Bra Size Calculator

Archive for July, 2010

A bra size converter converts bra measurements to various international sizes. The following example shows how simple this process is.

How the Conversion Works

Usually the converters are very simple to use. You will see fields or boxes with a drop drown arrow. The box will display sizes in US, UK, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, EU etc. Click one of the drop down arrows and choose a size (i.e., 30A, 32D etc).

After you click it, the screen will refresh. For example, if you picked 32D US size, the other boxes will show their international equivalents.

How to Choose Bras

Aside from learning how to use a bra size converter, you should be particular about the bra you buy. For those with large busts, look for bras with back straps and wide shoulder straps. The fuller the cups, the better the breasts will look.

An underwired bra will give good support under the bust. If you want breasts to be less conspicuous, smooth, plain bras can make it look smaller.

For those with smaller busts, a balcony style bra is best used. The balcony bra can be with or without padding. These bras boost the neckline. They also give breasts a curved look and uplift. Smaller busts will also benefit from the half-cup bras. Don’t use bras with square cut bust lines. They make small breasts look flatter.

Styling Tips

For tailored shirts and suits, bras with uplift look great. If you’re wearing casual T-shirts and jeans, soft seamless bras work well. You can also wear flesh colored bras. For party dresses or sun tops, backless bras are suitable. Dark tops should be worn with dark colored bras.

If your weight changes during the month, you’ll want bras with stretch or lycra. They won’t crease and are more accommodating. Of course there are different kinds of bras out there. Look for one that matches your style. Needless to say, it should be comfortable.

Taking Care of Bras

Ideally, bras should be washed daily. This will prolong its life, remove oils and keep the color intact. Do not put bras in clothes dryers; bras have to be air dried. If the bra comes with any special cleaning instructions, follow them.

As the facts show, it takes more than a bra size converter to find the right bra for you. You also have to be aware of the different styles. With this information you will be able to make better choices.

You will need to use a correct bra size calculator so you don’t end up with the wrong size. Fortunately, there are many free calculators on the Web that can do this.

How to Find Your Size

Go online and look it up in a search engine. When you get to the site, you will see some fields with labels like “band size”, “bust” and “above breasts size”. Enter the figures if you know them already. Click the “calculate” button.

After a moment, your size will be shown in different measurements. Many sites will display your size in US and UK measurements. More detailed websites will show the results in European, Japanese and Australian measurements.

How to Get Bra Measurements Right

For a correct bra size calculator to give the results, you must make the right measurements.

Step 1

Wear an underwired bra. Stand up and keep the back straight. Breathe
normally and relax.

Step 2

To get the band size, do a snug measurement about the rib cage. This will be just under your breasts. The measurement must feel tight. Be certain the measurement is set straight all the way round. This figure is what you put under the band size in the calculator.

Step 3

To get the bust size, loosely measure at the fullest portion of your bust. This is above your nipples. The measuring tape has to be straight all round your body. The result is the figure you put in the “bust” field.

Step 4

Take a snug measurement around the rib cage (over your breasts and below the arms). Keep the measuring tape level. Place the figure you get in the “above breasts” field in the calculator. When using these calculators, you can use inches or centimeters. However, you cannot combine both. All the measurements must be either inches or centimeters.

Step 5

When you enter all the figures in the fields, click “calculate”.

How to Know the Bra is a Right Fit

The size is correct if the bra doesn’t rise up. The bra fit is right if straps aren’t digging in your shoulders or slipping off. Another indicator would be if your fingers can pass below the band in front. The bra has to be comfortable, not too tight.

By using a correct bra size calculator, you won’t have to worry about the bra being too small or big. As long you do the measurements correctly, there shouldn’t be any problems with getting the size right.

A nursing bra size calculator is not difficult to use. These are freely available on the Net. To use, enter your band and bust size. In some sites, you will have to choose the country. In others, results will be displayed in different international sizes.

How to Buy Nursing Bras

These bras become necessary after you give birth. Aside from being discreet, they also simplify breastfeeding. To get the right bra, don’t buy until the final weeks of the pregnancy. In other words, don’t get bras when there’s still time to grow. An ill-fitting bra will cause pain and discomfort.

One of the things you should look for are bras with easy breast access. It also helps if the bra has one-hand cup openings. This feature will allow breastfeeding to start even if you are holding the infant.

After using the nursing bra size calculator, look for bras with cushioned and wide straps. This will distribute the breast weight more efficiently, making you more comfortable. For maximum airflow, purchase 100% cotton bras. There should be cup lining too.

The bra must be comfortable even if on the tightest hook setting. In case the bra stretches with age, you’ll still be able to secure it.

Is Your Bra the Right Size?

A proper fitting bra must cover the whole breast. There should be no tissue bulging or spilling. A larger cup is needed if there is overflowing. A larger band size may also work. If you’re plus size, there are many manufacturers that can cater to your needs.

If the cup is wrinkled, it means the cup is too large. Get a smaller cup. If the band rides up, use a tight hook. Loosening the straps is another option. Going down a band size, however, may require moving a cup size up.

