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What Size Bra Do I Really Wear?

	Taking the Proper Measurements
	What Do I Do Now?
	Sources for Bra Patterns and Supplies

Taking the Proper Measurements

To determine your bra size you will need to take three measurements.

Put on the best fitting bra you own. If necessary pin the straps up to bring the breasts to the correct level. The diagrams to not show a bra so you can see exactly where to take the measurements

1: Under Bust . Hold the tape snugly, but not tight and take the circumference under the bust. Add either 4" or 5" to this measurement to make it an even number.

Under Bust Measurement	Plus 4" if Upper Bust is an even number	Plus 5" if Upper Bust is an odd number	= Band Size

2: Upper Bust. Measure the circumference above the bust under the arms.

3: Full Bust. Measure the full bust circumference. Do not let the tape droop in back. You may need help to take this measurement correctly.

Determine the difference between Measurement 2, the upper bust, and Measurement 3, the full bust.

3: Full Bust:
2: Upper Bust:
Difference:

This chart determines the cup size using the difference between the Full Bust Measurement and the Upper Bust Measurement.

Difference Equals	Cup Size
Less than 1 inch	AA
1"	A
2"	B
3"	C
4"	D
5"	E or DD
6"	F or DDD or EE
7"	G or FF or EEE

Bra Size According to Measurements
Date	Weight	Band	Cup

What do I do now?

Taking your measurement is just the starting place for finding a bra that supports and flatters your bust. There are variances between different styles and manufactures.

Start with the size indicated by your measurement and the cup chart.

Try on different styles. Find the bra style that feels and looks best on you. You want the area between the cups to touch or almost touch the chest wall. The bra is not a sling for the breasts. They should be supported by the whole bra, not hanging from the straps.

It may be necessary to repeat the "size try-on" for each style of bra you consider.

Once you find a bra you like, enter the information in your portfolio or fasten the paper tag to this page so you will not lose the company information, style number and size.

A "general" rule for bra sizes is:
Band too Tight:	Increase Band Size	Decrease Cup Size
Band too Loose:	Decrease Band Size	Increase Cup Size

Date	Weight	Company	Style	Size	Place Purchased

Remember to adjust the straps on your bra each time you put it on. Daily wear can cause the straps to become loose and let the cups droop. It only takes a minute.

Sources for Bra Patterns and Supplies

A good option is consider making your bras. Again you may need to do some mock ups to find the right size and style but in the end it is worth the time.

Bra-makers Supply 5—480 Hood Road Markham, Ontario, Canada, L3R 9Z3	Order Line: 905-948-1396 Toll Free Fax: 800-714-8706 www.bramakers.com
Elan Pattern Company 5534 Sandalwood Drive El Cajon, CA 92021-5455	(619) 442-1167 Toll-free (888) 739-3526 www.elanpatterns.com
Full & Sassy Pattern Boutique P.O. Box 224 Holden, MA 01520	Call or Fax: 1-877-852-6044 www.fullfab.com
Sew Sassy Fabrics 810 Wellman Avenue, Dept. Y-02 Huntsville, AL 35801	(256) 536-4405 www.sewsassy.com
Custom Fit Bras The Colesce Company sell custom fit bras through local representatives. They range in price from $44.00 to $66.00, depending on the size.
Colesce Couture International 19501 E. Walnut Drive City of Industry, CA 91748	(909) 598-8598 www.colesce.com

order forms customer service view your shopping cart 1-888-887-7079

Check out Karen's on-line article at Threads: The Ease Factor in Pattern-Drafting Software

FREE Express Shipping for all PatternMaker software. Even to Europe! (Read the details.)

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respective companies, work, and products.

This page was last updated May 12, 2003 03:26:05 PM .