Because this is such a long entry I have placed titles within it to help you find each section with ease

This blog will be going up on multiple sites (mainly this blog, my Blogger and possibly my Tumblr).

Disclaimer: Please remember all advice given in this entry  is intended as a GUIDE ONLY!

Losing Weight And My New Bra Size

When you lose a significant amount of weight, it’s as obvious as the day is long that you’re going to need new clothes to fit your new size when you’re done because you are going to get smaller.

That for me was a lot to take on mentally because I was simply SO used to being a bigger size. I intend to reveal my initial weight, size and measurements in due time but for now, let’s just say I was a bigger size.

For me to now be able to walk into a store and buy size 10-12 clothing AND have it fit is absolutely unreal. Suddenly all of the styles that I felt I couldn’t wear before (shorter length skirts because I had thick thighs, etc) became available to me. It is delightful and I’m so incredibly happy with that.

But something pretty unusual happened to me recently that I really did not expect. First thing’s first, I have written a lengthy entry that goes into a bit more detail on this process on my Tumblr if you would like to read it. I am going to keep things fairly brief on my actual experience here because I want to focus more on other points.

Because I’ve lost so much weight and because it had been approximately over 2 years since my last measurements were taken, I thought it was about time I went to get measured for bras so that I could get bras that fit my new frame. I presumed I would have gone down a size. Losing weight in the past had always meant I’d gone down at least a band and cup size. It’s nothing bad or unusual, I’d accepted it would likely happen when I began my journey. During my weight loss journey I actually guessed my bra size once I had lost a certain amount – I just took it down by the band size and wore that for the majority of my weight loss journey. Of course this is a very silly thing to do and I got the size very, very wrong! Let me explain why this happened…

My basic shape is defined as such – I am smaller on my upper half than my lower half – and because of this I am simply used to being small on top. I have petite shoulders and a narrow waist. That’s just how I’m built. Throughout my school years I developed much later than everyone else, I was an A cup for the longest time. I didn’t become a B until I was about 17/18. It wasn’t until I hit my 20′s that I got measured and became a C cup. I truly thought I was done growing by that time and that the C cup size was the best I’d ever get. Yes, I did desire to be a little bigger when I was a B/C BUT that didn’t stop me from being fairly happy for the most part with my chest size. I was relatively slim during my teenage years but piled on weight after I reached my 20′s.  I think this definitely affected my bra size (losing and gaining weight usually affects your bra size after all) and I felt it was the only reason I could have become a C cup. Hence why I believed when I began my weight loss journey that I was going to become a B cup again. I really don’t know why, I just didn’t think I was ever going to grow and that I was going to be smaller forever. Yeah, little did I know…

I measured myself at home first of all and when I calculated my size I thought it wasn’t possible I could be that size. I’d lost weight after all and the size I saw before me just didn’t seem right. I thought I had done something wrong. So I made a mental note to get myself professionally measured the next time I planned to go shopping. Which is what I did just this weekend.

And I was absolutely floored out of my mind when the lady read back the figures and then what size I was to me. The figures she came up with were exactly the same as the ones I had come up with at home. I really had gone down multiple band sizes and UP a cup size. I am now a 32D or DD depending on the brand of the bra and also because my measurement was an in between one.

Looking back now on the previous size I was wearing (which was one band size too big and one cup size too small) I can see how ill-fitting it was. When I tried on the correct bra size and then went back to my old bras to try those on…the difference was amazing. My old bras were far too big on the band, gave my breasts ZERO support with too loose straps and the cups squished me right in half. How I ever believed that was my correct size I will never know. I always used to spill out of my bras a little, for some ridiculous reason I never twigged that it was because my cups were too small. As a result I was making my chest look smaller because I was squashing myself down. I truly never thought I would get bigger! And I feel especially ridiculous now as I always felt I took care to wear the right bra size because it is important in general.

Importance Of A Good Fitting Bra

I honestly can not stress enough how important it is to get measured for bras when your weight changes in particular.

Why is it so important to wear a correctly fitting bra? A well fitting bra can give you lift, support and make you look in proportion. The correct size bra can make your clothing look and fit better too.

