Bra sizes by letters and numbers. Table on how to determine the size, breast volume, choose cups for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 female bust

A modern woman cannot do without a bra: it supports her breasts, prevents them from sagging, protects from bruises and makes the figure attractive. For the thing to be comfortable and bring maximum comfort, it is important to learn how to choose the right bra, according to the style, sizes by letters and numbers.

Why is it important to choose the right bra size?

80% of women choose a bra model, focusing solely on its design and, as a result, face many problems.

The most common ones are as follows:

1. Discomfort and unnatural appearance of the bust.
2. Breast reshaping is not for the better.
3. Deterioration in posture. The reason for this is the uncomfortable straps that press on the shoulders, as a result of which they fall, and the collarbones begin to protrude ugly.
4. Curvature of the spine, which can cause severe back pain.
5. Displacement of internal organs, heartburn, diarrhea and numerous diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, provoked by the pressure of a too tight belt on the diaphragm.
6. Migraine.
7. Violation of blood circulation and breathing.
8. Injury to the delicate tissues of the gland due to wearing uncomfortable bras. This leads to blood stasis, increasing the risk of developing breast cancer.

To avoid such troubles, you should learn how to take measurements and understand the size of bras.

How to take measurements

The size of the bra by letters and numbers is the main indicator when choosing the best option. It depends on the size how the thing will sit and how comfortable it will be. The size is a combination of a two-digit number and a Latin letter. For example, 75B, where “75” is the chest volume and “B” is the cup size.

In order not to be mistaken with the size of the bra, you will need to make a couple of simple measurements. Performing them, you need to stand straight with your hands at the seams. There must be an assistant to help.

Under bust

The circumference under the bust can be found by measuring the circumference of the body directly under the bust with a measuring tape. This must be done while exhaling: the measuring tape fits snugly to the body, without squeezing it, on the back the centimeter should be placed strictly horizontally. The resulting value is rounded to numbers ending in "5" or "0".

Chest girth

The bust is measured at the most prominent points of the bust. If the breasts are well-shaped, this line is usually at the level of the nipples. The measuring tape lies loosely on the back, strictly horizontal.

To avoid mistakes, it is advisable to wear the most comfortable bra before measuring, which gives the breasts a good shape.

There should be no enlarging tabs in the selected model. With age, the parameters of the bust can change, so these measurements should be taken annually. You can get the size of the cups by subtracting the first from the second parameter.Depending on the value obtained, the desired letter is selected from the cup size tables.

The designations for the size of the bra cup, adopted in Russia, are as follows:

It is rare, but there are bras with the AA mark, in which the difference between the girth under the bust and the bust is less than 12 cm. They are mainly intended for teenage girls. Other designations may be adopted for imported products.

European cup sizes are marked as follows:

How to try on

Before trying on a bra in a store, you should pay attention to whether there is a plastic strip or film inside the cup. This is to avoid contracting skin diseases or infections. If there is no lining, you can simply put on disposable cellophane.

The fitting steps are as follows:

1. Lean forward.
2. Put on the shoulder straps, the cups on the chest, and the belt on the back.
3. Fix the belt on a free hook, it should sit tight.
4. Correct the bust in the cups, pay attention that the nipples are directed forward, not down.
5. Adjust the straps.

Only then estimate the fit and size.

How the perfect bra fits: checklist

Fitting is required, even if you know the size of the bra by letters and numbers and has repeatedly purchased a model of a certain brand. During the fitting, you should carefully look at the following details - the belt, cups, straps and the material for making the models.

The bra selection checklist, in addition to the size, contains 3 more important points:

1. Belt.
2. Cups.
3. Straps.

Belt

A good bra necessarily has several fasteners that allow you to adjust the volume of the belt. It is not recommended to purchase a model that has to be fastened with the “tightest” fastener: during operation, the belt will inevitably stretch a little and will be too loose, it will not be possible to reduce it.

It is better to try on a smaller bra that will fit when closed with a “free” hook.

Also, for a correctly selected model:

1. The back and front of the waistband are parallel to the floor and do not bulge up or sag. An exception is models with a belt in front in the form of an arch.
2. The belt is easily pulled from the back by about 5 cm and does not put pressure on the chest.
3. The front part of the belt tightly covers the body, not arching in the middle so that a gap appears between it and the body.
4. When you try to raise your arm, the belt remains under the chest. If during this movement a part of the bust is “free”, it is better to replace the model.

Cups

In an ideal bra, the cups are completely filled and the fabric is pulled tight. The most comfortable are deep cups with a high neckline, which completely cover the bust. An elastic band trimming the neckline is encouraged, which will gently fit the chest without pressing on it.

The model is not suitable for wearing if:

• the cups wrinkle;
• there is a gap between the tissue and the chest;
• part of the breast is outside the bra;
• if the front edge of the cups presses on the chest.

