Getting Sized for a Bra

[Usudirekfm]

Hey!

So I have been wearing 34A bras, but they seem to be fitting just...wrong. Like I kinda feel like I'm starting to spill out in the front (Yay - boob growth) but then the back like rides up and stuff. Just not comfortable anymore.

I've never gone and gotten sized for a bra before, but I think I need to. Up till now I've just tried them on and hoped for the best.

So if you have...

Where did you go to get measured?
And what happened - what do they actually do?
Did you find out you were a different size than expected?

Thanks for your help :-D

[TessTheGreat]

I haven't yet but my mum has. I'm not really big enough yet lol. It's really easy she says and it means she gets bras that fit properly. But I don't like the idea of taking my top off to get measured.

[Usudirekfm]

I haven't yet but my mum has. I'm not really big enough yet lol. It's really easy she says and it means she gets bras that fit properly. But I don't like the idea of taking my top off to get measured.

What size are yours now, if you don't mind me asking? Mine aren't exactly huge either lol

[KatieCO2003]

In the USA, Victoria's Secret or Nordstrom's are supposed to be good. Wouldn't know though. I have the opposite problem. But... the lady at Nordstrom's was very helpful in finding things for me that were my size but that were more mature and age-appropriate.

[Jordan99]

In the USA, Victoria's Secret or Nordstrom's are supposed to be good. Wouldn't know though. I have the opposite problem. But... the lady at Nordstrom's was very helpful in finding things for me that were my size but that were more mature and age-appropriate.

I agree. I get fitted at VS or Macy's. At Macy's I'm always a D cup. Depending on the bra style at VS, I'm either a D or DD. You're right to get fitted. An ill-fitted bra can cause pain, lymphatic cysts, improper lymph node fluid drainage and many other breast problems. I also recommend wearing a bra as little as necessary. Wearing bras can cause a weakening of the natural ligaments that actually hold up the breasts leading to premature sagging.

[TessTheGreat]

What size are yours now, if you don't mind me asking? Mine aren't exactly huge either lol

I'm like 32a so not very big yet. But they are still growing!

[Usudirekfm]

I'm like 32a so not very big yet. But they are still growing!

Hey we’re a work in progress :-) Plus they seem perky so far so I’m alright with a little on the small side!

[Dezzy1]

I agree. I get fitted at VS or Macy's. At Macy's I'm always a D cup. Depending on the bra style at VS, I'm either a D or DD. You're right to get fitted. An ill-fitted bra can cause pain, lymphatic cysts, improper lymph node fluid drainage and many other breast problems. I also recommend wearing a bra as little as necessary. Wearing bras can cause a weakening of the natural ligaments that actually hold up the breasts leading to premature sagging.

Wow! I love this place because of all the shared knowledge. But now I'll prob freak out some day, worrying about my lymph nodes, haha!

[ChloeF]

Get it done, there's no point being uncomfortable if you dont have to.

[Usudirekfm]

Wow! I love this place because of all the shared knowledge. But now I'll prob freak out some day, worrying about my lymph nodes, haha!

It sounds like having the right size bra goes a long way though! And all I was worried about was being uncomfortable lol. Wanna go with me to get measured ?? Buddy system lol

[TessTheGreat]

Get it done, there's no point being uncomfortable if you dont have to.

Yes I think we all should. At the moment I've got the right size but I know that I will be growing more. I think I will probably be a bit embarrassed the first time of being measured but I have been to the doctor about embarrassing stuff and it's most important to be comfortable.

[Usudirekfm]

Get it done, there's no point being uncomfortable if you dont have to.

Have you gone before - where do you recommend? I think it sounds like a good idea. I just gotta figure out where to go, somewhere where they can get it right!

