How Do You Know Your Breast Size Is Right for You?

It is not unusual for women to have concerns regarding their breast size. While some women feel that they have smaller breasts that are not proportionate to their body frame, some might think their breast size is bigger than normal. Whether it is for aesthetic or functional aspects, you might have the right breast size if it is perfectly proportionate to your body height, shoulder frame, and waist diameter. With the right breast size, moving around is easier without experiencing any discomfort because larger breasts can lead to functional and medical issues in the future. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your breast size to prevent a love-hate relationship with your bra. Knowing your breast size would help you choose the right bra size to offer excellent support, feel confident, and be comfortable all day long.

Why Breast Size Matters?

As a woman, you would nod in agreement that breast size is important as it has a direct impact on your self-esteem, psychological well-being, and physical comfort [1]. While larger breasts can cause functional problems like bra indentations and chronic lower back pain, dissatisfaction about smaller breasts can hurt your mental health and body image [2]. Here’s why breast size matters:

Impact on Physical Health

Women with larger breasts might experience strain on their shoulders, neck and lower back, which can cause pain and discomfort when wearing bra with incorrect cup size [3]. Wearing ill-fitted bras without knowing the right breast size might also increase strain on the pressure points along the shoulders and back while causing skin chafing and developing creases [4].

Psychological Impact

The size of your breasts often remains a major cause of self-consciousness, which can significantly impact your body image and self-esteem [5]. If you have asymmetrical breasts, smaller or larger breasts, your mental health will be affected, causing depression or anxiety.

Impact on Everyday Activities

When you don’t have breasts in the right proportion or are not wearing the right bra size, it can cause discomfort when performing workouts, skipping, or jogging. You might also develop Cooper’s ligaments due to tissue damage over time if you have larger breasts that lack a supporting bra [6]. Regardless of your breast size, it is essential to wear the correct bra size to maintain an active lifestyle.

Effect on Overall Health

It is important to know your breast size, as it might fluctuate owing to changes in hormone cycles, weight gain, weight loss, menopause, pregnancy, and while nursing your baby. Not wearing the right bra size might also affect your body posture, restrict your movement, and cause embarrassment when meeting new people or attending social gatherings.

Understanding Breast Anatomy and Proportions

The complex structure of your breast comprises connective tissue, glandular tissue, and fatty tissue. The breast anatomy includes ducts, lobes, mammary glands or lobules, and the areola-nipple complex surrounded by blood vessels and connective tissues. Here are the main components of breast anatomy:

1. Lobules and Lobes: Each female breast consists of about 20 lobes that are arranged like a flower’s petals from the nipple area. Every lobe features tiny lobules called mammary glands that are responsible for lactation.
2. Ducts: When nursing a baby, the ducts transport milk between the lobules to the nipple.
3. Areola and Nipple: The nipple is the central point of the ducts’ opening, surrounded by a circular dark-skinned area called the areola. The Montgomery’s glands in the areola secrete a substance for lubrication to facilitate lactation.
4. Pectoralis Muscle: The breast’s base is made up of this muscle, and it is found below the breast tissue.
5. Cooper’s Ligament: These ligaments connect the skin and breast tissue along with the muscle to provide enough support and shape to the breast.
6. Connective Tissue: The fatty and fibrous tissue occupies the space found between the lobules and lobes while providing the breast with good structure and support.

Ideal Breast Proportion

• The right proportion for a perfect breast is considered to have a ratio of 45:55 [7].
• It indicates that the volume or mass of breast found above your nipple area should be 45% while the breast volume beneath the nipple will be 55%.
• This breast proportion is considered ideal based on the standards of breast aesthetics.
• Cosmetic surgeons opine that this specific ratio, featuring breasts with a fuller lower part than the upper part, will create a balanced and natural look.
• The golden ratio of 45:55 is preferable to the 50:50 ratio, as breast tissue must ideally be higher above the nipple area.

Common Signs Your Bra Doesn’t Fit Correctly

If you are facing one or more of these signs, it indicates that you are not wearing the right bra size.