Particular attention should be paid to the bones: they should be located under the breast, bending around it, and their ends should be located approximately in the middle of the armpits. The best option is C-shaped, elastic inserts.

You don't need to buy a bra if:

• the bones are bent, bulge forward in the center;
• are not under the breast, but on the chest;
• there is space between the bone and the outside of the bust;
• the ends of the bones dig into the body in the armpits.

Straps

In a good bra, the straps lie flat, do not fall off or press into the shoulders, leaving red stripes on them. There is certainly a possibility of adjusting the length, but the details due to which it is performed do not create discomfort, digging into the skin.You can do a simple test by pulling the straps off the shoulders: the bra should remain in the same position or slightly lower.

If he falls, then the chest was supported exclusively by the straps, which is bad. You also need to check if the straps are falling off the shoulders.

This can be caused by:

• their excessive length;
• too wide at the back or front;
• Excessively large cups that the breast cannot completely fill;
• unsuccessful fastening of straps;
• features of the figure, for example, the presence of sloping shoulders.

Materials

The fabric from which the bra belt and its cups are made also significantly affects the comfort of the product.

The following fabrics are used in modern models:

1. Natural. Cotton, micromodal, which is made from cellulose.
2. Synthetic... Taktel is a type of polyamide, elastane is only used as an additive.
3. Blended fabrics... For example, platinum canvases, in which the outside is made of silk and the inside is made of cotton.

Cups can be made dense, sewn from several layers of glued fabric, soft or seamless, for the manufacture of which there is a special elastic fabric that repeats the shape of the breast. When choosing a bra, you need to pay attention to the markings that determine the characteristics of the material that give the product certain properties.

For instance:

• Moisture wicking - increased tissue hygroscopicity;
• Anti-Microbial - special antibacterial impregnations that neutralize the smell of sweat. A great option for sports models;
• Compression - fabric enhances the lifting effect, suitable for large bust;
• Off-Set Seams - there are no seams;
• Molded cups - the bra provides maximum fixation.

Seamless patterns

A bra without a single seam is the best option for everyday wear, since it is made of elastic fabric that is pleasant to the touch, does not have hard parts, which provides a woman with maximum comfort.

Benefits include:

• comfortable belt that does not restrict movement;
• ease of washing;
• the ability to wear the thinnest tight-fitting clothes: the bra will not be visible under it.

The seamless model has molded cups and will perfectly cope with the task of maintaining the bust; there are also models that provide soft correction of its shape. The only drawback is the modest look of seamless bras, which is why they are classified as everyday underwear.

Choosing a bra by breast shape

The size of the bra by numbers and letters is an important criterion that will help you choose a model. However, acquiring this element of underwear, focusing exclusively on it, is frivolous: the shape of the breast should also be taken into account, and it is different for everyone.

Common breast types are as follows:

1. Round chest... Rounded both above and below, quite voluminous. The best choice would be a model with underwire, a wide belt, cups that will cover the bust, and wide enough straps.
2. East-West chest... The nipples point in different directions. Finding a good bra for such a breast is quite difficult, since the nipples are not in the position that was provided for by the cut, which causes discomfort. When choosing, you should try the one-piece option, which has soft cups, sewn from a material that can "adjust" to the chest. A model with a front closure is also available.
3. Asymmetrical chest... Typically, the left gland is slightly larger than the right gland, which is normal, but can make it difficult to choose a bra. A good solution would be a push-up bra, which you need to pick up on the chest, which is large. The use of a liner for smaller breasts will help to remove asymmetry.
4. Teardrop chest... The main feature: most of the weight is concentrated in the lower part, so such a bust needs a bra that will provide a secure fit. In this case, bones, wide straps and a wide belt are required.The best option for a bra is a balconette.
5. Widely spaced... This shape of the bust creates a lot of problems, because due to the large distance between the breasts, they do not look very beautiful. To solve the problem and not sacrifice comfort will allow the model with a fastener in front, tailored so as to bring the breasts closer, creating a very attractive hollow between them and gently fixing them in this position.

It is also important to pay attention to the location of the seams on the cup:

1. The T-seam will be the best solution for a large bust or for a low position: that is, in the case when the breast needs to be lifted.
2. Cups with horizontal seams add the missing volume to a tapered chest.
3. The vertical seam is the best choice when the breasts are too close to each other.

Features of choice for small breasts

A miniature bust does not require special support, so the function of a bra fades into the background, and its purpose is to create volume and give the breast a more advantageous shape.

This can be achieved with:

• push-up;
• silicone invisible bodices;
• models with diagonal cups;
• balconies that raise the chest;
• models "Bondo", "Angelica", "Corbei";
• sports bras with fastening in front.

When choosing an option, it is important to take into account the shape of the breast.

Bras for large bust

Here, the opposite is true: additional volume is not needed, but good support and a modeling effect are required to give a magnificent bust an attractive shape.

