It is true that in the bra industry, there are no standards for the naming of bra sizes. Each country and even each manufacturer, may name their cup sizes in whatever way they consider marketable.

The one constant is the increment between sizes. In most parts of the world that increment is 1″. In Australia, the increment is 2 cm which is closer to 3/4″.

Here is a link to a chart with data: http://www.patternschool.com/braswire.shtml

This is why it is important to know your own measurements and to check the manufacturers sizing chart whether you are buying bras or clothes.

Every women should get fitted. And invest in at least one good quality nude, plain (no lace, no added anything) bra that fits like a glove and can be worn under any garment without any lines.

Check out http://www.figleaves.com/uk/fitting_room.asp?cat=164 for a free ebook you can download to see if your bra is supporting you. I agree with Corinna though – if you haven’t been fitted in a while, or ever, suck it up at least once. It may be uncomfortable but it could be a life changing experience. It was for me.

I am very glad you left a comment. I’m sorry to hear that you have had a hard time finding a shop to fit you well. A bra cup three sizes too small? That is truly awful.

But I stand by what I say here. Yes it is true that there will be some shops that don’t really know what they are doing, but there are standards for cup and back sizes and if you keep looking you should be able to find a shop. If you want to send me a private message and tell me where you are I can try and find a reputable shop with good references in your area.

And thanks also for the link to the livejournal site with the measuring info. There are so many websites with that information that I decided to not repeat it here and write about the experience of being fitted in a shop, something that I personally find works best for me.

http://darthfox.livejournal.com/845495.html is the best link I’ve found on how a bra should fit. While some fitters out there know what they’re doing, most apparently don’t (I’ve had fitters in independant, small stores try to foist bras with three cup sizes too small on me.)

KC – That is a very good point. Getting fitted properly does require that we be willing to have our personal boundaries crossed. We are going to be touched in private places and there really is a way to arrange your boobs within the bra for the best fit, lift and separation.

CordyQ – If the underwire is digggin in then it is possible that you are wearing a bra that is too tight. Also, consider wearing bras with wider straps, meaning 4 or 5 hooks rather than 2 or 3. There are also bras without underwire but with a much stiffer elastic. You won’t get the same lift and separation but your comfort is extremely important. Don’t give up my sister! Keep trying on bras until you find one that points ‘em up and out to God!

I would love to finally know what I really wear.. what fits right and feels good and all that.

One thing that I struggle with is underwires I have large breasts that travel under my arm due to underarm bulge.. and the wires never sit right for me they just dig into my under arms or hit me in my chin when I sit down….. not really the sexiest feeling let me tell ya Being that I am in a serious relationship right now (my very first) and with engagement/marriage apparently on the horizon that leaves me with the nerves of it being the first time anyone other that me will see more than a wayward bra strap (much less the anxiety and jitters of someone else seeing me… *GASP* Naked for the first time since I was in diapers) the need for a pretty, cute, sexy yet supportive bras has really been on my mind lately and honestly I was clueless as to where to even start.

Thanks for giving me a starters course