What is my bust size?

1. Small Bust

The first bust size I'm going to tell you about is Small. This size is usually an A or B cup, and it's really easy to recognize: you'll have little volume, it will be flat on top and separated in the center.

What looks good, and what doesn't, for this bust size?
The first thing you should know is that not every bra was designed for every bust size. Each bra is created with certain qualities that make it ideal for certain bust sizes.

If you identify with this bust size, you've probably had a problem finding bras that fit you perfectly. Why do I say that? Well, like I said before, this bust size doesn't have much volume, so not every bra is going to fit well.

Just a few weeks ago, I had a young client that has a very small bust. When I started to consult with her, she told me that she worried she'd never find a bra that would really fit well. She told me that the only bras she wore were sports bras in very small sizes, or none at all, because she just didn't think her perfect bra was out there.
I gave her some recommendations for what she should look for, and what she should definitely avoid.

Is this your bust size? Keep reading to find out your yeses and noes.

SAY YES TO:

• Bralettes:

  If you don't already know what bralettes are all about, or if you don't know the difference between a bralette and a regular bra, I'm going to tell you a little about them here.
  
  This style of bra is relatively new on the underwear scene. It has very special characteristics that make it a crowd-pleaser. And I'm sure that, if you don't know about them already, you're going to fall in love with them!
  
  Bralettes are usually made of 100% lace with very few structures, less support, a natural shape, and spectacular comfort. The charm of a bralette lies in its cute design: they have different style backs, unique necklines, and standout straps that make them perfect to show off under your clothes.
  
  

  “Perfect to show off under your clothes.”

  I gotta tell you - this style is such a winner. Most women I see at work that have your bust size end up falling in love with the lightness, comfort, and perfect fit a bralette offers.
  

  


• Triangle bras with demi cups or little coverage:

  Because a smaller bust is going to have less volume, demi cup bras are going to be your new best friend. This is owing to the fact that your bust will completely fill these cups, preventing gapping that can make your bra look too big. This silhouette tends to have pluge necklines and less coverage than a full-cup bra would.

  


• Push-Up:

  You already know that your bust has little volume overall. That's why bras with built-in push-up padding can be the perfect option to give you a little extra cleavage. These bras have built-in padding to give your bust a more rounded, lifted appearance. These are perfect for anyone who wants to look like they have a fuller bust without having to result to surgery.
  

  

• Deep cups:

  Bras with deep cups aren't a very good idea for you if you have a smaller bust because it won't fill the cups and that will make your bra look too big, even if you're wearing the right size. This is one of the reasons why, in many cases, women with smaller busts can't find a strapless bra that fits. The cups tend to gap, leaving space between the bust and the bra.



• Full cups:

  Just like deep cups, full cups can be a “lifelong enemy” of small-chested ladies. I'm never going to forget this young lady who came into my store looking for full-coverage bras because those were the only ones she wore. Just by glancing at her, even under her shirt, I could see that her bra looked too big and I assumed she didn't know her size. When we went into the dressing room and she showed me the bra she had on, I was surprised: she was wearing the right size! It's just that she had a small bust and was wearing a full-coverage bra with triangle cups that she just couldn't fill out.



• Bras with a lot of structure:

  A smaller bust is lighter, so it's not a good idea to look for bras that have underwire, side boning, or complicated structures. It's important to understand that this bust size won't need the same level of daily support that others may require.

Lastly, I'm going to tell you about full/very full busts. They're easy to recognize: they have volume in the top, bottom, center, and sides, and they tend to sit close to each other. If this is your bust size, you need to pay extra attention when it's time to choose a new bra. Because you have so much volume, and because your bust is heavier, you'll need more support than the others.

I vividly remember this woman I attended to in my store who was in a constant battle with her own bust: she didn't like bras at all, and she avoided using them no matter what. She wore a 38C and, sadly, she'd never been given good advice for how to choose the right bra for her size. She had no idea that this could literally change her life in seconds.

In the beginning, she regarded each piece I showed her with suspicion. I was pulling out bras with wide straps and backs, deep cups, side boning, underwire...she thought everything I showed her seemed uncomfortable, and that there was no way any of it would help her alleviate her daily discomfort. Hands down the best part of that day was when she tried on those bras and got the shock of her life: the comfort and support the bras gave her made her realize that bras weren't the enemy. In fact, the right bra can be your best ally!

Now that you've read my story, it's time for me to tell you the yeses and noes for a full/very full bust.

SAY YES TO:

• Deep cups and full cups:

  I want to let you know that this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when you're choosing a bra for a heavy bust. The cups are in charge of supporting your breasts and keeping them in place 24/7.
  Have you ever felt like you were going to “bust out” of a bra?
  Nobody wants to have a wardrobe malfunction like that! Deep cups can keep you comfy and confident, so you won't have to worry about any spilling at any time.
  
  



• Longline underbust bands and wide backs:

  There's no better feeling than when everything falls into place, allowing you to live your life in comfort. When it comes to bras, the underbust band is one of the most important structures. The right underbust band can offer amazing support and a perfect fit. The longer your underbust band is, the more support it will give your chest.
  
  It's also important to look for bras with a wider back, which will offer smoothing coverage and give you a streamlined look under your clothes.

  
  


• Wide straps:

  The straps play the important role of carrying, or supporting, the weight of your bust. That's why, if you have a fuller bust, you'll need wider straps that can give you the support you need throughout the day. These straps won't only help give you a lifted look - they'll also keep you more comfortable than ever.
  
  Thin straps, on the other hand, aren't such a good idea. They can dig in, making you uncomfortable and creating dents in your shoulders.
  So, if you have a heavy bust, now is the time start wearing bras with thicker straps!
  
  

JUST SAY NO TO:

• Silhouettes without structure:

  Underwires are important - they're in charge of giving you great shape, support, and fit. So when it's time to choose the perfect bra, I recommend that you stay away from wireless styles. Those won't give your bust the support it needs.
  
  

• - Has your bra ever rolled down? Side boning is another must-have in a bra because it stops this from happening, keeping your bra right where it belongs.




• - In the majority of cases, bralettes are designed for small to average chests. That's why I, personally, recommend that you look for bras that are more structured but have the look of a bralette.

  
  

I'm sure that, by now, you've identified your bust size and have a clearer idea of what's going to look awesome on you!

If you want to learn how to measure yourself to learn a lot more about your size.

Lastly, I'd love to give you the same advice I give to every woman I consult with: know yourself, love yourself, and feel confident in your own skin!
And what better way is there to do that, than to treat yourself to some nice underwear?