Bra
How to Find A Great Fitting Bra
For most women, bra shopping is a chore. Running through the department store and buying the same style and size isn’t the best solution to finding a bra that fits. But finding the right size bra can be a life-changing event. Not only is a well-fitting bra more supportive and comfortable, it also provides a solid foundation underneath your clothes so that you can easily transform your appearance, helping you look and feel put-together.
To help you take the guesswork out of finding your size, The Budget Fashionista is here to shed some light on this mysterious system. All you need to do is follow these three easy steps. You’ll just need a flexible tape measure and your best-fitting unpadded bra.
Determine your band size.
Begin by standing straight with your arms at your sides and take a snug, smooth measurement around your back, underneath your armpits, and just under your bust with the tape measure. If the measurement is even, add 4 inches. If the measurement is odd, add 5 inches to get your band size. So if you measure 29 inches around, your band size is a 34.
TIP: If you’re a full-figured women and measure 36 inches or higher, you’ll need to add 2 inches if it’s an even number; add 3 inches if it’s an odd number.
Find your bust size.
Next, while still standing straight with your arms at your sides, measure around your back,underneath your armpits at the fullest part of your bust. Again, be sure you’re pulling the tape measure until it’s taut but not pinching or digging into your bust.
TIP: If this measurement fall in between whole numbers, round up to the nearest whole inch. So, for example, if you measure 361/2, your bust size is a 37.
Calculate your cup size.
Finally subtract your bust size (step 2) from your band size (step 1). The difference will give you your cup size. Remember, each inch of difference is equal to one full cup size. In this case, the correct bra size would be a C cup.
You can look up your cup size here:
| if the difference is | then your cup size is |
|---|---|
| less than 1 inches | AA |
| 1 inches | A |
| 2 inches | B |
| 3 inches | C |
| 4 inches | D |
| 5 inches | DD or E |
| 6 inches | DDD or F |
| 7 inches | G |
Now that you’ve properly taken your measurements, you’re ready to begin trying on new bra styles. Here’s some samples of great bras:
This wireless t-shirt bra from Gap Body is made of a comfortable stretch nylon without underwire and molds to the body for a smooth shape. It’s on sale for $24.99 from $29.50.
This best-selling bra from Soma offers an unbeatable combination of seamless cups, full coverage and all-day, shape-enhancing support. It’s specially priced started at $29.
This new wireless style from Victoria’s Secret is pretty sexy and has delicate lace trim. A real buy for $28.
Feel feminine in this push-up bra from Lily of France with superior style and fit. It also has two-way convertible shoulder straps to accommodate different looks.
Check out our bra guides:
The Ultimate Guide to Undergarments Part 1: The Rules for Finding a Great Fitting Bra
Best Bras: The Ultimate Guide to Undergarments Part 3: Finding a Bra that Fits
The Ultimate Guide to Undergarments Part 4: The Seven Bras Every Woman Should Own
Best Bras: How to Find the Perfect Bra and Other Undergarment Questions
Fashion Advice: Finding a Professional Bra Fitter
Fashion Advice: Best Bra Tips for VERY Large Chested Women
Plus Size Bra BOGO at Lane Bryant
The Deal: Plus-size bras—buy 1, select 1 for half off at Lane Bryant
The Lowdown: Think the words “plus size bras” translate only to something as feminine and sexy as an ace bandage? Yeah, that’s the case too often, but Lane Bryant has become a plus size stand-by because they understand that curvy girls are, um, girls too. Duh.
Right now, go BOGO on plus size bras and get half off on the second bra. And yes, Valentine’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to basic white—we love this Eyelash Lace Balconette Bra, $40 and this Contrast Underwire Plunge Bra
, $32. Of course, if full-coverage and/or simple neutrals are what you need, they’ve got those covered too.
Shop: Lane Bryant
Plus Size Bra and Panty Sale at Old Navy
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: The $15 plus size bra and panty sale at Old Navy
The Lowdown: Old Navy isn’t usually the first place we look for undergarments (or second for that matter), but it turns out they not only have a lingerie collection (comprised of both typically Old Navy-esque wholesome basics and some more feminine pieces) but they carry bras in sizes up to 46DDD.
We can’t stress enough the necessity of a seamless t-shirt bra in every woman’s undergarment wardrobe, and so for $15 this might be time for plus size girls to pick up this versatile full-coverage version, starting in size 40C . Panties are also on sale, with three pairs for $15; we all know how hard it can be to find plus size panties that are actually pretty, but Old Navy’s got your back—these plus stretch lace bikinis come in sizes up to 4X.
