To contact us Click HERE
Sometimes, people will ask why I (and other bloggers) "hate on Victoria's Secret and/or [insert name of any well-known U.S. bra store here]." So what if those stores don't sell your size, people say. "You're just bitter because you can't buy anything from them. Just get over it!"
Honestly, I have no real problem with the fact of particular stores in the U.S. selling an incredibly limited range of bras. I know that bra departments and stores can't be expected to stock every size under the sun.
What I do have a problem with is these stores claiming that their size range will fit "every woman". That they'll push bras on to women to make a sale, even if the bras are a blatantly incorrect fit. That they use their position of supposed "expertise" to misinform women. That sometimes fitters insult women who are outside the small size range carried. That, in the U.S., there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about bras, bra sizing, and how bras are supposed to fit - and it's spread largely by the bra stores (and the media) here - the very ones who are supposed to know better.
[I'm going to add here that I'm in no way trying to put down the stores I mention in general, but just bring attention to their incorrect fitting methods they use to keep customers within a very small range of sizes. Also, there are great boutiques out there with dedicated owners committed to meeting the needs of their customers in terms of fitting and sizes stocked. In this post, however, I'm just speaking in broad terms of what I and others have generally experienced, mostly in the larger, well-known stores - the stores that, unfortunately, tend to carry the most influence.]
Limited Sizing
Stores like the ever-present Victoria's Secret, for example, sell a grand total of 33 bra sizes (yes, I counted) - but only about 15-18 of those sizes are actually really found in the physical stores. Victoria's Secret often claims (overtly or by implication) that they have bras for "all" or "almost all" women.
Do they think that there are only 15-18, or 33, different body types that women have?
Other stores I've seen have an even more limited amount of sizes - in the 8-12 range. Again, I don't really have a problem with stores carrying a very small range of bra sizes. What I do have a problem with is their implication that all or most women should fit into this incredibly limited range. And that you're "fat" or "weird" if you don't.
In reality, there are more than (just counting band sizes 28-40 and cups A-K) 105 bra sizes that are made by many companies - and that's not counting the under-28 and over-40 band, under-A and over-K cup bras. Factor those in, and the number is in excess of 150 bra sizes that are made and worn.
This means that many U.S. stores like Victoria's Secret only stock about 10% of all bra sizes available. They also do not stock under-32 bands (besides a few A and B cups) - odd, since studies indicate that 28-32 bands are the "average" size that many women of "average" weight would ideally be wearing.
Thus, Victoria's Secret, Target, Kohls, Walmart, Macy's, Penney's, Frederick's, Soma, etc. etc. only carry bras that will truly fit a small percentage of the population. However, these stores repeatedly incorrectly fit women (generally by giving them a band that is too large and a cup that is too small) in order to make sales. They act like women are strange if they don't fit into the incredibly limited range that they stock. And really, why should they stock more sizes when they can get away with selling their 10% of sizes to around 80% of women?
Incorrect Fitting
If you were ever fitted at Victoria's Secret, I can pretty much guarantee that you were fitted incorrectly. Heck, I'm not trying to pick on Victoria's Secret in particular - I could pinpoint almost any U.S. bra store for incorrect sizing methods. Nearly all stores will add around 4 inches to the ribcage measurement (adding inches is unnecessary for most women) to get a band size. Using these incorrect "fitting" methods, I would be deemed around a 32DD, a size that is completely, totally, laughably wrong. A woman who needs a 28D would be put in about a 34A, also completely and totally wrong. And on it goes.
I would honestly mistrust most larger bra stores in the U.S. in terms of bra fitting - yes, including Nordstrom (which, although better than most, still tends to push too-big bands and too-small cups). That's why I pretty much always just recommend that women measure themselves instead of leaving their fittings in the hands of stores that have limited ranges and incorrect, outdated sizing methods.
The reason that (statistically) about 80% of you reading this are (or were at some point) wearing the wrong bra size is at least in part because of the poor fitting methods in U.S. stores. What makes it worse for me is that too often, the poor sizing and fitting seems very blatant. That makes me just a little annoyed at them.
Misinformation about Bras
I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who think that "all D cups are the same" (not true - a 30D, 34D, and 38D are all very different sizes). How many countless times I've come across women who adamantly refuse to believe that they're a "D cup" or above - because "a D cup is HUGE!". Or who think that being a larger cup size means that they're fat, or a freak.
This is simply not true, lovely readers. "DD" doesn't equal being a large-chested bimbo, a porn star, a fat freak. (If you think I'm using strong language or being dramatic here, I'm not - I run across people who think this almost daily). I'm not going to get into correct all fitting misinformation in this one blog post, but suffice to say that cup sizes mean nothing without a band size. All a "DD" means is "about 5 inches difference between underbust and bust measurement." A 28DD woman will be built very differently than a 40DD woman, but both will have about 5 inches of difference between their underbust and bust measurement. Doesn't sound too scary now, does it?
But where does all this misinformation come from? Women have to be learning it from somewhere. In my mind, it's largely the "fault" of bra stores. In my experience, I've frequently come across fitters who have little actual knowledge of correct fit (not knowing that bands should be firm and straight, or that wires should not be touching breast tissue). I've frequently experienced fitters telling me outrageously incorrect things, such as:
-Bands below a 32 don't exist
-34 and 32 bands are for "tiny" people
-28 bands don't exist
-28 bands are for super, super tiny people
-Cups above "DDD" don't exist
-Cups above a C are huge
-The only options for D+ sizes are these ugly beige bras over here
-There is no demand for under-32 bands
-D+ women need to wear minimizers
-You need to wear a 36 band (with a 28" ribcage)
-You need to add anywhere from 3-7 inches to your underbust measurement to get a band size
-Women who wear D+ cups are usually large all over
This is not a one-time thing, everyone. This is constant. This was/is almost every time I go into a bra store. These are the fitters saying these things. Some of these are things I've heard even at stores that have a better range of sizes than most U.S. stores, like Nordstrom, Dillards, and boutiques No wonder there is so much misinformation out there. No wonder so many women are wearing an incorrect size.
