You're wearing the wrong bra size
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Did you know almost 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size!
Yep. So most likely... THAT. MEANS. YOU. A bad bra can affect your comfort, posture and most importantly your confidence. I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be this way!! There is a perfect bra out there for you! Even if you don't have the money or time to go get professionally fitted, this article will tell you what to look out for when shopping, how to measure yourself and the best bra fitting tips. Let's dive in!
Why wearing the right bra matters
Firstly, as a fuller bust girl, I personally believe that having the right bra is even MORE important for us than it is for women who have smaller chests. Because we literally have more goin on, the margin of error is so much smaller. Having a bra that is one size too large on the band, or one cup size too small can spell disaster for self confidence.
The worst part is, it goes undetected.
For so many years, I was convinced, that something was wrong with my body. I never understood how even the girls online who APPEARED to be my size were able to carry themselves with such confidence, and dress in clothes that flattered them.
Second, which should go without saying. Comfort and Support. These are absolute MUST HAVES. Whether you hate underwire, or swear by bralettes, comfort should be at the top at any girls list when bra shopping. If a bra is uncomfortable, you can't wear it often. It also can negatively affect your posture. Furthermore, the indentations and bruising can cause lasting impacts to your health.
Wearing the right bra can make all the difference when it comes to how your dresses and tops fit and look. When your bust is properly supported, it not only boosts your confidence but also enhances the overall silhouette of your outfit.
For example, in fuller bust clothing, especially bodycon styles, the wrong bra can create bulges or gaps where there shouldn’t be any, ruining the sleek, smooth look you’re going for. A well-fitted bra will lift and shape your bust, helping your dresses hug your body in all the right places.
With fuller bust dresses, like our Serenity Breeze Dress, the perfect bra helps ensure the neckline and seams sit where they should, giving you a flawless fit. The right bra also elevates your comfort, as it prevents constant adjusting and lets you move freely without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions.
Whether you’re wearing a fitted top or a form-hugging dress, the perfect bra is the foundation that allows your clothes to drape beautifully and showcase your figure as intended.
So lets get those bras right ladies!
Common signs you're wearing the wrong bra
Straps digging in or sliding off
Pay close attention to those straps! If they are tight enough to cause indentations or bruising, that means they are doing way too much work! Meaning they're holding too much weight and causing pain in the shoulders! If this is the case, you need to go down in size on your bra band. The band should sit snug around your ribcage, but should also be tight enough to provide support. Providing that extra lift to your breasts should take the pressure off of your straps. Consequently, if the straps are too loose, this could mean the cups are too big, and you probably have some wiggle room in that cup
Band riding up:
Does your bra band make that upside-down 'U' shape on your back? This also means your band is too big! (and those straps probably cause you a lot of pain) So, for example, if you're wearing a 36 try going down to a 34 or even 32! You're band should sit horizontally across your entire ribcage.
Cup spilling or gapping:
This one is probably the most obvious but it is still worth mentioning! If theres extra room in that cup, she's too big! Extra room is probably uncomfortable. Especially in the case of a bigger chest, an oversized cup provides very little support and lift. Which are critical for us fuller bust girls. Cup spilling is a little more tricky, but actually even the SLIGHTEST bulge is considered a spill! If you are bulging out of the front(OR THE PITS) of that bra, then she is too small! Go up a cup size! All of your breast tissue should fit snug in the cup of the bra with no spillage or gaps at all
Underwire placement
The underwire is tough because it doesn't feel like its made to be the most comfortable thing ever. However, its important to note that it should be DIGGING into your ribs. if you find yourself constantly adjusting the wire, then it is likely too tight and you need to size up, or loosen a hook. If the front of your underwire does not sit firmly on your ribcage, then you probably need to go up in cup sizing! If your breast tissue is falling out of the cup, and preventing your underwire from laying flat, then it is too small.
How to measure yourself at home
While professional fittings are ideal, measuring at home can be effective if you employ the right techniques!
How to measure your band size
With a measuring tape, measure around your ribcage where your bra usually sits. Be sure to use a mirror to make sure it is flat and straight across your back. Thats your band size!
How to measure your bust size
Stand with your back straight and your arms relaxed at your sides.
Take the measuring tape and wrap it around the fullest part of your bust (this is typically around the nipple area). Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight or loose.
Look in the mirror or have a friend help to ensure the tape is straight across your back. Write down the measurement in inches. This number is your bust size.
How to calculate your cup size
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Subtract Your Band Size from Your Bust Size:
Take the measurement of your bust and subtract your band measurement from it.
Example: If your bust size is 37 inches and your band size is 34 inches:
37 (bust)−34 (band)=3
The difference between these two numbers determines your cup size.
Use a Cup Size Chart:
Here's a simple chart to find your cup size based on the difference between your bust and band measurements:
- 5 inches = DD (or E) cup
- 6 inches = DDD (or F) cup
- 7 inches = G cup
- 8 inches = H cup
- 9 inches = I cup
- 10 inches = J cup
- 11 inches = K cup
- Example: If the difference between your bust and band measurement is 3 inches, you would be a C cup. So, if your band size is 34 and your cup size is C, your overall bra size would be 34C.
Additional tips
Sister sizes
Sister sizes are bra sizes that have the same cup volume but different band sizes. If your usual bra size isn’t fitting perfectly, you can try a sister size to find a better fit. For example, if the band is too tight but the cup fits well, you can go up a band size and down a cup size to maintain the same cup volume.
See a sister size chart at the bottom of this page
Try different styles!
Not all bras are the same! A plunge bra has MUCH different coverage and lift than a full coverage bra! First decide whats right for you, then start your bra hunt there.
Check in every 6 months to a year
Remember that our bodies fluctuate A LOT. Weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, etc. any of these things can drastically affect your bra size! So if suddenly that bra isn't feeling quite right, be sure to break out that measuring tape and measure again!
Happy bra hunting!
Kalia
Resources:
Sister Size Chart
Here’s a quick chart to find your sister sizes:
Original Size | Sister Size 1 (Up) |
Sister Size 2 (Down)
|
30DD (E) | 32D | 28DDD (F) |
30DDD (F) | 32DD (E) | 28G |
30G | 32DDD (F) | 28H |
30H | 32G | 28I |
30I | 32H | 28J |
30J | 32I | 28K |
30K | 32J | 28KK |
32DD (E) | 34D | 30DDD (F) |
32DDD (F) | 34DD (E) | 30G |
32G | 34DDD (F) | 30H |
32H | 34G | 30I |
32I | 34H | 30J |
32J | 34I | 30K |
32K | 34J | 30KK |
34DD (E) | 36D | 32DDD (F) |
34DDD (F) | 36DD (E) | 32G |
34G | 36DDD (F) | 32H |
34H | 36G | 32I |
34I | 36H | 32J |
34J | 36I | 32K |
34K | 36J | 32KK |
36DD (E) | 38D | 34DDD (F) |
36DDD (F) | 38DD (E) | 34G |
36G | 38DDD (F) | 34H |
36H | 38G | 34I |
36I | 38H | 34J |
36J | 38I | 34K |
36K | 38J | 34KK |
38DD (E) | 40D | 36DDD (F) |
38DDD (F) | 40DD (E) | 36G |
38G | 40DDD (F) | 36H |
38H | 40G | 36I |
38I | 40H | 36J |
38J | 40I | 36K |
38K | 40J | 36KK |