• Loose Band or Riding Up: The band of your bra must snugly rest on your shoulders and run smoothly across the front and back. If it rides up at the back, then you might not get enough support due to a loose band.
• Bra Straps Digging or Slipping: If your bra straps are sliding down the shoulders, requiring you to adjust them consistently, it shows that the bra is loose. If it digs into your skin, causing an indentation, the bra strap might be too tight. Wearing the right size of bra will offer good support as the bra straps will stay on the shoulders without digging or slipping away.
• Wrinkled and Gaping Cups: If the bra cups are wrinkly or gaping, it shows the cup size is too big for your breast size and shape.
• Side Spills: Your dress might look unappealing and cause discomfort if you have quad-boobs when wearing a bra that is too small for your breasts. Wearing an incorrect bra cup will cause the breast to spill sideways and over the top, causing an unflattering look.
• Poking or Digging Underwire: If wearing an underwire bra, it must not dig or poke your skin. If it does, it indicates you are wearing the wrong bra size.
• Moving Breasts: If you feel there is a lot of movement in the breast area when performing workouts or climbing stairs, it shows that you are not wearing a supportive bra of the correct size.
• Red Marks, Pain, and Discomfort: A well-fitted bra will not leave red marks on your skin or make you experience pain or discomfort.

How to Measure Your Breast Size Accurately

You will need a measuring tape, a pen, paper, and a mirror before taking measurements of your breast size. Wear a comfortable non-padded bra or go braless while taking the measurements.

1. Taking Band Size Measurement

• Stand straight and run the measuring tape across the rib cage to place it under your breast.
• Check the underbust measurement in inches.
• Note down the measured number if it is even, and if it is an odd number, round the underbust measurement to the next even number.

2. Taking Bust Size Measurement

• Wrap the measuring tape across the nipple area of your breasts where it is fuller for exact measurement.
• Gently hold the tape without making it too tight.
• Note down the measurement in inches.

3. Identify Your Cup Size

Calculate your cup size by finding out the difference between your band size and bust size. You can use the formula: Bust Size – Band Size = Cup Size.

• AA cup – Between 0 and 1 inch
• A cup – Between 1 and 2 inches
• B cup – Between 2 and 3 inches
• C cup – Between 3 and 4 inches
• D cup – Between 4 and 5 inches
• E / DD cup – Between 5 and 6 inches
• F / DDD cup – Between 6 and 7 inches
• G cup – Between 7 and 8 inches
• H cup – Between 8 and 9 inches

Factors That Influence the ‘Right’ Breast Size for You

Here’s the list of major factors influencing the breast size:

• Lifestyle Habits: You might have sagging breasts if you have a smoking habit, as it can harm your skin’s elasticity. Regular workouts and a healthy diet plan will help in improving muscle tone and regulating body fat, which can enhance the way your breasts look.
• Genetics: The genes that you have inherited play a pivotal role in determining the ratio of fatty and glandular tissues in the breasts. These factors are directly responsible for determining the size and shape of your breasts.
• Hormone Fluctuations: The fluctuations in hormones like progesterone and estrogen due to pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and the menstrual cycle will alter your breast density and size.
• Body Weight Changes: Fluctuation in body weight can alter your breast size, as it consists of fatty and glandular tissue.
• Aging: Your estrogen levels go down when going through menopause, causing a decline in the level of glandular tissue, which can alter the firmness, shape, and size of breasts.
• Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: Your body will experience hormonal changes, making your breasts grow bigger when you are pregnant, while preparing for lactation. They will return to their original size after the lactation period or develop changes in terms of shape and size.

When to Consider Professional Fitting or Consultation

Opting for professional bra fitting or seeking an expert consultation will help your breasts get excellent support and give you comfort. It will help you eliminate serious health issues related to wearing a bra of incorrect size. You can seek professional consultation if your breasts are sagging or if you are experiencing skin issues like chafing or redness. A professional fitter would help if you want the right bra style that would flatter your breasts, or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort when performing exercises.
Embracing Your Ideal Fit

Opting for the right bra fit is much more than just aesthetics, as it is more about prioritizing your health and comfort. To find the right bra size, it is essential to know your breast size, learn to take bra measurements, and understand the signs of wearing an ill-fitted bra. You can always seek professional fitting service or consultation to discover the right bra fit and style for a transformative experience with better posture, less discomfort, and better confidence to feel fabulous each day.