Help with determining bra size + bra fitting

Do you know your actual bra size?

You might be surprised now, but 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. Why is that? On the one hand, it is due to the industry. In different parts of the world, the size indications are labeled differently.

Here is an overview of underbust circumference worldwide:

After that, it gets even more complicated.

Here is an overview of the cup size accordingly: 

To understand it, let's first clarify how bra sizes are structured.

Bra size is composed of two measurements:

1. Underbust width or underbust circumference. The measurement is taken directly under the bust, in the breast fold parallel to the floor. Breathe in and breathe out – and remember the number.
2. Bust width is measured over the fullest part of the bust parallel to the floor. Note down the number.

Now we have calculated that for a woman with a bust measurement of 92 cm and an underbust measurement of 77 cm, the bra starting size is 75C. 

But why the starting size? Haven't we just calculated the size?

There is something else to consider here. Each label has its own philosophy and size chart. One company targets only slim women as a customer segment, another focuses on larger sizes. In addition, women in Latin America differ from, for example, women in Northern Europe in terms of their body shape.

Therefore, it makes sense to try the respective sister sizes if you are already in the fitting room.

Sister sizes have the same cup volume but will differ in the length of the underbust band. If your size is not available or cups or band are a bit too tight or too loose in a particular model, you should try one of the sister sizes.

It can also happen that the bra from the same brand runs smaller or larger.

In Bra-Fitting, it is recommended to go only one size up or down. In sister sizes, the breast volume remains the same, but the underbust band length changes.

And this is the core when choosing a bra, as it is crucial for the support effect. A good bra should be able to hold everything in place and position without straps. An underbust band should hug the body tightly and parallel to the floor. When buying, fasten the bra on the outermost hook so that two fingers fit between the underbust band and the back.

If the underbust band pulls upwards, it is too large.  The breast tilts forward and the support effect is no longer guaranteed.  

Some mistakenly think that the straps are mainly responsible for supporting the breast.  No, this function lies with the underbust band. If the underbust band is tight against the body, then the gore of the bra is pressed against the breast and provides support. 

The straps should not dig into the shoulder or slip off the shoulder. The breast should fill the cup and not spill out over the cup in front or on the sides. If this is the case, the cup is too small.

The underwires should lie firmly in the breast fold and hug the breast, but not poke into the rib cage. If the gore is too high or does not lie flat, the bra cups are too small.

And last but not least, it is important to mention that many women have breasts of different sizes. When choosing, orient yourself to the larger breast.