Your Ever Changing Bra Size

Breasts are a pain in the derriere! Well, at least metaphysically. The problem? We always are dealing with sizing and fitting issues in an effort to come up with a bra that fits us comfortably.

Sometimes, it seems like finding a bra that fits perfectly is impossible. Various studies have shown that a majority of women are walking around in brassieres that simply do not fit. How can this be? Are we idiots? No, we just are confronted with an incredibly complex problem. Not only does our bra size change through the years, it changes throughout the month!

You go bra shopping on the 10th of the month. You know the ins and outs of bra sizing. You are fully aware that bottom band of the bra should provide 80 percent of the lifting capacity while the straps only provide 20 percent. You know how to size your cup so that you have plenty of support without excessive squeezing. You try on many different bras and come up with the perfect one. Out comes the credit card and you are the proud owner of five of these perfect bras.

Now we fast forward another two weeks. It is the 25th. You are getting ready for a night out and pull out one of the new bras for the first time. Hey, it's hard to get rid of those older, comfortable bras! When you put on the new bra, it seems tight. Have you twisted the band? No. What is going on?!

The problem is your breasts have increased in size. This is a natural process that occurs as you approach your period. The issue is estrogen and progesterone increase in the body. The glands in your breasts will increase in size and water retention will increase. The end result are breasts that are bigger and a brand new [and expensive] bra that doesn't fit despite your best shopping efforts. How unfair is that?

So, is there anything you can do to fight this problem? The obvious strategy used by millions of women is to buy a set of larger bras for this period of natural enlargement. Since your breasts are continually changing sizes, you can't get a perfect fit. I generally try to buy for the biggest size. Yes, it is a bit big at times, but I don't really mind since sensitivity is an issue and I prefer more room to being squeezed. You might feel differently, so just try different options till you find one that works.

Buying bras can be a never ending process sometimes. This is particularly true given the sizing changes we go through every month. Ultimately, there isn't a lot we can do about it other than to build up a small arsenal of bras for each and every situation. Such is life.