Back to Basics: Bra 101

By Hayat Mohamed, BlackVoices.com

Hey ladies -- do you ever feel like the bras that you wear are just not fitting right? Is it impossible to find bras for your well stacked rack? Well, you're definitely not alone. According to fashion experts 75-80% of women wear the wrong size bra. No big deal, right? Wrong! Wearing the wrong bra can not only be a fashion faux pas but it can also affect your health. Lack of support can cause pain and discomfort. On the flip side, if your bra is too tight, this can dig into your skin leaving marks or even constrict your breathing.

Black Voices may have the solution. Bra maker Olga, a division of Warner's bras, designs bras which cater to the needs of top heavy women sizes 36-42 C, D, DD (Itty Bittys need not apply). This month, Olga is launching their Wire-Free collection. This innovative design eliminates dig-in and irritation for all-day comfort. The right size bra can take inches off of your waist, improve your posture and make back pain a thing of the past. After checking out these tips we're sure you'll be ready for a bra makeover ASAP! And just because we heart you, one of our lucky BV readers will win a complete bra wardrobe courtesy of Olga! Read on to find out how....

Back to Basics: Bra 101

Band Size:
Before shopping for a bra you should definitely get professionally measured at a boutique or department store. First measure your torso right under the breast line, the ribcage [disregard model in photo]. Add 5 inches to the measurement and that'll give you your band size.

Bust Size:
In order to get your bust size you have to measure across the fullest part of your chest. Try to wear a bra that is form fitting and doesn't have padding in order to get the most accurate measure.

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Cup Size:
In order to get your cup size subtract your bust size from band size.
AA 0'' to 0.5''
A 0.5'' to 1''
B 1'' to 2''
C 2'' to 3''
D 3'' to 4''

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Back Strap Test:
You want your bra to fit snuggly but not too tight. A good way to test this is by inserting two fingers at the back-center of the bra and one finger in the front. If you can do this with no problem than the bra is just right if not than you may need to get a larger band size.

It's All about COVERAGE:
"If you have a full, rounded bust, choose a full coverage bra that will contain your entire bust without any "double bubble" effect," says intimate apparel expert Don Allen. Spillage is a leading indicator of your bra being too small.

Thick Straps: If you struggle with shoulder and back pain from lack of support, you may benefit from a thick strapped bra. You should look for straps that are also softly padded to avoid the issue of straps digging into your shoulders.

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Sports bras:
Sports bras typically come in two types: compression or separating encapsulation styles. Compression bras flatten your chest to keep them from bouncing. They don't work too well if you're larger than a C-cup. Encapsulation sports bras separate and support each breast separately. They work the best for larger than a C-cup.

Lacy bras:
Laced bras are great when you're trying to feel sexy but when you're going for an everyday look beware of lace materials or bows attached to the front. It may look cute trying it on but when worn under a t-shirt lace patterns typically become visible and bows look rather odd.

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Here's a little trivia....Name at least 3 trends stylist Mikki Taylor mentioned on Black Voices this past summer. Submit the correct answers by Friday October 10, 2008 by 5PM EST and you could win a bra make-over worth $200 by Olga Designs! Click here to enter!