Bra Fitting Guide: 6 Bras Every Woman Needs
By N. Bhatta
Everyone knows that the economy is sagging, and it's hard not to be down about what the future might hold. Take advantage of the available online deals and stimulate things by giving yourself (and your chest) a spirit-lifting boost by upgrading your brassiere collection! Here's our bra fitting guide, starting with the 6 bras every woman should own.
Undo the Uniboob: Underwire Bras
If your old bras make it look like you've got only one boob instead of two, they may be too tight, too cumbersome, or they may not offer enough support. To fix this, look for bras that lift and separate properly for your proportions. Underwire bras work wonders because they add individual structural support for each breast. Different bras have different –sized spacers between their cups, so depending upon your size and the space desired, you may want to try on a variety of styles before settling.
Shop for Underwire Bras:
From left to right:
- DKNY Underwire Bras from $32
- Olga Underwire Bras from $24.99
- Vanity Fair Underwire Bras from $16
For some of us, that area between the bottom of our bra and the top of our panties is a battleground full of bulges. Why not kill two birds with one stone with a shapewear bra designed to smooth and suck in? Some options even come with an attached panty underneath the shaping slip, meaning that all you need is one undergarment that replaces the work of three!
Shop for Shapewear Bras:
From left to right:
- Grenier Shapewear Full Figure Bra, $56
- N-Fini Shapewear Bras, from $59.95
- Bordeaux Camisoles with Built-in Shelf Bra Shapewear, from $31
Get Rid of Jiggle: High Support Sports Bras
If you can't run on the treadmill without uncrossing your arms from your chest, it's definitely time to get a new sports bra for when you work out. Fortunately, there are now tons of powerful and supportive options, even for heavier-breasted women, who previously were out of luck in the athletic bra department. Depending on how constrictive you want the bra to be, consider moving up or down a size, and don't be afraid to bounce around the dressing room to make sure that the bra you choose will work in action.
Shop for High Support Sports Bras starting at $12.99 >>
From left to right:
- Shock Absorber High Support Sports Bras, from $22.50
- Champion Full Support Sports Bras, from $29.98
- Nike Sports Bras, from $20
Create Cleavage: Push-up Bras
If you're trying to fill up the space available in your v-neck sweater, or simply want the girls to get noticed, look for a pushup bra that lifts and pushes together instead of instead of lifting and separating. While your pushup bra might not look great underneath all your clothes, for low-cut or v-neck items it is certainly a fun option, as the combination of underwire plus closeness creates a cleavage crack that is desirable by many.
Shop for Pushup Bras:
From left to right:
- Lily of France Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Maidenform Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Wonderbra Push-up Bras from $10.19
Stop Straps from Showing: Bandeau Bras or Strapless Bras
Nothing ruins a strapless top or dress more than a bra with straps, so look into the latest options to pair with your cute clothes as an enhancer and not a detraction. Bandeau bras are great for girls who aren't in need of too much support and simply want to hide nipples and minimize jiggle. Otherwise, a strapless bra with cups and underwire will provide all of the benefits of a bra with straps with none of the bad taste when you're in your strapless clothes!
Shop for Bandeau Bras:
From left to right:
- Charlotte Russe Bandeau Bras, $5.99
- Hanes Bandeau Bras, $14.99
- Fashion Forms Bandeau Bras from $18
Shop for Strapless Bras:
From left to right:
- Plus Size Playtex Strapless Bras from $14.99
- Wacoal Strapless Bras from $37.99
- Lunaire Strapless Bras from $33.25
Boldly Go Backless: Adhesive, Backless or Multiple Way Bras
Sometimes you might have straps on your dress but no back, reversing the problem and making the strapless bra useless! Fortunately, some new developments have put this problem to rest – many manufacturers are making adhesive bras which temporarily adhere to your body with a removable tape while providing the lift and support you need in your clothes. Also, there's a new invention called the backless bra, which has straps but no back! Finally, you might find more use out of a multiple way bra, which seeks to let you wear your bra in a variety of ways depending upon the cut of your top or dress, saving money and space in your lingerie drawer.
