Bra Fitting: When to Remove Your Bra and How to Measure Correctly
When shopping for a new bra, the accuracy of the fit is crucial for comfortable wear and support. A properly-fitted bra can drastically improve your comfort and appearance, but it's essential to understand when to remove your current bra and how to measure yourself correctly.
Do You Need to Remove Your Bra for a Fitting?
It is generally recommended to remove your bra for a bra fitting. This allows the fitter to accurately measure your bust size and assess the fit of different styles without any interference from the existing bra. However, some fitters might allow you to keep your bra on, especially if it is a style that does not interfere with the fitting process.
If you're uncomfortable with removing your bra, it's worth checking with the specific store or fitter for their policy. Many fitting experts will respect your personal comfort boundaries, but clear communication about your preferences is important.
Measuring for the Right Bra Size
Whether you choose to have a professional fitting or measure yourself at home, accuracy is key. Follow these steps to measure correctly:
Band Size
Take a flexible, stretchable measuring tape. Place the tape under your bust, running it horizontally just below your breasts. Wrap the tape around your back, ensuring it lies flat and does not compress your skin. Record the measurement in centimeters (cm) or inches (in), depending on the fitting expert's preference. If your measurement falls between two sizes, round it off to the nearest even number for the band size.Bust Size
Place the tape horizontally over the fullest part of your bust, usually around your nipple area. Wrap the tape around your back, ensuring it is not too tight or too loose. Record the measurement in centimeters (cm) or inches (in). If your measurement falls between two sizes, round up to the nearest whole number.Cup Size Calculation
Once you have your band and bust measurements, you can calculate your cup size using the formula:
Cup Size Bust Size - Band Size
Inch Difference Cup Size 1 inch A 2 inches B 3 inches C 4 inches D 5 inches E 6 inches FFor example, if your bust measurement is 36 inches and your band measurement is 32 inches, your cup size would be 4 inches (36 - 32), which corresponds to a D cup.
Conclusion
Measuring yourself for a new bra can feel daunting, but it is an important step in ensuring you find the perfect fit. Whether a professional fitter or self-measurement is your preference, following these steps will help you get the measurements right.