Starting a lingerie business has involved a lot of research and study. Following important lingerie bloggers, keeping up with trends, and talking to boutique owners is a big part of my work. After this last year, I finally narrowed down my choice of lingerie brands to offer. Though learning about these brands was not the most revealing discovery.
My friends and I made several trips across Texas to try on the lovely lingerie ourselves, but not only did we walk away with new undies, but new bra sizes too! This wonderful new fit was found with a method not used often here in the United States, but fortunately a chain lingerie shop called "Intimacy", uses this very accurate fitting technique. The process to what I call the +0 method, simply begins with your true under bust measurement, followed by your bust measurement. You then take the difference between the two measurements to find your cup size.
1 inch difference = A cup, 2 inch =B cup, 3 inch = C cup, so on and so on.
For example, if you measure 33.5 inches at your under bust and 43 inches at you bust, you would have about a 9 inch difference. This would put you in a size 34G. The bra's design, along with your body and breast shape will determine if you need to go up or down in the band from this starting point.
Most lingerie shops start by adding inches to your underbust. So you might end up in something like a 38DD, when in reality you need a 34F. Some say this adding inches is to ensure the lingerie company can sell you an available size, but this is only doing you a disservice. When adding 4 inches or more to your measurement, you're not getting any support from your bra. In fact, a band riding up your back,tissue falling out of the cup, and relying on the straps for support will wreck your entire silhouette, as well as your health. Christine of Boosaurus,demonstrates sure signs of a poor fit in her blog.
Sadly, most of us are far too familiar with this +4 to +6 inch fitting process.
I believe it's this poor fitting method that contributes to 80% of women wearing the wrong size bra. Learn how to measure yourself so you can find a good fit, or visit a Boutique that offers True Fittings
Remember, in person fittings are always the best way to find Bra Success! Still, knowing your measurements will make you aware of what sizes to start in, and your bra search will be much more enjoyable.
Peace.Love.Lingerie.