Insulting/Shaming Customers
I'm sure this is going to be a bit controversial, but I'm including it anyway because I personally have experienced this when shopping for bras, and I know many other women who have as well. Of course, there are many women who haven't - but I feel that the number of women I've come across who've experienced this is so large that it deserves mentioning.
I've experienced fitters/employees outright telling me that I'm not a 28 band/over a G cup (I'm actually a [insert a wildly-incorrect size that they actually stock]), telling me I should get a breast reduction, assuming I have implants, laughing at/disbelieving when I tell them what size I'm looking for, telling me my breasts are too large, and more. Again, these are supposed to be professional, helpful people. Imagine the effect these words would have on an uncertain busty teenager who's desperately trying to find a bra that fits well. Bra fitters (or anyone) should never, ever be insulting to their customers. I would hope that would be obvious.
In my opinion, it's bra stores who play a big part in spreading this (mis)information. And it's very, very damaging to women. The misinformation spread is my major problem with U.S. stores - the pervading poor fitting methods lead to an abysmally small selection of sizes offered and countless women who hate bras because "nothing ever fits" and "bras are uncomfortable", and who won't try a different size because "a fitter told me I was a 36C" and "wearing a larger cup/smaller band would mean I'm fat/weird".
So, why do you think there's so much misinformation about bras and sizing out there? Do you think that stores play a big part, or are there other factors at play?
24 Şubat 2013 Pazar
Bra Shopping: My Mom isn't Supportive!
To contact us Click HERE
"My mom doesn't believe my bra size exists."
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi
What's wrong with U.S. bra stores?
To contact us Click HERE
Sometimes, people will ask why I (and other bloggers) "hate on Victoria's Secret and/or [insert name of any well-known U.S. bra store here]." So what if those stores don't sell your size, people say. "You're just bitter because you can't buy anything from them. Just get over it!"
Honestly, I have no real problem with the fact of particular stores in the U.S. selling an incredibly limited range of bras. I know that bra departments and stores can't be expected to stock every size under the sun.
What I do have a problem with is these stores claiming that their size range will fit "every woman". That they'll push bras on to women to make a sale, even if the bras are a blatantly incorrect fit. That they use their position of supposed "expertise" to misinform women. That sometimes fitters insult women who are outside the small size range carried. That, in the U.S., there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about bras, bra sizing, and how bras are supposed to fit - and it's spread largely by the bra stores (and the media) here - the very ones who are supposed to know better.
[I'm going to add here that I'm in no way trying to put down the stores I mention in general, but just bring attention to their incorrect fitting methods they use to keep customers within a very small range of sizes. Also, there are great boutiques out there with dedicated owners committed to meeting the needs of their customers in terms of fitting and sizes stocked. In this post, however, I'm just speaking in broad terms of what I and others have generally experienced, mostly in the larger, well-known stores - the stores that, unfortunately, tend to carry the most influence.]
Limited Sizing
Stores like the ever-present Victoria's Secret, for example, sell a grand total of 33 bra sizes (yes, I counted) - but only about 15-18 of those sizes are actually really found in the physical stores. Victoria's Secret often claims (overtly or by implication) that they have bras for "all" or "almost all" women.
Do they think that there are only 15-18, or 33, different body types that women have?
Other stores I've seen have an even more limited amount of sizes - in the 8-12 range. Again, I don't really have a problem with stores carrying a very small range of bra sizes. What I do have a problem with is their implication that all or most women should fit into this incredibly limited range. And that you're "fat" or "weird" if you don't.
In reality, there are more than (just counting band sizes 28-40 and cups A-K) 105 bra sizes that are made by many companies - and that's not counting the under-28 and over-40 band, under-A and over-K cup bras. Factor those in, and the number is in excess of 150 bra sizes that are made and worn.
This means that many U.S. stores like Victoria's Secret only stock about 10% of all bra sizes available. They also do not stock under-32 bands (besides a few A and B cups) - odd, since studies indicate that 28-32 bands are the "average" size that many women of "average" weight would ideally be wearing.
Thus, Victoria's Secret, Target, Kohls, Walmart, Macy's, Penney's, Frederick's, Soma, etc. etc. only carry bras that will truly fit a small percentage of the population. However, these stores repeatedly incorrectly fit women (generally by giving them a band that is too large and a cup that is too small) in order to make sales. They act like women are strange if they don't fit into the incredibly limited range that they stock. And really, why should they stock more sizes when they can get away with selling their 10% of sizes to around 80% of women?
Incorrect Fitting
If you were ever fitted at Victoria's Secret, I can pretty much guarantee that you were fitted incorrectly. Heck, I'm not trying to pick on Victoria's Secret in particular - I could pinpoint almost any U.S. bra store for incorrect sizing methods. Nearly all stores will add around 4 inches to the ribcage measurement (adding inches is unnecessary for most women) to get a band size. Using these incorrect "fitting" methods, I would be deemed around a 32DD, a size that is completely, totally, laughably wrong. A woman who needs a 28D would be put in about a 34A, also completely and totally wrong. And on it goes.
I would honestly mistrust most larger bra stores in the U.S. in terms of bra fitting - yes, including Nordstrom (which, although better than most, still tends to push too-big bands and too-small cups). That's why I pretty much always just recommend that women measure themselves instead of leaving their fittings in the hands of stores that have limited ranges and incorrect, outdated sizing methods.
The reason that (statistically) about 80% of you reading this are (or were at some point) wearing the wrong bra size is at least in part because of the poor fitting methods in U.S. stores. What makes it worse for me is that too often, the poor sizing and fitting seems very blatant. That makes me just a little annoyed at them.