Shop for Adhesive Bras:
From left to right:
- NuBra Adhesive Bras from $30
- Fashion Forms Adhesive Bras from $12
- Strapless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $24.99
Shop for Backless Bras:
From left to right:
- Maidenform Backless Bras, from $23.99
- Sassybax Backless Bras, from $77.98
- Totally Backless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $9.99
Shop for Multiple Way Bras:
From left to right:
- Fashion Forms 3-way Bras, from $16.80
- QT Seamless 5-way Bras, $13.50
- Natori Convertible Bras, from $50
Before you begin your bra bailout shopping spree, make sure you're shopping for the right size. While wearing your favorite bra that fits the best, have your partner or a good friend perform the following measurements on you with a flexible measuring tape:
1. For your correct band size, measure around your body directly underneath your breasts. If it's an odd number, like 33 or 47, round UP to the next even number, like 34 or 48.
2. Next, measure around your bra where your breast is fullest, usually where the nipple is and/or in the center. Keep your arms down and the measuring tape flat for accurate results!
3. Once you've got that number, subtract your band size measurement from it, and use these numbers to determine your correct cup size:
a. ½ inch difference – AA
b. 1 inch difference – A
c. 2 inch difference – B
d. 3 inch difference – C
e. 4 inch difference – D
f. 5 inch difference – DD (or E in some brands)
g. 6 inch difference – F
So if your band size is 48 but your measurement around the fullest part of your breast is 52, you'll probably fit best into a size 48D. Remember, even with your correct measurements, individual manufacturer sizing may vary, so if at all possible, try before you buy!
More on AOL Shopping: Celebrity Interviews | Women's Fall Boots | Daily Dose of Style
Everyone knows that the economy is sagging, and it's hard not to be down about what the future might hold. Take advantage of the available online deals and stimulate things by giving yourself (and your chest) a spirit-lifting boost by upgrading your brassiere collection! Here's our bra fitting guide, starting with the 6 bras every woman should own.Undo the Uniboob: Underwire Bras
If your old bras make it look like you've got only one boob instead of two, they may be too tight, too cumbersome, or they may not offer enough support. To fix this, look for bras that lift and separate properly for your proportions. Underwire bras work wonders because they add individual structural support for each breast. Different bras have different –sized spacers between their cups, so depending upon your size and the space desired, you may want to try on a variety of styles before settling.
Shop for Underwire Bras:
From left to right:
- DKNY Underwire Bras from $32
- Olga Underwire Bras from $24.99
- Vanity Fair Underwire Bras from $16
Trim Trouble Areas: Shapewear Bras
Shop for Shapewear Bras:
From left to right:
- Grenier Shapewear Full Figure Bra, $56
- N-Fini Shapewear Bras, from $59.95
- Bordeaux Camisoles with Built-in Shelf Bra Shapewear, from $31
Get Rid of Jiggle: High Support Sports Bras
If you can't run on the treadmill without uncrossing your arms from your chest, it's definitely time to get a new sports bra for when you work out. Fortunately, there are now tons of powerful and supportive options, even for heavier-breasted women, who previously were out of luck in the athletic bra department. Depending on how constrictive you want the bra to be, consider moving up or down a size, and don't be afraid to bounce around the dressing room to make sure that the bra you choose will work in action.
Shop for High Support Sports Bras starting at $12.99 >>
From left to right:
- Shock Absorber High Support Sports Bras, from $22.50
- Champion Full Support Sports Bras, from $29.98
- Nike Sports Bras, from $20
Create Cleavage: Push-up Bras
If you're trying to fill up the space available in your v-neck sweater, or simply want the girls to get noticed, look for a pushup bra that lifts and pushes together instead of instead of lifting and separating. While your pushup bra might not look great underneath all your clothes, for low-cut or v-neck items it is certainly a fun option, as the combination of underwire plus closeness creates a cleavage crack that is desirable by many.
