BRA 101

I did a little seminar on HOT DIVAS about how to wear the right type of bra's, so I decided to go the extra mile and blog about it, ladies your gonna need a tape rule to perform this particular exercise. This post though is going to try to help ladies determine what exactly is their right bra size. Thank me later *winks*

If your bras leave red marks or are just plain uncomfortable, chances are you’re wearing the wrong size. So if you don’t have access to a specialty fitting store, then an at-home measurement can give you a good idea of whether your current bra is sized correctly.  There are two measurements you need to determine: band size and cup size. To find them, put on your best-fitting unpadded bra and stand in front of a mirror, holding a tape measure.

Band size: With the tape measure, measure around the top of your rib cage, directly under your bust. Be sure to keep the tape evenly horizontal to get the most accurate number possible. When you have the measurement, round it off to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add 4 inches; if it’s odd, add 5 inches. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band size is 38. You get?)

Cup size: Place the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, again making sure that it stays as even as possible around your body. You also want the tape to be snug without digging into your skin. Round that measurement to the nearest even number and calculate the difference in inches between this number and your band size. A difference of 1 inch equals an A cup; 2 inches equals a B cup; 3 inches equals a C cup; and 4 inches equals a D cup. So if you measured a 36 band in the first step and you measured a 38 here, your cup size is B. Here's some other fun facts I discovered:

DID YOU KNOW?

• Dark bras may feel tighter than light ones – this is due to the dying process.
• Ladies bra sizes fluctuate throughout their monthly menstrual cycle.
• The first modern brassiere was invented by New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacobs when she was just 19 years of age.
• The most popular bra size in the UK IS 36D.
• You can do a degree in Bra Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
• The biggest bra now available on the high street is an L cup.
• 80% of women own more than 5 bras.

Try this little task and you'll be amazed by the results, it's actually for your own good so next time you go to buy a bra you don't randomly pick one's you like to try on. Like I said thank me later or holler back on twitter: @keeksokafor.