Misinformation about Bras
I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who think that "all D cups are the same" (not true - a 30D, 34D, and 38D are all very different sizes). How many countless times I've come across women who adamantly refuse to believe that they're a "D cup" or above - because "a D cup is HUGE!". Or who think that being a larger cup size means that they're fat, or a freak.
This is simply not true, lovely readers. "DD" doesn't equal being a large-chested bimbo, a porn star, a fat freak. (If you think I'm using strong language or being dramatic here, I'm not - I run across people who think this almost daily). I'm not going to get into correct all fitting misinformation in this one blog post, but suffice to say that cup sizes mean nothing without a band size. All a "DD" means is "about 5 inches difference between underbust and bust measurement." A 28DD woman will be built very differently than a 40DD woman, but both will have about 5 inches of difference between their underbust and bust measurement. Doesn't sound too scary now, does it?
But where does all this misinformation come from? Women have to be learning it from somewhere. In my mind, it's largely the "fault" of bra stores. In my experience, I've frequently come across fitters who have little actual knowledge of correct fit (not knowing that bands should be firm and straight, or that wires should not be touching breast tissue). I've frequently experienced fitters telling me outrageously incorrect things, such as:
-Bands below a 32 don't exist
-34 and 32 bands are for "tiny" people
-28 bands don't exist
-28 bands are for super, super tiny people
-Cups above "DDD" don't exist
-Cups above a C are huge
-The only options for D+ sizes are these ugly beige bras over here
-There is no demand for under-32 bands
-D+ women need to wear minimizers
-You need to wear a 36 band (with a 28" ribcage)
-You need to add anywhere from 3-7 inches to your underbust measurement to get a band size
-Women who wear D+ cups are usually large all over
This is not a one-time thing, everyone. This is constant. This was/is almost every time I go into a bra store. These are the fitters saying these things. Some of these are things I've heard even at stores that have a better range of sizes than most U.S. stores, like Nordstrom, Dillards, and boutiques No wonder there is so much misinformation out there. No wonder so many women are wearing an incorrect size.
Insulting/Shaming Customers
I'm sure this is going to be a bit controversial, but I'm including it anyway because I personally have experienced this when shopping for bras, and I know many other women who have as well. Of course, there are many women who haven't - but I feel that the number of women I've come across who've experienced this is so large that it deserves mentioning.
I've experienced fitters/employees outright telling me that I'm not a 28 band/over a G cup (I'm actually a [insert a wildly-incorrect size that they actually stock]), telling me I should get a breast reduction, assuming I have implants, laughing at/disbelieving when I tell them what size I'm looking for, telling me my breasts are too large, and more. Again, these are supposed to be professional, helpful people. Imagine the effect these words would have on an uncertain busty teenager who's desperately trying to find a bra that fits well. Bra fitters (or anyone) should never, ever be insulting to their customers. I would hope that would be obvious.
In my opinion, it's bra stores who play a big part in spreading this (mis)information. And it's very, very damaging to women. The misinformation spread is my major problem with U.S. stores - the pervading poor fitting methods lead to an abysmally small selection of sizes offered and countless women who hate bras because "nothing ever fits" and "bras are uncomfortable", and who won't try a different size because "a fitter told me I was a 36C" and "wearing a larger cup/smaller band would mean I'm fat/weird".
So, why do you think there's so much misinformation about bras and sizing out there? Do you think that stores play a big part, or are there other factors at play?
Honestly, I have no real problem with the fact of particular stores in the U.S. selling an incredibly limited range of bras. I know that bra departments and stores can't be expected to stock every size under the sun.
What I do have a problem with is these stores claiming that their size range will fit "every woman". That they'll push bras on to women to make a sale, even if the bras are a blatantly incorrect fit. That they use their position of supposed "expertise" to misinform women. That sometimes fitters insult women who are outside the small size range carried. That, in the U.S., there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about bras, bra sizing, and how bras are supposed to fit - and it's spread largely by the bra stores (and the media) here - the very ones who are supposed to know better.
[I'm going to add here that I'm in no way trying to put down the stores I mention in general, but just bring attention to their incorrect fitting methods they use to keep customers within a very small range of sizes. Also, there are great boutiques out there with dedicated owners committed to meeting the needs of their customers in terms of fitting and sizes stocked. In this post, however, I'm just speaking in broad terms of what I and others have generally experienced, mostly in the larger, well-known stores - the stores that, unfortunately, tend to carry the most influence.]
Limited Sizing
Stores like the ever-present Victoria's Secret, for example, sell a grand total of 33 bra sizes (yes, I counted) - but only about 15-18 of those sizes are actually really found in the physical stores. Victoria's Secret often claims (overtly or by implication) that they have bras for "all" or "almost all" women.
Do they think that there are only 15-18, or 33, different body types that women have?
Other stores I've seen have an even more limited amount of sizes - in the 8-12 range. Again, I don't really have a problem with stores carrying a very small range of bra sizes. What I do have a problem with is their implication that all or most women should fit into this incredibly limited range. And that you're "fat" or "weird" if you don't.
In reality, there are more than (just counting band sizes 28-40 and cups A-K) 105 bra sizes that are made by many companies - and that's not counting the under-28 and over-40 band, under-A and over-K cup bras. Factor those in, and the number is in excess of 150 bra sizes that are made and worn.
This means that many U.S. stores like Victoria's Secret only stock about 10% of all bra sizes available. They also do not stock under-32 bands (besides a few A and B cups) - odd, since studies indicate that 28-32 bands are the "average" size that many women of "average" weight would ideally be wearing.
Thus, Victoria's Secret, Target, Kohls, Walmart, Macy's, Penney's, Frederick's, Soma, etc. etc. only carry bras that will truly fit a small percentage of the population. However, these stores repeatedly incorrectly fit women (generally by giving them a band that is too large and a cup that is too small) in order to make sales. They act like women are strange if they don't fit into the incredibly limited range that they stock. And really, why should they stock more sizes when they can get away with selling their 10% of sizes to around 80% of women?
