Oh dear oh dear, Which Big Bra Size Fit's All?
I always knew that different bra sizing was far from an exact science. Different countries have different methods of bra sizing. Manufacturers have different methods of bra sizing. And, no two women's bosoms are identical - even if they do fit into the same sized bras.
I find different stores or manufacturer's bras fit me differently. So my size varies according to which Big Bra I'm wearing. Add to that, the fact my bust changes according to the time of the month and how my weight is fluctuating and it all gets a bit difficult.
We all know the general concept of bra sizing. Measure underneath your bust, and then add 1 or 2 inches depending on the current theory being followed to determine your band size. Then measure your bust and take the difference between that and the band size to determine your cup size. Some methods suggest measuring above the bust too. Three measurements are just too many. Or, go without the math and simply look more closely at how your old bras fit, to determine if you really have got the right size or not.
None of it really matters if the bra manufacturers aren't adhering to the same system. And, with bras being made all over the world to different templates your guess is as good as mine. One of the biggest and most exclusive names in women's corsetry (by Appointment to the Queen of England no less) suggest forgetting the tape measure altogether. They have trained staff who will look at your bust and tell you what size underwear you need, all done simply by eye. Great if you happen to be in London, but not so useful for the rest of us.
I think many of us still use that old staple method of Bra Sizing. We simply buy whatever we've been buying since we were about 18. I know I used this method for years. And I had the wrong sized bras at 18 and for those subsequent years too - genius! Putting up with wires which dig in, bands which rise up at the back and 'extra' breasts spilling out over the top of cups or under your arms does not make for a sexy look or indeed a sexy feel to our lingerie. Get the sizing right and even the simplest unfussy Big Bras can make you feel a million dollars. Trust me, I do not always spend big bucks on my Larger Lingerie!
Nowadays I often stick with brands I know, and generally the sizing remains constant within their ranges, so I know with a good degree of certainty that the new bra I order will be the size I think it will be. Whilst I may be one size with one brand, I might be another with a different one. Maybe I should create a spreadsheet of my bra sizing compared to brand. It might make ordering new underwear a little easier!
The Bra Sizing Conundrum will continue indefinitely I imagine. Let's face it, if not all 38" jeans are actually the same size, clothing manufacturers are never going to be able to create something as complicated as a bra in exactly the same proportions time after time! But, that shouldn't matter too much. After all, bras both big and small are made of flexible, stretchable materials. And, if all else fails you can always use a bra extender to increase the band size. As long as you have the correct size to begin with (and you will know because you will have at least one bra which sits 'just so', flat against the chest and straight across the back, with a smooth outline) you should be able to find more perfect Big Bras.
I will look at the different methods of Bra Sizing a little more closely though as they say around 80% of us are wearing the wrong sized bras a lot of the time. It does pay to aim for the perfect size to keep the silhouette smooth and avoid those nasty underarm extra boobs that can be apparent! After all, we want Big Bras that Fit!
I always knew that different bra sizing was far from an exact science. Different countries have different methods of bra sizing. Manufacturers have different methods of bra sizing. And, no two women's bosoms are identical - even if they do fit into the same sized bras.
I find different stores or manufacturer's bras fit me differently. So my size varies according to which Big Bra I'm wearing. Add to that, the fact my bust changes according to the time of the month and how my weight is fluctuating and it all gets a bit difficult.
We all know the general concept of bra sizing. Measure underneath your bust, and then add 1 or 2 inches depending on the current theory being followed to determine your band size. Then measure your bust and take the difference between that and the band size to determine your cup size. Some methods suggest measuring above the bust too. Three measurements are just too many. Or, go without the math and simply look more closely at how your old bras fit, to determine if you really have got the right size or not.
None of it really matters if the bra manufacturers aren't adhering to the same system. And, with bras being made all over the world to different templates your guess is as good as mine. One of the biggest and most exclusive names in women's corsetry (by Appointment to the Queen of England no less) suggest forgetting the tape measure altogether. They have trained staff who will look at your bust and tell you what size underwear you need, all done simply by eye. Great if you happen to be in London, but not so useful for the rest of us.
I think many of us still use that old staple method of Bra Sizing. We simply buy whatever we've been buying since we were about 18. I know I used this method for years. And I had the wrong sized bras at 18 and for those subsequent years too - genius! Putting up with wires which dig in, bands which rise up at the back and 'extra' breasts spilling out over the top of cups or under your arms does not make for a sexy look or indeed a sexy feel to our lingerie. Get the sizing right and even the simplest unfussy Big Bras can make you feel a million dollars. Trust me, I do not always spend big bucks on my Larger Lingerie!
Nowadays I often stick with brands I know, and generally the sizing remains constant within their ranges, so I know with a good degree of certainty that the new bra I order will be the size I think it will be. Whilst I may be one size with one brand, I might be another with a different one. Maybe I should create a spreadsheet of my bra sizing compared to brand. It might make ordering new underwear a little easier!
The Bra Sizing Conundrum will continue indefinitely I imagine. Let's face it, if not all 38" jeans are actually the same size, clothing manufacturers are never going to be able to create something as complicated as a bra in exactly the same proportions time after time! But, that shouldn't matter too much. After all, bras both big and small are made of flexible, stretchable materials. And, if all else fails you can always use a bra extender to increase the band size. As long as you have the correct size to begin with (and you will know because you will have at least one bra which sits 'just so', flat against the chest and straight across the back, with a smooth outline) you should be able to find more perfect Big Bras.
I will look at the different methods of Bra Sizing a little more closely though as they say around 80% of us are wearing the wrong sized bras a lot of the time. It does pay to aim for the perfect size to keep the silhouette smooth and avoid those nasty underarm extra boobs that can be apparent! After all, we want Big Bras that Fit!
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