Bra Size Calculator
One of the most common mistakes women make is picking the wrong size bra band. As a plus sized woman, I know the temptation to pick a smaller
band size or cup size. Even my non-plus sized friends have the tendency to do the same thing. Dont obsess over the letter and number. The
only thing that matters is how YOU feel.
To find your bra size you will need to take two measurements. I would reccomend buying either a cloth or paper tape
measure for this. Wearing a bra, stand in front of a mirror to make sure the tape measure is level. If possible, have a friend do this for you.
Step 1: Band Size
Measure your rib cage directly under your breasts. The tape measure should go all the way around and be snug against you. Write down this number in inches.
Measure around your breasts at their fullest point which is usually just over your nipples. Make sure that the measuring tape is straight all the way
around and that it isnt too tight against you.
Write down this number in inches.
Plug your numbers into our bra size calculator to find your bra size.
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Calculator
Bra Size:
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It's important to remember that bras and bra sizes will all vary slightly between manufacturers. So Bali bras will fit differently from Wacoal bras or Warners bras.
Use the bra size our bra size calculator gives you as a starting point. Finding the right bra size is a bit of trial and error. To get the perfect fit you will need
to try on a few bras. Don't be hesitant to experiment with bras up or down a band size or a even cup size.
I don't reccomend buying bras online
until you find a bra manfacturer that fits you well. However, if you are large breasted and require bigger bras (large cup and band sizes), the internet can be
an invaluable source. Fantasie of England bras, which are easily available on the internet, are a good option for full figure bras. Fantasie of England bras
come in many large cup sizes - even 34H bras!. Further down this page I speak a little about minimizer bras for those of us with large breasts.
Are You Wearing The Right Bra Size?
It is estimated that 70 to 80% of women wear the wrong sized bra. The wrong sized bra can cause many problems such as
back pain, breast pain, arm pain, rashes, and headaches. Here are some signs that you aren't wearing the right size bra:
- Breast spillage: A properly sized bra should cover the entire breast and no breast tissue should be spilling or budging out.
If you are overflowing you bra, try a larger cup size. For a more minor adjustment, try a larger band size. Plus-size women may want to
look for a bra manufacturer specific to their needs (eg Lane Bryant or Just My Size).
- Bra puckering: A wrinkled cup is a sure sign that your bra is a bit too big , you need to try a smaller size bra cup.
- Bra riding up: If your bra band rides up, try a tighter hook or loosen the straps. You can also try reducing your band size but
remember that when you go down a band size you may need to go up a cup size to compensate.
- Bra digging into shoulder: Especially for women with larger breasts, bra straps can be a true pain. First look for a bra with
padded straps that will better distribute the weight of your breasts. It could also be that your band size is a little too big forcing the
straps to carry too much weight. Most of your support should come from the band of the bra. Finally, you may just simply need to
loosen your straps and let the band do its work.
- Underwire poking: If you find that your underwire is poking you, it's often the case that you are wearing too small a bra
size. Your breasts are pushing back and forcing the wire to dig into you. Try a bigger size and you should find that the wire lays
flat against you. The simplest answer may be to not wear an underwire at all. Visit my friend Paula who is a big advocate of
soft cup bras for all sizes.
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Minimizer Bras
For women with large breasts, minimizer bras can help to de-emphasize the bust. Minimizer bras can create the illusion
of being one to two cup sizes smaller by compressing and rearranging the breast tissue. However, some women
complain that the compression from the bra is worse than the original problem. For me, I only wear minimizer bras
when it makes what I am wearing more flattering or appropriate. Most of the time I just go with what God gave me.
Here are two popular minimizer bras are the Lilyette Minimizer Bra and Wacoal Minimizer Bra. The Lilyette minimizer
bra is less expensive (1/2 the price) and may be the better value but the Wacoal Minimizer is an Oprah favorite bra.
International Band Conversion Chart
| US |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
52 |
54 |
56 |
| UK |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
52 |
54 |
56 |
| Europe |
65 |
70 |
75 |
80 |
85 |
90 |
95 |
100 |
105 |
110 |
115 |
120 |
125 |
130 |
| France |
80 |
85 |
90 |
95 |
100 |
105 |
110 |
115 |
120 |
125 |
130 |
135 |
140 |
145 |
International Cup Conversion Chart
| US |
UK |
Europe |
| AA |
AA |
AA |
| A |
A |
A |
| B |
B |
B |
| C |
C |
C |
| D |
D |
D |
| DD/E |
DD |
E |
| DDD/F |
E |
F |
| G |
F |
G |
| H |
FF |
H |
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The Bra Guide
Your source for bra info
