The Urban Legend of the 34B

The one thing that jumps out at me about lingerie is how many women are convinced that they are a 34B. Worse, it is unbelievable how many have actually been told this by so-called "lingerie professionals" at various stores.

I just met a woman who had been told she was - okay, not a 34B - but a 38B, which was equally ridiculous in her case, in that she had a very slim torso and very full cups. So how did someone arrive at this conclusion? Then I found out another woman I know has been happily buying 34B bras for years until someone suggested she try a C, and - lo and behold - it was much more comfortable.

Unfortunately, women in the wrong-size bra are often so used to being uncomfortable that they don't even question it anymore. So please let me tell you: bras don't need to be uncomfortable. My feeling is, every woman should know how to measure herself, so that she knows her true size. Sure, given the idiosyncracies of individual styles or manufacturers, sometimes she'll choose another size. But at least she'll know when she's doing that, and be making an informed choice.

Try a larger band size if you are getting uncomfortable red marks around your ribcage or if the bra causes bulges where it digs into your back. Generally speaking, the band should close comfortably using the middle hook. Try a smaller band size if the bra doesn't seem to stay in place. The bra should fit snugly, but comfortably, around your ribcage.

A new bra should be a pleasure to wear. If yours isn't, whip out that tape measure and see if maybe another size would be more comfortable.

To learn how to measure yourself and how to know if a bra fits well, go to:
http://www.alittlelingeriecompany.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=5