Bras Buying Guide

Once you know how to buy a properly fitting bra , it's as though a weight has been lifted off your chest--literally. Most women today are actually wearing the wrong size and don't realize that their discomfort is the result of an improper fit.  Either way, that means many of us ladies are lacking proper support  as we go about our day. Two important things to consider when trying to determine your bra size are as follows:

1. The chest size/band size: This is the circumference taken around a woman's chest and back (below the breasts) and is shown as numbers such as 32, 34, 36, etc.
2. The cup size: The cups are the parts of the bra that hold the breasts. Cup sizes are shown as letters--AA, A, B, C, etc.

In order to determine your bra size, first take your back measurement with a tape measure  around your chest, above your breasts. Next, in order to determine cup size, measure around your chest again, this time right over your breasts. Now, subtract the second measurement from the first one. Depending on how many inches of difference there are, that will give you the cup size to go along with your band size!  For example, if your band size is 34 inches and you measure your chest to be 36 inches, the difference is 2 inches, which makes you a B cup.

Once you know what size to buy, remember that different brands vary in their measurements. If a bra feels like it doesn't fit, you may need to go a size up or down, regardless of what the tag says. Know what supports you and don't be seduced by lace  or zebra stripes . Once you've figured out your size, you can determine what style is best for you.

Strap Options

Conventional Straps  Perfect under most tops. Provide good support and comfort. Come in a variety of fabrics and colors.	Strapless Bras  For strapless tops and gowns. Usually don't offer as much support as bras with straps. More difficult to find a good fit so everything wll stay put.	Racerback Bras  Straps are slightly more stable, but make sure your shirt is cut to suit this look. Great for sleeveless tops . Offers better support for larger breasts.	Convertible Bras  Removable straps can go one-shouldered, strapless, halter, or cross-backed. These can be tricky to figure out, and are often more expensive than your standard bra.	Backless Bras  For a low-backed top, these often have straps that come around the torso instead of the shoulders. Another option is stickies , which use an adhesive to stay put.

Coverage

Full Coverage Bras  Comfortable , simple, and easy. Well suited to breasts of all sizes. Best choice for cup sizes D  or bigger.	Demi Cup Bras  Sexy half-cups may not feel as secure but look great. More comfortable in smaller cup sizes.	Push-Up Bras  Often with padding, these press the breasts up and together, giving the apperance of more cleavage . Push-up bras  are generally more comfortable when they have wider straps; they physically pull the breasts up and in.	Deep Plunge Bras  Perfect for very low-cut tops. Very wearable; they offer good coverage and good display.	Bustiers  Includetorso coverage; often the best strapless option for bigger busts. Also works well as sexy lingerie.

Are You Wearing the Wrong Size?

Millions of women actually wear the wrong bra size. Either their cup sizes are off (someone who is an C might need to wear a B), they're in between sizes (yes, there are A/B cups), or the chest measurement is flat out incorrect. Whatever the ill-fitting case is, there are are a few signs that will indicate if it's time for a busty change.

• Avoid spillage: If your bust is falling out of your bra or if there is space between your breast and the cup, then you will either need to size up or down.
• No ride ups: The band should rest perfectly on your back. If it rides up or slides down, it's time to go bra shopping. One trick to determining whether or not the band is perfect is the finger test. Place two fingers underneath the band. If you can still fit more, the size is too big; just one finger means you need to go bigger.
• Wrinkles be gone: Bra cups mold to the shape of breasts, so there shouldn't be any wrinkling. If you don't have a smooth fit, try a smaller cup or cut.
• No gaps allowed: The center of your bra should lie flat on your chest and make contact with your skin. A gap indicates the size too big, and you won't have adequate support.

Specialty Bras

Training Bras  For pubescent girls before they've grown into conventional sizes. Helps them get used to the feeling of wearing a bra as they are developing.	Sports Bras  Serious support for any athletic activity. Some are sport specific like running bras . There are also tank tops  with built in sports bras that can be useful for exercising as well.	Maternity Bras  With removable panels for breast feeding. Are great for accommodating a larger breast size that can sometimes occur during and after pregnancy.	Minimizer Bras  To make larger chests seem smaller. Buy these in your regular size . Make wearing tighter tops easier and more manageable.	Mastectomy Bras  Intended to hold breast forms . Guarantee full coverage so that the forms stay in place.

