I hear a lot of jokes from those who have certain ideas about my job. There are the boob jokes, and sex jokes, but to me, being a bra fitter is simply about helping another individual and definitely not something sexual. It can be to help someone physically, to change their ideas on body image, and maybe to just offer them a product they've never had access to before. I have some wonderful moments in my work, where timid customers turn into happy and confident ones. These are the most rewarding times. Many customers have asked me in puzzlement "Why bra fitting?",when really, it just hit me one day. I was talking to a friend during our lunch break and she mentioned how she wasn't able to find her bra size in any of the local stores. I made my decision in that moment that I was going to start a business offering undergarments in a wide range of sizes.
Now I wasn't the woman who had to travel two hours or more to find my size, however I was very unhappy with the fit of my own bras. I, like many women had been sized several times by a "professional" bra fitter. Though even before all my research, I still knew something wasn't right with the fit.
The more people I talked to about my business idea, the more positive responses I would get. I found that there were hundreds of ladies unable to find a truly fitting and supportive bra. So I kept to work, reading, calling up bra fitters, and looking at product available in a wider size range.
Then about 6 months later I was able to get a proper fitting (two hours from my house), that was unlike any fitting I'd had before. My new bra size was smaller in the band, and two cup sizes larger. To think your one size for so long, and then to change to something considered rather large busted, can be quite shocking at first. Though the proof was in the fit, and I was now convinced that all my research had been correct. I had read a year's worth of information from women of all ages from all over the world. They were all saying the same thing, that the bra fitting technique American retailers have been using since the 1930's was putting women in ill fitted bras. Some say this added inches approach was for vanity, others believe it was based on the fact that bras in that time had no stretch. Either way, this way of fitting still results in a band too large and a cup too small for most women.
It's interesting now to see customers become alarmed by their new cup size once fitted correctly. If I wasn't an expert on the subject, I might be skeptical too. I try and tell them that your breast size isn't changing, your bra is just fitting you better. It's just a number and a letter, nothing to be stressed over. The reason it's so difficult to believe someone's true bra size, is this American idea that a D cup or larger is gigantic or disgusting. Someone says "double D" and it's like woah! So let me show you a woman in a 32E cup for example, that's a cup size LARGER than a DD.
A 32E simply means that she is most likely measuring 30-32 inches at her underbust, and then 6 inches more than that measurement at the fullest part of her bust. Though an E cup will look much different on a larger band size, like a 44E. As the band size grows,so does the cup. A 44E would be close to equilvent in breast volume to the lady below. She wears a 34 or 36GG.
A "GG" cup is equal to a U.S. "J"cup. That is far from a DD in the bra alphabet, yet she looks perfectly normal. There is nothing wrong with your bra size, whether it be an "A" or a "K" cup. Your band size however will change your cup size, and is why a 28D is much smaller than a 40D. I have started making simple charts so that one can visualize how all this works. Take a look below and see how the 44E and 36GG are on the same row.
What inspires me to keep moving forward everyday are my customers. There are so many different body types, and each one has a different need or want from their bra. It's not only about the cup, but the band, the straps, and the fabric all play a big part in comfort. I'm driven to find what is best for each customer, and what makes them smile. It's not worth having the perfect fit, if the bra doesn't make you feel fantastic. I try to tell women that lingerie is for you, it's the first thing you put on, and you should start your day off with something that makes you feel special. Who cares if no one else will see it, they'll see your confidence and your new silhouette, and that's the stuff that really counts.
Peace.Love.Lingerie.