It is incredible how a garment that many women wear daily is the one that costs us the most to choose when it comes to sizes. And it is that to find the perfect bra it is necessary to make measurements and accounts so that you are comfortable.
An incorrectly sized bra could not only be unfavorable, but also cause health problems such as poor circulation or even back pain. That's why we asked our friends at Calvin Klein how to find your perfect bra size.
It may interest you: Learn about the different styles of 'bra' and use the one that best suits your type of bust
types of bra
The first thing you should take into account when choosing a bra is the type of bra you want. Bralette, padded, sports or nursing. Each one fulfills a different function and depending on its shape, they will be the measures you need.
the different silhouettes
Calvin Klein has identified four main bra silhouettes:
Lift: which has a slight natural enhancement.
Unlined: without padding and generally made of elastic fabrics.
[Photo: Courtesy Calvin Klein]
Lightly lined: with cups lined only for shape and support
Push up: with an accentuated neckline and padding in the lower part of the cup to enhance the bust.
How to know your bra size
Once you've chosen the type of bra you want or need, you'll need to take measurements to find the right size.
To do this you need a measuring tape and a notebook and pen to write down your measurements. This is what you should do:
1. Measure around the back, circling it above the bust. Try to do it with very light clothes or only in underwear so as not to make mistakes in the measurements.
2. Depending on the measurement in centimeters you have, it will be the size you need.
[Photo: Courtesy Calvin Klein]
How to know which bra cup you are
This is where it gets more interesting, because you need to do a simple subtraction to find out if you are a cup A, B, C or D. Although those are the most common cup sizes, you can also find bras with cups E, F, etc.
1. Measure the bust at the most protruding part and at the height of the nipples.
2. Subtract the bust measurement from the size measurement. That is, if your size was 80 and the cup measurement was 90, you must subtract 90-80.
3. Depending on the centimeters of difference, you will be able to determine the appropriate cup as we tell you in the following table.
[Photo: Courtesy Calvin Klein]
Once you have your correct size and cup, you will see how everything will change for the better. Not only will your bust stand out, but it will also help you have a better posture, you will no longer have back pain or the straps will no longer fall off or mark your shoulders.
You can also read:
Guide to correctly use a strapless bra and prevent it from falling
How to make sure your favorite bra doesn't get ruined when you wash it
Seven myths about the 'bra' that you should stop believing
