How to Choose the Right Bra

Bras are items that we use on a regular basis, however, choosing the right bra will do wonders for your appearance as well as your confidence. Finding the right bra can take time, but remember: you deserve a good bra. The following guide will help you choose the right bra.

Table of Contents

Measure Bra Size

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Measure bra band size. Measure above your bust line, from the armpit position, stretch the tape measure as much as you can.

A tape measure can cause your skin to appear “bulging”. This is completely normal.
You should measure a little tight because the bra band should fit you snugly.
If the number you measure is odd, round the number.

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Measure chest. Measure at the fullest part of the bust, around the nipple.

Do not pull the gauge too tight.
If the number you measure is odd, round the number.

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Measure chest cup. To find out your cup size, subtract your bust measurement from your bra measurement.

With each different inch, move your cup up a few inches. 1 inch (3 cm) will be A trophy, 2 inches (5 cm) will be B trophy, etc.
If your cup measurement is larger than a D cup, different bra sizes will be graded by different manufacturers, so you can try on a variety of cup sizes to choose from. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Be aware that cup sizes will vary according to your waist measurement. It’s important to know that the cup size will increase with the cuff size and vice versa. For example, a 36C (80C) cup will be larger than a 34C (75C) cup bra. So:

If you want to find a smaller band size, you need to choose a bra with a larger cup. For example, if you feel the waistband of a 36B (80B) shirt is too wide, you should try a 34C (75C).
And if you’re looking for a bigger bust, you’ll have to choose a bra with a smaller cup. For example, if a 34B (75B) shirt has a tight waistband, try a size 36A (80A) bra.

Techniques for Wearing Bras Correctly

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Fasten the hanger when looping the shirt around the waist, then pull the front of the bra up. Raise the front of the shirt just enough to not let it slide off the bust.

This way of wearing will help keep the waistband in a low position to effectively support the chest.
And this will help you raise the front of the shirt up to the position you want.

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Lean forward and “pinch” your breasts forward. Start under your armpits, and push your breasts towards the cup as much as possible.

Your breasts are a soft tissue system, and if you choose a bra that fits well, they will stay where you want them to be.
Grasp the front of the shirt and shake it gently to get everything in place.

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Need to know the stopping point of the chest. With a well-fitting bra, the top of the bra should be halfway between your elbows and shoulders.

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Do not fasten the hanger too tight. This will make you uncomfortable and can affect your gait and mood.

Do not adjust the bra straps too tight as they will put pressure on your shoulders, and this will cause your shoulders to protrude forward.
Avoid adjusting the straps so tight that the cuffs are pushed up. Always keep the cuff low to support the bust.
When shopping for a bra, fasten the hanger at the outermost position of the belt. This will allow you to adjust the shirt tighter later if the straps are stretched.

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Measure bra size with the help of a professional. The size of the breasts will change according to the changes of the body.

Measure your shirt size every time you gain or lose about 5 kg, or have a hormonal change in your body, such as pregnancy or receiving hormone therapy. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Many lingerie stores and clothing stores will help you measure for free.
Don’t be ashamed! The sizing specialists are kind and professional, and they’ve seen a full range of bust sizes. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Try on bras at stores that offer a variety of brands and sizes, otherwise, the information you receive may be limited to the products the store has for sale.

Buy Bras

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Go to reputable stores. Although bras are sold everywhere, most stores only sell “regular” sizes. Look for a store or brand that sells products that work for your body type.

If you don’t like going to the mall, you can find bras at lingerie stores or online.
Don’t force yourself to buy bras from a particular store or seller. There are so many stores for you to choose from!

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Estimate the cost before buying the shirt. Many bras are quite expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should buy a cheap bra just because you don’t want to spend a fortune.

It’s not worth buying bras that don’t fit. Because they will make you feel uncomfortable both physically and mentally.
If possible, you should not buy too many bras. Buy bras that are flexible in use, such as those that “change” the shape, or those that can be unfastened. You should also buy a shirt in a color that matches the outfit you wear.

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Always try on shirts before deciding to buy. Shirt sizing is only the first step, as bra sizes can vary by brand, and each bra type will likely have a different fit. Take the time to try on the shirt at the store before deciding to buy.