Shop for Pushup Bras:
From left to right:
- Lily of France Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Maidenform Push-up Bras from $14.99
- Wonderbra Push-up Bras from $10.19
Stop Straps from Showing: Bandeau Bras or Strapless Bras
Nothing ruins a strapless top or dress more than a bra with straps, so look into the latest options to pair with your cute clothes as an enhancer and not a detraction. Bandeau bras are great for girls who aren't in need of too much support and simply want to hide nipples and minimize jiggle. Otherwise, a strapless bra with cups and underwire will provide all of the benefits of a bra with straps with none of the bad taste when you're in your strapless clothes!
Shop for Bandeau Bras:
From left to right:
- Charlotte Russe Bandeau Bras, $5.99
- Hanes Bandeau Bras, $14.99
- Fashion Forms Bandeau Bras from $18
Shop for Strapless Bras:
From left to right:
- Plus Size Playtex Strapless Bras from $14.99
- Wacoal Strapless Bras from $37.99
- Lunaire Strapless Bras from $33.25
Boldly Go Backless: Adhesive, Backless or Multiple Way Bras
Sometimes you might have straps on your dress but no back, reversing the problem and making the strapless bra useless! Fortunately, some new developments have put this problem to rest – many manufacturers are making adhesive bras which temporarily adhere to your body with a removable tape while providing the lift and support you need in your clothes. Also, there's a new invention called the backless bra, which has straps but no back! Finally, you might find more use out of a multiple way bra, which seeks to let you wear your bra in a variety of ways depending upon the cut of your top or dress, saving money and space in your lingerie drawer.
Shop for Adhesive Bras:
From left to right:
- NuBra Adhesive Bras from $30
- Fashion Forms Adhesive Bras from $12
- Strapless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $24.99
Shop for Backless Bras:
From left to right:
- Maidenform Backless Bras, from $23.99
- Sassybax Backless Bras, from $77.98
- Totally Backless Bra with Adhesive Wings, $9.99
Shop for Multiple Way Bras:
From left to right:
- Fashion Forms 3-way Bras, from $16.80
- QT Seamless 5-way Bras, $13.50
- Natori Convertible Bras, from $50
Before you begin your bra bailout shopping spree, make sure you're shopping for the right size. While wearing your favorite bra that fits the best, have your partner or a good friend perform the following measurements on you with a flexible measuring tape:
1. For your correct band size, measure around your body directly underneath your breasts. If it's an odd number, like 33 or 47, round UP to the next even number, like 34 or 48.
2. Next, measure around your bra where your breast is fullest, usually where the nipple is and/or in the center. Keep your arms down and the measuring tape flat for accurate results!
3. Once you've got that number, subtract your band size measurement from it, and use these numbers to determine your correct cup size:
a. ½ inch difference – AA
b. 1 inch difference – A
c. 2 inch difference – B
d. 3 inch difference – C
e. 4 inch difference – D
f. 5 inch difference – DD (or E in some brands)
g. 6 inch difference – F
So if your band size is 48 but your measurement around the fullest part of your breast is 52, you'll probably fit best into a size 48D. Remember, even with your correct measurements, individual manufacturer sizing may vary, so if at all possible, try before you buy!
More on AOL Shopping: Celebrity Interviews | Women's Fall Boots | Daily Dose of Style
Comments page 1 of 4
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Southpawshelia said 9-25-2009 @3:23PM
Many department stores have bra fitters in their lingerie department.They are trained to help find your perfect fit.
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tarryn said 9-25-2009 @3:30PM
I love trying different styles and fashi ons now that I have lost weight!
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LilacHope said 9-26-2009 @10:28PM
You know when you are a 36 H it is hard if not impossible at times to find a bra that fits much less clothing i have to go to a specialty shop just to get a bra and they have all but stopped carring my size.
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Angela said 9-25-2009 @3:40PM
The 18 hrs support brand bra, the long ones open in the front, Mervins and sometimes Peny's use to have in their department, Did someone knows were can I find, it is another store that had those bra?
replyThank you for any information.
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Alexandra said 9-25-2009 @4:30PM
I have yet to find a proper fitting bra! Forget the underwire bra they are dangerous to wear. The wires under the bra do not let your skin breath and can cause a terrible rash. This has happened to me and I will always regret purchasing and wearing them. The wire is not soft nor comportable. Wired bras are made for construction work not to support your chest!
replyNeutral
Linilla said 9-25-2009 @5:42PM
I can't find a proper fitting bra in stores either. I order a custom bra online at Decent Exposures. If it doesn't fit right, you can send it back for adjustment. Unfortunately they only have a couple of basic styles.
