It's not all about size: What your band width and cup size don't tell you.

At a recent Fit Clinic with Chantelle I learned that not all 34DD's were created equal.

Specifically, I learned that bra size does not capture breast shape. Imagine two women, one with shallow breasts and one with full breasts; both with the same band and cup size. If their breast shapes differ the same bra would fit them entirely differently.

(Images via here.)

Wide set breasts, particularly in larger cup sizes, can make finding a bra with a wide enough underwire to emcompass the breast difficult.

In contrast, swooping breasts, fuller at the bottom than the top, typically require shallow cups with a less round shape.

Variation in cup shape can be found not only across brands, but also across models within brands, and with every intention!

Enter the amazing value-add of an experienced fitter. Independent lingerie boutiques have a wealth of expertise with various bra styles, such that they know which styles are best suited for which breast shape.

So why hasn't anyone standardized a model to size breast shape? Some estimates suggest that there could be over 6000 shapes! This is why a fitting is always a good idea. Experienced fitters recognize signs of poor fit immediately.

This is also why boutiques suggest that when you find a bra that works for you, you should buy in multiples. (I always thought this was a not-so-clever cash grab, until I actually started wearing bras that were a good fit for me. I found myself looking to stock up on my hard-to-find breast-mates!)

Despite the wide selection of bras on the market, the perfect fit remains elusive for any individual.
Body shapes change over time, as does the form of bras. As a consumer, it is best to familiarize yourself with the signs of poor fit as well as the shape of your own breasts.

(More breast shapes here.)

Do you know your breast shape? What bra style do you find best suits your unique shape?