Why is measuring and bra fitting such a black art? Is it possible to reduce your shape to a set of numbers?
We are all individual and unique so to make a ‘one size fits all’ bra is an impossible feat. When bras were first introduced in the UK they were based on dress sizes e.g. 32, 34, 36 etc and didn’t have different cup sizes. Because of this convention the band that goes beneath your bust is actually 4 – 5″ smaller than the size it states on the box. If you measure in cm at least the measurement is less confusing as this does match the actual band size.
Cup sizes were first introduced by Warners in the USA in 1935, but didn’t make it into the UK until the ’50s when conical bras (more recently seen on Madonna) were all the rage. In the ’60s a more natural, although still very structured shape came back into vogue and new fabrics such as powernet and lycra revolutionised support. Each country has developed it’s own bra size convention – for example, in the USA it is common to measure at the top of the bust (just below the armpit) and the Italians and French have their own systems.
A ‘cup size’ isn’t actually one size to add to the confusion – as the band size goes up so too does the cup. So a 32C has the same cup volume as 34B. This is why it is possible to find two different sizes that fit fairly well, because the back can be adjusted using a different hook and eye setting.
More recently manufacturers have begun to cater for smaller backs and bigger busts, now I am looking for bigger backs and bigger cups for my customers many of whom are blessed with curves.
There is a really good online guide to bra history at http://www.fashion-era.com/.
It is possible to measure to find your bra size – I’m not convinced you need a professional fitter – women know from experience what fits them and what looks good! Simply follow our online fitting guide, but make sure you stick to either inches or centimetres throughout. Our guide from Shock Absorber also gives advice on how to check the bra fits properly when you get it, so do read this when you try on your bra and you can return anything that does not fit to us for a refund.