Pay attention to the following details:

• the belt is wide and quite elastic, well fitting to the body;
• the straps are the same wide, not digging into the shoulders;
• comfortable cups;
• high jumper;
• the presence of bones is required.

The best model options:

1. Bras with molded cups without inner and outer seams.
2. Bras with an embroidered cup with a T-seam.
3. Models with full-length cups that completely cover the entire bust.
4. Minimizers.

The functional purpose of the bra

Another parameter, in addition to size, designations in letters and numbers, that should be considered when buying is the function of the bra. The modern industry produces models for everyday, sports, holiday and nursing mothers. Each of the models has its own characteristics.

Nursing bra

A nursing mother needs a special model to help maintain the same breast shape. It should be noted that the bra will quickly become dirty, so it is advisable to focus on a product made from natural materials with a minimum amount of jewelry that will only interfere with both washing and feeding.

These bras are usually equipped with special pockets on the cup.

When choosing them, you must:

1. Check that the pocket can be easily unfastened with one hand.
2. Select the size of the pocket so that only the nipple is released, and not the entire breast.
3. There must be a supporting layer under the pocket.
4. Only wide straps are allowed.
5. Lack of bones that will compress the milk ducts, causing blockage and inflammation.

How to choose a sports bra?

The main functions of this product are to fix the chest and protect it from injuries that may occur during training. As a rule, these are seamless patterns, more reminiscent of a crop top and with a corresponding design. Synthetics are required as part of the fabric, but since hypoallergenic materials are used that ensure full breathing of the skin, you should not be afraid of this.

The straps can be thin - for sports that do not involve active movements, or wide - for lovers of running, jumping.

The straps criss-cross on the back provide a particularly secure fixation of the chest. In good models, the foam pads in the cups are inserted into special pockets, from which they can be easily taken out, which makes washing easier and extends the life of the product.

Sports bras are made from hygroscopic fabrics with antibacterial impregnation for maximum comfort for the athlete. For large bust models are recommended that provide enhanced fixation and a tightening effect. When choosing a bra, you need to consider what kind of sport you will be doing.

The following models are recommended:

1. Nike Victory Reversible Bra... For yoga, Pilates and other sports that do not involve overly active movements.
2. Champion Jogbra and NewBalance Model... For admirers of athletics.
3. Puma Gym Licious Bra Top... With physical exertion associated with lifting weights and increased sweating.

Russian bra size chart

If the differences in the size of the cups, adopted in different countries, do not differ too much, then with the size of the bra itself (the two-digit number in front of the Latin letter), everything is a little more complicated. In particular, if you buy a domestic, as well as made in Belarus or Germany, product, then the two-digit number corresponds to the rounded designation of coverage under the breast.

The bra size chart looks like this:

European standards

Different standards are adopted in Europe. For example, on products from France, Italy, USA, Great Britain, you can find other numbers:

The relationship between Russian and international values ​​can be found in the following table:

Faberlik bra size chart

Faberlic uses a proprietary marking that matches the one adopted in Russia. The only difference: letter designations are accepted for pitted products.

The markings for frameless models are as follows:

For frame, the usual marking principle is used.

Adjacent sizes

Despite the correct letter and number bra size, it can be uncomfortable in it. This is due to the peculiarities of the shape of the gland, the cut of the bra itself, or with the fact that looser (tight-fitting) underwear is preferable. The problem can be solved if we remember about models of adjacent sizes.

For example, if your native size is 75C, but the belt on your bra is too big, you can try the 70D. If the belt, on the contrary, is tight - 80B. As for the cup size, it is the same for all these models. Going to the fitting room, it is better to take with you a few more bras of adjacent sizes: it is possible that some of them will fit.

Common mistakes when choosing a bra

1. Buying a tight fit hoping to get a mouth-watering cleavage between the breasts. It will not be possible to achieve the desired result, just the front edge of the cup will transfer the bust, creating a "four breasts" effect.
2. Choosing a bra with cups that are larger than required: they will not create additional volume, but will simply gather under the clothes in ugly folds.
3. An attempt to visually reduce the size of large breasts by buying a tight bra.
4. Purchase a product with numerous decorations (frills, rhinestones) that will be visible through tight-fitting clothing.
5. Failure to fully test a bra is the biggest mistake. You should not only try the model while standing still, but also sit down, bend forward, actively move your arms, lifting them up, spreading them apart and make sure that the belt does not dig into the stomach, the straps do not fall off, the chest does not try to "jump out" of the cups.
   

If, when buying, the size of the bra matched both in letters and in numbers, while there is no discomfort and the model looks great, the woman has become the owner of the perfect bodice.

Author: Wrriterr (content seller "Yana and K °")

Article design: Anna Vinnitskaya

Video about choosing the right bra

How to choose the right bra size by letter: