Bras 101

Believe it or not, most woman don't wear the right bra size.  They either get one that is too big on the band and too tight in the cups or something wrong all together.  Wearing the wrong bra size can put on extra pounds and a bad posture.  The correct bra size should lift your boobs up with maximum cleavage.   Keep reading to insure you are wearing the correct bra size.

1. To insure that you are wearing the correct bra size, take a measuring tape and measure around your body right under the arm pits.  In inches, that is your band size.  
2. Now take the tape and measure around the biggest part of your chest, should be right at nipples. You should be wearing a non padded bra because boobs are droopy naturally.
3. Subtract your band size from your bust size.  If it is a 0" difference, you are an AA.  1" = A, 2" = B, 3" = C, 4" = D, and etc.
4. Victoria's Secret stores offer measuring, but they told me I was 2 cup sizes smaller than I actually was so do it based on your own judgement.

Now you want to try on bras in that size.  Keep in mind that when trying on bras, you should hook it on to the loosest hook because bras stretch out over time.  If the store doesn't have your size, you can go up a band size and down a cup size to get the same general size. Bras are sized proportionally, not completely by the size of your boobs.

To ensure that you are purchasing the right band size, take your hand and pull on the back of the band when you have the bra on.  If the band stretches out more than 2 fingers' worth, the band is too big.  If it doesn't, it is too small.  Boobs are meant to be supported mostly by the band, not the straps.  Your straps should never dig into your shoulders.

If you have large boobs, buy a bra with 3 hooks instead of 2 in the back for more support and opt for thicker straps.

Your boobs should not be bulging out or falling out when wearing a bra.  When that happens, go up a cup size.  If you are between sizes, take the bigger size in push up version.  If it isn't a push up, add silicone padding or something.

FYI: Victoria's Secret bras run a bit small compared to other brands, especially the Pink line.

When in doubt, buy a nude bra.  Nude bras won't show under any color of fabric unlike reds, blacks, whites, and bright colors.

You should always wash your bras in a laundry bag to ensure they will keep their shape for as long as possible.