The modern market offers a huge range of women's clothing for every taste. The possibilities of buyers are limited only by their imagination and financial situation. Priorities in matters of choice change at a furious speed, but the importance of choosing the right underwear is an axiom. Unfortunately, not all girls know how to determine the size of a bra, as they are used to doing it "by eye". For this reason, for many, trying on underwear is not the most pleasant process. In the future, this leads to rapid wear of the product, discomfort, and a number of other troubles.
Necessary measurements
Simple rules for correctly determining the size of a bra will help you avoid the most common mistakes. When choosing a product, many women are guided, first of all, by the visual impression. That is, the size of the bra is not as important to them as its aesthetic appeal. The desire to wear beautiful underwear is natural, but we must not forget that such carelessness can lead to sad consequences. At best, these will be discomfort, painful marks on the body, at worst - pathological changes, disruption of natural processes in the body.
Choosing the wrong size bra can cause:
- bruises, abrasions in places of contact with the skin, rashes and irritations;
- impaired blood circulation and lymph flow;
- back pain;
- headaches;
- numbness of the limbs;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- skin stretching;
- poor posture;
- the occurrence of tumors.
These troubles with varying degrees of probability may arise for those who do not know their bra size, and when buying, are guided only by the external attractiveness of the product. Simple rules will help to avoid the above problems, which every girl can remember and apply. Measurements should be taken in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when the breasts are in a comfortable state. Measurements are taken on exhalation, with a straight back. To obtain the most accurate result, it is better to repeat them several times. The necessary measurements include the volume of the product's belt and the size of the cups. There are several ways to find out your bra size.
The most common method used to determine your bra size is the traditional one. For maximum measurement accuracy, the assistant should wrap a tape measure around your chest under your breasts, making sure that it does not slip anywhere and fits tightly to your body. Then you need to measure the volume at the most prominent points. It is necessary to ensure that the tape measures your shoulder blades and nipples clearly, without slipping down to your lower back. The final figure is calculated using the formula A – B = C, where A is the chest circumference, B is the circumference under the chest, and C is your bra size.
The bra cup sizes are usually indicated on the label. They are designated by a letter, and the chest circumference is indicated by numbers. The bra size chart will help you choose not only a regular bra, but also a swimsuit and even a sports top.
The modern method is similar to the previous one. You need to stand up straight, lower your arms along your body, measure the circumference under your chest in this position. Then, bending parallel to the floor, calculate the size of the cups. This position will help determine the real fullness of the cup and avoid clamps and a feeling of tightness in the future. All measurements are made according to the same scheme as in the previous method. The required bra size is calculated by rounding up.
Special attention should be paid to choosing non-domestic products. European designations on underwear may differ from the usual Russian ones. A different method is used to determine the sizes of bras in different countries. For example, in Italy and France, the result of measuring the underbust circumference is not rounded, but subtracted from the chest circumference and divided by 6. Europe is famous for producing beautiful underwear. It often differs from Russian: the size range may seem unusual, and models may not suit everyone. In this case, you will have to experiment, try on different options, using the help of consultants.
American sizes are measured in inches. First, the chest circumference is measured above the chest, under the arms. Then the bust is measured, the length of the belt and the fullness of the cups are determined.
The nuances of choice
When choosing underwear, a woman needs to pay attention to some nuances. It is not enough for her to simply know her size. Each representative of the fair sex is unique in her own way, has her own body type, breast shape, posture. Therefore, the selection of high-quality, comfortable and safe underwear is carried out taking into account some important points.
Taking into account the size of the chest
When choosing a bra, it is necessary to consider the volume of the chest, the shape of the breast, its location. A large size of the product does not always mean that it is ideal for owners of an outstanding bust. Thus, the latter are recommended to wear bras with wide straps, a solid base, strong bones and a full cup that does not squeeze the body part. Owners of a small bust can visually increase its volume using push-up or special models supplemented with foam or silicone inserts.
Various laces and drapes can also visually enlarge the breasts, while bones and horizontal seams on the cups can lift them and distract attention from the conical shape. When choosing a bra, it is important to examine the quality of the seams, the placement of the bones and the strength of the fittings. The slightest defect or sloppy stitch can cause serious damage to delicate skin. The underwire for a large bra is wider than for a small one. In any case, they should be of high quality and not cause discomfort.
