Bra Size Calculator
Bra size calculators are excellent tools for women who have problems finding the right sized bra to buy and wear. One estimate shows that around 80% of women are using the wrong bra size. Do you get bra spillage, rashes, and breast pain? These are only a few of the effects of wearing a wrong sized bra.
Why Wear the Right Bra Size?
A lot of the problems that women complain about can be traced to wearing the wrong size of brassiere. Some complaints, like rashes and breast pains for example, can be easily attributed to this. However, some of these problems, like back pains and arm pains, aren’t that obvious. The following are some of the obvious and the more subtle symptoms of improper bra sizes.
Poking Under Wire
One of the more obvious symptoms that you are wearing a bra size that is too small for you is an under wire poking you. What happens is that a woman’s breast is too big and is pushing back thus the under wire tends to dig inside. To solve this dilemma, you either stop wearing under wires or get a bigger sized bra.
Digging Shoulder Straps
There are two ways to solve this issue. The first one is to get a bra that has padded straps. The pads will help distribute the weight coming from your breasts. The second option is to loosen the shoulder straps so that the band will bear the weight. One important source of the problem is a band size which is too big. In that case, you will have to get a bra with a smaller band size.
Bras Ride Up
There are a couple of things you can do to prevent your bra from riding up. The first step is to either loosen or tighten the straps or hooks. Another solution is to go down a band size. However, do take note that when you reduce your band size you need to go up to the next cup size.
Bulging or Breast Spillage
The obvious solution for a woman who is overflowing her bra is to get a new larger cup size bra. In case that you are only getting a minor bulge then all you need is to get one that has a bigger sized band. In case a woman can’t find the right sized bra for her then she may go to a custom manufacturer.
What are Bra Size Calculators?
All these problems and common complaints can be promptly addressed if you use a bra size calculator and get the right sized bra. These are online tools that calculate the right bra size for you. In order to use one, you will have to measure your bust size and your band size.
The bust size is measured using a tape measure all around the breasts at the fullest points. This includes the entire back, under your arms, and just a bit over the nipples. Keep the measuring tape a bit loose and not too tight around you. Some calculators will require your measurements in inches others in centimeters.
The next thing you’ll need is to measure your band size. This measurement is located under your breasts and it measures your rib cage. When measuring your band size, make sure that the tape measure goes snug around you and not too loose. You need to enter both your bust size and your band size into calculator. After that, the software will calculate the right bra size for you.
Understanding International Band and Cup Size Conventions
After making the calculations in a bra size calculator, you should understand the differences in cup and band size conventions in various countries. A size 30 band in the US is a 65 size band in Europe and 80 in France. On the other hand, there are only slight differences in cup sizes in the US and in the UK.
For example a size DDD/F cup in the US is an E in the US but an A cup in the US is the same as an A cup in the UK. You don’t have to remember all this stuff, really. All you need to do is to consult an international cup/band conversion table/chart.
Types of Bras
Other than the information you get from bra size calculators, it is also important to use the right type of bra for different occasions. Full cup bras are your basic brassiere for everyday use. Demi cups usually cover a lesser amount of a woman’s breasts. Mastectomy bras are recommended for women who have lost at least one breast.
Sports bras are supposed to be worn for outdoors and sports. Push up bras, on the other hand, provide the additional visual appeal. Other bra types that you should be aware of include racer backs, maternity bras, soft cups, nursing bras, and under wire bras. Every woman should use the information on bra styles, types, and bra size calculators to find the right bra to suit their needs.