Incorrect Fitting
If you were ever fitted at Victoria's Secret, I can pretty much guarantee that you were fitted incorrectly. Heck, I'm not trying to pick on Victoria's Secret in particular - I could pinpoint almost any U.S. bra store for incorrect sizing methods. Nearly all stores will add around 4 inches to the ribcage measurement (adding inches is unnecessary for most women) to get a band size. Using these incorrect "fitting" methods, I would be deemed around a 32DD, a size that is completely, totally, laughably wrong. A woman who needs a 28D would be put in about a 34A, also completely and totally wrong. And on it goes.
I would honestly mistrust most larger bra stores in the U.S. in terms of bra fitting - yes, including Nordstrom (which, although better than most, still tends to push too-big bands and too-small cups). That's why I pretty much always just recommend that women measure themselves instead of leaving their fittings in the hands of stores that have limited ranges and incorrect, outdated sizing methods.
The reason that (statistically) about 80% of you reading this are (or were at some point) wearing the wrong bra size is at least in part because of the poor fitting methods in U.S. stores. What makes it worse for me is that too often, the poor sizing and fitting seems very blatant. That makes me just a little annoyed at them.
Misinformation about Bras
I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who think that "all D cups are the same" (not true - a 30D, 34D, and 38D are all very different sizes). How many countless times I've come across women who adamantly refuse to believe that they're a "D cup" or above - because "a D cup is HUGE!". Or who think that being a larger cup size means that they're fat, or a freak.
This is simply not true, lovely readers. "DD" doesn't equal being a large-chested bimbo, a porn star, a fat freak. (If you think I'm using strong language or being dramatic here, I'm not - I run across people who think this almost daily). I'm not going to get into correct all fitting misinformation in this one blog post, but suffice to say that cup sizes mean nothing without a band size. All a "DD" means is "about 5 inches difference between underbust and bust measurement." A 28DD woman will be built very differently than a 40DD woman, but both will have about 5 inches of difference between their underbust and bust measurement. Doesn't sound too scary now, does it?
But where does all this misinformation come from? Women have to be learning it from somewhere. In my mind, it's largely the "fault" of bra stores. In my experience, I've frequently come across fitters who have little actual knowledge of correct fit (not knowing that bands should be firm and straight, or that wires should not be touching breast tissue). I've frequently experienced fitters telling me outrageously incorrect things, such as:
-Bands below a 32 don't exist
-34 and 32 bands are for "tiny" people
-28 bands don't exist
-28 bands are for super, super tiny people
-Cups above "DDD" don't exist
-Cups above a C are huge
-The only options for D+ sizes are these ugly beige bras over here
-There is no demand for under-32 bands
-D+ women need to wear minimizers
-You need to wear a 36 band (with a 28" ribcage)
-You need to add anywhere from 3-7 inches to your underbust measurement to get a band size
-Women who wear D+ cups are usually large all over
This is not a one-time thing, everyone. This is constant. This was/is almost every time I go into a bra store. These are the fitters saying these things. Some of these are things I've heard even at stores that have a better range of sizes than most U.S. stores, like Nordstrom, Dillards, and boutiques No wonder there is so much misinformation out there. No wonder so many women are wearing an incorrect size.
Insulting/Shaming Customers
I'm sure this is going to be a bit controversial, but I'm including it anyway because I personally have experienced this when shopping for bras, and I know many other women who have as well. Of course, there are many women who haven't - but I feel that the number of women I've come across who've experienced this is so large that it deserves mentioning.
I've experienced fitters/employees outright telling me that I'm not a 28 band/over a G cup (I'm actually a [insert a wildly-incorrect size that they actually stock]), telling me I should get a breast reduction, assuming I have implants, laughing at/disbelieving when I tell them what size I'm looking for, telling me my breasts are too large, and more. Again, these are supposed to be professional, helpful people. Imagine the effect these words would have on an uncertain busty teenager who's desperately trying to find a bra that fits well. Bra fitters (or anyone) should never, ever be insulting to their customers. I would hope that would be obvious.
In my opinion, it's bra stores who play a big part in spreading this (mis)information. And it's very, very damaging to women. The misinformation spread is my major problem with U.S. stores - the pervading poor fitting methods lead to an abysmally small selection of sizes offered and countless women who hate bras because "nothing ever fits" and "bras are uncomfortable", and who won't try a different size because "a fitter told me I was a 36C" and "wearing a larger cup/smaller band would mean I'm fat/weird".
So, why do you think there's so much misinformation about bras and sizing out there? Do you think that stores play a big part, or are there other factors at play?
Bra Shopping: My Mom isn't Supportive!
To contact us Click HERE
"My mom doesn't believe my bra size exists."
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
22 Şubat 2013 Cuma
What's wrong with U.S. bra stores?
To contact us Click HERE
Sometimes, people will ask why I (and other bloggers) "hate on Victoria's Secret and/or [insert name of any well-known U.S. bra store here]." So what if those stores don't sell your size, people say. "You're just bitter because you can't buy anything from them. Just get over it!"
Honestly, I have no real problem with the fact of particular stores in the U.S. selling an incredibly limited range of bras. I know that bra departments and stores can't be expected to stock every size under the sun.
What I do have a problem with is these stores claiming that their size range will fit "every woman". That they'll push bras on to women to make a sale, even if the bras are a blatantly incorrect fit. That they use their position of supposed "expertise" to misinform women. That sometimes fitters insult women who are outside the small size range carried. That, in the U.S., there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about bras, bra sizing, and how bras are supposed to fit - and it's spread largely by the bra stores (and the media) here - the very ones who are supposed to know better.
