The Bra Book

®
where the bra you buy is the bra that fits.
A great fitting bra is
one of the best
fashion investments
you can make!
Most women are wearing the wrong size bra;
resulting in a bra that is uncomfortable,
non-supportive and unflattering.
Buying the right bra is not difficult, it just
requires a little time and some basic knowledge.
This booklet is designed to help you select,
fit and care for a great fitting bra.
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3
Measuring your bra size
Determine your bra size in two simple measurements:
Remember to measure yourself while wearing your best
fitting bra. Do not measure over the top of any clothes.
A woman’s breast size will vary over time.
At Target, we recommend that you check
your measurements yearly to ensure
that you’re wearing the correct size bra.
Body size
Measure your body size by placing the Target BRA TAPE®
firmly under your bust. Note the body size indicated on the
BRA TAPE®, or if using a regular tape measure, refer to the size
At Target, we have developed our own special
BRA TAPE.®
chart. This measurement should be similar to the blouse size
that you wear. At Target we have bras in body sizes 8-26.
You can easily determine your body and cup size without
Cup size
having to refer to size charts. The BRA TAPE® is available at
Measure your cup size by turning over the Target BRA TAPE®
Target stores for you to use either in store, or in the privacy of
and placing it firmly (without squashing) around your chest at
your own home.
the fullest part of your bust. Note the cup size indicated on the
BRA TAPE®, or if using a regular tape measure, refer to the size
If you don’t have access to a Target BRA TAPE® you can use a
chart. At Target we have bras in cup sizes AA to E. Selected
regular tape measure and refer to the size charts to determine
stores also range F and G cups.
your size.
Measuring yourself is the starting point. Assess your correct fit
Measure yourself accurately with Target’s BRA TAPE®
to get the best fit possible.
by using Your checklist for a great fit (see pg 7), and if
required, adjust your fit using Fixing ‘fit’ problems (see pg 8).
Different bra styles and manufacturing patterns will suit a range
your
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Putting on a bra
1 Lean forward so that your breasts fall
into the cups. Secure the bra on the
Your checklist for a great fit
Once you have determined your bra size,
you need to be prepared to move up or
down a size to get the perfect fit.
middle set of hooks. This allows you
to tighten the bra as it stretches with
wash and wear or loosen the bra
with hormonal changes.
Follow the checklist below to determine if you are wearing the
right size. If any of these fit checks don’t look or feel quite right
then refer to the Fixing ‘fit’ problems section (see pg 8).
1 The band sits horizontally around the body.
2 Pull the band down at the back
so that it is level all the way around
your body.
2 The centre front panel sits flat against the chest.
3 The cups are smooth and wrinkle-free.
4 T he breasts are fully contained within the cups - no bulging
or spilling out of the top or sides.
3 Adjust the straps so that they
are firm, but not digging into your
shoulders, and your breasts are
supported.
6
5 T he underwires surround the breasts without
digging into the breast.
6 T he straps are secure but not tight - the main support comes
from the body of the bra, not the straps.
7
Fixing ‘fit’ problems
The most common fit problems and
suggested solutions.
1 B
and pulls up at the back
(but the cups seem okay).
The body size is probably too large.
Try a smaller body size and possibly a
larger cup size (eg 12B becomes 10C).
2 B
and is digging in
(but the cups seem okay).
The body size is probably too small.
Try a larger size band and possibly a
smaller cup size (eg 12B becomes 14A).
3 S
traps slip off shoulders
(but the cups seem okay).
The body size is probably too large.
Try a smaller body size and possibly a
larger cup size (eg 12B becomes 10C).
Try racerback styles or styles with wider,
more substantial straps.
8
4 Cups are wrinkled
(but the band fits well).
The cups are probably too large.
Try a smaller cup size
(eg 12B becomes 12A).
5 B
reasts are spilling out
of cups
(but the band fits well).
The cups are probably too small.
Try a larger cup size (eg 12B becomes 12C).
Try a style with more cup coverage.
6 Underwires are poking the breast
(but the band fits well).
The cups are probably too small.
Try a larger cup size, or a minimiser style as
they are designed for a wider breast shape.
7 Underwires
don’t sit flat on
the body
(but the band fits well).
The cups are probably too small.
Try a larger cup size
(eg 12B becomes 12C).
9
Bra sizing and
measurement chart
Swing chart
Use the Swing Size Chart below for a simple guide to moving
up and down sizes, to achieve that perfect fit.
If you measure as a 12B you will find that moving to a 10C bra
Understanding the way bra sizes work allows
you to manipulate sizes to get the best fit.
will give you a slightly firmer underbust fit. Moving from a 12B
to a 14A bra will give you a slightly looser underbust fit.
