Bra fitting guide
I have found that most bra fitting guides leave out is what specific brands or styles are best for your body. The cups on my 40B, the cups were perfect but I took in the back to fit, and 34F are almost identical in capacity.
Measuring guidelines are a good place to start but do not let that dictate your decision. I have entered my measurements into 4 online guides and got very different recommendations from each. 40B to 34G. When I do it myself with a tape measure the calculations are 38DD and a half. I have tried many styles in 38DD and they just don't fit right or feel comfortable. The band rides up my back and the cups are just wrong.
Making sure the cup fits is key, the under wire must fit snuggly at the crease between the breast and body with enough cup to encase the whole breast. The under wire should just stay in place. If it rides on the rib cage it is not a correct fit. Try a different size combination, most likely go down in the band and up in the cup. The band must be snug, not painful but snug, with a little bounce in the elastic. If you slip your straps off goes the band hold your bust up? It should.
Not all styles are created equal. A full cup will fit very different from a minimizer or a balcony bra. Quality plays a big factor. Poorly designed bra will leave you disappointed. Thin or flimsy fabric will not offer the same support even if the size is correct. A thin under wire may poke or twist and cause discomfort.
Keep in mind that not all bras work with every body. If you have loose, soft skin or bust a plunge bra will let everything spill out. If your breast are set wider apart a push up bra will not necessarily work to give you cleavage.
Instead of the traditional nude and black bras try colours. For under a white or light shirt you will want a colour that matches your skin tone. There are many shades of neutrals and pink even may work. The main reason for getting a black bra to wear with darker clothes is to prevent dye transfer. You may want to try a colour like purple, teal, blue and red look fabulous and are still fairly dark.
How you care for your bra also affects its overall performance. I recommend having 5-9 high quality, correctly fit bras in your wardrobe at any given time. The variety will accommodate the different styles and purposes of your wardrobe from working out to a fancy evening out. Every day wear a different bra and after every couple wearings, or if you sweat in it, gently hand wash your bra. The firm molded cups should always be stored in the open position, never flip on inside the other. It will create permanent creases that show through clothes.