[I'm going to add here that I'm in no way trying to put down the stores I mention in general, but just bring attention to their incorrect fitting methods they use to keep customers within a very small range of sizes. Also, there are great boutiques out there with dedicated owners committed to meeting the needs of their customers in terms of fitting and sizes stocked. In this post, however, I'm just speaking in broad terms of what I and others have generally experienced, mostly in the larger, well-known stores - the stores that, unfortunately, tend to carry the most influence.]
Limited Sizing
Stores like the ever-present Victoria's Secret, for example, sell a grand total of 33 bra sizes (yes, I counted) - but only about 15-18 of those sizes are actually really found in the physical stores. Victoria's Secret often claims (overtly or by implication) that they have bras for "all" or "almost all" women.
Do they think that there are only 15-18, or 33, different body types that women have?
Other stores I've seen have an even more limited amount of sizes - in the 8-12 range. Again, I don't really have a problem with stores carrying a very small range of bra sizes. What I do have a problem with is their implication that all or most women should fit into this incredibly limited range. And that you're "fat" or "weird" if you don't.
In reality, there are more than (just counting band sizes 28-40 and cups A-K) 105 bra sizes that are made by many companies - and that's not counting the under-28 and over-40 band, under-A and over-K cup bras. Factor those in, and the number is in excess of 150 bra sizes that are made and worn.
This means that many U.S. stores like Victoria's Secret only stock about 10% of all bra sizes available. They also do not stock under-32 bands (besides a few A and B cups) - odd, since studies indicate that 28-32 bands are the "average" size that many women of "average" weight would ideally be wearing.
Thus, Victoria's Secret, Target, Kohls, Walmart, Macy's, Penney's, Frederick's, Soma, etc. etc. only carry bras that will truly fit a small percentage of the population. However, these stores repeatedly incorrectly fit women (generally by giving them a band that is too large and a cup that is too small) in order to make sales. They act like women are strange if they don't fit into the incredibly limited range that they stock. And really, why should they stock more sizes when they can get away with selling their 10% of sizes to around 80% of women?
Incorrect Fitting
If you were ever fitted at Victoria's Secret, I can pretty much guarantee that you were fitted incorrectly. Heck, I'm not trying to pick on Victoria's Secret in particular - I could pinpoint almost any U.S. bra store for incorrect sizing methods. Nearly all stores will add around 4 inches to the ribcage measurement (adding inches is unnecessary for most women) to get a band size. Using these incorrect "fitting" methods, I would be deemed around a 32DD, a size that is completely, totally, laughably wrong. A woman who needs a 28D would be put in about a 34A, also completely and totally wrong. And on it goes.
I would honestly mistrust most larger bra stores in the U.S. in terms of bra fitting - yes, including Nordstrom (which, although better than most, still tends to push too-big bands and too-small cups). That's why I pretty much always just recommend that women measure themselves instead of leaving their fittings in the hands of stores that have limited ranges and incorrect, outdated sizing methods.
The reason that (statistically) about 80% of you reading this are (or were at some point) wearing the wrong bra size is at least in part because of the poor fitting methods in U.S. stores. What makes it worse for me is that too often, the poor sizing and fitting seems very blatant. That makes me just a little annoyed at them.
Misinformation about Bras
I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who think that "all D cups are the same" (not true - a 30D, 34D, and 38D are all very different sizes). How many countless times I've come across women who adamantly refuse to believe that they're a "D cup" or above - because "a D cup is HUGE!". Or who think that being a larger cup size means that they're fat, or a freak.
This is simply not true, lovely readers. "DD" doesn't equal being a large-chested bimbo, a porn star, a fat freak. (If you think I'm using strong language or being dramatic here, I'm not - I run across people who think this almost daily). I'm not going to get into correct all fitting misinformation in this one blog post, but suffice to say that cup sizes mean nothing without a band size. All a "DD" means is "about 5 inches difference between underbust and bust measurement." A 28DD woman will be built very differently than a 40DD woman, but both will have about 5 inches of difference between their underbust and bust measurement. Doesn't sound too scary now, does it?
But where does all this misinformation come from? Women have to be learning it from somewhere. In my mind, it's largely the "fault" of bra stores. In my experience, I've frequently come across fitters who have little actual knowledge of correct fit (not knowing that bands should be firm and straight, or that wires should not be touching breast tissue). I've frequently experienced fitters telling me outrageously incorrect things, such as:
-Bands below a 32 don't exist
-34 and 32 bands are for "tiny" people
-28 bands don't exist
-28 bands are for super, super tiny people
-Cups above "DDD" don't exist
-Cups above a C are huge
-The only options for D+ sizes are these ugly beige bras over here
-There is no demand for under-32 bands
-D+ women need to wear minimizers
-You need to wear a 36 band (with a 28" ribcage)
-You need to add anywhere from 3-7 inches to your underbust measurement to get a band size
-Women who wear D+ cups are usually large all over
This is not a one-time thing, everyone. This is constant. This was/is almost every time I go into a bra store. These are the fitters saying these things. Some of these are things I've heard even at stores that have a better range of sizes than most U.S. stores, like Nordstrom, Dillards, and boutiques No wonder there is so much misinformation out there. No wonder so many women are wearing an incorrect size.
Insulting/Shaming Customers
I'm sure this is going to be a bit controversial, but I'm including it anyway because I personally have experienced this when shopping for bras, and I know many other women who have as well. Of course, there are many women who haven't - but I feel that the number of women I've come across who've experienced this is so large that it deserves mentioning.
I've experienced fitters/employees outright telling me that I'm not a 28 band/over a G cup (I'm actually a [insert a wildly-incorrect size that they actually stock]), telling me I should get a breast reduction, assuming I have implants, laughing at/disbelieving when I tell them what size I'm looking for, telling me my breasts are too large, and more. Again, these are supposed to be professional, helpful people. Imagine the effect these words would have on an uncertain busty teenager who's desperately trying to find a bra that fits well. Bra fitters (or anyone) should never, ever be insulting to their customers. I would hope that would be obvious.