[Dezzy1]

It sounds like having the right size bra goes a long way though! And all I was worried about was being uncomfortable lol. Wanna go with me to get measured ?? Buddy system lol

Actually yeah, I will see if my bff wants to go - sounds much better if you're not alone! :D

[angelina]

first my mum measured my chest with an inch tape covering my nipples then she measured my chest at the base of my boobs..she was smart enough to select the correct fitted bras for me..I am comfortable with that one..ask your mum try this..she may know

[Usudirekfm]

I mentioned it to my mom a little while back, and she kinda suggested going somewhweee to get measured. So maybe your mom is more of an expert than mine is! But good idea.

I like the bring a friend plan :-)

[LucyCee]

I got measured at VS and the bras that I bought there fit perfectly. I do notice that the same size bras from other stores can be a little different in size but not enought to matter really.

[ChloeF]

Have you gone before - where do you recommend? I think it sounds like a good idea. I just gotta figure out where to go, somewhere where they can get it right!

l got measured a couple of years ago but l know l've grown and l should get done again.
A local store called Four Seasons measured me, l had no idea what to expect but it was a great experience not only finding out my actual size but being told what to look for when l'm buying bras as well.
Not that it matters if they're comfortable but l read somewhere that VS bras are usually labeled a little larger than they actually are, a little self esteem boost is always good though.

[Usudirekfm]

I feel like a smaller local place might be better than some kind of big chain store anyway. More likely to spend time and explain everything, I would think.

How do they actually measure? Do you have to take your shirt or bra off?

[ChloeF]

I feel like a smaller local place might be better than some kind of big chain store anyway. More likely to spend time and explain everything, I would think.

How do they actually measure? Do you have to take your shirt or bra off?

I was topless, it was a measurement around the fullest part of my boobs which was across my nipples and another under my boobs for the band size but l was asked to stand up straight with my arms by my side and relax to get an accurate measurement.
Then they showed me how to adjust the straps to make sure l was comfortable.

[LITTLEANGEL19]

Like Theresa am just 32A with quite puffy areola/nipples. So no need for getting measured, I know mum would measure me if and when it was necessary. I only wear a bra when it's really necessary like to school as my nips would show through my uniform shirt.
I Don't want anything bigger than a "C".

[Cangirl]

VS or La Senza can do it and so do other lingerie and some women stores that sell bras. It's a good way to find out your correct size and how to fit them properly. If you're to shy to go alone then go with a friend or your mom. I heard that most women wear the wrong size or not fitted properly anyway.

[MissMolly]

I had it done at Victoria's Secret, and it was very professional. They don't make it feel weird hardly at all. Quick and painless. It is definitely worth it. They measured me at 34B, and I have had zero problems with bras bought at different stores.

As others have said, they measure the area right underneath your boobs for the number, and then right across your nipples. The difference between those numbers is used to figure out the cup size.

[Katie2003]

Hey!

So I have been wearing 34A bras, but they seem to be fitting just...wrong. Like I kinda feel like I'm starting to spill out in the front (Yay - boob growth) but then the back like rides up and stuff. Just not comfortable anymore.

I've never gone and gotten sized for a bra before, but I think I need to. Up till now I've just tried them on and hoped for the best.

So if you have...

Where did you go to get measured?
And what happened - what do they actually do?
Did you find out you were a different size than expected?

Thanks for your help :-D


I've been sized by a clerk in a department store, and have been with my mom and my big sis when they were fitted. Not all stores have someone that takes measurements though. You also aren't obligated to purchase a bra at that store if you don't want to.

You basically just go in and take your shirt off and they measure you. It takes like a minute and she will write down your size on a little card. Depending on the store, and the clerk, you may get measured over bare skin, or they might want you to have a tank top or something on. Mom says it's best not to have anything on and let them measure right on your breasts.

The sizes at Victoria's Secret are their own, and do not relate to your bra size in the real world at other stores, so if you go there you can use the numbers they give you to purchase Victoria's Secret bras but don't go somewhere else and expect a different brand to fit you in the same size because it won't be even close.

I'm 15 just last month, and only a 36A so far. Actually I was totally flat chested with no breast development until last fall when I was about 14 1/2 so hopefully I'm not done growing, but even though I've put on some weight recently I'm still only a 36A, which is a difficult size to even find in the stores. I have been wearing the stretchy sports bras but the cups in many of them are a bit too large for me, but I need a size L to fit my body.