Front Closure Bras  These streamline  the back and are easier to put on and take off. Difficult for larger busts.	Water Bras  More realistic padding than the conventional synthetic fluff. Be careful of leaks, though!	Lined Bras  Lightly lined throughout the cup for more protection and shape.	Padded Bras  If you want to add to your bust consider a bra padded with cotton or synthetic fibers.

Wires?

Wireless Bras  No problem for small chests, sometimes less constricting for larger chests. Soft  and comfortable. Some women find these lack support.	Underwire Bras  Give more structure , shape, and support, as long as they're well made. Take extra care when washing not to damage the wires. Some women find them uncomfortable.

Extra Tips

When trying to find the best bra for your outfit, take these pointers into account:

• The cut of your top: Do you need something strapless or something that can accommodate a deep V-neck sweater ? If the bra is for a specific occasion, make sure that you get the right style so your outfit is on display, not your undergarments .
• The fabric: If the shirt is sheer or see-through, you'll need a bra that closely matches your skin tone or the color of your top.
• The tightness: If the bra has any kind of texture to it, it might show through a tighter top. If your bra is visible, make sure that it is appropriate for where you are going.

Fit

• The cups shouldn't wrinkle nor should your breast runneth over. The cup should fit your form and feel good; if it's gapping anywhere, then it's just not the right bra for you.
• The back strap should lie horizontally across your back and not ride up, even if you bend over.
• The shoulder straps should support very little weight. The bra should stay up and on even if you remove the straps. However, make sure that your straps are properly adjusted. This can make a big difference in the fit.
• Support. Jump for a moment. Did that hurt? Try to get a bra that has some effect on your vertical motion. Gravity is very strong and you might as well put up a bit of a fight!
• The center panel (where the cups meet each other) should lie flat against your breastbone. If it leans forward or digs into you, you need a larger size.
• Symmetry. Are your breasts different sizes? Many bras have removable padding  for such situations. Fit the larger breast and pad the smaller one.

For Small Breasts

If you increase your cup size twofold, people will notice.  Better to get a bra with padding  and/or some uplift than for you to try to get away with a whole new chest. What's easier still? Don't pad at all.  Be proud of what you've got! A small chest looks great in all clothes and you can sometimes even get away with not wearing a bra at all!

For Large Breasts

Don't be afraid to get measured and try on many sizes to find the styles that fit you the best. Being wed to a specific alphanumeric combination will only lead to frustration, heartache, and a bad fit. Remember that buying a size too small will not make you look like you have a smaller pair of breasts, but rather will bisect each so that you have four small breasts, which is never very becoming. Wider straps  may help give you the support you need and will give your shoulders a break.  If going strapless, you may have to resort to a bustier instead of a regular strapless bra; they're just more supportive and won't cut you off in a weird spot.

Bra Care

Once you've selected the perfect bra, you're going to want to kept it in good shape. Hand wash those goodies in cold water. If you must use a machine, buy a lingerie bag  and fasten all hooks before washing the bras.  Use your washer's cold delicate cycle for the least wear and tear--bras are expensive!

Quick Picks

Le Mystere Nude Lace Dream Tisha T-Shirt Bra  Provides the right amount of support and lift. The bra's foam-lined cups mold to the breast for a sleek look.	Panache Tango II Underwired Balconnet Bra  The Panache Tango II has undewire support for maximum lift and comfort. It's also made with microfiber mesh for a lightweight feel.	Wacoal Bodysuede Ultra Full Figure Seamless Wire Bra  Wacoal's Bodysuede is a full figure bra that has an underwire, but is unlined. The bra's inner sling has light padding for support and lift.	Enell Sports Bra  You will look great in this racerback sports bra that actually shifts moisture away from the body. This also works great for women recovering from breast surgery.	Anita Seamless Underwire Bra  The double-layered underwire cups means plus size women won't have to feel like they're wearing a bra. This bra is seamless and has a leotard back to guarantee a smooth and slender look.

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