For pregnant and lactating women
Breastfeeding women should be especially careful when choosing a bra. Firstly, the underwear of a young mother should be made of natural breathable fabric. Secondly, it is better to choose models with elastic cups that easily change their shape depending on the condition of the breast. For the same reason, it is worth avoiding models with underwires. Measurements should be taken when the breasts are filled with milk, so that the new underwear does not squeeze them.
Particular attention should be paid to fasteners and straps. A woman should be able to easily unfasten the product with one hand in case there is a baby in the other. And high-quality strong straps will provide reliable support throughout the entire feeding period. For owners of very large sizes (100+), there is special underwear and departments in which they can also choose a comfortable model.
Sports bra
Fans of an active lifestyle need to have a special bra for sports in their wardrobe. The first thing to pay attention to is the degree of breast support. Its varieties are:
- strong – for intense workouts such as running, aerobics or martial arts;
- medium – for strength training, tennis or figure skating;
- weak – for yoga, Pilates and cycling.
Bras have different size charts. First of all, it depends on the model. Some bras correspond to the sizes of regular underwear, while others correspond to sportswear. The latter most often include non-wired tops with the least supportive effect.
Silicone model
Silicone cups connected to each other with a special clasp are an ideal option for summer and evening wear. They are designed to visually lift the breasts and maintain their shape under an open dress. Unfortunately, this model is not suitable for all girls and is not intended for constant use. Since it is attached directly to the chest and has only one clasp in the front, the volume of the chest is not important when choosing such a bra. Accordingly, only the cup and the letter designation of its size matter.
How to determine if the size and model fits
It is very important to choose the right size bra. Determining the “correct” model is quite easy. To do this, you need to pay attention to some nuances:
- In a proper bra, the nipples always point straight ahead and are positioned midway between the shoulder and the elbow.
- The bra band is level, parallel to the floor.
- The main load falls on the belt; if you remove the straps, it remains in place.
- If you fasten the bra on the last hook and put 2 fingers between it and your body, the product does not press, but is not too loose either.
- If there is a noticeable difference in the size of the mammary glands, you need to choose a bra with a large cup. One half can be pulled up with a strap or use special pads.
- If your breasts are very sagging, it is recommended to choose bras with a strong band and straps, as well as a full cup, which will help support and lift them. In this case, the correct adjustment of the straps is most important. They should be pulled up so that the bra band does not ride up, is parallel to the floor and fits tightly to the body. Each strap is adjusted separately due to the asymmetry of the human body.
When choosing a bra, you need to focus primarily on your own feelings, and not on the information on the label. The stated size is only an auxiliary beacon that can direct you in the right direction. The final choice should be made only if the model meets all the necessary criteria.
Conformity tables and markings in different countries
Women's bra sizes are a variable and relative value. They vary depending on the model, fabric and country of manufacture. It is easy to ease the agony of choice with the help of a special size chart. Using it, you can quickly navigate in purchasing a suitable model. It is very easy to understand it, it is enough to make the necessary measurements in advance. It should be taken into account that the size grid of world brands may have its own characteristics, for example, Victoria's Secret indicates all numbers in inches.
What are adjacent dimensions?
There comes a time in the life of almost every woman when her weight fluctuates around a few kilograms. Despite such minor changes, at this time it is worth thinking about buying more suitable underwear. Then knowledge of interchangeable bra sizes comes to the rescue. These are the values of the model grid that are equally suitable for the same girl, but the bra sits to varying degrees of tightness.
It is easy to choose a good model due to the existence of adjacent bra sizes. The replacement may vary depending on the desired chest circumference and cup fullness. For example, if a woman wears 80 C, she is recommended to purchase 75 D or 85 B if necessary. Parallel bra sizes are an excellent solution to the problem of uncomfortable underwear.
The first bras appeared in ancient times, although only representatives of the upper classes could afford such luxury. The models had little in common with the current ones, representing strips of fabric draping the chest. Antique bodices performed an aesthetic function and were of an intimate nature. Products close to traditional ones appeared at the end of the 19th century. These were corsets with bones and bodices, which later evolved into the modern bra.
Every girl must take a responsible approach to choosing underwear and know how to determine the sizes of bras of different models. A table of correspondence that you can take with you when shopping will help you understand the variety of options. It will help you avoid thinking about what the symbols on the label mean, and most importantly, serious health problems.
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