Find the Perfect Bra

Measuring is just the start
There are three main problems with bra fitting and sizing. The first is that the measuring that many sites suggest is really only the start. Once you measure, you need to figure out which bra style and brand best fits your body shape.

Department store sizes are limited
The second is that if you're very small, large, shallow, or an unusual size, such as 30A, 40B, 32E, or a 38J, it's really hard to even find a bra in your size (let alone one that fits properly).

Most department stores carry 10-11 bra sizes, and focus on average size bras for average size women (like 34B or 36C or 34D).

An inch is not an inch
The third problem is that bras that are tagged the same size actually aren't. For instance, Elle Macpherson bras run small. On the other hand, Wacoal bras run full, Fantasie bras are bigger than that, and Glamorise and Goddess are bigger still.

There's a bra fitting checklist (further down the page). You can print it out or keep it open in a window while you shop online.

Finding an AA or A bra can be a nightmare. There are plenty of 32As, but what if you need a 30A? Or a 36AA? Or a 30B? If you're small-busted, the cups on your bras pucker, or you have trouble filling out a bra, these bras are for you. They come in sizes as small as 30A.

AA, A, and B Bras

The Aubade Bahia Demi Cup Bra has a lovely corset lacing effect between the cups. Comes in 30A and 30B.

Natori
Natori Women's Sheer Convertible Ultra Light Contour bra
It's light, uplifts, and it's convertible, so you can hide the straps under tank tops. Comes in shades to match light to dark skin tones, plus a pretty leaf print. Starts at size 30A.

Panache
(two ranges, one for smaller women, one for larger women)

The Panache Atlantis Gel Push-up Bra makes the best of what you've got. Adds a full cup size without being heavy or lumpy.

DKNY
Donna Karen has two bra lines: DKNY bras tend to run smaller, while Donna Karen Intimates runs bigger. Sizes start at 32A or 32B.

Bras That Run Small

Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit
These bras are sized for smaller women. Many are tagless and seamless for more comfort next to your skin. Try the Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit push-up bra with lace Smooth with demi-cups and pretty lace around the bottom and between the cups. Push-up for extra boost. Or, check out the Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit multi-way bra. It's got straps that can be worn four different ways: standard, t-back, halter, or criss-cross. Sizes start at 32A.

Elle Macpherson
This brand is very small in both the band and the cups. You may have to order a size larger than usual, but these bras are sexy and fun, so if it fits you, go for it!

Maidenform
Maidenform bras are styled for small to average sized women. The Maidenform Women's One Fabulous Fit Sexy Demi Bra. Sizes start at 34A.

The Maidenform Women's One Fabulous Fit Strapless Bra can be worn as a halter, criss-crossed, or strapless. It won't slip and it's comfy. Comes in 34-36A, 32-38B, 34-38C, and 34-38D.

Need a 28D or a 30DD? Unfortunately, most American bra brands just don't go there. Luckily, European and British brands have a wider selection.

I used to buy Warner's bras for 2 for $24, or buy two, get one in the mail free. They were cheap, but they wore out in 6 months or so. The first Chantelle bra I bought lasted two and a half years. I have a Marie Jo bra that's four years old. It's in such good shape that when I was in a lingerie store a few months ago, the sales girl tried to restock it!

The French really know how to make beautiful bras. French bras tend to run smaller in the band and larger in the bust than American brands. Try these brands for sizes including 28D to 38J.

Aubade
Beautiful lace and fine construction really set Aubade bras bras apart. They come in sizes up to 38E.

Chantelle
28D to 40FF, 42 DDD/E

Everything from everyday to wow!! These bras are beautifully made. The lace may look delicate, but they're supportive, and they last.


Chantelle Senso T-Shirt Bra. This bra is a great choice for everyday comfort. No lace or ribbons, just a smooth, easy-to-wear bra. When choosing your size, remember that French bras tend to run smaller in the band and larger in the cup than American versions.






For more pizazz, or a special occasion, go for Chantelle Chantilly Demi Bra. This one's got lots of lace and ooh-la-la.

Freya
28D to 38J

Freya Pollyanna Underwire Plunge Balcony Bra. Great fit and support, even if you're a 32H!