Neutral
lionchild said 9-25-2009 @6:28PM
depends on how big one's chest is,lol
Neutral
Karleigh said 9-26-2009 @10:30PM
Wireless bras don't suit everyone, especially if you have heavy breasts. They don't give enough support.
However, not everyone can wear wired bras due to skin irritation. Also, there is a skin disorder called hidradenitis suppruativa which can make it impossible to wear any type of bras.
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phyllis said 10-06-2009 @5:34PM
HI. I use under wire bra's...I got rashes. I used gold bond powder and now have no rash. I hope this will help all who get rashes.Phyllis
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CINDY said 9-25-2009 @4:29PM
When I was in my twenties, I cared about all those fancy, lacey, frilly bras! But I've been wearing nothing but sports bras for years now. I can't stand all those clasps and wires anymore!! Sports bras come in all colors, they support you, and they're comfortable as hell!! You don't feel a bunch of pokes and prickles, and they're easy to take off, and put on!! Sports bras are #1 in my book!!!! OH!! There's another plus when it comes to sports bras, they're INEXPENSIVE!!
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nancy said 9-25-2009 @5:02PM
AND, the straps don't fall down!
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amm said 9-27-2009 @2:04AM
MY SPORTS BREAS ALWAYS COST MORE THAN MY REGULAR BARS. IF YOU ARE OF DECENT SIZE, IM A 36C, THAN YOU NEED A GOOD SPORTS BRA AND THEY ARE ALWAYS MORE MONEY!!
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me said 9-25-2009 @4:33PM
Step one in the measuring process is incorrect. You need to add 5 inches to the measurement around your ribcage under your breasts. (This is usually also equal to the ribcage measurement just under your arms without the additional 5 inches.)
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BF said 9-25-2009 @6:12PM
YES A STEP IS MISSING!! I tried this process and it would make me a 32F and I actually wear a 38 D. When you add the 5" to the ribcage measurement that is what I get.
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Rebekah said 9-25-2009 @6:38PM
You're an idiot. My measurements at my bust are 31" just under my arms, 36" at the fullest part of my bust, and 29" underneath my breasts. I wear a 34DD just like the chart above says. But the band is still a little loose even on the tightest eyes. And my breasts completely fill and sometimes overflow the cups, so I'll have to go to the "sister size" since I've lost weight. So, this is how sister size works: for ever two inch incrament you go up, you go down one cup size and vise versa. So, if I got fatter but my boobs didn't change I'd be a 36D instead of a 34DD. And since I've lost weight but not breast tissue I'm going from a 34DD to a 32F.
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Erin said 9-25-2009 @6:52PM
You do not go up 5inches! That is why shoulder straps fall off. You should only go up 2, 3 at the most!
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FB said 9-26-2009 @10:19PM
ME is correct to add five to the under bust measurement for the correct band size, or instead of taking that measurement measure under the armpits on top of bust and do not add five for the proper band size. Working at a lingerie store for 3 years, these methods work, but one should always try bras on because styles are different as well as every woman's shape. Happy shopping!
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Colleen said 9-27-2009 @11:06PM
I am a trained bra fitter and yes you do and 5 inches if your band is in the 40's then only about 2 inches. If you do not have the proper fit it will give you rashes under the breast and cause the wires to poke. Alot of store measure but not many are trained properly.
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barbara nearing said 9-25-2009 @4:33PM
I've been a 36DD since 1996 but I still go to a fitter in a
replyDepartment Store to get the best fit! They are worth the cost
in the long run, and I recommend a gentle laundering after each
wear, in cold water, and hung on hangers to dry! They'll last
a long time!
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KH said 9-25-2009 @5:59PM
How many bras do I need? None. Can't stand the infernal contraptions. I have rather small boobs, so they're really not necessary. By the way, I'm 50, I've been braless for decades, and I don't sag. All about the underlying pectoral muscles (and being blessed smallish boobs).
reply