When shopping for bras, spend a lot of time selecting and trying on bras at the store. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find the right shirt size right away.
If buying bras online, make sure you buy from sites that have product return policies.

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Choose a “flattering” bra style. Everyone has a different chest and body shape. Depending on the shape of the body, some styles will be more flattering than others.

A bra will make you more beautiful if it helps your body become proportionate. The ideal body shape is when the shoulders and hips appear to be equally wide.
If you have horizontal shoulders , choose bras that have small straps, and have “slanted cups” (deeper cups in the middle).
If you have narrow shoulders , consider choosing bras with “horizontal cups”.
If you have a rather short body , a bra with a slanted cup will help your body look “tall”.
Learn the shape of the chest. There are many sizes and shapes of breasts. To find out what type of bust you have, check out our other breast shape classification guides in our other articles.

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Move to make sure the bra doesn’t move. Raise your arms above your head, and rotate your hips left and right.

When you try on, the bra should not slide up or tighten your body. If the cuff is wobbly, try a smaller number. If the band is tight, the bra is too tight for you.
If you’re trying on a sports bra, you can run or jump up and down to see if the bra can control the “bounce” of your breasts.
Bend down. If your breasts are exposed, it means that the bra does not fit properly.

Identify Common Problems When Choosing Bras

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Identify the structure of a bra. ^{[4] X Source of Research} To be able to spot flaws in a bra, you need to know its construction.

Cup: The part that surrounds the breast. It is usually made from stretchy fabric, and has at most three seams.
Bandage: This is the elastic part that wraps around the entire bust.
Bra wing: The part of the shirt band that extends from the end of the cup to the middle of the back.
Straps: Worn over the shoulder and can often be adjusted, and sometimes with extra strap pads.
Hanger: This is the hook located in the middle of the back. However, many shirts have front clasps or no hooks.
Bra center: The part between the front of the two cups.

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Observe the chest. If your breasts are “overflowing” from the cup looking like there are 4 breasts, it means that the shirt has an “overflow chest effect” error.

This means that the cup is too small to cover the bust.
This feature is even more evident when you wear a t-shirt over the bra you are trying on.

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Check to see if the shirt slides up from the chest. If so, this means the band is too wide.

Try raising your arms and leaning back a little to check if you can experience the same situation.
Remember, if you increase the bra band size by one number, decrease the cup size by one.

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Make sure the center of the bra is in the center of the chest, or the bra doesn’t fit you.

The reason may be because the underwire does not match your bust shape.
This condition can also be caused by the cup being too wide or too tight.

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Make sure the waistband doesn’t slide up the back or tighten the sides. Check to see if you can easily slip your fingers under the cuff.

If you can stretch the belt a few centimeters, the bra is too big.
If the waistband presses against the sides so tightly that you feel pain, the waistband is too small.
If the bra band slips upwards, loosen the shoulder straps. If this doesn’t work, the band is too wide.

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Remember that “bulging” fat around the waist is normal. And this doesn’t mean the waistband is too tight.

However, you can choose bras that are large or “leopard versions” so that the shirt does not create marks when worn.
Unless the cuffs are causing you pain, don’t go higher, as the bra won’t provide the necessary support for your breasts.
And this can also mean that the trophy is pretty small for you. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Another solution is to wear a shapewear underneath.

Advice

Before you decide to buy a bra, try wearing it underneath your t-shirt. This is a good way to check if the seams of a shirt are “unsealed”, or to check to see if you like the look of your chosen shirt.
After you’ve tried on a shirt, you’ll probably find a style you like. Make a note of the style and brand of the shirt so you can come back to buy it later.
Look for bras made from cotton fabric to avoid skin irritation.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the bra’s size, style, and fit.

Warning

Bras can contain allergenic materials that you didn’t pay attention to when deciding to buy a bra. If you have signs of swelling (such as a rash) or excessive itching, you may be allergic to nickel or the plastic in your bra. Keep in mind the location you are allergic to and be careful in choosing the shirt material in the future. In the meantime, you can take the allergy medicine Benadryl, or if you have a severe allergic reaction, go to the hospital.

Steps