Before deciding on a type of bra you want you need to figure out your size first.
A flexible
"seamstress/tailors" tape works best. You can find them in the sewing section of any store for 3 bucks. A string and a tape measure will also work.
You will need two measurements.
1) Your Band size. If you are flat chested measure about inch or so below your nipple. If you have Moobs (man boobs) measure just below them.
***Note Many places will say to add anywhere from 1 to 5 inches to this number. Don't.
Just round up to the next even number. Band sizes only come in even sizes. 32-34-36-38-40-ect.
2) Your cup size. measure across the nipples if flat chested or the largest (most protruding) part of your Moobs.
3) Take your adjusted Band Size (ex 36) and subtract it from your Cup Size (ex 38)
1 inch = 1 cup size (A, B, C, D, ect) So the above would be a size 36B bra. 38 cup -36 band = 2" = a B cup.
If the measurements come out the same say 36 & 36 that would be considered an AA cup or training bra
***Note the size of a (36)B cup is not the same as a smaller 34's or a larger 38's B cup (see #4 below).
4) Now you are (almost) ready to go bra shopping, lol. Isn't this fun??
Lets talk "sister sizes". Using the above 36B bra size again. You can size the band/cup up/down for a better fit.
When you decrease the band size, you increase the cup size, or vice versa. A 36B is similar to a 34C (band down/cup up) or a 38A (band up/cup down).
Depending on your size not every band/cup size is available in every style.
Training bras (unstructed or AA/A cup sizes) usually only go up to a 36 band size (
some brands even 38) but are usually found only in the girls/kids section.
Sports bras are nice & can be hidden easier enough under your clothes, but would probably be boring for you.
I'm guessing you want to wear a more traditional bra.
Most bras will have at least a small amount of modesty padding (you know so you don't see our nipples).
I would definitely stay away from anything labeled "push up". LOL!
Until you find your size I would say stick with less expensive ones. No sense buying a $40 bra that doesn't fit right. Yes guys, bras can cost that freakin much or more.
That concludes our class: Bras 101
