-
What is /r/ABraThatFits and "reddit"?
is a subreddit on the social media, entertainment and news site . Reddit is sort of like a massive forum, where people can upload original content or spread existing content and users can vote these submissions up or down, bringing more visibility to good content. The website is organized into areas of interest called "subreddits" which is exactly what A Bra That Fits is. On ABTF, users (often called "redditors" or tagged as /u/"username") can ask for help finding their bra size, finding bras, checking to see if their bras fit, spreading blog posts about bras, venting about bras and shops, writing reviews about shops (online or offline) and generally talking about bras and their boobs. Its very simple to use. After making an account on reddit, simply read the information given in the sidebar of /r/ABraThatFits and then post your question or other plea for help by clicking "Submit Any Other Type of Post" in the upper right hand area of the page. The community there is very helpful and will able to provide you with more personalized advice than this website can give you. Enjoy!
-
My boobs aren't big! How am I a D/DD/E/Other!?
It's a common misconception that DD = huge boobs. You see, cup size is not static. All "DD" means is that there is a five inch difference between your bust and underbust. If you have a small frame (say.. 28 inches around your underbust), these cup sizes will not equate to large breasts. Here are some pictures of 28DD size boobs. Not huge, right? However, if you have a larger frame, like a 36 inch underbust, DD cups will look much bigger.
-
What do you mean "cup size isn't static"?
Saying someone has "DD" boobs or is a "B cup" means nothing. Cup size is entirely dependent on band size. Just like we explained above, the same cup size on one girl might not look the same on another girl. Here's a quick graphic guide to explain the relationship between band and bust size, created by user ErrantWhimsy for A Bra That Fits.
-
An F/G/H/J/K cup? A 28 band? That's not a real size! Where am I supposed to find a bra like that?
Oh they're real alright. Here are many H cups in band sizes from 28 to 38. It's true, you won't easily find cups above a DD or bands lower than a 32 in department stores, or even in lingerie stores like Victoria Secret, for that matter. Few places want to carry anything outside of a 32-40, A-DD range because it's more expensive. Why carry 100+ different sizes (28-46, AA-KK) when you can force people into only 25 different sizes? But there are brands that carry "outlier" sizes - such as Freya, Curvy Kate, Panache, Bravissimo, Fantasie and Elomi - that can be found in specialty boutiques or online.
-
Why do you use UK sizes? I'm in the US/Australia/Canada/Other!
UK bra sizing tends to be more consistent across brands. The bra industry elsewhere doesn't seem to agree from brand to brand and sizes might not be true to the tag. Even if you're in the United States or Australia, you'll probably want to order from UK brands still, since the disparity is rampant in the States and Australia. If you're elsewhere in Europe, you'll need to use centimeter measurements instead to convert your size. Unfortunately, our calculator can't take centimeter measurements yet. Feel free to post a measurement check in to have your EU/AU/FR/Other size calculated.
- Why are other sizing methods wrong? What makes yours so accurate?
Other sizing methods use the "+4 method" or the "above the bust method" to find the band size, which just isn't effective. The support your bra provides comes from it's band, and it can't provide support if it's too loose. Your band size should be as close to your actual underbust measurement as possible in order to maximize the support. THEN you should calculate your cup size based on the difference between this raw underbust measurement and your bust measurement. If you do otherwise, you're stuffing your breasts into too small cups and losing support with a too big band. Our sizing method matches your band with your underbust and puts you in a properly fitting cup size.
- What is the +4 method?
The +4 method finds your band size by adding four inches to your underbust measurement. It then subtracts this number from your bust measurement to come up with a cup size (often times ending up 4 cup sizes too small). It's great for retailers that don't want to carry a lot of sizes and sell as many bras as possible. It's not so great for women who need proper support and comfort.
- What is the "above the bust" method?
The "above the bust" method finds your band size by measuring around your chest, underneath your arms but above your bust. For some women, this is okay because their underbust and above-the-bust measurements are the same or very close. This isn't true for everyone, though, as some women might be several more inches around above their bust as opposed to under it. And since the band of your bra sits underneath your bust, not on top of it or above it, this just isn't accurate.
- I don't trust myself to get proper measurements. Can't I just get a professional fitting?
Unfortunately, the disparity and misconceptions surrounding bra sizing is just as common with "professional" fitters as it is with anyone else. We don't recommend going to a professional because they are oftentimes still using outdated fitting methods like the +4 or above-the-bust. Using these methods allows them to fit more women into a limited selection of bra sizes, but that's not what your breasts need. They need a proper size, and you can find that proper size on your own with our help.
-
I can't find the size you gave me anywhere! Where can I buy a bra in my size?
Brands that carry the expanded sizes - Panache, Freya, Elomi, Curvy Kate, etc. - often have "Store Locaters" on their websites that can find the closest boutique to you that carries their brand. Unfortunately, these specialty boutiques are often only found in larger cities. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack is a retailer found in many city malls that usually carries these brands and sizes. In Canada, Change Lingerie carries these brands. Other brick and mortar stores are typically single locations or privately owned. If you're not near a store that carries your brand/size, you can always order online. eBay, , BraStop, and Figleaves are good places to start.
