" band = 2" or "B" cup


o Conclusion: Your bra size would be 38B

Now that you're found your true bra size, here are a few additional pointers.

1. Just as buying a pair of shoes a size too small can damage your feet, buying a bra that is too tight is not sexy and can also damage your breasts. If you are spilling out of the cup, go up a size. Similarly, if you're filling out the cup, go down one cup size. Cups should be full without spilling over the tops or sides.

2. Measure your bra size every year as your body changes, i.e. from weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy.

3. Check your bras and discard those with loose straps, lost elasticity, and tears.

4. Underwire bras are meant to surround and support your breasts. If they poke or jab, try going up a cup size.

5. Experiment with different styles of bras. Every style and cut fits and shapes your bust differently.

6. Hand wash your lingerie in cold water and drip dry. Hot water will shrink the material and can cause the underwire to pop out. Do not wring or squeeze the water out.

With all the bra styles to choose from, I encourage you to find your true bra size. Upon request, many department stores offer complimentary bra fitting. The right bra will not only enhance an outfit, it will also upgrade your image and help you look and feel your best!