[Usudirekfm]

I've been sized by a clerk in a department store, and have been with my mom and my big sis when they were fitted. Not all stores have someone that takes measurements though. You also aren't obligated to purchase a bra at that store if you don't want to.

You basically just go in and take your shirt off and they measure you. It takes like a minute and she will write down your size on a little card. Depending on the store, and the clerk, you may get measured over bare skin, or they might want you to have a tank top or something on. Mom says it's best not to have anything on and let them measure right on your breasts.

The sizes at Victoria's Secret are their own, and do not relate to your bra size in the real world at other stores, so if you go there you can use the numbers they give you to purchase Victoria's Secret bras but don't go somewhere else and expect a different brand to fit you in the same size because it won't be even close.

I'm 15 just last month, and only a 36A so far. Actually I was totally flat chested with no breast development until last fall when I was about 14 1/2 so hopefully I'm not done growing, but even though I've put on some weight recently I'm still only a 36A, which is a difficult size to even find in the stores. I have been wearing the stretchy sports bras but the cups in many of them are a bit too large for me, but I need a size L to fit my body.

Thanks for the response - you, and everyone else who has.

I should have posted this sooner. A week or two back now, I did go and get measured at a department store. I took my shirt off, but they let me keep my bra on.

I found out I was either a 32B or 30c depending on the brand/style, so I was definitely wearing the wrong size. The lady said it's actually proportionally similar to what I was wearing, but fits my body better.

It sounds like we might have opposite problems - it sounds like your ribs are like bigger around so that kinda drives what size you gotta get, esp in the sports ones. I guess my rib area was smaller than I thought - she also pulled the tape very tight around when she measured, so I'm sure that also has an effect. But I'm happy with how much better they fit now, I feel much more "supported" :-D

[nudiegurl13]

I didn't get professionally sized for one. I measured at home with a tape measure. I just took my younger sister to be professionally sized though because she was having trouble finding a bra that fit properly.

They did measure her on bare skin. She was a little shy about it, especially when they measured over her nipples, but it was okay in the end. I stayed in the dressing room with her while she tried bras on and helped her find a good one. I'd say it's a good idea to get measured, even if it's embarrassing for a minute or two

[Katie2003]

I didn't get professionally sized for one. I measured at home with a tape measure. I just took my younger sister to be professionally sized though because she was having trouble finding a bra that fit properly.

They did measure her on bare skin. She was a little shy about it, especially when they measured over her nipples, but it was okay in the end. I stayed in the dressing room with her while she tried bras on and helped her find a good one. I'd say it's a good idea to get measured, even if it's embarrassing for a minute or two

It's totally worth the embarrassment, if that's even an issue for most girls. It didn't bother me for her to see me topless, after all she's female too and does this probably a dozen times every day as part of her job.

Getting fitted by someone trained to do it seems the only way to be sure you are wearing the correct size. What you really want to do is have the sales clerk actually look at you in any of the different bras you try on after she measures you, because she can evaluate which one is the closest fit for your body and your shape much better than you ever could on your own.

[gurquenjen]

It's totally worth the embarrassment, if that's even an issue for most girls. It didn't bother me for her to see me topless, after all she's female too and does this probably a dozen times every day as part of her job.

Getting fitted by someone trained to do it seems the only way to be sure you are wearing the correct size. What you really want to do is have the sales clerk actually look at you in any of the different bras you try on after she measures you, because she can evaluate which one is the closest fit for your body and your shape much better than you ever could on your own.