Freya Luisa Full Cup Underwire Bra. This bra has a vintage, almost menswear print, with pretty lace on the tops of the cups. Sizes 28D to 38 G.







Simone Perele
Beautiful, sexy bras in sizes up to 40E.

Curvy Kate

Curvy Kate bras are designed exclusively for women with small backs and large busts (full-busted). That means you need a large cup size, but not necessarily a large band size (not full-figured). The bras come in sizes 28DD to 40K (UK size, the equivalent of a US O cup!). They're pretty too (with lace, ribbons, and colors from black to azure to pink (no need to settle for plain beige or white).


The Curvy Kate Angel Balcony Underwire Brais a lovely azure blue with pink trim. It's unlined (so no extra bulk). Sizes 32D to 40HH.










The Curvy Kate Princess Balcony Underwire Bra has delicate eyelet lace, and a pindot pattern. Comes in bright pink, beige, and black. It's a balconette style, and comes in sizes 28DD through 40 JJ, and 44 G. It's pretty (!), it stays put, and it doesn't pull away from your chest.

There are lots of bras that come in sizes not available in department stores or a certain "Very Splashy" lingerie store. And, even better, they're pretty! No more great granny bras, even if you're a 38J!

DD? E? Huh? European sizes for larger cups are different than American sizes. DD in the US is E in Europe. US DDD equls European F. European bras go up a full inch above size D, while American bras go up half an inch.

Need a fuller cut? Look for words such as "full busted", "full coverage", "side slings", "side shaping", or "three-section cups". This tends to mean the bra is cut fuller and has more support on the side of the bra, to support a full bust. Look for a bra with rounder cups (like a full moon), a U-shaped neckline, and a higher gore (the part in the center that joins the front of the two cups together).

Bras That Run Large

Chantelle: sizes up to G cups

These two Chantelle bras run fuller than their other styles.

The Chantelle Hedona Minimizer Underwire Bra is one of their best selling bras. It's got rigid cups that shape you without making you look bigger and a leotard back to minimize bumps and lumps. Comes in lots of colors (ivory, beige, sienna (dark brown), black, toffee, and pearl gray. Sizes 32-42B, 32-42C, 32-42D, 34-42E (DD), 32-40F(DDD) and 34-38G.

Chantelle Volupte Seamless Minimizer Bra 2361 This is cut fuller than Hedona, with sizes up to a 44E cup. It reduces your apparent size by a full cup size. Sizes 32-44C, 32-44D, 32-44DD, 32-40 DDD, 32-40DDDD, 32-44E, 32-40F.

Fantasie: sizes up to 38JJ, 44DDD/E

The Fantasie Gabrielle Underwire Balcony Bra has both beautiful lace and supportive cups.

Freya: up to 38J
Freya bras are great for larger-busted women, and many of their bras have larger size versions, cut specifically for full-figured women. Plus, the styles are fun and pretty, as well as supportive.

Freya Phoebe Balcony Underwire Bra

Freya Crystal Bra(pictured above, with the polka dots).


Freya Jolie underwire bra. A seamed underwire bra with full cups and side boning for coverage and support of fuller figures. It's got pretty floral embroidery and a rosebud applique, plus bow accents. Designed to fit and flatter fuller figures. Scalloped trim on adjustable straps. Close-set, stretch straps won't slip. 3 column, 3 row hook and eye back closure. (28DD to 38J - UK cup sizes).





Olga: up to 42DD
Olga is an American brand, so the bands will tend to be larger and the cups smaller, than European sizes.

The Olga Women's Signature Support bra is soft, comfortable, and seamless. A good choice if you're on a budget (prices currently start at $19.99).

Olga Women's Luxury Lift Underwire Bra. It lifts, it supports, and it's comfy! Sizes up to 42DD.

Panache: 28D to 36JJ, 40HH
The Venus Underwire balcony bra offers beautiful lace and great support. So comfy, you'll forget you're wearing it; even if you're an F cup.

Vanity Fair: up to 48DDD

UPDATE: Vanity Fair Women's Satin Fantasy Floral Full Figure Underwire Bra is back by popular demand! It's now called Satin Solutions Floral Superior Support, but it's the same great bra with a pretty floral pattern and a cross knot in the center. Comes in damask, white, and silver, sizes 36D to 44DD.

