Bra Sizing: How To Find A Perfect Bra

It is imperative that you wear a proper fitting bra.  If not, you will eventually have breasts that sag, back aches, shoulder aches, thinning skin and other problems.  Many believe in formulas which determine your exact bra size, and while this can help and start you on the right path, it is most certainly individual.  Try on a bra and wear it for a while and you will know if it is too large for you.  Finding the perfect bra isn't impossible after your surgery, it just may be a little more difficult.  But all in all, it is very important to find one which properly fits your frame and supports your breasts.

If your bra band is riding up in the back and if you find your self trying to lift your breasts by shortening your shoulder straps you are only doing your breasts a disservice. 

Also very important, when buying a new bra it should fit snugly on the last setting (the loosest hook set) this way when your bra stretches with wear you can fasten it tighter if needed on the next two settings.

If you find post-operatively that your bras bag at the nipple area, try purchasing a bra with Lycra in it which will conform to the breasts.

If you have that horrible quadruple-boob look, where you look like your breasts have been split in two and have that not so appealing double-decker appearance, you need a larger cup size.

Do your breasts fall out when you bend over?  You may need more coverage.

Bra Care:  It is best to either hand wash and line dry your bras or machine wash inside of a lingerie bag and line dry to extend the life of your bras.  High heat will weaken elastic and ruin your bras.

Be sure to re-measure yourself in the event of weight gain or loss -- even if 7 to 10 lb -- pregnancy, or simply as time goes by.  Measurements can vary over the years.

Another example would be if your measurement was 29 inches, you would add 5, totaling 34.  Your band-size would be 34.  Same as if you measured 31 around the ribcage you would add 5 to this, your total would be a 36 -- and so on.  This isn't an infallible system, but rather an approximation to start your bra quest with.

As your band-size increases, your cup size will as well.  Regardless of your method, a 34D is going to be larger in the cup than a 32D.  If you wear a 32DD, don't get a 34D because you think it will fit correctly.  Get the correct size for both parts of the equation.  If you get the 34D because it fits your breasts better, but it fails to stay snug around your rib cage, your breasts are not getting proper support.

Bra Straps
Bra straps should be comfortable, not dig trenches into your shoulders, not irritate your skin and should also not be used as the primary support feature for your breasts.  The band is the primary support feature.  Bra straps may be thin or wide and may even come padded or clear.  There are strap extenders for those who need more strap length if your torso is longer than average.  But always remember, the straps should not be digging into your shoulders.  If this is the case, your band size may not be snug enough and not giving you the proper support.

How Do I Know If My Bra Fits?
Comfort is important, however support is equally important.  You may find that you fit perfectly in bras from Victoria's Secret but smaller in Wacoal bras.  Don't be surprised by a varying fit.

Is the band snug, but not so that it is cutting off your circulation or causing you pain? 

Is the band horizontal or is riding up your back?  If it is riding up your back you need a smaller band-size.  

Is the bra rubbing against or gaping away from your sternum?  If it is too tight, try going down a size.  If it is too loose you need to be sure that it rests firmly up against your breastbone.  

Are the bra straps digging into your shoulders? Try loosening them a bit, the support should primarily come from your band.  

Are your breast spilling out of your cups?  If so you need  larger cup size, is it gaping, try a smaller cup size.

Try wearing it around for a few hours and do another check.

Does Your Band Size Decrease After Breast Reduction?
No, no, and no!  If it did, it is because of your swelling or you gained or lost weight during your downtime.  Your band size is determined by your rib cage measurement under the breast lobe.  NOT your breast cup size.  Please ladies, find a bra which fits you and stick with it unless you gain weight.  If you were a 34D before surgery and went down to a B cup, you are going to be a 34B, not a 36B or 38B.