In Australia, the most common bra sizes are said to be 14C and 12D. This, however, isn’t a hard and fast rule. Bra sizes differ for women all around the world. There are women of all shapes needing all bra sizes, so when it comes to bras, there is no one size fits all.
For many women, finding the right bra that fits well and feels comfortable can be a real challenge. To up the ante, figuring out how to measure yourself for a bra can be very confusing.
Hence, in this article, we’ll be breaking down the mumbo jumbo of bra size guides and charts, providing you with a comprehensive guide that’ll help you find the perfect bra.
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Why It’s Important to Know the Different Bra Sizes
If you’ve ever felt confounded looking through the intimates section in stores, asking yourself things like “how do bra sizes work?” and “what do all these measurements mean?”, you should know that you aren’t alone.
A lot of women find themselves overwhelmed with all the numbers, letters, and the sheer volume of options available. Some will just opt for any bra that feels good.
However, there are certain risks and dangers that come with a hastily chosen bra.
What Happens When You Have The Wrong Bra Size
According to studies, breasts can tell you a lot about your health, whether it be through the overall shape and firmness, or the condition of your nipples. On top of that, a bra that does not fit well can create a lot of health problems for ladies.
Ill-fitting bras, especially those that offer little support, can cause pain in both the breasts, as well as other parts of the body such as the neck, back, and shoulders. Bras that don’t fit properly can also cause skin problems due to chafing.
A study has shown that breast-related issues were the fourth biggest deterrent for exercising. This means that an ill-fitting sports bra can mean the difference between an active and inactive woman.
These are just a few examples of why it’s important to know how to measure your bra size. But once you know how to find the right bra size, you may as well kiss those problems goodbye.
What Bra Size Am I?
So, what bra size are you going to need to feel healthy and comfortable? Well, before we dive into that, it’s good to first properly understand bra size measurements.
How Do Bra Sizes Work in Australia?
Bra size guides and charts factor in two things: the underbust, (AKA the band size) which is the measurement around the body underneath the bust; and the overbust, (AKA the cup size) which is the measurement across the fullest part of your breasts. Basically, the underbust is the equivalent of the number, and the overbust is the equivalent of the letter in bra sizes.
In Australia, available bra sizes depend on manufacturers but typically range from 8A (63-67 cm underbust, 77-79 cm overbust) to 26H (108-112 cm underbust, 138-140 overbust).
How to Measure Bra Size at Home
If you want to know your exact bra size, it is best to do a measurement at home with some tape measure and a mirror. Wear a bra that is unpadded and stand in front of a mirror without a shirt. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Measure the area around your ribcage.
This should be the area where the band, or the lowest part of your bra, rests. This measurement is what you call your underbust, or band measurement.
Step 2: Measure around your torso at the part of your breasts where they are at their fullest.
Using your nipple as a guide, get your cup measurement (or your overbust) by wrapping a tape measure around your torso and across your chest.
Step 3: Round up and calculate
Round up the measurements. Subtract your underbust measurement from your overbust. The solution in inches is how many cup sizes up you should go from the overbust measurement.
The same logic applies to measuring sports bras.
Fitting Versus Measuring
Now that you know how to measure your bra size, you need to be aware that numbers on a tape measure don’t always result in a bra that fits snug and comfortably.
Bra measurements aren’t the end-all-be-all of finding the perfect bra. How the straps, centre, wires, and cups, fit and feel on you can also be huge factors in finding that perfect bra.
That is why it’s of utmost importance to fit a bra before making a purchase!
Different Kinds of Cups
Cup style can really change the way a bra feels. Even if the underbust of a bra is just right according to your measurements, sometimes the size of the cup, along with its style, can make a bra either very comfortable or an absolute pain.
Open Cup
Open cup bras are sexy and rather provocative as they are either completely cupless, showing off the breast and only providing band support, or have holes or cut-outs in place. This bra is not recommended for daily use, as is more of a bedroom type of underwear.
Half Cup
As the name suggests, a half cup bra only covers half of the breast. This provides ample support.
Quarter Cup
Offering less coverage than the half cup but more than the open cup, the quarter cup bra is another aesthetic-driven bra that provides more style advantages than support.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find the right bra size is a matter of knowing your correct measurements and having the patience to try out bras that fit well. When you have these down pat, you can find yourself in that magic bra! One that fits you comfortably, does not give you any breast or back pain, and makes you feel confident and ready to face the day.
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