In my opinion, it's bra stores who play a big part in spreading this (mis)information. And it's very, very damaging to women. The misinformation spread is my major problem with U.S. stores - the pervading poor fitting methods lead to an abysmally small selection of sizes offered and countless women who hate bras because "nothing ever fits" and "bras are uncomfortable", and who won't try a different size because "a fitter told me I was a 36C" and "wearing a larger cup/smaller band would mean I'm fat/weird".
So, why do you think there's so much misinformation about bras and sizing out there? Do you think that stores play a big part, or are there other factors at play?
Honestly, I have no real problem with the fact of particular stores in the U.S. selling an incredibly limited range of bras. I know that bra departments and stores can't be expected to stock every size under the sun.
What I do have a problem with is these stores claiming that their size range will fit "every woman". That they'll push bras on to women to make a sale, even if the bras are a blatantly incorrect fit. That they use their position of supposed "expertise" to misinform women. That sometimes fitters insult women who are outside the small size range carried. That, in the U.S., there is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about bras, bra sizing, and how bras are supposed to fit - and it's spread largely by the bra stores (and the media) here - the very ones who are supposed to know better.
[I'm going to add here that I'm in no way trying to put down the stores I mention in general, but just bring attention to their incorrect fitting methods they use to keep customers within a very small range of sizes. Also, there are great boutiques out there with dedicated owners committed to meeting the needs of their customers in terms of fitting and sizes stocked. In this post, however, I'm just speaking in broad terms of what I and others have generally experienced, mostly in the larger, well-known stores - the stores that, unfortunately, tend to carry the most influence.]
Limited Sizing
Stores like the ever-present Victoria's Secret, for example, sell a grand total of 33 bra sizes (yes, I counted) - but only about 15-18 of those sizes are actually really found in the physical stores. Victoria's Secret often claims (overtly or by implication) that they have bras for "all" or "almost all" women.
Do they think that there are only 15-18, or 33, different body types that women have?
Other stores I've seen have an even more limited amount of sizes - in the 8-12 range. Again, I don't really have a problem with stores carrying a very small range of bra sizes. What I do have a problem with is their implication that all or most women should fit into this incredibly limited range. And that you're "fat" or "weird" if you don't.
In reality, there are more than (just counting band sizes 28-40 and cups A-K) 105 bra sizes that are made by many companies - and that's not counting the under-28 and over-40 band, under-A and over-K cup bras. Factor those in, and the number is in excess of 150 bra sizes that are made and worn.
This means that many U.S. stores like Victoria's Secret only stock about 10% of all bra sizes available. They also do not stock under-32 bands (besides a few A and B cups) - odd, since studies indicate that 28-32 bands are the "average" size that many women of "average" weight would ideally be wearing.
Thus, Victoria's Secret, Target, Kohls, Walmart, Macy's, Penney's, Frederick's, Soma, etc. etc. only carry bras that will truly fit a small percentage of the population. However, these stores repeatedly incorrectly fit women (generally by giving them a band that is too large and a cup that is too small) in order to make sales. They act like women are strange if they don't fit into the incredibly limited range that they stock. And really, why should they stock more sizes when they can get away with selling their 10% of sizes to around 80% of women?
Incorrect Fitting
If you were ever fitted at Victoria's Secret, I can pretty much guarantee that you were fitted incorrectly. Heck, I'm not trying to pick on Victoria's Secret in particular - I could pinpoint almost any U.S. bra store for incorrect sizing methods. Nearly all stores will add around 4 inches to the ribcage measurement (adding inches is unnecessary for most women) to get a band size. Using these incorrect "fitting" methods, I would be deemed around a 32DD, a size that is completely, totally, laughably wrong. A woman who needs a 28D would be put in about a 34A, also completely and totally wrong. And on it goes.
I would honestly mistrust most larger bra stores in the U.S. in terms of bra fitting - yes, including Nordstrom (which, although better than most, still tends to push too-big bands and too-small cups). That's why I pretty much always just recommend that women measure themselves instead of leaving their fittings in the hands of stores that have limited ranges and incorrect, outdated sizing methods.
The reason that (statistically) about 80% of you reading this are (or were at some point) wearing the wrong bra size is at least in part because of the poor fitting methods in U.S. stores. What makes it worse for me is that too often, the poor sizing and fitting seems very blatant. That makes me just a little annoyed at them.
Misinformation about Bras
I can't tell you how many times I've come across women who think that "all D cups are the same" (not true - a 30D, 34D, and 38D are all very different sizes). How many countless times I've come across women who adamantly refuse to believe that they're a "D cup" or above - because "a D cup is HUGE!". Or who think that being a larger cup size means that they're fat, or a freak.
This is simply not true, lovely readers. "DD" doesn't equal being a large-chested bimbo, a porn star, a fat freak. (If you think I'm using strong language or being dramatic here, I'm not - I run across people who think this almost daily). I'm not going to get into correct all fitting misinformation in this one blog post, but suffice to say that cup sizes mean nothing without a band size. All a "DD" means is "about 5 inches difference between underbust and bust measurement." A 28DD woman will be built very differently than a 40DD woman, but both will have about 5 inches of difference between their underbust and bust measurement. Doesn't sound too scary now, does it?
