Bra Basics
Cups or no Cups?
There is a time and place for everything, including cups in your bras. Usually, when a girl starts wearing a bra it's one of those simple sporty things that comes in sizes like Small, Medium and Large. Those simple, stretchy cotton bras are okay if you're in the beginning stages of development but eventually, you're probably gonna need something with cups. Cups give you more support and keep your boobs from flopping all over the place. So how do you know when you need a cup? Well, there's an old test that goes like this: if you take a pencil and put it under your boob - and it stays - then you need a cup. If the pencil falls then you're still okay without cups.
Cup Lingo
If you don't get what all the letters and numbers mean on a cup bra, don't worry. It's not as complicated as it looks. The letters - like A, B, C, D - all stand for cup sizes. The numbers - like 32, 36, 38 - all stand for the band size - the part of the bra that goes around you. In other words, a 34a means that your boobs are an A cup and that your bra is 34 inches around. The best way to figure out what cup and size is right for you is to go and try some on.
Measuring Up
Here is a pretty accurate means of figuring out your bra size. First, you need to take a measuring tape and measure around your back right across the middle of your boobs. And right across your nipples. You need to find the fullest measurement. Make sure to hold the tape measure straight but not tight. The difference between this measurement and your BAND size is your cup size. Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size. For example, if your band size is 34" and your full across-the-nipple measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup. Now, all you need to do is figure out your band size. Take the measuring tape and wrap it around your ribcage just below your boobs. Make sure that it is level at the back and the front. Your ribcage measurement plus five inches is your band size. So, if you measure out at 29 inches and add five inches, your band measurement is 34.
| If The Difference Is: | |
| less than an inch = | AA cup |
| an inch = | A cup |
| 2 inches = | B cup |
| 3 inches = | C cup |
| 4 inches = | D cup |
| 5 inches = | DD cup |
Shopping Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind while trying on bras. First off decide what look you want. Bras come in various styles, like push-up and full-coverage and sports. If you want something that is simple with lots of support, you don't want a push-up. If you're looking to appear a little bigger than you are, then you do want push-up. Whatever your style, just make sure it fits right.Some easy things to watch out for - the top part of your chest should meet seemlessly with the part in your bra. In other words, you don't want the top part of your chest to appear flat and then you have these bulges where your bras starts. If you've got the bulges it usually means that your cup size is too small. A quick and painless check is to latch the hooks of your bra, lean over and allow yourself to fall into the cups. If your boobs are pouring out and over, you need to move a cup size.
You also don't want bulges on your back. If your bra is too small around or you've got it done up too tight, you'll be able to see it through the back of your shirt and your skin will appear puckered or bulgy. Your straps should also be loose and not dig into your shoulders.
Remember a new bra should fasten at the middle or last hook, cuz the material will stretch with wear. Eventually, you'll wanna fasten it at the first hook.
Do yourself a favor: When you head to the bra department, find the oldest salesperson around. I'm talkin' the older the better. Walk right past the young trendy girls - who haven't got a clue - and find someone is pushing retirement. She's the lady who knows how to properly fit a bra.
Stay away from patterns. Sure that green and purple plaid bra looks great on the hanger but it'll be hard to wear because it'll show through a lot of your clothes. If there is a patterned or brightly colored bra you like you're best off to remember it and try to find a similar bathing suit or something.
Bra Stats
Did you know that the most popular bra colors (in order of popularity) on the US mainland are: black, white, then beige.In Hawaii, the popularity of colors is beige, white, then black.
Island women are strong believers in matching your under garments to your skin tones. Not a bad idea.
Marie Tucek patented the actual first 'breast supporter' in 1893. It was very similar to the bras sold today, with pouches for the breasts to sit in.
The average American woman owns six bras. Out of those six, one of is a strapless bra.
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