Shopping for lingerie this holiday season? Bras are the most difficult pieces to get in the right size, unless you know what you’re doing!

General advice about getting a bra fitting:

1. The band size (or chest size) is the number part of your bra size. The cup size is the letter part. EX: if you are in a 36 B, then 36 is the band and B is the cup.

2. You are not going to get as good of a measurement as someone else would by measuring yourself. Let someone else measure you.

3. A measurement CAN be done over the bra you are wearing AND over your T-shirt. If you plan on getting fitted, don’t wear a thick shirt like a sweatshirt or sweater.

4. If you have large and/or sagging breasts, then when the person is taking your band measurement, you should pull up on your bra’s shoulder straps so that she can get the measuring tape under your breast for an accurate measurement.

5. If you wear a bra with padding or stuff your bra, then you are not going to get an accurate measurement. If you plan on getting fitted, wear a bra without padding.

6. Not all fittings will tell you the “right” size, but will give you a good place to start at usually.

7. Try on different styles of bras. Every style fits and feels different and can “shape” your breast differently.

8. Don’t rush trying on bras. Really pay attention to how they fit and feel. Go bra shopping when you know you have the TIME for it. Many women have had to take up to an hour or more trying on several different sizes and styles to find the bra that gave them the fit and feel they wanted.

9. If your bra fits correctly, it should NOT be painful or uncomfortable to wear.

Thank you ‘Bra fitting guide‘