For women only please! Bra fitting question....?

Question

Ok, so I have never had a bra fitting before, but I think that I really should get one now before my boobs end up around my knees! Anyway, as I have never been before, what should I expect? Do I need to take my top off? I know it sounds stupid!

Answer 1

I'm just guessing here, but with the name puddleduck, I would say you are from the UK?



Major department stores (Debenams, M&S, Howells etc) measure you as well as La Senza & other underwear shops.



I went to Debenhams recently & I was told to take my top off but keep my bra on as they only measure bra size not cup........what is the point of that?



Anyway, once measured I went to a cheaper shop to buy a bra & it killed me. It gave me back ache and hurt my shoulders. The lady who measured me said even though she told me my size, you should still always try on a bra before buying. Your size could alter between manufacturers. It's all complicated I know but once you find a suitable one for you, do yourslef a favour & buy a few of them.



Just remember, they see breasts all day long so there is no need to feel embarassed in anyway. I have to change clothes everyday in a changing room so I have gotten over my shyness about my body. We're all female & we're all different.



Good luck :-)

Answer 2

I took my top off. I just had a fitting for the first time also. The fitter very sweetly said, "There's nothing for me." In other words, "Don't worry about flashing your goodies in front of me, honey! I don't go that way!"



I found out I'm a 32FF! I always thought I was a 36D/DD. Wow! Turns out 32F/FF is a very common size! You'd assume it'd be HUUUUGE but I'm not.



My fitters were WONDERFUL! I learned a lot:

*The middle point of the bra (in the front where the tops of the underwires meet) should be smack dab against your breastbone, not an inch away but touching! It anchors your bra so that the bra does all the work and supports the bust. Otherwise, your breasts can get saggy.

*The other end of the underwire (near the underarms) should lay BEHIND the breast on bone, not on the flesh of the breast itself.

*Looking at your side, the bottom of the bra should be perfectly straight, pretty parallel with the floor and not ride up in the back.

*Bigger bras can be pretty too! I tried on some nice ones.

*Bras are tools to supprt your bust. They're not just coverings.

*When putting on your bra, you should bend over like you're touching your toes and let your breasts fall into the bra. Once you pull the straps up, you scoop your breasts from back to front to fit into the cup.

*If your bra has a seam in the middle of the cup (vertically), your nipple should be sitting right behind it.



Who knew bra fitting was such a science?! Have fun! You'll learn a lot and you'll forget about being self conscious.

Answer 3

This is NOT a stupid question! Most women do not wear the correct bra size.



Go to a bra store in your area. Not Victoria's Secret, but a real bra store (when I had my fitting, I think Mom took me to Sears).



You will be in a dressing room, nude from the waist up. Don't be shy or embarrassed...these ladies do this for a living, so they don't see boobs, they just see a customer who needs assistance.



She will use a cloth tape measure to measure you around, under your breasts. This will give you the number.



Then she will use the tape measure to measure you around the fullest part of your breasts (usually the nipples). The difference between the two numbers will be your cup size.

Answer 4

You shouldn't need to take your shirt off. Unless you are meeting with a professional seamstress who is going to be making custom fitted corsets for you.



A typical bra fitting is done in a retail store, often in or near the dressing rooms. You should wear a bra that you currently own, and a tee-shirt.



Typically the fitter has been trained to measure from the back, so their hands don't brush your breasts, embarrassing you or her.



They will usually hand you the tape to help it get around your body and back into her hands on the other side.



They will need two measurements.



The ribcage/band size: The tape is wrapped around your rib cage directly under your breasts, snuggly, but not tight. You should breathe normally. The assistant may keep one finger under the tape measure to ensure it is not too tight.



The bust/cup size: The tape is wrapped around the fullest part of your bust/breast tissue. Again it should be snug, but not tight, or cutting in at all.



The ribcage measurement is equal to your "band size". When someone says their bra size is 34B, it is the 34 part of the size.



The Cup size is the difference between the "bust size" and the "ribcage". The number of inches difference equates to a letter. So if the measurement around your breasts is 1 inch more than around your ribs that is equal to an "A" cup.



1" greater than ribs = A cup

2" greater than ribs = B cup

3" greater than ribs = C cup

4" greater than ribs = D cup

5" greater than ribs = DD/ E cup



Also note that the cup diameter changes slightly as the band size gets greater. So the "D" cup for a 44D is in fact larger than the "D" cup for a 36D.



There are also specialty bra sizes in sizes above A, and beyond DD. Typically band sizes are available from 32 inches to 42 inches, but again specialty sizes are widely available in stores that specialize in petite and plus sizes.



Your question was perfectly reasonable, don't be embarrassed.



Also wearing a bra or not does not affect the amount of "sag" your breasts will develop unless you are athletic. In that case it is important to wear an appropriate "sports" bra. They look like the top half of a swimsuit with a "racer back" And are often quite snug. If you jump up and down and your breasts jiggle the move up and down too, the bra isn't doing its job. Keep looking.



Other than that the only things that affect the sag, is genetics, pregnancy, and hormones.



I hope this info helps.

Answer 5

I spent a number of years as a lingerie advisor for M & S & there really is nothing to it.

I'm guessing that you're from the UK, but I would suggest that you do everything you can to feel more at ease, ie, go fresh from the shower & shave your armpits (you wouldn't believe the number of people who don't, especially in this hot weather!). If you're not comfortable taking your top off, wear a t-shirt or vest that not's too baggy so that it won't affect the measurement. Also pick your time carefully so that it won't be too busy & the assistant can take her time & not rush you - avoid lunchtimes & Saturdays if you can. Most importantly, explain to the assistant that this is your first time & could she explain what's she's doing & maybe suggest a couple of bras for you. After all, that's what they're there for!

