Learn how to measure your bra size in three easy steps.
*If you measure 36 inches or higher, add 2 inches if it is an even number; add 3 inches if it is an odd number.
Finally, subtract your band size from your bust size; the difference will give you your cup size.
- You need to go up one full cup size if your breasts are forced to the sides or center of the bra.
- There should be no gap between cups.
- You need a smaller cup or a contour cup if the bra is not filled out or if it wrinkles. A larger cup or a full style may be necessary if you're spilling out of your bra.
- The band should fit snug to your chest. You should be able to comfortably pull the band two inches away from your back.
- The shoulder straps should not be digging into your skin. If so, try adjusting the straps. If that does not work, try a bra with a more supportive strap.
- The wire or seam of the bra should lie comfortably under and around the sides of your bust.
A good bra wardrobe is made up of many different bras. So a good everyday bra is just as important as a specialty one. Choosing the right ones for your wardrobe can be a fun experience once you have your proper fit. Pick your favorites from our list of bra styles below.
If your cup size is between an AA and "small" B, your bra should provide light support and natural shaping.
If you have an average cup size between a B and C, you have the widest array of styles to choose from.
If your cup size is a full C or higher, your bra should provide maximum support and coverage.
Now that you've picked out your newest styles, here are some quick fixes to some common problems.
Do you want a smooth fit?
Try a seamless bra or a T-shirt bra, which are designed to be invisible under clothing.
Do you want to avoid unsightly bulges under your arms?
Try wearing a full-coverage bra. The complete coverage creates a smoother finish under clothes.
Do you want to make your breasts appear a bit larger?
Try wearing a push-up bra or a padded bra. Push-up bras enhance your cleavage and padded bras add fullness. Some bras have both these features.
Do you want to make your breasts appear smaller?
Try wearing a minimizer bra. A minimizing bra is designed to reduce your bust by one size and provides extra support with full coverage cups.
Do you want to look fuller when wearing a low-cut top or sweater?
Try wearing a demi cup bra. It gently lifts the breasts to create a fuller, more romantic look. Perfect for low-cut necklines and creates a "push-up" effect.
Bra Care
Each bra should be replaced every 4-6 months.
Wearing
Avoid wearing your bra more than twice before washing. The elastic needs to "recover" after a day of wear.
Washing
Intimates should be hand washed in lukewarm water with a delicate detergent specially
formulated for bras and lingerie.
Normal detergent, bleaches and even delicate soaps can damage some elastics and lace.
If using a washing machine, a lingerie bag will help guard against stretching.
Always air-dry your intimate apparel, as heat can destroy the elastic in your garments. Do not wring-out or twist the garments to remove excess water.
Storing
Fold gently and store in a lined drawer to prevent misshaping or snagging from uneven surfaces.
Strips of fabric that extend from the outer base of the cups and secure in the back. Important aspects of the back wings are: stretch vs. non-stretch, the measurement at the widest point (which is usually at the base of the cups), the measurement at the closure and type of close, including number of hooks and eyes.
Balconette Bra
Also known as a shelf bra, balconettes are a more revealing version of a demi bra.
Offering little-to-no coverage, balconettes create dramatic uplift and cleavage.
Bralette
Unlined, soft cup bra that resembles a crop top. A bralette is a comfortable bra alternative, but it
does not offer a significant amount of support.
Bustier
A highly structured garment that extends from the bust to the hip. Most bustiers have flexible boning
throughout the body for additional shaping and closes in the back with a long row of hooks-and-eyes.
Additional features may include removable or convertible straps or garters. Smooth bustiers are perfect
under special occasion wear as they provide both shaping and uplift.
Center Gore
The piece of fabric that connects the cups of a bra at the front center. Important aspects of the center
gore include: stretch vs. non-stretch (with the non-stretch offering significantly more support than stretch)
and width measurement. Bras with low or plunge fronts have thinner center gores making them a good choice to
pair with low cut tops.
Comfort Straps
Wider than average straps that are usually padded or evenly lined. The wider straps better distribute the
weight of the breast, increasing the comfort for the wearer. Comfort straps are an important feature for
any woman who has experienced shoulder pain due to her bra.
