HEALTH
Your Bod
It's an extra-bra-ganza! Your ultimate guide to covering those girls
Be Size-Wise
The main thing that you need to be conscience of when searching for a bra, is size. If you’re not sure what your bra size is, grab a tape measure and get to measurin’. To start, take a tape measure and measure around your ribs. If the measurement you come up with is on an odd number, add 5. If it’s an even number, add 6. Total the numbers, and voila—that’s your frame size.
Next, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. Subtract your original frame size from this measurement, and check the chart below to figure out your cup size.
Measurement Difference ➜ Cup Size
Same as your frame size ➜ AA
Up to 1” larger than your frame size ➜ A
Up to 2” larger than your frame size ➜ B
Up to 3” larger than your frame size ➜ C
Up to 4” larger than your frame size ➜ D
Tip: If you’re worried you’ll mix up the numbers, don’t be afraid to get fitted by an expert at a department store. Don’t fret—you won’t have to wear a your b-day suit to get fitted. Just wear a cami and you’ll be set.
Support Sister
It’s all about the support, baby! Look for full-coverage cups and bras with underwire for the best bra results. Both options help to keep your boobs in place. And remember, you want your bra to be comfortable. If you’re getting pinched by your underwire, go up a size. Also, a whopping 90% of bra support comes from the band, so avoid super thin fabric at all costs.
Padded Perfection
For those of you with smaller busts, don’t be discouraged. There are dozens of adorable bras out there made just for you.
Tip: Don’t flatten your already small chest with a barely-there bra. Sports bras should only be worn while working out! Not only do they do nothin’ for ya, studies show that they’re bad for your breast tissue. So to add some extra oomph, try a slightly padded push up. Don’t try to overcompensate by stuffing, girlie. We want you to avoid that “oops” moment as much as you do.
Dump the Lumps
If you have bigger breasts, be sure to wear the appropriate bra size. If you’re sporting side-boob and under-boob, it’s time for a bigger bra. Also, try to find a bra that’s smooth so that your shirt skims right over it. Add-ons like bows and lace will totally throw off the clean line look you’re trying to achieve.
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POSTED IN body, puberty, breasts, boobs fact or fiction, bras, how to buy your first bra, find the right bra for you, In the mag, April/May 2014