Getting a Good Fit

It is important that in order to get most out of your bra you are fully aware of your correct bra size. This will not only improve posture and comfort, it will also ensure that your clothes are a much better fit. There's nothing quite as embarrassing as going out to a function with your breasts bulging from sides of your under-sized bra - except, perhaps, going to a function and having your breasts fall out of an oversize bra!

Before you purchase a bra, you should always check your bra size. If you think you may have lost weight or put weight on since you last bought a bra, don't assume you will still be able to get in to same size bra - measure up again!

The best way to check what bra size you need is to stand straight and wrap a tape measure around ribcage, under bust. Pull it so that it is firm but not tight. This will give you size of your required band. To check cup size you need, wrap measure around fullest part of bust, and again pull until firm but not restrictively tight.

Whatever inch size around ribcage, you should add five to it (and round it up to next even number if adding five gives you an odd number). This will give your band size. Then calculate difference between band size and cup measurement to get your cup size. If measurement you get when you measure for your cup size is same as that of your band size once you have added five, your cup size will be A.

• Up to one inch difference is cup size B
• Up to two inches is cup size C
• Up to three inches is cup size D
• Up to four inches is cup size DD
• Up to five inches is cup size E
• Up to six inches is cup size F
• Up to eight inches is cup size G

The Perfect Fitting Bra Should:

• Contain whole breast in each cup with no bulging or spillage
• Contain whole breast in each cup without excess space in front part of cups
• Should rest levelly against ribcage, with adequate room to slip two fingers in at back
• Should support your breasts totally, and remain in place even if straps are slipped off shoulders

Bra Types

Learn Where Brassier Got It's Start and Why It's So Popular Even Today

History of Bra

The history of bra is extensive. Almost since dawn of time women have worn bra's either to enhance or minimize their figure. Bust-lines have been increased and decreased, rounded and stretched and even spread out throughout time following society's trends and fashions.

Bra's have been worn by women world over since 2000 BC, when first corset, created of leather was worn to support and outline breasts. The ancient Greeks wore a type of bra that pushed breasts upwards but left breast itself naked.

During 13th century, practice of minimizing breasts became very popular. Women often wore short bodices that flattened rather than enhanced a woman's bodice. This changed however during 15th century when a women's chest became focal point of her garments... it was popular for upper portion of breast to be pushed above garments worn by a woman in order to give appearance of full cleavage and a rounded bodice.

Trends in Modern Bra Wear

Bras are in. Today bras can be fashioned to meet any persons unique style and comfort preferences. In recent years plus and full size bras have become norm, as more and more women turn to plastic surgery to enhance their bust line. In some cities it isn't uncommon to see women who might be categorized as DD's, EE's and even FF's thanks to modern technology.

Fortunately, there is a bra available to fit almost any woman anywhere. There are even bras that are fashioned as "outer wear". Celebrities are among more common members of society to tout such bold and daring styles.

For bold but slightly less daring, sheer and see through bras are a great option. Bras, whether made with or without under wires, are made from silk, cotton, Lycra, spandex and even flannel.

Style has as much to do with what's available and "hot" as what a woman finds comfortable and supportive.

The first formal "bras" were patented in US in mid 1800s, as tortuous corsets began to fall out of style with more comfort seeking women.

Different Bra Types

Many different bra types have been created since early days of it's existence. No longer do women have to struggle to fit their upper body and chest into contraptions made of whalebone and steel (the common materials used to fashion early corsets). Rather, today's traditional bras are made of a variety of luxurious fabrics, meant to support, uplift, enhance and show off a woman's breasts (though you can still find some that minimize, which for many women is a bonus).