Balconette, bandeau, underwire, push up; the bra it is the cross and delight of every woman. It supports, gives a sensual effect in see-through looks, can give an extra size to those who would like a more generous breast, but, if chosen from the wrong size, can represent a real hell.
And if you think that a mistake in choosing the right size is rare, know that it is not so: in fact, only 20% of women wear the right bra size. The remaining 80% is “postponed to September”, and they insist on choosing bras with cups that are not right for their breasts and, consequently, do not enhance. How to orient yourself then to choose the right cup and thus avoid annoying and annoying spills?
Bra cups: what do they indicate?
Braces that leave their mark on the shoulders, pads that sprout in the armpit and chest area, underwire that irritates the skin: the main annoyances of a bra that is too tight and too small are these, therefore, in choosing the most suitable bra, it is necessary to take into account two important values, namely the number – for example size 3, which represents the size of the chest – and the letter – for example C, which indicates the cup of the bra that we will have to buy.
To calculate values such as size and cup, simply arm yourself with a tape measure and first measure the circumference of the chest, passing the tape measure under the breast, then the breast circumference, placing the tape measure at the height of the nipples.
Suppose your chest measures 75 and breasts 84; once this is done, we can proceed to calculate the right size, subtracting 60 from our underbust measurement, or thoracic, and then dividing by 5. The cups of the bra, A, B, C and D indicate this last circumference. Then
75 – 60 = 15.
15/5 = 3
which corresponds to a third.
Instead, let’s move on to measuring the cup, subtracting the chest measurement from the breast measurement. Then
84cm – 75cm = 9cm
Keeping in mind that every 5 cm of difference between chest and breast you change the cup of the bra, you can evaluate the right cup for you; therefore:
- Difference <5 cm: you have an A cup;
- Difference 10 cm: you have a B cup;
- Difference 15 cm: you have a C cup;
- Difference 20 cm: you have a D cup;
- Difference 25 cm: you have an E cup.
This scheme, in general, also applies to intermediate figures, so:
- Difference: about 5,6,7,8,9,10 cm: cup B;
- Difference: 10,11,12,13,14,15 cm: B or C cups;
- Difference: 15,16,17,18,19,20 cm: C or D cups.
Bra cups: the measurements
Source: iStock
Now let’s try to “venture” among the various sizes of the bra cups.
Cup A
It concerns a small breast, whose underbust is identical to cup B, but the cup corresponds to that of the smaller size. An example? A third A corresponds to the measurement normally given as a third for the underbust band, but the cup is like that of the second measurement with cup B.
Cup B
These measures correspond to an average breast, in fact a third B is equivalent to a normal third, both as regards the underbust band and as regards the cup itself.
Cup C
The C cup is suitable for those with large breasts, in which the underbust is identical to the B, while the cup is the same as that of the upper size. So a third C corresponds to that given as a third for the underbust band, while the cup is the same as that of the fourth size, with cup B.
Cup D
We are obviously talking about the cup corresponding to the larger sizes.
How to choose the right bra?
Mathematical calculations aside, a bra, to be “right” with respect to our physicality, must adhere well to the ribs and breastbone and surround the breast well, embracing it totally. The braces must not mark the shoulders, as well as the underwires must not be annoying.
If the bra you have is the wrong size you will notice, for example, that the straps dug too far into the skin, leaving marks and redness; this means that the bra has too wide a band but is not big enough in the cup, so the straps are too tight and not able to give the right support.
If, on the other hand, the back band is wide it means that the waistline under the bust is tighter than calculated, so you are wearing the wrong size. You can try to adjust the hook by closing it tighter, or simply change size.
If you notice a bulge at the top of the bra it means that the bra cup is too small; even if the underwire digs into the armpit it means that the cup is not the right size, as well as if you feel the bra is pinching the skin.
A few small tips: do not wear a bra for two days in a row it will allow to maintain the shape and solidity; better to have three bras to use in rotation, in order to allow the elastic to go back to doing its work during the break period.
Apart from the fact that women change about 7 bra sizes over the lifetime, it is good to know that no one bra is the same as another, so you cannot rely on one size as you would for shoes. The right bra should still support the bust 90% with the band, and only 10% with the straps, so consider this when you are about to make your choice.
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Original article published on July 29, 2020