This, so much.
I was really hesitant to get sized for my first custom made bra (it was actually a bridal party gift for my sister's wedding), but it made SO MUCH difference. I was finally wearing something that fit me perfectly. I kept that bra until it died in battle (I was at a concert, it...did not survive), and burned it with honor...and then got another one made by the same people, because they did excellent work. The place has since gone out of business (and was a boutique place on the East Coast anyway, so, not the most practical of places to order from, really), but I really recommend thirdlove.com for perfectly fitted bras, underwear, and bodysuits (not the kind of bodysuits you're thinking of).
Really, it is the job of the saleswoman to find you the perfect bra so you come back and buy another one later, and, usually, this is also a job these folks are if not passionate about doing, at least devoted to. I had one clerk to a look at a bra on me that I absolutely loved and was easily thirty bucks more than the next one and she just said 'Nope, doesn't work' and had me take it off and put it in the reject pile. So, a good bra saleswoman (they're almost all woman for the kinda obvious reasons, but occasionally you'll find a good gentleman clothier who happened into this particular niche, I guess) will try to sell you the right bra for you, not just something that will get her the biggest commission.

[Katie2003]

You have no idea how difficult it was for the sales clerk to even find me something in my size, which is 36A, that I liked and would actually fit me well enough to want to wear. I still prefer the stretchy sports bras over the ones that are actual bras for people with boobs. Mine are hopefully still growing, IDK what to think there was a little spurt of growth when I was about 14 1/2 but since then I'm not seeing or measuring any further improvement.

I've never heard of a male bra fitter, but I'm sure there must be one somewhere. I'm thinking that some girls and women wouldn't be too comfortable being measured and fitted by a male, but there would also be some that would like the attention.

[JessicaShy]

Plenty of stores will do this for you in England. M and S is where I went

[Usudirekfm]

Plenty of stores will do this for you in England. M and S is where I went

How did that go? Did you find out you had the right size or wrong size?

[JessicaShy]

How did that go? Did you find out you had the right size or wrong size?

I was a little embarrassed but the lady was really nice and it turned out I needed a B cup and I'd been wearing an A cup for a couple of years

[Usudirekfm]

I was a little embarrassed but the lady was really nice and it turned out I needed a B cup and I'd been wearing an A cup for a couple of years

That’s the best, when the “verdict” is finding your you grew! :-) At least when you’re like on the smaller side and good with it! Yeah it’s a little awkward but the people seem to be super nice wherever you go get it done!

[Molliec]

Guess you have to be nice really especially when it might be someones first time, don't want to make it a negative experience.
It was a little embarassing but it literally takes no time at all and actually I rememeber feeling pretty good after like mature and more grown up.
Plus mom paid for what I wanted /needed and since she felt it was some sort of big deal got nice lunch out of her to haha. Def feels better to be correctly sized and comfortable

[melissa16]

Since all bra's do not fit the same, I went through a lot of trial and error, I just pretty much try them on at whichever store I go too...

[stoneflowe96]

A friend of me works in store for lingerie. When she visited me she sized me. Since then I know I have more a 70 B than a 75 B. I think this is similar to 30 and 34 B.
If I would not have been in that recent situation I would go in a lingerie Store and would let me sized there. In the past I did that for myself.

[Emma1133]

I've never been measured since I'm still pretty flat, except for puffy nipples. When I do wear a bra it's a 32a, but usually I when I wear something I prefer just a tank top that has a little padding built in to cover the nipples

[ChloeF]

Since all bra's do not fit the same, I went through a lot of trial and error, I just pretty much try them on at whichever store I go too...
This, l don't own any myself but l've heard plenty of girls say Victoria's Secret bras are pretty good at making you think your boobs are bigger than they actually are.

[cozoe]

This, l don't own any myself but l've heard plenty of girls say Victoria's Secret bras are pretty good at making you think your boobs are bigger than they actually are.

They definitely do, I've noticed that when getting bras there and then other places.

[Sailor Mars]

Guess you have to be nice really especially when it might be someones first time, don't want to make it a negative experience.
It was a little embarassing but it literally takes no time at all and actually I rememeber feeling pretty good after like mature and more grown up.
Plus mom paid for what I wanted /needed and since she felt it was some sort of big deal got nice lunch out of her to haha. Def feels better to be correctly sized and comfortable

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