According to fashion experts, 75-80% of women wear the wrong bra size. And what happens when you do? For starters, it’s painful and uncomfortable to wear. As for health complications, not getting enough support could lead to back problems, and too small a size could restrict breathing.

It’s advisable to check you bra size. Women’s breasts get fuller once you get to 20s, and sadly, gravity wins when you get older.

Band Size and Cup Size
Bra size consists of 2 things: the band size and the cup size. So when you see 36C, 36 is the band size and C is the cup size. Here’s how to get your measurement:

1. Measure the diameter of your rib cage just below your breasts and around the back using a tape measure. Make sure the tape lands flat on your skin. This is your frame size.
2. To get you band size, add 5 inches to your frame size if you get an odd number and 4 inches if you get an even number. Most band sizes come in even numbers. Though for some women, they say that 2-3 inches might work better.
3. Now measure around your chest over the fullest part of the bust. This is your bust size.
4. To get your cup size, you need to subtract your bust size from your band size. The difference would tell you your cup size:
   

   Difference	Cup size
   0″ to 0.5″	AA
   0.5″ to 1″	A
   1″ to 2″	B
   2″ to 3″	C
   3″ to 4″	D

When buying bras

Be patient in trying out bras. There are so many different styles of bras available nowadays – magic, underwire, push-up, sports… the list goes on. Better try them out and make sure they fit snugly with ample support. Try moving around and simulate the postures that you would probably be doing when wearing that particular bra. If you experience any discomfort then try out another.

Here are some other tips about bras:

• If the cups don’t fill, try one that’s a cup smaller.
• If you’re “bursting out,” try a bigger cup size.
• If the straps dig in, it’s because it’s taking the strain of support. Try another band size.
• When trying out bras, try to get one that snugly fits using the loosest hook/clasp. Washing bras will cause them to expand.
• To check that “sung fit,” you should be able to insert two fingers at the back-center of the band and one in front.

Each woman has a unique breast. If all else fails, there are companies out there who make custom-fit bras just for you.

Post scripts

For guys, this could be a good article especially if you’d like to buy lingerie for your lady. Or if you’re a dad escorting your daughter bra shopping (and can’t find any other female to help), better take note of these too.

Okay, this topic may sound weird coming from a guy so I’d have to credit my sister for helping me out with this one.