Avoid These Mistakes When Measuring For Bras

Want to lose ten pounds within a matter of minutes? Finding the right bra size can mean the difference between looking thin and looking boxy.

While the wrong bra size can make even the thinnest woman look frumpy, the right bra size can cinch your waist in no time. Since bras were meant to pick up that top half, if yours is not doing its job your breasts will blend into your stomach causing a square shape (who wants to look like a block?). Though many of us would love to pop into a bra shop, pick up the prettiest of the bunch, and head to the cash register, this is simply not realistic.

Have you ever noticed how different designers have dissimilar ideas when it comes to clothing size? Well, those that make bras tend to go by their own measurements as well. Even though you may be a size 32C when you enter a store, you may wind up coming home with a bra that is a 36C. In short, you really can't pay attention to what the label says, though you can learn to measure yourself properly prior to entering the store just to have some type of rough guideline.

To begin measuring yourself properly, wrap a measuring tape around the area where the bra band normally goes. While you are doing this, it is important to keep the tape flat and keep your arms down by your sides (you may need a little bit of help here). Once you have the right reading, round it to the nearest whole number. Some people will tell you to add two to three inches to this measurement, but this is simply not necessary. Instead, go with what you find the first time. Now, on to that cup size...

It is crucial that you get the cup size right, so it is best to do this type of measurement in the nude (if you place the measuring tape over your bra, you will be adding a bit of width). Place the tape around the fullest part of your breasts and round the measurement to the nearest whole number. Then, take that earlier band size and subtract it from the bust size. Those leftover inches will determine your bust size (1 inch is equivalent to an A cup; 2 inches to a B cup; 3 inches to a C cup...).

After you have gone through the measuring process, you can then head to those stores try on numerous bras. Remember, when it comes to bras you can't pay too much attention to that number on the tag - after all, we are all made differently.