Your Perfect Bra: Shape, Size, Comfort, and Support

When shopping online for the ideal bra, no matter what our gender, age, culture, or body type, we all need to know what makes us feel comfortable in ourselves. I go beyond the basics and offer extra tips on size, shape, material, and support.

Let's talk about what we all really want: a bra that actually feels good to wear. Something we put on and think: "ahhh, yes. This makes me want to start my day." Okay, it actually does exist (I promise, it's out there!), but what this looks like for each of us can be completely different depending on our bodies, our preferences, and our sense of personal style.

So you need to know what this means for you and your body.

1. Start with your measurements.

   Measure around your ribs just underneath your breasts to get your underbust measurement. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts to get your your bust measurement. Subtract the underbust from the fullest bust to get your cup size.

   
   

   Usually, a difference of less than one inch = AA cup, one inch = A, two inches = B, three inches = C, four inches = D, five inches = DD/E, and up from there in brands that carry larger sizes. However, it's important to note that individual brands can size differently. So if you're shopping at a large department store that carries many different labels, find a sizing chart for the brand of the bra that you want to purchase.

   
   

2. Know where and how to shop for your bra size range.

   Many online stores specialize in small or large cup sizes. This is because breasts that are outside the average size range need a bra that is scaled correctly and shaped to complement and support them. Often you can find information about how a bra fits and what body type it is ideal for in its description where it is listed for sale online. If this is not available, contact a customer service representative and ask.

   
   

   Some stores specialize in smaller or larger cup sizes, which may be helpful if you fall outside the standard range. But keep in mind that you will have a more limited choice in brands at these specialty shops, and the product lines will be more expensive, although often higher in quality.

   
   

3. Go to a department store and try on some bras in person.

   This is a reasonable thing to do, even if you hate real-life shopping and don't plan on buying anything. If nothing else, you'll get familiar with some of the major brands and how they fit.

   
   

   Pick whatever looks like something you might possibly wear, in the size you measured at or the one you are currently wearing, and put your boobs in it. Then do that again with another bra, in a different brand. And so forth. Choose several different sizes and styles in each brand if you aren't certain which will work best.

   
   

   If never setting foot in a dressing room is the hill you will die on, you can always contact me. I love talking to readers, and I'll do my best to help you out.