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Measuring for bras

Kat_Kruse | Posted in The Archives on

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Hi,

I’m looking for help in measuring for bras.

I am fairly large busted (a E or F cup) and understand that I need to have support when measuring. The problem is that I can’t find a bra that fits right to wear while measuring so my measurments are always off. ; – (

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can get accurate measurments?

Thanks

Replies

  1. pam | | #1

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    Unless you plan to go braless, you need to find a proper fitting foundation garment before measuring. If you are very difficult to fit, you might consider making your own. Thread ran an article several issues ago about making bras.

    When a friend was fit for her wedding dress, she was told to wear the foundation garments (she opted for an all-in-one) that she planned to wear at the wedding. Her shape needed to be consistent for fitting. Gravity and varying bras can change the position of a lot of things :)

    To be blunt, you are likely wasting your time getting measured if you don't like how your bra fits. In the "Techniques of Fit" class I'm taking, the instructor advised us to always wear the same type of undergarments for class.

    Pam

    1. Ally_ | | #2

      *http://www.taunton.com/th/features/fitandfabric/bra/page1.htmHere is a wonderful online article on making your own bras. I have a hard time finding bras that fit, and although I have not tried it yet, I am hoping this will be the answer for me!Good Luck!

      1. sherry_stockton | | #3

        *Hi, Kat! I've found that when measuring for a bra, if you wear the best fitting one you have, take the under measurement, full bust measurement and high bust measurement, do the calculations, then make a prototype as a 'starting point'. You can perfect from there as you may have one side larger/smaller than the other. I do this for my clients and it works well. For someone who is 'hard to fit' you could conceivably make 2 or 3 prototypes before you get a great fit, but it is worth it. Something else I've found is that the 'amount of stretch' from one fabric to another will also make a difference in the end result.Good luck!

        1. Kathy_Wertz | | #4

          *If you are thinking of making your own bra, the Elan Pattern Company (see former Threads article) has great patterns. I found them easy to work with, explicit instructions and the finished product looked like it was boughten. If you can sew, don't be afraid to try to make one.

          1. Eve_Benoit | | #5

            *Hello Kat,I agree that getting accurate bra measurements is crucial to a good fit. In my opinion, if you are really hard to fit, your best bet would be to be fitted for a bra by a trained corsetiere in a specialized lingerie boutique. The bra you would get would probably me a little more expensive than what you can get in a department store, but it would fit you and you will know your correct size (not as obvious as it seems... apparently, almost 50% of women are wearing the wrong size !). Some of these boutiques also offer custom fitted bras. Good luck !

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