Contour Bra
Has shaped cups that are always padded or lined. They often have an underwire.
Even unfilled, the cups mimic the natural shape of a woman's body. Contour bras are similar to a molded bra,
except molded bras are generally not as highly structured. They are a perfect choice for any woman seeking a
sculpted silhouette as they offer a significant amount of coverage and control.
Convertible Bra
Describes any garment that has detachable straps and can be worn in a variety of ways
including – criss-cross, halter, strapless or one-shouldered. A flexible option since they can be worn
with a array of tops, including boat neck, halter and asymmetrical necklines.
Cookies
Oval-shaped, removable demi pads. These are generally used in push-up bras and are designed to create
dramatic, yet adjustable enhancement.
Corset
Highly structured, form-fitted support garment that extends from the bust to the hip.
Most have lace-up details, flexible boning throughout the body for additional shaping and close in the
back with a long row of hook-and-eyes.
Demi Bra
Offers the perfect amount of "barely there" coverage (usually half to ¾ coverage) for petite-to-average figured women.
They offer less coverage than a full cup and more than a
balconette. If you seem to be "spilling out" of your demi cup, it's probably the wrong size.
Foam-Lined Bra
Have a thinner lining than padded bras. This lining does not add size, but provides additional shaping as
well as protection against nipple show-through. A key feature is stretch. Stretch foam will create a
natural looking silhouette and will keep its shape even after repeated washings.
Full Cup Bra
Completely covers the breast, offering more coverage and more support than a demi cup bra.
Full-Figure Bra
Offers comfort and support features designed specifically for voluptuous women.
Inner Sling
A support feature. They are curved strips of fabric that follow the natural curve of the bra similar to
an underwire, except soft. Inner slings follow the bend of the bottom of the cup offering invisible,
yet additional coverage.
Minimizer Bra
Reduces the appearance of the bust by up to one cup size.
Molded Bra
Has cups that are machine molded. The cups mirror the natural shape of a woman, for shape and comfort.
Molded bras are generally unlined and may be either soft cup or underwire.
Moisture Wicking
Fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin. This is a great feature to look for in a sports bra.
Padded Bra
Has some type of padding lining the cups. Graduated padding is thicker at the base of the cups and
creates a natural looking silhouette as well as the appearance of increased cleavage.
Plunge Bra
Creates the appearance of increased cleavage because of their deep (plunging) front silhouette,
angled cups and thin center gore. Plunge bras differ from push-up bras in that they are not generally as
heavily padded.
Push-Up Bra
Creates the appearance of increased cleavage using angled cups (which often have underwires),
a variety of types of padding -- including graduated and cookies-- and demi cups.
Racerback Bra
Straps hide under tank tops with no shoulder slippage.
Rigid Straps
Non-stretch straps that are usually adjustable. Rigid straps offer more support than stretch straps.
Rigid straps are an important feature for full-figured silhouettes. Some bras have adjustable straps,
which are rigid in the front and stretch in the back for additional comfort.
Seamless Bra
A bra constructed without seamed cups. There may be seams in other parts of the bra and still be
considered seamless. Seamless bras are a great choice for pairing with clingy knits, and lightweight
jerseys since they are virtually invisible under clothing.
Soft Cup Bra
Underwire-free, but may be padded or lined.
Sports Bra
Specifically designed to offer the appropriate amount of support during moderate to
intense physical activity.
Triangle Bra
Has triangle-shaped cups and offer the perfect amount of coverage/support for petite-to-average figures.
Triangle bras may be padded or lined, but generally do not have underwires.
Most have thin straps, center gore and back wings.
T-Shirt Bra
Invisible under even the thinnest fabrics, T-shirt bras are seamless, contoured styles generally made of
microfiber. Perfect for all seasons,
T-shirt bras create an ultra smooth look under knits, sweaters or
close-fitting tops.
Underwire Bra
A thin, flexible wire that offers added support to the cups of bras, bustiers and shapewear.
Modern bras are constructed with comfortable underwires, which don't poke.