-
So what brands come in these "extended" sizes again?
There are many! Here's a list of them and their sizing models. Please keep in mind that if you truly fall within the 32-40, A-DD range you'll still be able to get away with buying brands at department stores or Victoria Secret.
| Brand |
Sizing Method |
|
FR
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
US
UK
UK
UK
US
UK
UK
EU
EU
UK
|
-
These bras are too expensive! Where can I find bras in my size for under $40?
If Amazon, Figleaves, or BraStop don't have bras on sale that you can afford, you can always try , a community for buying and selling bras to/from redditors. You can also check out Bratabase's listings for people selling or even giving away their bras. Otherwise, you'll be hard pressed to find a well-made bra for very cheap. They might seem too expensive at first, but the quality is mind boggling and definitely worth it.
-
I bought a bra in my size, but it still doesn't fit. Why?
Our calculator can only give you an estimated bra size. Although it is very accurate, it is also only a starting point. Because bras vary from brand to brand and even color to color, you may have to try on a large variety before you find the perfect fit. Your measurements aren't the only thing that decide what bra you should get - shape is also a very important factor. Different bras are made for different shapes, such as full on bottom vs full on top, wide vs narrow roots, and shallow vs projected shape. Below are some common fit problems and their solutions, provided by the experts at ABTF.
| Problem |
Explanation |
Solution |
| Band rides up or can be pulled more than 2" from body |
Band is too large |
Sister size down (go down a band size and up a cup size) |
| Band is uncomfortably tight |
Your band is too small or your cups are too small |
Try the bra on backwards; if it still feels too tight, sister size up (go up a band size and down a cup size). If it is now comfortable, your cups are too small, so go up a cup size in the same band size. |
| Straps dig into shoulders |
Band is too large |
Sister size down (go down a band size and up a cup size) |
| Straps fall off shoulderse |
Band is too large |
Sister size down (go down a band size and up a cup size |
| Cups have wrinkles |
Cups are too large or the wrong shape |
Go down a cup size, or try a different shape |
| Cups have starburst patterned wrinkles around the nipple |
Cups are too narrow |
Go up a cup size, or try a wider cup |
| Cups are overflowing |
Cups are too small or the wrong shape |
Go up a cup size, or try a different shape |
| Empty space between underwires and outer side of breasts |
Wires are too wide |
Go down a cup size, or try narrower wires |
| Wires are sitting on breast tissue |
Wires are too narrow |
Go up a cup size, or try wider wires |
| Gore (middle of bra) does not touch sternum |
Cups are too small or breasts are too close set |
Go up a cup size, or try a narrower gore |
- What are sister sizes?
Cup size is entirely dependent on band size. Sister sizes hold the same volume of cup (amount of boob, if you will), but may fit better or worse depending on your preferred band measurement. For every band size you go up, you should go down an equal number of cup sizes, and vice versa. For example, 28DD, 30D, 32C, 34B, and 36A all have the same cup volume, but are each meant for a different underbust size. You can read more about sister sizes by clicking the  in the calculator at the top of the page.
- How many bras am I going to have to try before I find one that fits?
A Bra That Fits estimates that a woman will try on about 25 different bras before she finds the perfect fit. Because of this, it's best to find a store that carries brands in your size and try them on there. If you can't get to a store, you may have to resort to ordering offline and taking advantage of free shipping and returns like what Amazon offers. This is a tedious process, but it's almost impossible to find a good fit with your first few new bras.
-
Nothing is working. Are my boobs just too weird to fit perfectly into a bra?
Your boobs are not weird. We assure you, there is a bra out there for you. You just have to find the right shape for your breasts. If you need help finding a bra, ask for suggestions at .
- I found a bra that fits! Now what?
You can order more colors of that style or find similar cuts and order those! Take care of your new bras. Don't ever machine wash them - always hand wash and air dry. And try to keep them laid out in a drawer like you would see them at Victoria Secret, not folded up and buried under clothes.
-
How can I convince my mom/sister/family/friend/coworker to use this method to find their real bra size?
Once a woman finds a bra that actually fits them, she may be tempted to tell the world and try to get others to see the light. We call this Bravangelism, and sadly, it's a double edged sword. Some people are very resistant to change, and may not be interested in hearing your testimony or applying the method to their own bodies. There are good ways and bad ways of convincing people to find a bra that fits. should shed some light on the proper way to go about this.
-
This helped me so much, I want to spread the news! How can I help?
Share the website and share the on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or wherever. Tell people your story. Recommend this website and the ABTF community to your friends and family. Any and all help is appreciated.
However, please don't take anything off this site - the code, the writing, the artwork - without the permission of the site's author, Treasure Linton. We take copyright violation very seriously. Please don't claim our hard work as your own.
|