Underwire vs. No Underwire

An underwire bra gives support for the increased breast size. The underwire bra is often the choice of big breasted women. Other women like soft cups because they are more comfortable. They also provide more room for the breasts. Whichever you choose, you have to stick with the bra that fits you most comfortably. However, the soft cup may not be sufficient for women with large breasts.

With so many issues to consider, the nursing bra size calculator can be a real help. Because it determines the size right for you, you can focus on the other matters.

There are many kinds of dress size calculators on the Web, but they work pretty much the same way. You enter your bust, waist and hip measurements at the appropriate fields. Click “calculate” and the appropriate dress size will appear.

Options

Before you enter the results, you will have to get your measurements. Most let you choose inches or centimeters. Other sites let you get sizes in millimeters, miles, kilometers and even light years. The results given are usually for US, UK and EU sizes.

However, for this to work, you must enter the right figures. By entering the proper figures, the dress size calculator will produce the right results.

How to Get Your Dress Measurement Right

Step 1

Get a cloth tape measure. Wear a bra. Wrap the measuring tape below your bust. Note the number down. Add five inches to the result.

Step 2

Measure the chest at the bust line’s fullest point. The measuring tape has to be horizontal. The arms should be straight down. To get your cup size, subtract the bra size from the bust size.

Step 3

Wrap the measuring tape about the waistline. The waistline is the thinnest section of your waist. This is just over your hip bones. If you are having trouble finding it, swing your legs forward and back; you will be able to get a feel for it.

Step 4

The hip measurement is taken at the fullest portion of the hips. Allow the measuring tape to fall at your backside with this measurement. This portion would be 7 to 9 inches below the waist. This will also depend on your height.

Step 5

To get the sleeve length, place your arm by your side. Put the measuring tape at the back of the neck. Measure down to the back of your arm all the way to the wrist’s bend.

Tips

A string can be used if you don’t have cloth tape measure. Mark the string. You can then measure it using a ruler. Dress lengths vary. However, they are not that important since they can be trimmed. Dresses are sold in different sizes. They include small petite / small, regular, large and plus size.

Even if you use a dress size calculator, the fitting may feel different depending on the dress. This is because different fabrics and materials are used. Also, some people prefer to wear tight dresses and others like them loose.

It is extremely important that you know how to find the right bra size. Unless you pick the right size, you may feel pain at the shoulders or suffer redness and irritation. Here is how you can find your size.

Step 1

Put your bra on. Put a measuring tape around your body (just under the breasts). This will be the band measurement. Ensure the measurement is snug and horizontal.

Step 2

Round it out to the closest even number. If the band measures 37, the band size will be 38. If the measurement is 33.3, the band size is 34.

Step 3

The next step is to get your bust size. To get the size right, measure loosely at the fullest section of the bust. Do not pull it too tight because the measurement will not be correct.

If you are not wearing your bra, bend over so the back is parallel to the floor. Now measure over the nipples and around the chest. To get the right bra size, the number has to be rounded to the closest whole number.

Step 4

To determine the cup size, deduct the band size from the figure you got when you measured your bust. Use the following as a guide.
0 to 1.5 inches = A, 1.5 to 2.5 = B, 2.5 to 3.5 = C, 3.5 to 4.5 = D, 4.5 to 5.5 = DD/E, 5.5 to 6.5 = F, 6.5 to 7.5 = G, 7.5 to 8.5= H, 8.5 to 9.5 = I, 9.5 to 10.5 = J, 10.5 to 11.5 = K

Some Reminders for Buyers

Don’t leave the store until you have tried the bra. Even if you performed the measurements as indicated, there is no guarantee the bra will fit you right. The reason for this is that manufacturers make bras in different ways. Don’t forget to examine the band size.

The right size should allow you to run your fingers though the interior of the band. The cup size has to be right also. The cup size has to be filled without the bulge. You have to go down a size if the cup has a wrinkled here.

Again, it should be noted that the bra size has to be accurate. A band that rides to your back has to be loosened up. If you are not confident about how you took the measurement, ask help from the store people.

Because bra size measurements differ, you must know how to find the right size. Instead of relying on the manufacturer, you can use the following guide to find the size best for you.

Step 1

Wear a bra (padding should be light). Start by measuring under the bust. If the number is even, add 4; if the number is odd, add 5.

Step 2

Measure above the fullest portion of your bust. Take the number and deduct the first number from this. The result will be 1, 2, or 3. If your breasts are DD-G, the number will be around 5 to 8. Use this as a guide:

1= A
2= B
3= C
4= D
5= DD
6= E

Step 3

The first number (the one with the four or five added) is the band size. So if the first number is 30 and the second number is 37, the formula is: 30 plus 4 =34 (band size); 37-34 = 3 = C =34C.

Indicators the Bra Size is Wrong

The bra size measurement is wrong if red marks are visible; these are caused by the ill-fitting straps. Other signs are the breasts over the cup’s top. Another sign is that the bra center isn’t making contact with the breastbone.