In all honesty after this experience I am definitely now not one for believing that a woman’s bra size ever stops changing throughout her life because there are SO many factors to take into consideration. I don’t believe it is as simple as that at all. But I am not here to discuss that subject so I’ll leave it there on that one.

What I would like to do now is pass on some very good tips for getting the correct size bra. I know some of these tips are obvious but you’d be surprised how easy it is to overlook these simple factors that are actually pretty important. I wore the wrong size for I don’t know how long and I only wish I had known what I know now in regards to bra sizing. I really should have listened to some of these tips and known about the rest of them! I hope these help!

Remember, getting a 100% perfect fit isn’t always entirely possible because many bras are made so differently. Don’t be disheartened. They come in different shapes, sizes and brands. This may mean you have to adjust your size here and there. BUT, if you adhere to the proper way to fit and wear a bra and look after your bras properly you’ll have very good results.

Bra Fitting Tips

GET PROFESSIONALLY MEASURED! Lol, my goodness, DO IT.

I know, I know, this message is always highlighted when it comes to bra fitting. Why? Because it’s very important to be fitted by someone who is experienced, professional and able to give you your correct size and fit

It doesn’t matter whether you are small, medium or large chested!!! EVERY size chest needs a good, supportive bra!! Being smaller chested does not mean you do not need any support or would not benefit from a correctly fitting bra. Trust me, you do and you CAN!

Bra measuring services are better than ever. They use accurate, up to date methods to give you the correct size and fit. Try to go to a good store where the staff are especially well trained to be able to give you the right size and style bra. For example I went to a Wonderbra/Playtex store to get measured, they only sell bras which I feel reflects more of a focus on bra sizing in particular. They are also a high end store (when you sell bras for around £20 upwards, well, the service has to match the pricing in my opinion) so I trust their service to be very good (and it is!).

What if you want to measure yourself? Well, here’s how you do it:

Wear a bra when measuring yourself. Preferably one that isn’t overly padded. If the bra doesn’t fit, that’s okay, you can still measure with it on.

To determine band size:

Place a soft tape measure around your lower bust (this is the area directly underneath your breasts). Make sure the tape measure is not pulled too tightly/loosely, just comfortably snug, and that it is straight and level. Note down the measurement.

To determine cup size:

Place the same tape measure around the middle of your breasts (directly over your nipples) and make sure it is level around your back. Again, do not pull the tape too tightly/loosely. Note down this measurement.

The difference between the two measurements is your cup size.

Size Chart

The best size chart I have found online can be found by following the link provided below. This chart gave me my exact size (that I retrieved after being professionally measured, then fitted by trying on different bras with the bra fitter and therefore know is correct), unlike many others I found which all tried to tell me I was anything but my actual size.

I measure 30 inches around my band and in between 34 and 35 inches around my upper bust. The difference is between 4 and 5 inches which means I am around a D or DD. The chart states I am a 32 D (I would also be around a 32 DD given that my measurements have between a 4 and 5 inch difference. I am a 32 band size because that is what fitted me best for the most part.) If you find that you are in between measurements like myself, just adjust your size as needed

The chart gives inch measurements. I am not sure if the chart only directly applies to UK sizing but it is an international website so it might be of some help.

Remember, however, that it’s only a guide. You should get measured by a professional bra fitter to ensure you get the right size!

Victoria’s Secret Bra Size Chart

Of course, because bras come in different styles and brands, it’s important to understand that you will simply have to keep trying on bras to determine what fits. Even if the bra has your size on it, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will fit. As stated previously, you may be required to adjust the size to fit your body.  Your measurement is a starting point, not the be-all and end-all. For example, I fit a 32 D, but even some 32 D bras cut me in half so I have to then go to a DD. I also sometimes have to alternate to a 34 band because some 32 bands are too small despite my measurements suiting that band size. Because again, bras come in different brands and sizes. You are your best judge. If it looks and feels like it fits and supports properly, then you’re good to go!

Wear Your Bra Properly!

Once you have found your correct size and fit, ensure you are wearing your bra properly for your frame. I am going to go through each section of the bra and how it works, then explain how to tell if your bra fits by looking at each of these factors.

Hooks

Your bra hooks serve a purpose. It is very easy to overlook this one because the tendency is to believe you adjust your bra hooks to suit your frame size. This is not true.

