Bra sizes: how do you know what size is yours?

Do you know your bra size? Or do you always end up buying bras that don't quite fit your chest size? Knowing your bra size is easy; through a series of simple steps you can obtain it.

In this article we will explain how to know which bra size is yours; to know it you will only need a soft tape measure. Finally, we will explain what 20 types of bras exist based on a series of parameters and characteristics (shape, accessories, size ...).

Bra sizes: how do you know which size fits you?

First of all, we will differentiate two concepts in relation to our bra: size, which indicates the measurement of the contour of the torso, and that it is a number (for example size 90) and the cup, that indicates the volume of the chest, and that it is a letter (for example cup B). These two parameters make up your bra size, and are very easy to calculate. Let's how to do it.

Today not all women wear a bra. However, if you are one of those who do use it, knowing the size of your bra will help you to buy the one that best suits your body. This will make it more comfortable for you and not cause you any discomfort.

It is true that not all underwear brands (or their collections) are the same, and that is why sometimes the same size and cup can vary from one bra to another. However, in general the sizes usually correspond between different brands.

The steps to calculate your bra size and cup are as follows.

1. Measure the contour of the back below the chest

First of all you must measure the contour of your back. Thus, the first step you must take to find out your bra size is to surround with a meter (you can use a soft tape measure) the contour of your back, below the breasts.

Round that number and write it down (for example 100). This number corresponds to the contour of your chest, that is, the number that appears in the size (size 90, 95, 100 ...).

2. Measure the contour from the back to the nipples

The second step you must carry out is to surround with the meter (soft tape measure) the contour of your back at the height of the nipples (without pressing) (it is the same as you have done before but this time above the nipple, not below the breast). That is, surround your entire back, from back to front. Write down the resulting number (for example 85).

3. Get the cup by subtracting the two previous figures

Now we must subtract from the first number (obtained in step 1) the second number (obtained in step 2). In this case, following the example we raised, we will subtract: 100 - 85 = 15. We get 15, which is 15 cm.

This 15 is the difference between the two measurements, and corresponds to the measurement of our glass (A, B, C, D ...) in centimeters. When we buy underwear, we see on the label how the cup accompanies the bra size (for example 100 B). But what numbers correspond to each cup? Let's see it:

• Cup A: between 12 and 14 cm
• Cup B: between 14 and 16 cm
• Cup C: between 16 and 18 cm
• Cup D: between 18 and 20 cm
• Cup E: between 20 and 22 cm
• Cup F: between 22 and 24 cm
• G cup: between 24 and 26 cm
• H cup: between 26 and 28 cm

Bra cup

As we indicated, the cup of the bra indicates the volume of our chest (if it is more or less wide). The most common is that we have an A, B or C cup (they are the most common cups), but we can have up to an H cup, depending on the size of our chest and our back.

Thus, the farthest letters (F, G, H ...) correspond to larger breast volumes, and the differences between the back contour from below the breast and the back contour from the nipple are more large. On the other hand, the first letters (A, B…) correspond to breasts with less volume.

Types of bras

Beyond size, there are different types of bra. Each of them will be ideal for one occasion or another (playing sports, going for a walk ...) and for one type of clothing or another (ball gown, wide t-shirt ...). That is, there are several types of bra, which can be adapted to our needs and preferences. These, in addition, are classified according to six parameters. Let's get to know them.

1. According to the central bridge

The center bridge is the part of the bra that joins the two pieces. Depending on whether the bridge is wide or thin, there are two types of fasteners: “plunge” type (with the thin central bridge) and “no plunge” type (with the wide or thick central bridge).

2. According to the coverage of the cup

Depending on whether the cup is more or less large, we find four more types of bras: "full cup" (large cup), "balcony" (cup large but a little lower than the previous one), "balconette" (more rectangular shaped glass) and half glass (similar to the previous).

3. According to the position of the braces

Depending on the position of the straps, we find four other types of bras: "balconette" half cup (rectangular cup with normal straps, one in each cup without crossing), "full cup balcony ”(wide and large cup, with normal straps), multi-positional straps (can be removed [both or one], crossed, etc.) and strapless (they are simply bras without suspenders).

4. According to chest placement

Depending on the placement of the chest inside the bra, we find the following types of it: "push up" (elevates the chest), reducer (reduces / hides it), with lateral support (to support it better) and the rest (normal).

5. According to the band

According to the band of the bra, we find three types: “bandless” (without band), with half band and with band (in the latter case the cups have a more rectangular overall shape).

6. According to the type of filling

Finally, depending on the type of padding that the bra is wearing (or if it is not), we can classify the bras into: bras “with foam ”(with a thin layer of padding),“ spacer ”(with a three-dimensional mesh inside the bra, which adapts to the shape of the breast) or without stuffed.

Bibliographic references

• Freeda Spain. (2019). How to calculate your bra size.

• Guide to get the bra size right. (2018). Selene Creations.