One of the more common indicators is that the breasts will droop. If the bra is tight fitting, it will be very uncomfortable. If adjustments are not made, it can lead to back problems and headaches.

Bra Styles

For small busts, the balcony style is suitable, with or without padding. Balcony bras provide an uplift and enhance the neckline. The half-cup bras also look great for smaller busts.

For women with large busts, look for bras with back straps and wide shoulder support. Many women prefer wearing full cups. They not only hold the breasts easily, but also make breasts look better. For the best support under the bust, underwired bras are excellent choices.

If you want the breasts to look smaller, plain bras with little lace is recommended. Other simple styles will also do the trick.

It’s worth pointing out that your diet, age and pregnancy will affect your bust size. For this reason, you should check your measurements every so often to know the ideal size.

When you get the bra size measurement, you can start looking at the different styles available. Try various brands, because they will feel different even if the size is the same.

Measuring bra size is something women should be familiar with. If the wrong size is chosen, the bra will slip off, leaving red marks or causing pain.

Measuring Under the Breasts (Band Size)

Using a soft measuring tape, put it around your rib cage. Do the measurement below your breasts. Perform the measurement tight and make sure the tape is all the way straight. Round off to the nearest number. If the number is odd, add 5; for even numbers, add 4.
How to Get the Bust Size

Loosely measure at the fullest portion of your breasts. This would be over the nipples. The measuring tape has to be straight around the body.

The Bust Size

Snugly measure around your rib cage. The measurement is done under the arms and over the breasts. When measuring bra sizes, the measuring tape should be level unless indicated otherwise.

Indicators of Ill-Fitting Bras

These include the aforementioned red marks on the shoulders, breasts forced over the cup and the bra feels too tight or loose. You’re wearing the wrong size if the bra’s center doesn’t touch the breastbone.

If the bra rises up your back or your shoulders are pulled forward, the underband is too big and the cup is too small. This could lead to back and shoulder pains. If the cup is too small, it can be harmful to the breasts. The right cup size is one that is deep enough to hold your breasts.

How Breast Sizes Change

The size of your breasts can change due to a number of factors. These include taking birth control pills, age, exercise and pregnancy. If you’re on a diet, your breast size can be affected.

Larger bras should be ready if your breasts inflate prior to your period. During pregnancy, the breast will also increase. Pregnant women should avoid underwire. If your bra feels too tight, get a larger size.

Health Issues

An ill-fitting bra is not just uncomfortable; it can also lead to back aches, headaches, rashes and other health problems. If the breasts are not supported, they will droop. As the breast tissues roll off the chest, they will pull on the neck. This is what causes headaches. This can also limit blood flow, leading to other problems.

The reasons cited above show how important measuring bra size is. By wearing one that fits properly, you’ll feel more comfortable. All those potential health issues will be avoided too.

Varying Manufacturer Standards

Finding the right fitting bra is a challenge facing most women. A large number of women in the world are basically not wearing the right sized bra. Many factors further complicate the issue including the lack uniformity when it comes to size standards among the many different bra manufacturers among other things. Bra size charts and getting the correct measurements will help with this problem.

You can be sure that if you ask for a C cup and compare the size from different brands you’ll notice that even though they may be the same size according to the label but different brands will have different dimensions/measurements. Women should not depend on the label to figure out if a bra is the right size for them.

Take note that there is no such thing as a formal size standard in the United States. It is quite ironic that countries around the world have clothing size standards. But when it comes to bra sizes, manufacturers seem to have a difficult time coming to terms with a common global standard inch-based bra size system.

For example, cup sizes in the US only range from A to G. However, British sizes go from A to K. Getting standard cup sizes isn’t the only issue that consumers have to struggle with. Women have to wrestle with the fact that the actual volume of each bra size may also vary in spite of having similar cup size labels. Take note that each manufacturer will have different bra size charts.

The Role of Advertising

Today’s fashion advertising world also has its influence on many women especially when it comes to getting the right bra. Many of these advertisements emphasize and generally appeal to a brand’s function and image other than getting a comfortable fitting bra. Rarely will you see one of these ads coerce viewers to use bra size charts. Being fashionable is flaunted while getting a comfortable fit is packed with the rest of the irrelevant on the bleachers.

Using Bra Size Charts

Women who are smart enough to look for right fitting bras will make use of size charts. Take note that the important information in these charts isn’t the labels but the measurements of each size. As stated earlier, each manufacturer will have different size standard. What you need to do is to get your measurements and compare it to the measurements in a brand’s size chart.

Measuring Your Bra Size

In order to get your bra size, you’ll need a tape measure a print out of a bra size chart you can find on the website of a particular manufacturer or brand. The first step is to take your band measurement. This is done by running the tape around measuring underneath your breasts.

The next step is to measure your bust size, which is done by running the tape around your body at the fullest part of your breast, which is basically around your nipples. Now that you have both these measurements you can compare them with the specific measurements shown in a bra size chart. Make sure to round off your measurements to get the best fit.