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12
14
16
Cup sizes are related to body sizes - they are NOT constant across
body size. So a 12B and a 14B do not have the same size cup - the
14B cup is proportionally larger to suit the larger body size.
Underbust Body
Body
Underbust
cm.
size
cm.
size
Underbust
Underbust
Overbust
Overbust
10
AA cup
cup
AA
cup
AA cup
A
A
A
A
10
12
14
16
B
B
B
B
10
12
14
16
Overbust cup
cup measurements
measurements in
in cm.
cm.
Overbust
B cup
cup C
C cup
cup D
D cup
cup DD
DD cup
cup EE cup
cup
B
cup***
FF cup
C
C
C
C
G cup
cup***
G
63-67
63-67
68-72
68-72
88
10
10
75-77
75-77
75-77
77-79
77-79
77-79
80-82
80-82
80-82
82-84
82-84
82-84
84-86
84-86
84-86
86-88
86-88
86-88
88-90
88-90
88-90
90-92
90-92
90-92
73-77
73-77
78-82
78-82
12
12
14
14
85-87
85-87
85-87
87-89
87-89
87-89
89-91
89-91
89-91
91-93
91-93
91-93
93-95
93-95
93-95
95-97
95-97
95-97
92-94
92-94
92-94
94-96
94-96
94-96
96-98
96-98
96-98
98-100 100-102
100-102 102-104
102-104 104-106
104-106 106-108
106-108
98-100
100-102
102-104
104-106
106-108
98-100
83-87
83-87
88-92
88-92
16
16
18
18
97-99
97-99
97-99
99-101 101-103
101-103 103-105
103-105 105-107
105-107 107-109
107-109 109-111
109-111 111-113
111-113
99-101
101-103
103-105
105-107
107-109
109-111
111-113
99-101
93-97
93-97
98-102
98-102
20
20
22
22
111-113 113-115
113-115 115-117
115-117 117-119
117-119 119-121
119-121 121-123
121-123
111-113
113-115
115-117
117-119
119-121
121-123
111-113
103-107
103-107
108-112
108-112
24
24
26
26
121-123 123-125
123-125 125-127
125-127 127-129
127-129 129-131
129-131 131-133
131-133
121-123
123-125
125-127
127-129
129-131
131-133
121-123
97-99
97-99
97-99
99-101 101-103
101-103
99-101
101-103
99-101
104-106 106-108
106-108 108-110
108-110 110-112
110-112 112-114
112-114 114-116
114-116 116-118
116-118
104-106
106-108
108-110
110-112
112-114
114-116
116-118
104-106
116-118 118-120
118-120 120-122
120-122 122-124
122-124 124-126
124-126 126-128
126-128
116-118
118-120
120-122
122-124
124-126
126-128
116-118
126-128 128-130
128-130 130-132
130-132 132-134
132-134 134-136
134-136 136-138
136-138
126-128
128-130
130-132
132-134
134-136
136-138
126-128
NOTE: That
That cup
cup sizes
sizes FFF and
and G
G are
are only
only at
at selected
selected stores.
stores.
NOTE:
That
cup
sizes
and
G
are
at
selected
*** NOTE:
* NOTE:
Cup sizes
F
and
Gonly
are only
in selected stores.
stores. 11
Target’s bra department
At Target we realise that time is precious.
We have designed the layout of our bra
department to make it easy for you
to find the bra you want, quickly.
Bras are displayed in 8 simple categories that
are clearly marked in store to help you find your way.
Our collection of best sellers and the latest
trends in bra development from around
the world. Bras for work and play, in padded
and unpadded styles.
Wirefree bras
Our range of classic favourites and
everyday styles designed to be
supportive without underwires.
First bras
Maternity bras
This range of bras is specifically designed for
girls making the switch from kids’ underwear,
to their first real bra with cup sizes.
Poorly fitted underwire bras that press
against the milk glands during pregnancy
and breast feeding should be avoided.
Wear a wirefree bra during pregnancy and
switch to a drop cup style close to birth.
Push-up bras
Sports bras
Bras that deliver that little bit of OOMPH!
Available in everyday styles and deep plunge
styles for revealing necklines.
Sports bras are specifically designed to
provide extra comfort and support during
physical activity by reducing breast
movement. Choose from low, medium
and high-impact styles.
Strapless bras
Post-surgery bras
Great for strapless, halter or off-the-shoulder
designs. A strapless bra can solve most fashion
dilemmas. Target’s strapless bras come with
a set of matching coloured straps and
a set of clear straps.
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Underwire bras
Target’s post-surgery styles are designed
to be flexible; to suit a range of needs.
Discreet internal pockets accommodate a range
of prosthetic options. Refer to our website for a
list of stores carrying this range.
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