How to choose the right bra size and shape, useful tips

Lingerie is an integral attribute of any female image. The appearance, comfort and even health of the fair sex depend on the quality of the products. It is for this reason that the question of how to choose the right bra by size and shape so as to feel freedom of movement and maximum comfort often arises. When choosing, many factors are taken into account: styles, features of individual elements, breast structure, purpose of the models.

Types of bras

The range of women's underwear is so diverse that sometimes even the most sophisticated fashionistas have difficulty choosing. The most popular types include:

1. Classic. The most common type of bra, has a molded closed cup, smooth or lacy. Suitable for all women, supports the breasts well, including large ones.
2. Corbeil. Equipped with thick cups and a frame that bring the mammary glands together, forming a seductive cleavage. Looks good with tops, blouses and other models with a V-shaped notch.
3. Push-up. Visually enlarges and lifts the chest thanks to a layer of helium or foam rubber. Used together with elegant, tight-fitting clothes.
4. With a soft cup. Completely covers the bust, has no molding, inserts or bones. Optimal for girls who do not need shape correction.
5. Underwired. Provides secure hold, fits large breasts, corrects the shape of small busts, lifting and adding volume.
6. Seamless. The cups are made in a special way. The edges are processed with a laser, on the inside there are helium inserts that support the mammary glands. The models are not felt on the body, they are made of breathable elastic materials.
7. Balconette. A provocative version of underwear. The main feature is low cups that almost completely expose the bust. Bones provide good support. The product is relevant only for owners of small breasts.
8. Brassiere. Open cups reach the level of the nipples, at the bottom of the bra there is a frame for support. The model allows you to wear dresses with a deep neckline, relevant for girls with a small bust.
9. Angelica. A spicy option, popular with the fair sex. It has a supporting frame, widely spaced straps, which allows you to make the décolleté area as open as possible. The bra makes the breasts more beautiful, graceful, but does not increase the volume.
10. Bustier. Women with curvy shapes often have difficulty choosing suitable underwear, and this model will help solve the problem. It is also suitable for thin girls who want to emphasize their bust.
11. Bandeau. An elastic model without straps and a supporting frame. It does not correct the silhouette, but simply presses the chest to the body. The product is pleasant to wear in warm weather together with light clothes with large cutouts.
12. Silicone. In appearance, it resembles nipple pads, has no straps, and is fixed with an adhesive base. The cups are completely opaque under clothing. This option is relevant for girls with small, firm breasts.
13. Demi. Traditionally, each cup has one or two vertical seams for reliable support. Most styles have a square neckline.
14. Wonderbra. Comfortable bra, ideal for any type of breast, invisible under thin clothes. Perfectly combined with most types of necklines, including deep cleavage. The straps are fixed in the central part of the cups, correctly distributing the load
15. Minimizer. Completely covers the bust, complemented by wide straps. Suitable for ladies with curvy shapes, pregnant women.
16. Sports. Made from elastic fabrics, there is a band at the bottom for full support of the mammary glands. The design does not have cups or bones, it is used exclusively during sports training.
17. For feeding. It is not equipped with a frame, preventing compression of the bust. The upper part of the cups can be unfastened, exposing the nipple for convenient feeding of the baby.

Knowing the features and benefits of different models will help you choose bras for every day or for special occasions. Appearance matters, but comfort, practicality, and personal fit should always be a priority.

Squeezing, tight bras can impair blood circulation. In models that are too wide, your breasts will quickly lose their shape.

How to determine the size of the product

The best bra is the one that fits your bust size perfectly. To make the right choice, you need to take measurements using a measuring tape:

1. Underbust circumference. To determine, the tape is applied tightly, but not tightly, to the body.
2. Volume of mammary glands. Measured at the most prominent points. To obtain accurate values, it is recommended to lean forward slightly.