Your band should fit properly regardless of what hook you use. Your band size is what should be changed to fit your frame. You should wear your bra on the loosest hook to begin with and over time as you wear and wash your bra, gradually use the middle and then the tightest hook. The hooks serve to give your bra band a better fit as the fibres of the bra wear out and the elastic stretches due to wearing and washing. A bra band can become loose over time and because most of the support comes from the band, it’s important to use the bra hooks to give yourself support as the bra wears over time.

Straps

If your straps are always falling down even after tightening, it normally means your bra is getting old and needs replacing. Aside from that, if the bra is new or not worn out, it can indicate your bra is not the correct size. In this instance, it usually means your bra band is too big. If the straps dig in and create deep red marks it means the band is too tight or that the cups are not big enough.

Your bra straps are specifically designed to aid the comfort and fit of your cups. They are not solely responsible for supporting your breasts. That is largely the job of the band and cups.

If there are small gaps in the cups, try tightening your straps. This should help your cups conform to your body. If the gaps are big or still overly noticeable, if the material of the bra gathers or folds, you may need a smaller cup size.

 If you’re smaller framed like me, you’ll usually find you will need the straps tighter for more support. (I was advised to wear my straps tighter because I have a petite upper frame)

 If you’re larger framed, you may find you need a slightly looser fit on the straps (NOT TOO LOOSE! They should not be so loose that they fall down all the time).

Check Your Cups

Your breasts should fill your cups for the most part without creating a squashed, lumpy effect. Most women have slightly different sized breasts, this is completely normal. Judge the correct cup size by fitting the larger breast if you have one breast much bigger than the other. You can then use something like a gel insert to balance out the other side if you want to.

Once you have adjusted your straps, check your cups. Ensure that when you put your bra on and have fastened the band, you scoop your entire breast into the cup so that it is completely encased inside the cup properly. This ensures your breast is in the correct position inside the bra so that the cup and band can support it correctly. Then, bend over to check that your cups conform to your breasts correctly. Also check how the cups fit whilst standing.

If you are wearing the correct size bra the cups should, for the most part, fit snugly and comfortably without being loose or tight. You should not have any gaps or bulges. Big gaps indicate the cups are too big and of course, cups that create odd bulges mean the cups are too small.

Watch for where the under wire on the cups lays against your body. If the under wire is digging in or lifting up, your cups are likely too small. Under wire shouldn’t be resting on your breast tissue, it should be resting underneath your breasts and flatly against your body.

Band Size And Fit

Check your band. The band of a bra is intended to provide most of the support. It must be straight and level across your back. You should never have to pull the band up or down your back to get it to fit.

If it’s riding up, it’s too large. If it’s creating lumps around your back and sides, it’s too tight, try a bigger band size. A bra band should fit comfortably, fairly snugly and most importantly, stay in place.

To test if your band is the right size, a quick tip is to slip two fingers underneath the band itself. If you can pull the band the width of two fingers, it’s the right size. If it extends outwards quite a lot (more than two fingers worth), it’s too big.

Remember that when you change band sizes that it might mean you have to change cup sizes too (usually if you go down a band you go up a cup size and vice versa).

Wearing/Washing Time

Ensure you follow the washing instructions on your bras properly. Not washing them correctly can cause them to break, become shapeless and fit poorly.

Try to only wear your bra for three days at a time and no more in between washes. The most common misconception with bra wear is that because a bra doesn’t necessarily always smell, it means you can wear it for a longer time.  Even if it doesn’t smell the fibres in the material and elastic of the bra will wear away easier and faster if you wear your bra for too long at one time in between washes. Your bra needs a break from wear so alternate between bras every few days.

Replace Old Bras!

Yes, this IS important. Bras do not last forever. Wearing and washing a bra over time will stretch the fibres in the material. That’s why bra straps and bands can become looser over time (even after adjusting them). Bras can become shapeless and a worn out bra will not give you the support you need.

So it IS important to do away with old bras (you can recycle old clothing in most places nowadays if the idea of throwing away clothes bothers you as it does me – I recycle all of my old clothing at my local recycling unit) once they have become shapeless and worn out.

And that’s it! Good luck finding the right size bra for you