Are you wearing the right bra size?
We're often told that the majority of women are wearing the wrong bra size. But even if we know our bra doesn't fit us properly, how many of us know how to go about identifying why or how to find the right size? The whole issue of bra sizing often seems shrouded in mystery and it seems you can only get to the bottom of it if you have a degree in rocket science!
Lingerie retailer Bravissimo aims to help women uncover their true bra size and discover the truth about the difference a perfect fitting bra makes to the way you look and feel.
The average bra size worn in the UK is a 36C, but Bravissimo, which specialises in bras, swimwear and clothing for bigger boobed women, estimates that the true average size is likely to be nearer a 34DD or E. Their research shows two thirds of women are wearing a bra that is both a back size too big and too small in the cup, and that 6 out of 10 women wearing an 'average' C cup should be at least a D cup.
Jacqui Geraghty, Bravissimo's Customer Services Director, explains: 'The perception seems to be that if you wear a D cup or bigger you must have huge boobs, but in fact cup sizes are not as big as most people think. A true DD or E cup is not so large that you would necessarily think the woman had big boobs at all - in fact, it's probably about the average size you see on a daily basis. I wear an H cup bra and people who don't know that have joked in front of me that if you were that sort of size you would surely topple over and must have truly massive boobs. They probably thought I was a DD, or they wouldn't have made those sorts of comments.'
So if you're not sure whether a bra fits you or not, how can you tell? Here are some of Bravissimo's top tips to help you decide and find the perfect fit:
- Back sizes correlate roughly to dress size. A size 10 woman should probably wear a 28-30 bra back size, size 12 a 30-32, size 14 a 32-34 and so on.
- A bra that fits will be supportive and comfortable. Your boobs should be lifted and separated by the cups and the back should fit snugly without being restrictively tight.
- Dump the tape measure and concentrate on how a bra looks and feels. Bra sizes are about volume and proportions, not straight line measurements. You wouldn't work out how much water was in your glass using a tape measure, would you?
- Just as you would never buy a pair of shoes without trying them on for size, bras can differ depending on their exact cut and make, so always try before you buy! When trying on a bra, fasten it on the loosest hook (so you can tighten it as it stretches with wear and washing) and don't forget to adjust the shoulder straps to fit!
If you want help to find your perfect fit, try out Bravissimo's special ivillage quiz. For a free Bravissimo mail order magazine, visit www.bravissimo.com.
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