We cannot overemphasize the importance of wearing a bra that fits. A correctly sized bra will bring you comfort and you won't even remember you are wearing a bra. But with an ill-fitted bra, you would constantly be reminded of its existence, which brings you physical pain and frustration. Therefore, we believe women should figure out their correct bra size before they even consider other factors like bra color, style, or price.
Unlike tops or pants, bras have 24 or even more sizes. Subtle size changes can make a significant difference when it comes to fit and comfort.
We will discuss the basic knowledge of size measuring and explain our size chart to you so that you can purchase our bras products free of concerns and confusion.
Part 1: Figure out the size chart.
Different countries, lingerie brands, and even manufacturers use slightly different size charts, but the basic knowledge is the same. It requires two measurements, namely your bust and underbust measurements, and the ability to read the size chart correctly. We will discuss the steps below.
First, measure your under-bust. If you are at home by yourself, you can take off your bras before you do the measuring, so it will be the most accurate. If you are measured by a professional or with the help of a friend, you can wear a thin, single-layer bra that fits you the most. Or wear a flowy top without wearing a bra inside. Anyway, the less fabric between the tape and your body, the more accurate.
After that, stand up still, and put the measuring tape snugly around your torso where the breast tissue meets the ribcage. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and don't hold your breath. Read the number and write it down.
Second, measure your full bust. For this part, stand up and put the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts, usually crossing your nipples. Unlike the first part, you bend over at a 45-degree angle so that the tape can capture the whole volume of your breast tissue. Read the number, and then write it down in your notebook.
Then if your full bust circumference reads about 38 inches, your cup size should be c cup. you will notice the pattern runs like this: subtract the band size from your full bust measurement, if you get 1 inch, then it is a b cup, if it is 2 inches, then c cup it is, and the like.
FULL BUST | FULL BUST | FULL BUST | FULL BUST | FULL BUST | ||
UNDER BUST | BAND SIZE | B | C | D | E(DD) | F(DDD) |
28-29'' | 32 | 33'' | 34'' | 35'' | 36'' | 37'' |
30-31'' | 34 | 35'' | 36'' | 37'' | 38'' | 39'' |
32-33'' | 36 | 37'' | 38'' | 39'' | 40'' | 41'' |
34-35'' | 38 | 39'' | 40'' | 41'' | 42'' | 43'' |
36-37'' | 40 | 41'' | 42'' | 43'' | 44'' | 45'' |
38-39'' | 42 | 43'' | 44'' | 45'' | 46'' | 47'' |
40-41'' | 44 | 45'' | 46'' | 47'' | 48'' | 49'' |
Using this method, you now know what size you should be wearing with Hsia's bra. However, we all understand that though the theory runs perfectly, sometimes in reality we get the feeling that it is not quite there, especially when you wear other types of bras for a change. For example, if you wear the unlined bra for a long time of size 36c, someday you want to try molded bras, but find out the size is slightly off. It is totally normal. I would suggest you try the sister sizes under such circumstances.
Part 2: the sister sizes
If you feel that your bra size gained in theory, does not 100% fit you in life, you should look for its sister sizes. one thing you should keep in mind is that your cup size is not absolute.
It is easy if the band size fits and the cups feel loose or tight. you can simply change the cup size while the band size stays the same. For example, if you are wearing size 36c, and you believe that the bra band fits well, it is the cup that is a bit tight. then you don't change the band size, just size up your cup size by choosing size 36d or 36dd.
It becomes a bit complicated when it is the band size that doesn't fit. Since the cup size is not absolute, it is decided by the difference between the underbust and full bust measurements. If the band size has to go up or down, the cup size will have to change too. For example, if you wear 36c and you feel the bra band is loose, but the cups fit well. you want to only size down the band size. then you should try 34d instead of 34c. because 34d and 36c, though vary in band size, have the same cup volume.
30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
30B | 32A | 34AA | ||||||
30C | 32B | 34A | ||||||
30D | 32C | 34B | 36A | |||||
30E | 32D | 34C | 36B | 38A | ||||
30F | 32E | 34D | 36C | 38B | 40A | |||
30G | 32F | 34E | 36D | 38C | 40B | 42A | ||
32G | 34F | 36E | 38D | 40C | 42B | 44A | ||
34G | 36F | 38E | 40D | 42C | 44B | 46A | ||
36G | 38F | 40E | 42D | 44C | 46B | |||
38G | 40F | 42E | 44D | 46C | ||||
40G | 42F | 44E | 46D | |||||
42G | 44F | 46E | ||||||
44G | 46F | |||||||
46G |
Don't worry, It will become easy once you get a hold of its pattern. Since a fitted bra means so much for our girls, we wouldn't mind taking some time to figure it all out.
Part 3: Take the shape and volume into consideration.
Though we have figured out our correct bra size, we still feel that sometimes we were more comfortable wearing certain bras than in others. That is because our breasts differ in shape and volume. Our breasts can be heavy or small, pendulous or shallow, firm or saggy. And bras in the market cover various types and features, such as full coverage, demi, balcony, unline, padded, underwire, wire-free, bralette, and so on.
We should choose the ones that fit us the most. For example, if your breasts are fuller on the upper part, you should avoid demi-cups and choose full coverage instead, so that there is less chance they would spill or become"quar-boobs". For those who have shallow and firm boobs which spread evenly in wider space, the bra underwires may feel a bit restrictive and redundant. A wire-free bra choice will bring more comfort.
Part 4: What does a fitted bra feel like?
You will feel comfortable wearing a fitted bra. The bra band will sit snugly around your torso. The cups will hold all your breasts tissue in without spillage on the top, side, or bottom. The shoulder straps will neither be too tight nor too loose. The tight straps would cause red marks, while loose ones would keep falling off shoulders. Also, center gore would sit gently on your skin without digging in.