Another option is the Vanity Fair Women's Body Superior Support Full Coverage Contour. It's got lace cups, a plunge front, and a leotard back. The straps have a distinctive honeycomb texture - for greater comfort, and less slippage.

Or, try Vanity Fair Women's Body Caress. Soft, smooth, supportive and pretty. It even comes in lots of colors, including dusty blue, damask, navy, black, violet, ivory, and sun-kissed (toffee). You get modesty, support, and straps that don't slip. The straps, incidentally, convert to criss-cross (just the thing for summer tops).

Wacoal: up to 44DDD/E
Smooth and seamless, the Wacoal Women's Bodysuede Seamless Full Figure Underwire has a pretty applique on the straps and between the cups. Comes in sizes up to 44DDD. Customers on Amazon report the ones made in the Dominican Republic hold up better than those produced in China.

Full Figure and Plus Size Bras

Goddess: sizes up to 38H/52DDD
The Goddess Smooth Simplicity 3910 bra This bra is smooth, and no-fuss. Not fancy, but it provides lots of support and close-set straps (so they don't slip). It's available up to 52DDD! (Avoid the newer style based on this one; it got poor reviews).

Glamorise. Sizes up to 56H
Cut and designed just for larger women. Try styles like the Glamorise Women's Front Close Stretch Lace Bra. It's got soft, comfortable lace and a front-close hook so you can put it on easily, without reaching around your back.

If you're large-busted and petite, finding a bra that fits properly can be a big problem. The underwire on standard bras tends to dig in under your arms, the cups are too far apart, and the straps fall off.

Here are some solutions.

Try the Elomi Cleo Bandless Underwire Bra. This bra is cut lower in front and under the arms, so it fits petite women better and won't dig into your skin.

The Fantasie Smoothing Full Cup Underwire Bra. It's got full, smooth cups, no padding, and lower sides so the underwire won't poke.

Fantasie Smoothing Full Cup Underwire Bra The wires are a little shorter than usual, so they are less likely to hurt. It's also pretty, with sheer lace trim along the top of the cups.

Or, try a leotard back bra.

If your big problem is sliding straps, a leotard back can help. The straps are set closer together, so they're less likely to fall off your shoulders.

Elomi Cleo Side Support Underwire Brahas a leotard back meaning the straps are close together), pretty floral embroidery and close-set, stretchy straps (it's the red one above).

Playtex Women's Secrets Ultimate Minimizer is seamless, has inside slings for support, and will reduce the apparent size of your bust.

Olga Women's Luxury Lift Bra My mom loves this. Great support and pretty lace along the bottom of the cups (hard to see in the photo, but it's there).

Shallow profile means you have more tissue on the bottom than the top (a bit like a ski slope). This can make it hard to find bras, because the wrong shape means that either the bra will pucker at the top, or you will pop out of the bottom or the sides of the bra.

A couple of tips:

1) Try a demi-cup bra such as Le Mystere Women's Francesca Lace Bra. Note that the Le Mystere bras start out very tight, but stretch.

Or try Chantelle Caprice

Demi-bras tend to fit shallow profiles better, since they are designed to have more material on the bottom. They also create a nice decolletage.



2) Try a molded bra. Since they're stiffer, they won't pucker.

The Marie Jo Ines Contoured Plunge Bra has a plunge style (great for low-cut holiday tops), and a corset-like effect on the sides.

Marie Jo Tom Convertible Underwire Bra was last year's Today Show pick for best convertible bra.

Felina Women's Hint Of Skin bra is smooth, tagless,and seam-free. One reviewer on Amazon calls it a lift job for $39!

Another option is the Natori Women's Reflex Full Fit Underwire. It's got a pad that remembers your shape, so it feels like a custom fit. This bra tends to run a tad small, you may need a larger size.

The embroidered flowers across the bottom, and the smooth microfiber make the Simone Perele Romance Racerback bra a stunner. It's got an extra hook on the straps in the back so you can also wear it racer-back style. Versatility is good!