But where does all this misinformation come from? Women have to be learning it from somewhere. In my mind, it's largely the "fault" of bra stores. In my experience, I've frequently come across fitters who have little actual knowledge of correct fit (not knowing that bands should be firm and straight, or that wires should not be touching breast tissue). I've frequently experienced fitters telling me outrageously incorrect things, such as:
-Bands below a 32 don't exist
-34 and 32 bands are for "tiny" people
-28 bands don't exist
-28 bands are for super, super tiny people
-Cups above "DDD" don't exist
-Cups above a C are huge
-The only options for D+ sizes are these ugly beige bras over here
-There is no demand for under-32 bands
-D+ women need to wear minimizers
-You need to wear a 36 band (with a 28" ribcage)
-You need to add anywhere from 3-7 inches to your underbust measurement to get a band size
-Women who wear D+ cups are usually large all over
This is not a one-time thing, everyone. This is constant. This was/is almost every time I go into a bra store. These are the fitters saying these things. Some of these are things I've heard even at stores that have a better range of sizes than most U.S. stores, like Nordstrom, Dillards, and boutiques No wonder there is so much misinformation out there. No wonder so many women are wearing an incorrect size.
Insulting/Shaming Customers
I'm sure this is going to be a bit controversial, but I'm including it anyway because I personally have experienced this when shopping for bras, and I know many other women who have as well. Of course, there are many women who haven't - but I feel that the number of women I've come across who've experienced this is so large that it deserves mentioning.
I've experienced fitters/employees outright telling me that I'm not a 28 band/over a G cup (I'm actually a [insert a wildly-incorrect size that they actually stock]), telling me I should get a breast reduction, assuming I have implants, laughing at/disbelieving when I tell them what size I'm looking for, telling me my breasts are too large, and more. Again, these are supposed to be professional, helpful people. Imagine the effect these words would have on an uncertain busty teenager who's desperately trying to find a bra that fits well. Bra fitters (or anyone) should never, ever be insulting to their customers. I would hope that would be obvious.
In my opinion, it's bra stores who play a big part in spreading this (mis)information. And it's very, very damaging to women. The misinformation spread is my major problem with U.S. stores - the pervading poor fitting methods lead to an abysmally small selection of sizes offered and countless women who hate bras because "nothing ever fits" and "bras are uncomfortable", and who won't try a different size because "a fitter told me I was a 36C" and "wearing a larger cup/smaller band would mean I'm fat/weird".
So, why do you think there's so much misinformation about bras and sizing out there? Do you think that stores play a big part, or are there other factors at play?
Bra Shopping: My Mom isn't Supportive!
To contact us Click HERE
"My mom doesn't believe my bra size exists."
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
"My mother is making me wear a 38B, even though it's really uncomfortable and I measured myself as a 32F. She says that I'm not 'that kind of girl' who would wear an F cup, whatever that means."
"I tried helping my mom measure herself to convince her that I need a better size too, but she wouldn't believe that she could be a 34E, since she's been a 'C cup all her life'. Her bras are all completely worn out and offer her no support."
"My mom won't take me bra shopping, and she just keeps buying me larger band sizes in the same cup that I've been wearing since I was 13."
"My current bras give me a lot of pain and discomfort, but my mom won't take me to buy new bras."
"My mom does all her bra shopping at Target, and won't buy bras anywhere else - for me or herself."
"My mom makes fun of me for what I told her my correct bra size is."
Sound at all familiar?
I seem to hear stories like this every day. Readers - usually teens or college-aged women living at home - email and comment about how their moms won't take their need for a new bra or a new size seriously. Stories of similar situations pop up all the time in online forums, discussions, and even conversations with friends. And honestly, even though I can sort of understand where the mothers in these stories are coming from (lack of awareness about proper sizing, being comfortable with their own old way of doing things, being afraid or reluctant to change), these situations tend to make me upset.
If I could, I would have a nice chat over a cup of tea with these (probably mostly well-meaning) ladies and tell them that their daughters need their support and help, not their ridicule. I would direct them to posts like "A Guide to Parents of Busty Daughters" by The Butterfly Collection, or Linda's Braducation post for mothers of teens.
I have to assume, though, that most of my readers aren't going to be the "moms" in these situations. Thus, I'll have to just address those of us who are having to deal with moms who don't understand (or care) about proper bra sizes. Bra shopping by itself can be a frustrating process, but it's made all the more difficult for those of us who are at a stage where we don't have any money, can't drive ourselves, and have a mother who's reluctant to support or help.
[Of course, I'm not trying to bash mothers here. For every mom making fun of her daughter for her bra size, there's a mom who's loving and supportive about the subject. However, I feel that situations like these are so common that there needs to be some kind of discussion/resource guide here.]
If you've properly measured yourself and your mom refuses to believe the result...
Put yourself in your mom's shoes for a minute. It's going to be a bit of a shock to hear your daughter - whom you thought all this time was a 36B - tell you that she needs a 30F bra. Most of this "shock" is going to stem from old, improper views on bras. All your mom will be hearing is, "I went from a B cup to an F cup!", and that's going to sound crazy to her, especially if she thinks that "D cups" are huge!
One solution might be trying to "braducate" your mom. Explain how cup size is relative to band size, and a 30F is not equal to a 38F. A simple explanation of "all this means is that I have a 30-inch ribcage, and a 7" difference between my ribcage and bust measurement" may help. You can try showing her picture examples of well-fitting bras, explanations of how to measure yourself properly, the results of a good bra calculator, or an actual bra in your estimated size, if you can get ahold of one.
However, this may only trigger the "I'm far older than you, have been wearing bras for much longer than you, and I know more about bras than you! This can't possibly be right. You're a B-cup. You have small boobs." response. If so, you can try a different tactic...
If your current bras have obvious signs of ill fit and are causing you pain and/or discomfort...
You can try explaining to your mom that you're experiencing a lot of discomfort with your current bras. Describe how the band's riding up, and you feel you need a firmer band. Describe any painful or annoying rubbing or stabbing that the wires give you. Explain that your old bras are worn out and ill-fitting and you need to go shopping for a better size, just as you would with any article of clothing that was worn-out or too small.
However, your mom may instead dismiss your concerns or even say "Bras are supposed to be like that." In this case...
If your mom remains dismissive, but you sometimes go clothes shopping with her...
