How to Find My Vinyl Underwire Bra Size: a Comprehensive Lingerie Fitting Guide

The process of shopping for a Vinyl Underwire Bra can be an extremely frustrating one for any woman, whether you’ve been wearing bras for years or are trying out your first pair. It’s fair to assume that there are countless women out there walking around with ill-fitting, uncomfortable bras because they either do not know how to choose the right bra for themselves or simply cannot find them anywhere.

The first step towards solving this widespread problem will be to educate women on how to shop for bras and lingerie that do not dig into their skin, create unsightly spillage, or slip off their shoulders. Ideally, your bra should feel like a second skin that provides support and confidence, not a piece of uncomfortable clothing that you want to rip off your body the moment you get home. 

To help all women out there achieve the levels of bra and leather lingerie comfort they all deserve, we’ll be exploring the tips and tricks you need to keep in mind when shopping for a vinyl underwire bra, or any other bra for that matter. We’ll highlight the signs that will let you know if your bra is too tight, too loose, or in any way unsuitable, according to experienced fitting experts and stylists. 

Let’s dive right in.

If Your Breasts Happen to be of Different Sizes, Round Up to the Larger Size

It’s completely natural to have one breast larger than the other, so this shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Should the difference in size be significant enough to affect the fit of your bra, your best solution will be to buy a bra suited to your larger breasts. You can even out the difference with some bra padding if need be.

The Band Provides Most of the Bra’s Support

Know that the majority of your support comes from the underwire, which is why it’s possible to have strapless bras. The straps are only there to help keep the cups lying flush against your body and provide your bust with shape. If your cup fits well, you should be able to slip off the straps and take a few straps without the bra falling off.

The Phrases ‘Plus Size’, ‘Full Figure’, and ‘Full Bust’ Do Not Mean the Same Thing

Do not let yourself be confused by the various phrases and terms in the bra industry. A full bust refers to a large cup size combined with a small band (28G, 30F, 34H, etc.). Plus size bras are those with band sizes of 38 or higher. Full figure bras are those that reach DD sizes with bands that meet or exceed 38 inches.

When Bra Straps Dig Into Your Shoulders, Your Cups May Be too Small, or Your Bands May be Too Big.

If you notice your breasts seeping out of the sides of your cup, it might be that the straps are incapable of taking their weight, causing you to constantly pull on the straps to make them more taught. Larger cups will be the answer here. Excessively large bands may also be the cause behind this.

Slipping Straps are a Sign of Excessively Large Cups

The center panel or center gore of your bra, which is the space between your cups, should not float away from your body. Ideally, it should lay completely flat against your body. It goes without saying that if you’re experiencing this gapping as a result of your breasts not filling up the cups of your bra, then you’ll need to take your cup size down a size or so.

Understand Your Size as Well as Your ‘Sister Size’

Bras and jeans are notorious for how difficult they are to shop for. Stylists advise us to learn what our true sizes and ‘sister sizes’ are, as sister sizes may often fit better than what we consider our true sizes. If you’re a 32C, you might find that your sister size is a 34B or even a 30D. Sister sizing is most helpful for people with large cups and small band sizes or vice versa.

The Ideal Bra Bands Should Not be Too loose or Suffocating.

In the ideal situation, you should be able to slip your finger in between the strap of your vinyl underwire bra and your back, allowing for about an inch of stretch. If the underwire is digging into your breast tissue or squeezing it, then it will be too tight. Even so, it’s important to note that being looser does not necessarily equate to being better. 

Unlike sweatpants, bras do not become more comfortable the looser they are. Loose bands will result in greater discomfort in the long run. A good way to keep your bra fitting snug for as long as possible is to start out by wearing it with the outside clasps connected and moving inward as it grows looser over time. 

Do Not Let Your Bras Outlive their Effectiveness

Like with any other item of clothing or piece of equipment, your bra will gradually lose its effectiveness over time. Whether this is the result of the br4a itself deteriorating or your own body changing, you should make it a point to replace your bra every few years (more often if you live an active lifestyle). If you’re lucky enough to find the perfect bra, buy a couple of them so that you can rotate them comfortably without being forced to put them through the stress of washing too often. Should you notice creeping bands, sagging straps, and fraying textiles, then the time for a replacement will have been long past.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, there’s a lot that goes into getting the perfect vinyl underwire bra for your needs. In spite of this complexity, it’s always worthwhile to wear a bra that provides you with the support you need, is comfortable to wear, and gives you the confidence to face anything that comes up in the course of your day.

To get the very best out of your bras, keep these tips in mind the next time you’re shopping for new lingerie. You won’t regret it!