Shop: OldNavy.com
Wonderbra Sale at BareNecessities
The Deal: Wonderbras are on sale right now at BareNecessities.
The Lowdown: Some of us need a little help filling out our sundresses this summer, and so we turn to the classic Wonderbra. Creating cleavage is its specialty, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Check out our picks:
The Wonderbra Uprising II push-up underwire bra is a seamless, tagless bra made of nylon that disappears under shirts, so no one knows you’re getting a little assistance. $19.99.
The Wonderbra Lace Embrace push-up bra comes in red, white, or black. Rather than the plain shimmery nylon of other Wonderbras, this one is covered with subtle lace and has a tiny rosette in between. Red is $14.99, white and black are $19.99.
Pictured: This comfortable-lookingWonderbra Seamless Plunge underwire bra is made from micro-fiber and comes in white, black or nude. When you want the support and light padding of a Wonderbra but not the va-va-va-voom push-up, this bra is for you. $19.99.
50% off Sale Items at BareNecessities
The Deal: Get up to 50% off clearance styles at BareNecessities.com.
What We Say: The low, low price tags on these adorable bras and panties are enticing. We love BareNecessities for its designer merchandise and wide selection. They carry Hanky Panky, which is a very popular line of colorful and lacy bras panties, Cosabella, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson and more. We appreciate their attention to full-figured women who can’t always fit into the delicate nothings available in many stores.
Check out our picks:
This sexy Hanky Panky Signature Lace Demi Underwire Bra comes in leopard print or black, and it’s a great alternative from Victoria’s Secret, which every woman already owns. $34.99, down from $50.
Here’s a great option for full-figured women: The Panache Carnation Underwire Balconette Bra proves that you don’t have to sacrifice sex appeal for support. $32.99, down from $66.00.
Pictured: The Scanty Peaceful Hearts Hip Pants Sleepwear are so adorable, combining two favorite icons: the peace sign and hearts. Now $45.99, down from $66.00.
Best Bra: Really Cheap Bras—BestForm Invisibras
“This Contest Has Ended”
Sadly, there’s not many things you can buy for $11 bucks, but, thanks to Bestform, your girls can stay up even as the US dollar continues to fall. The intimate company features a collection of basic, comfortable bras for well under $15.
Style?
Weelllll… It’s not La Perla, but as long as they keep everything packaged and moving in the right direction for a cheap price, the bras would make excellent everyday bras. The bras do, however, feature disappearing edges and light padding, which means a smooth look under tight shirts.
Bestform Invisibras are available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Zellers, and Shopko.
WIN THIS: POST YOUR BEST BRA CARE TIP BELOW and WIN ONE OF THREE BESTFORM INVISIBRAS BALI CONCEALER BRAS in Size 34B
Best Bra: The Rules
If your undergarments are stretched, stained, damaged or otherwise abused, throw them in the garbage… Now. Here’s some tips on scoring the best bra and undergarments.
The Rules
Our bodies change for all sorts of reasons over the course of our lives (age, weight variations, pregnancy, and use of the contraceptive pill). So, if you want to look and feel as good as you deserve to, follow these rules.
Do…
- Get measured for a bra at least twice per year by a professional bra fitter
- Wash your bras in lukewarm water, using a gentle soap like baby detergent, Ivory Snow, or even baby shampoo
- Never, ever, ever place your bras in the dryer
- If you’ve got love handles, always buy briefs (not bikinis) with light stomach support
- For health reasons, make sure your underwear has a cotton crotch
- Wait at least 1 week after your period before trying and purchasing new bras
- Always try on bras before purchasing them—you will not wear the same-sized bra in every bra
- Wash unpacked panties before wearing them (people DO try on the undergarments before purchasing)
- Rotate your bras every day to extend the life of the bra
- Focus on fit rather than fashion when looking for everyday bras
Don’t
- White pants with bright-colored panties (you know better!)
- Too-tight panties (horror humps)
- Too-tight bra (boob spillage/back bulk)
- Visible panty-line (I see London, I see France…)
- Thongs peeking from the top of jeans- no more muffin top
- Showing more rolls (of flesh) than a Thanksgiving dinner (try a body-shaper)
- Form-fitting top with heavily detailed bra (you can see bra imprint through top)
- Slip longer than dress or skirt (“the Chicken Little,” a.k.a. the slip is falling! The slip is falling!)
- Tube top with no bra (and you need one)
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