Try convincing her to look at bras with you while you're both out shopping for clothes - ideally at a place like Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack) or Dillards, which will have a better range of sizes. If you can get your hands on your estimated size and show her how it fits well, she may be convinced.
Or, better yet, you can see if she'll agree to actually go out bra shopping with you at a good boutique or the bra departments one of the aforementioned stores. If you go get a proper fitting with her, or you appeal to the knowledge of a well-trained store fitter, this may also really help your cause.
Also, Butterfly Collection has a free sizing consultation form (strictly though email) that may help if you show your mom the results; you can even get a free Skype fitting from them.
If your mom is at all open to re-thinking her own bra size and getting a proper fitting herself through any of the above places, this will really help (not only you, but her as well!).
If your mom won't go shopping with you, but doesn't care if you go yourself...
So you can't convince your mom to listen to reason or take you shopping. There's still hope! If you ever go out shopping with friends or by yourself, you can take that time to try on bras and buy yourself something if you're able. Or report back on your success to your mom, and this may convince her to come around.
Alternatively, there are lots and lots of great online bra shops that you can shop and order from (a must if you don't live near a good lingerie store in any case). The caveat here is that you'll need a credit or debit card to buy from most of them. However, if you've done all the work and research, you might find that your mom is willing to pay (or, at least, would be willing to use her card and have you pay her back); another option is getting a pre-paid Visa card (sometimes sold at grocery stores), which should work for online purchases.
If you don't have the means to buy yourself a bra at all...
The above advice is no good, of course, if you simply don't have any money to buy yourself a bra. If your mom isn't adamantly opposed to you getting new bras, then you can try asking for new bras as a Christmas/birthday/graduation/etc present. Or save up any gift money to buy yourself a bra. Or ask if you can do extra chores or jobs to earn money, or if you can have a clothing allowance. Or check the for-sale listings on Bratabase (as long as you're able to receive packages at home) - sometimes you'll find free bras there.
Getting someone else involved - a grandma, aunt, or family friend - who is more sympathetic may help as well, either to help you talk to your mom or to go shopping with you.
However, after all of this, some of us will still find ourselves in the situation of having tried everything, having a mom who just won't listen, being unable to go out bra shopping or receive packages at home, and not having the means to buy a bra ourselves. If that's the case - I know it can be frustrating. The thing to remember is that it's only going to be a temporary situation! Hopefully (within a few years at most) you'll either be able to purchase bras for yourself - even if that's not until you move away - or your mom will eventually come around. And once you start wearing comfortable, well-fitting bras, your mom may even realize that maybe she could use a bra update, too!
Does anyone have any other helpful tips for girls who find themselves in situations like the above? Did you have - or have you witnessed - any similar experiences yourself?
Bra Fitting Resources Roundup
To contact us Click HERE
So, you want to figure out your correct bra size - but you're having a bit of difficulty knowing where to start. Or, you know what your approximate size is, but you want to learn more about sizing, bra care, and styles/brands. Feeling lost? Have no fear! The wonderful world of correctly-fitting bras is at your fingertips! There are SO many great resources out there, but below is a roundup of some of the basics.
Good Bra Calculators:
The quickest, easiest way to determine your "starting point" bra size.
"Bras 101" Guides:
These comprehensive guides take the calculators to the next level, explaining how to measure as well as pointing out some exceptions that may crop up, giving tips on correct fit and how to wear bras, noting various good brands and styles, and more! Check out the "Bra Fitting" tab at the top of this page, too ;)
Online Fittings:
A great option for those wanting to get an accurate fitting or fitting/sizing advice from an expert without having to leave home
Online Resources/Forums
Great places to get general various information, research different brands, and (anonymously) ask questions about sizing, measuring, bra styles, and more
In-Store Fittings (U.S. Specific):
I actually don't really recommend relying solely on store fittings to determine your size - at the very least, measure yourself before going to get an idea - but the below U.S. stores usually have a good range of sizes available and often have reasonably good fitters
Have more resources to add or questions to ask? Feel free to share in the comments!
Good Bra Calculators:
The quickest, easiest way to determine your "starting point" bra size.
- A Sophisticated Pair
- Butterfly Collection
- Curves & Corsets
"Bras 101" Guides:
These comprehensive guides take the calculators to the next level, explaining how to measure as well as pointing out some exceptions that may crop up, giving tips on correct fit and how to wear bras, noting various good brands and styles, and more! Check out the "Bra Fitting" tab at the top of this page, too ;)
- Bra Fitting Basics from WindieGardie
- On Sizing from SweetNothings
- Fitting Guide 101 from FussyBusty
- Bra Matrix from VenusianGlow
- The Bra Naked Truth series from A Sophisticated Pair
- How to Measure Your Bra Size from Thin and Curvy
- Fitting Guide from Breakout Bras
- Measuring Guide from Reddit user MyWifeisBusty
- Help for Bra Fitting With Implants from ByBaby'sRules
Online Fittings:
A great option for those wanting to get an accurate fitting or fitting/sizing advice from an expert without having to leave home
- Butterfly Collection: Free Size Consultation through Email
- Butterfly Collection: Free Skype Fitting
- Beautiful Bosom offers in-person (UK) or Skype fitting consultations
Online Resources/Forums
Great places to get general various information, research different brands, and (anonymously) ask questions about sizing, measuring, bra styles, and more
- Bratabase ("database" of bras)
- A Bra That Fits (subreddit)
- Busty Resources (wiki)
In-Store Fittings (U.S. Specific):
I actually don't really recommend relying solely on store fittings to determine your size - at the very least, measure yourself before going to get an idea - but the below U.S. stores usually have a good range of sizes available and often have reasonably good fitters
- Local Boutiques (I recommend reading reviews and calling ahead to see what sizes they stock)
- Nordstrom
- Intimacy
- Dillards
Have more resources to add or questions to ask? Feel free to share in the comments!
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)