Answer 6

I've never had them ask me to take my top off! So don't worry about that. The important thing is to wear the most tight fitted bra that you have, and one with no padding. Alot of times they will just leave your shirt on, then measure all around. It's good to get fitted for a bra. Most times women are wearing the wrong size. Good luck...

Answer 7

regrettably the respond is not any. There are too many distinctive sizes and styles of breasts for that to additionally be a attention. A activities bra ought to extra healthful each lady, despite if it is not in all risk up for the interest of helping and flattering "the girls folk". the main suitable thank you to locate a suitable installation bra is to get professionally outfitted, and purchase extra effectual high quality bras. A $9.ninety 9 bra from Wal Mart won't slot as nicely, or be as comfortable as a bra from Wacoal.

Answer 8

you can do it your self with measuring tape by measuring the part right under your boob and then measuring where your boob is biggest. so say ur chest measures 32 and then with ur boob ur a 33 you would be an A if its 34 a B a 35 a C and so on the further away from each other the bigger the cup size oh and the number below ur boobs is the number like 32B i dunno if that makes sense but if u go somewhere to get a bra fitting they will tell u what to do

Answer 9

No, you don't need to take your top off. You can be measured with it on...now I wouldn't go wearing a ski jacket or anything :) Just go to Victoria's Secret and they'll help you, all they'll do is measure your ribcage under your breasts, then around your breasts at the fullest part and give you some bras to try. No nudity required!



Victoria's Secret not a real bra store but Sears is???? LMAO!!

Answer 10

Wear a vest top, cos they always measure you with your top off otherwise you end up with a wrong fit if you have layers on. The lady will just get her tape measure out, measure your bust and tell you your size, then usually will bring a selection of bras to try on if you wish to.

Answer 11

You can take your top off completely, or if u r shy wear a thin tshirt/vest thats not to tight and they will measure through this, i had that done first time round and second time round just braved it and the bra size was exactly the same so dont hink it makes any difference

Answer 12

First they measure around your chest under your boobs to get your chest size, then they warm up the tape measure (hopefully!) and measure around your chest at nipple height to get your cup size.

It is a bit embarassing, but if you wear something thin or a bra you can leave it on and just lift up your shirt to just under your boobs.

Its worth having it done, as they can also give you fitting tips, tell you what to avoid for your size/shape, and help you pick a comfy bra.

Marks & Sparks used to do it.

Answer 13

I know that JC Pennys stores, and Victorias Secret stores offer specialized fittings. They have trained staff and are very discrete. Yes you would have to remove your top, to get the perfect fit. But they are professionals at what they do. You could also call the store before hand to see if you could make an apt. So you know you would have there undivided attention.

Answer 14

Well it depends... Victoria's secret they measure you without with your top on...



Nordstrom does great bra fitting sessions and they have specialists that take care of any questions you might have... but the bras are a bit pricy... You want to get fitted at one them places and purchase your bra at like Nordstrom Rack....

Answer 15

Most department stores offer this service. And yes, you do need to take your top off, otherwise they can't fit you properly. It's not embarressing, they do it all the time, and it is SO important to have a properly fitting bra.

Answer 16

Don't feel uncomfortable having it done it's quick. Yes you have to remove your top but not the bra you are wearing. If you are wearing a very thin top (material wise), you may get away with leaving your top on.

Answer 17

It probably would be worth doing it because 70% of America (women)where the wrong size bra.

Answer 18

i went last week cos i just had a baby and its really important to get the right size. they do ask you to take your top off but you can keep your bra on even if it is the wrong size that your wearing...

hope i was helpful

dont feel bad about it god gave us these to feel good.

and to feed our babies of course lol

Answer 19

yes you will have to stip down to tyour bra.....you can do it at home though, measure the are right under neath your breasts, should need to lift them.....next measure around the center of your breasts make sure not to push them down too much.....for every inch of difference add a cup size....and whalla....or go to victoria secret...lol

Answer 20

If you are in the Uk, go to M & S, they are really good and put you at ease, you must get properly fitted, otherwise you'll get to my age and lift your skirt to see them...not really, I went years ago!

Answer 21

You don't have to take off your cloths. Almost all lingerie stores have a fitting expert. They will be able to help you.

Answer 22

u will have your old bra on..so you wont be completely naked...they just get a tape measure and measure you..then they just measure how big your breasts are...you should go to marks and spencers...they have really good fittin..and they measure real good tioo...well thats from personal experience...

if you from uk that is ...go to MnS

Answer 23

if you get a catologue you can do it yourself with atape measure you could even get it of the internet ill finbd it for you



http://www.westclare.com/perfect_fit_calculator.htm



you just type in your measurements and the bre size comes up automatically

Answer 24

ya.its nothing really and its not stupid.you just take your top off if you don't want to take your top off then wear something underneath instead of a bra.don't worry.xxx

Answer 25

u may have to lift ur top to be messured underneath ur breasts dont stress an no it doesnt sound stupid

Answer 26

Hi,

Check out this guide first....

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-Measure-For-a-Proper-Fitting-Bra_W0QQugidZ10000000001067871?ssPageName=BUYGD:CAT:-1:SEARCH:3

Answer 27

its not a stupid question its really not bad dont stress about it

Answer 28

not a stupid question