Bra Shopping Advice

It doesn't matter if you call it a bra or a brassiere, most women wear one. This undergarment is a staple in a woman's everyday life. So finding the right one is crucial for everyday comfort.

Finding the Right Size
The first step in bra shopping advice is to understand size. The average bra is fitted by two basic measurements, the band size and the cup size, which is why bras are sold in categories like 36B and 42D. The numbers refer to band size, and the letters refer to cup size.

Band size is the measurement of your rib cage, right below the bust. Determine your size by wrapping a tape measure around your ribs, right below your bust line. Make sure the tape lays flat and doesn't droop in the back. Add five inches to the overall amount, then round up to the nearest even number. The resulting number is the band size.

Cup size is the measurement of your bust at its fullest point. Wrap a tape measure around, making sure it lays flat and doesn't sag in back. Keep the tape taut, but not tight, and round the measurement to the nearest inch.

Once you have those two measurements, subtract the band size from the cup size. The difference in inches between the two will determine your cup size:

0 inches=AA

1 inch=A

2 inches=B

3 inches=C

4 inches=D

5 inches=DD

If you are in between two cups, round up to the nearest cup size.

It's not uncommon for some women to have one breast slightly larger than the other. The best tactic in these cases is to purchase the bra that fits the slightly larger side. If it's purchased for the slightly smaller side, it can sit too tightly on the larger breast, making the difference more obvious.

Determining Fit
A bra isn't automatically the right fit just because it looks perfect when you stand still in front of the mirror. Like all clothing, it will stretch and twist with you as you move throughout the day. So never stand still to test the fit.

Mimic your basic movements for an average day to really test a bra. Stretch your arms up and around, lean forward and back. Use body motions that the bra will need to work for. If you're employed as a secretary answering phones all day, a bra strap that slides down every time you reach for the receiver will become a big nuisance.

Never buy a bra without trying it on under a shirt first. Many bras can look fantastic alone, but they can leave odd bumps and lines in your profile when worn with a top. The ideal bra is one that can look gorgeous by itself, but still creates a sleek and clean shape under clothing.

Bras for Larger Busts
Different styles of bras suit different bodies. Size, shape and support are all major factors in determining the right style. Comfort is also an important factor, and the truly perfect style always feels delightful to wear.

Women with larger busts need to look for a bra with sturdy strap support that won't cut into their shoulders. Thin straps should be avoided, as they don't support well and quickly become uncomfortable.

The closer the strap is to the armpit, the less support it gives the cup. Those adorable and sexy pieces with a thin, ribbon strap coming out from under the arm will not only be uncomfortable, but they'll also make a larger bust seem to droop in the middle.

Half cups or balconets should also be avoided for large busts. These will only support the lower part of the breast, leaving the top part hanging over and causing unsightly bumps in your silhouette.

Underwire is an uncomfortable addition, but underwire bras are necessary for those with large bust sizes. In general, bras do not support large busts very well without the aid of an underwire.

Bras for Smaller Busts
Underwire isn't as useful for smaller busts, and many smaller bras go without them. If comfort, and not shape, is your main style concern, try a bralet. The simple shape and claspless design can even be used as sleepwear.

Women with smaller busts often face the issue of creating an attractive silhouette. A padded or push-up bra can help with this issue. This kind of bra can create not only bigger busts, but it can also make your breast shape rounder and better balanced.

Sports Bras
Sports bras follow slightly different rules than the average bra. Since a sports bra is designed to help support during heavy activity, it should fit tighter around the chest. The right fit in a sports bra is ten times more important than the right style.

With the right sports bra, the bust should be held in and lifted up in cups, which creates secure support for jarring activities. Avoid sports bras that just smash down your bust without actually offering support.

A sports bra should also be tested for the activity in mind. If you plan on running, jog in place to check the bounce factor. If you'll be playing tennis, make some mock swings to make sure the bra doesn't get in the way of your backhand.

Though some women may claim they only glisten when working out, most just plain sweat. Keep the logistics of getting sweaty in mind when looking for a sports bra. Check that materials are absorbent and sturdy enough to withstand frequent washing. Cotton blends are a good choice, whereas satin or lace would not be smart materials to work out in.

Whether you need underwire bras, full figure bras or push-up bras, the final trait to keep in mind is durability. It doesn't do much good if the bra works great in a dressing room but it comes apart after two hours of use. If the overall shape will be lost with just a few washings, or the material will pucker from even slight stress, it's not worth the time to buy.