The parameters are determined in a standing position with a straight back, shoulders down and arms positioned along the body. It is better if another person takes the measurements. There are several ways to choose the size of underwear. The traditional method is based on determining the body circumference under the chest. The result obtained is rounded: 66–71 cm to 68–70, 71–76 to 73–75, and so on. The depth of the cups is selected in accordance with the volume:

• A - up to 108 cm;
• B — up to 110 cm;
• C - up to 112 cm;
• D — up to 114 cm;
• E — up to 116 cm;
• F — up to 118 cm;
• G — up to 120 cm.

The traditional method helps to clarify simple sizes, so it is practically not used these days. The main disadvantage is that the depth of the chest is not taken into account. The modern method involves measuring the circumference under the bust and the mammary glands themselves. Based on the difference in these values, the bra size is determined, which is indicated by Latin letters:

• 10–11 cm — AA or zero;
• 12–13 cm – A or first;
• 14–15 cm — B or second;
• 16–17 cm — C or third;
• 18–19 cm – D or fourth;
• 20–21 cm – E or fifth;
• 20–23 cm – F or sixth.

Add 10 to the underbust measurement for even numbers and 12 for odd numbers. Subtract the bust volume from the resulting figure: this will be the cup size. Depending on the difference, there are sizes from 0 cm (AA) to 15.1 cm (F).

The European method will help you choose the right bra in catalogs with Italian, French, German products. Examples of lingerie marking in these countries: 70 B, 80 C, 85 B. Numbers from 1 to 8 correspond to the parameters of the torso under the chest, starting from 65 cm. The size chart will help you decide on the choice of products made in France, England, America, Italy.

Sizes in Russia	Sizes in France	Sizes in England and the USA	Sizes in Italy
65	80	30	1
70	85	32	2
75	90	34	3
80	95	36	4
85	100	38	5
90	105	40	6
98	110	42	7
100	115	44	8
105	120	46	—
110	125	48	—
115	130	50	—
120	135	52	—

The selection of underwear should be taken seriously; an item that is not the right size will not only create persistent discomfort, but can also cause health problems.

Select by individual elements

To have an idea of ​​how to choose bras, it is necessary to determine the importance of each detail. The design consists of a belt, cups and straps. If the characteristics of each of them match the individual parameters, the underwear will be as comfortable as possible.

Belt

It is the base of the bra, it should fit tightly to the body, but not cut into the skin. Otherwise, the appearance is spoiled, and the woman will experience discomfort. The belt performs 90% of the function of supporting the bust, it is always parallel to the floor. If the element is raised, too loose, then the size is large and does not provide adequate support for the mammary glands. The choice of belt depends on the measurement of the volume under the chest. Width indicators vary, depending on the style of the bra.

The lifespan of the underwear depends on the durability of the belt. It is not recommended to wear the same bra for more than 10 hours. It is advisable to have at least three replacement options per week.

Cup

Cups are needed for support and correction, and are selected based on the shape of the bust. There are several varieties of this element:

1. Thickened. Classic thickness does not exceed 3 mm, used for reliable support of the breast. It is worth paying attention to the cut. The more details, the better the cup performs its functions.
2. Smooth, seamless. Not noticeable under tight and transparent clothes, not suitable for plump ladies with a large size.
3. Molded. They have a curved shape, are reinforced with semi-foam rubber, and hold the bust securely.
4. Plunge. Characterized by a low rise, ideal for outfits with a deep neckline.
5. Silicone. Designed for special occasions, not used in everyday life.

Push-up cups will help to adjust the size. Many girls do not know how a bra should fit. The right underwear fits snugly around the bust. You shouldn't buy larger models, it may not be noticeable to others, but it will negatively affect the comfort of use.

Models without padding need to be tried on correctly. Suitable cups fit tightly to the body, without creating unsightly folds and creases. If the bra has bones, you need to make sure that the frame is located under the chest, does not rise up when performing various movements.

Straps

Thin straps that are attached in the middle of the cups lift the bust and are suitable for those with medium firm breasts. For ladies with larger sizes, it is important to choose a bra with wide straps that are offset to the side. Narrow options are not able to distribute the weight correctly, creating additional stress on the spine.

There are several popular ways to arrange straps today. The usual and widespread one is on both shoulders. Another popular method: one strap that goes around the neck is attached to the cups or between them. For asymmetrical dresses, bras with a location on one side are suitable. Options with crossed elements on the chest or back look interesting.

What to consider

A common problem for modern women: how to choose the right bra by size and shape. When choosing, you need to be guided by individual parameters and the purpose of the underwear. The cost of the product plays an important role.

Breast shape and size

A woman's bust can be perfectly contoured or have various flaws that require correction. The most comfortable bras fully match the shape of the breast:

1. Round. The mammary glands are located close to each other even without underwear. Balconette models will help to emphasize natural data.
2. Asymmetrical. With this shape, one breast is larger than the other, sometimes the difference is several sizes. Contour bras will help hide the flaw. Suitable models are produced by Curvy Kate or Panache.
3. Wide fit. If the distance between the breasts is quite large, balconette and plunge bras will help to reduce it.
4. When the breasts are looking in different directions. For correction and formation of an attractive neckline, the plunge style is used.
5. Pear-shaped. Characterized by a voluminous bottom and a lighter top of the bust, there is a tendency to sag. A classic balconette will help to give the missing splendor.

Classic models, push-up, underwire, seamless, bandeau, silicone are able to emphasize the advantages of a small, neat bust. For a full chest, bras with molded, full-size, sewn cups, as well as minimizers are relevant. Closed soft models, balconettes are used to lift sagging mammary glands.

The rating of the best lingerie manufacturers includes Carine Gilson, Intimissimi, Diorella, Milavitsa, Primavera.

Purpose

Modern ladies choose bras both by size and by purpose. Classic models with padded cups and seamless, open or closed, with or without bones are suitable for everyday use. The products should not have unnecessary decor, since the main role is given to functionality.

For sports, special lines of comfortable bras are made that securely fix the mammary glands and prevent oscillatory movements. The best models are made of soft artificial materials, the cups completely cover the chest. The cut of the products resembles tops, wrestling shoes.

For a teenage girl, underwear is selected immediately when discomfort occurs when doing physical exercises or walking. A correctly selected bra should be as simple as possible. The best option would be a cotton top with a minimum number of seams. Push-up and lace models are not recommended, as they can have a negative impact on the formation of the bust.

The mammary glands of pregnant women gradually increase, so underwear with adjustable cup volume and wide straps is used. It can be worn from the 6th month. Such bra options are made of natural materials and are not complemented by unnecessary decor.

Models with a detachable element in the nipple area are made especially for the convenience of breastfeeding. Straps with buttons can be lowered at any time. Options made of elastic fabric are easily pulled down, exposing the chest.

Correct fitting

When going to the lingerie department, you need to take several models of bras of different sizes. If necessary, you can ask a consultant for help. When trying on, you should follow simple rules:

1. The underwear is put on in front of the mirror. The straps are thrown over the shoulders first.
2. The clasp is located under the chest. The body is slightly tilted forward so that the bust lies in the cups. The product is fixed on the last hook. At this stage, it is checked whether the model sits comfortably.
3. The straps are straightened and the length is adjustable.
4. The breasts are positioned correctly in the cups.

The belt is always fastened at the back. Sometimes girls do it at the front and then pull the underwear over. Such actions reduce the durability of the model.

The answer to the question of how a bra should fit is simple: quite tightly, but without pressure. The main condition is comfort. To check, you should walk, bend over, and raise your arms. On the back, the band is horizontal, you can put two fingers under it, in the front, the joint is close to the body, and the chest fits entirely in the cups. A correctly selected bra does not form folds in the armpit area.

To choose the right bra size, you should take into account that the parameters may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.. High-quality underwear exactly matches the body type, breast shape, volume. You shouldn't buy the first bra you like or rely only on appearance. Comfort and reliable support of the bust should always come first.

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