I'm a big fan of being well supported. The fact that my support is engineered may have something to do with this. The girls are substantial :o) I don't understand current measuring systems. Measure back size then add 4 or 5 inches. Do these people not understand that the back strap is the one that does all the work! How adding that much to it can be right I do not know. I don't do this. My back measures 33 inches. This means I could either go with a 34 or a 32. I actually use the 32 even though it means a couple of uncomfortable weeks because it means they last longer. Once you get past a certain size these babies are not cheap. Next is your cup size. Measure the fullest part of your bust and take the back size off that. For every inch bigger your FB measurement is you add a cup size. So in my case this is 10 inches. Now this is where it all gets a bit fuzzy. Because that equation is dependent on the maker of the bra and the style. I generally wear a 32J but that can change depending on the bra. You should just grab a variety and go try them on.
The back strap should stay level and not ride up. A new bra should be worn on the loosest hooks. There should be no over spill on the cups, even on a low cut bra. If you manage all that then it fits, go buy it.
Your next issue is how long it will last. I hold my hands up and say I wear them far too long. I know I am over due for them when my back starts hurting. It's a lot of weight to be carrying if you're not doing it right. So here is some photo evidence of how much strain this wonderful piece of engineering is put under and what is does to the bra.
The top one is the new one (you can tell by the shiny colour hehehe) . Look at the difference in shape caused by the elastic in the old one being shot.
Look at how much the back strap has stretched. It is sitting I have worn it on all 3 sets of hooks and now it is totally knackered.
The side panels no longer sit where they should. They are all squished and dig into my side.
The left picture is in the old bra. The right picture in the new. Spot the difference? Perkier by far don't you think? My clothing is sitting better and my back no longer hurts. They might not be the cheapest of things in the world but they are definitely worth the money. I get fitted at Bravissimo. They don't use a tape measure, it's all done on how it looks and feels. They only do from a D cup upwards so if you are smaller than that I would recommend taking a morning or an afternoon, going to your fave lingerie shop and treating yourself to a trying on session. You may find that you need to come down a back size (or 2) and up a cup size or so.
