Hi, it's come to my attention that still many girlies don't know how to find the right bra size. I know how difficult it is to gind a good fitting bra, so I thought I'd share what to pay attention to when trying bras.
I used to work at Hunkemöller (in case you don't know, it's a bra brand like Victoria's Secrets). While working there I had to do online workshops on sizing and the perfect fit, general stuff about the bra industry etc so I'm not just saying these things without background knowledge.
First of all, the sizing of bras is individual for every brand because, sadly, there is not exactly a norm for bra types, cuts, cups, and sizes. It also differs for countries/the country where the brand is from, it's it's from a brand that specializes on bras like VS or Hunkemöller, Intimisimi, or if it's a normal clothing store like H&M.
Generally, when fitting a bra, find one where (preferably someone else e.g. a friend) can put 2 fingers comfortably under the band in the back when you stand up straight. The bra should be put on the most loose hooks, so when the bra loses tension from wearing it, you can put it in the tighter hooks. That way you can wear it longer.
Normally, this can be measured with the circumfence of your ribcage under our chest (EU sizes at least) but if it feels too tight and uncomfortable, feel free to go up one circumfence size. E.g. for my German size, I wear 75 bra in circumfence, but my actual circumfence is 70 when measured, but most of the time, it feels uncomfortable for me.
For the cup (lace and firm), it's more difficult because for some brands, if the circumfence is higher, the cups grow, and for some, it doesn't. So here are some things to look for:
The cup frame should go under your boob and end in a line with your armpits. That's where your muscle goes and is a good way to see if the cup really fits your chest and encases all of it. This also gives the best support and stability, no matter your size.
The cup or lace should not be too loose. If the straps are adjusted (you should be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably under it as well) and the cup is not sitting correctly, it's not fitting. It shouldn't cut in at the top, nor be so loose that you can look inside when you look down. It's supposed to gently lift and hold it, not squeeze it in, nor have it free floating.
For the big boob girlies, I was taught to recommend the lace bras with a bar frame underneath for stability and thick shoulder straps. I do not have big boobs so I can not tell if it is better or not, but in the end of the day you should feel comfortable in the bra, so take whichever type feels most comfortable for you and can support your chest and not cause/reduce back pain. Again, it should not cut in at the top of your boobs. If you have medium big boobs you can also go for one of the bras with the enlonged sides over the rib cage and corset like frame in the sides for more stability and lift. But be careful with those! If body type is more on the curvy side, these can cut in over time, especially when you're sitting and hut you and also bend the corset frame to stand away from your body!
For my small boob girlies, you won the lottery, you can probably wear nearly every bra type. If you want them to look bigger, please remember that a push-up bra is not everything. A good fitted bra with a firm cup can also make your boobs look fuller without actually pushing them up. Also, lace bras without a firm cup can also look very nice. When you have small boobs there is the high possibility of having the cup empty at the top. That bra might not be for you, try a different type, e.g. the tear drop shape. At Hunkemöller e.g. 'Perfect Plunge' type. (I swear this is not an ad, but just so you know what I mean if you wanna look it up) When I was working there I also noticed small boob girlies often can't wear "Balcony" type of bras.
Also, if your chest is very muscular, it can be that you have a higher cup size than you think even if your boobs are small, just because the muscle makes the chest 'wider' and the cup frame needs to reach further to the armpit.
Another thing for everyone: If the bra lifts in the middle between your chest, it doesn't mean that it doesn't fit if the rest is right. If you're not comfortable with that, then maybe that bra form is just not for you. Try a different one!
Also, don't be scared of "high" cup sizes! As sizes vary so much, it doesn't say anything about your body. Same the other way, don't think, "omg I don't have such small boobs" just because a bra fits you, but is not the size you normally get. It's totally fine and normal for the sizes to vary between types and brands!
I hope this finds anyone and maybe even helps!
Love all of you pretty girlies!