This is my guide to what I think of as a good fitting technique. Of course, there isn't as set 'right' and 'wrong' way of going about it, and no fitting guide is perfect, simply because everyone is different!
The first step is to dig out a tape measure.
There is a lot of criticism regarding the use of tape measures when fitting a bra, but it makes a good starting point, just to give a general idea.
What you want to do, is measure around your ribcage, just beneath your boobs (the area where the band of a bra sits). Ensure that the tape measure is level all the way round, and it does help to get someone to help you.
You can measure in either cm or inches, it doesn't matter!
You need to measure quite tightly, but not so tight that it feels uncomfortable or produces 'bulges'.
Make sure you note down the measurement, as this will dictate your band size. My memory is terrible, so I've learned this the hard way - doing the same measurement over and over because you've forgotten the number is NO fun!
Next you need to do the same thing but this time around your boobs. Doing this without a bra is best, but if you have a good fitting, unpadded bra, you can measure your breasts while wearing it.
Again, the tape measure must be level all the way round, and not twisted.
Make a note of this number too, as this will dictate your cup size.
You can then use the tables below to compare both measurements to see what your bra size should (theoretically) be. The second one is super long, but it was the best way for me to do it.
When you've found your back size, you can use this to work out what cup size you will be, based upon your second measurement from earlier.
I did try to make it small-ish, while still being readable!
It should be quite easy to use, and it's a pretty fast process. Once you have a rough idea of your bra size, trial and error in different shops is essential, particularly as different shops have slightly different sizes in bra's.
There are a lot of videos online that offer advice as to a well fitting bra. This video by Brastop is really good!
When trying on a bra, always remember to try it on the loosest hook, to check the fit. This means that even if the elastic does slacken slightly over time, your bra will still fit, as you can just use a tighter hook.
A tip of mine that I was taught by my mother, is to lift your boobs into the cup any time you put on a bra, and when trying a potential new bra on, lean forward and try to shake your boobs out of the cup. If the bra fits correctly, there should be as little boob spillage from the cup as possible! You feel a bit of a fool, but it really does work!
We all know that boobs come in all shapes and sizes. Triumph have put together a list of the "Seven Triumph wonders of the boob world", and I feel that this is a perfect representation of women's breasts today:
I've included this to help you get an idea of what 'breast type' you are. Of course, this doesn't matter in terms of what you can wear etc, but this chart does have some excellent suggestions!
