‘What bra size am I?’ or 'how do I measure my bra size?' are questions that regularly pop up when shopping for a bra online. This can also feel even more tricky when looking for post-surgery bras such as after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction. So we, at Empreva Lingerie, are here to help!
Finding the right bra and bra size for you is not just about knowing what letters and numbers to shop for. It is about injecting confidence, loving how your clothes look and also giving you endless comfort throughout your day.
The fit
You should be able to get 2 fingers around the band when it is on you. You don't want it digging in so much it rashes or is too loose that it rubs against your skin.
The look
The band of the bra should be straight across your back, not rising up so it looks curved.
The feel
You should feel secure, almost to the point that you can't tell you're wearing a bra.
The fixes
Which part is the band and which part is the cup for your bra size?
The number (e.g. 34) is the band size and the letter (e.g. B) is the cup size!
If you can't get 2 fingers around the band, it is probably too small. Try going up a band size.
If you can get more than 2 fingers around band, your band size is probably too big. Try going down a band size.
The fit
You want the cups to sit flush against your breasts, and you feel there is just enough space that does not require you to keep adjusting throughout the day.
The look
You want the fabric to sit smoothly over your breasts, with no gaping or bulging.
The feel
You want to feel supported, gently lifted and secure so you won't feel like you could pop out at any moment!
The fixes
If you have one breast bigger than the other prioritise the fit of the larger breast.
If your reconstructed breast is higher than your natural breast, focus on the fit of your natural breast.
The fit
Tighten your shoulder straps so that 1-2 fingers can fit underneath. Adapt this as you feel necessary as comfort is the most important thing.
The look
Your straps should be secure on your shoulders but not digging in or slipping off.
The feel
Comfort and support, no straining or rubbing.
The fixes
If your straps are slipping off, try tightening them a small bit at a time to get the best fit. It can help to have someone else tighten the strap whilst you wear the bra so you can get the best fit and look for you.
The fit
Using the pockets inside the bra if needed, feel secure, filling both cups.
The look
Balanced and lifted.
The feel
Confident that your bra is meeting your needs.
The fixes
Our bras at Empreva our designed to adapt to your needs. Each bra has pockets in the cups for you to add an insert so you can fill any unwanted gaps and feel confident all day long. Inserts are easy to buy online. We are working on developing our own so watch this space!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is my bra riding up my back?
Your bra band may be too big for you. People frequently do not know their accurate back and cup size and sometimes have been buying too big a back size and too small a cup size. The best way to solve this is by going down in your back size and going up a cup size or two. For example, if you are wearing a 34B which seems to be riding up, try a 32C.
Why am I spilling out of my bra?
It sounds like your cups may be too small for you. If your bra band is sitting firmly across your back, try keeping the same back size but going up a cup size. For example if the bra that does not fit is a 34B, try a 34C.
If your bra band is riding up and you are spilling out it could suggest you need to go down a back size and up a cup size or two. In this situation, use the above guide to get the best fit for you.
Are Empreva Lingerie bras designed to wear straight after breast reconstruction surgery?
Our bras are designed to be worn when you have healed and recovered from any breast cancer surgery. Seek medical advice on the best post-surgery bras to wear so that you get the most comfort whilst you are healing.
What does the number and letter in bra size mean?
The number (e.g. 34) is the band size. This is reference to the circumference of your ribcage. The letter (e.g. B) is the cup size. This is reference to the volume of your breasts.
I am struggling to work out my bra size, can you help?
Absolutely! Get in touch via hello@emprevalingerie.com to get started!
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