Do yourself a favor: go for the World Cup!

Imagine being trapped all day in a cubicle that is far too small. It is stuffy, too hot, you are trapped on all sides and you feel so miserable that you dare not show yourself to the outside world.... If you think this is about bio-industry, you are wrong: we are talking about your highly personal unique selling points. Exactly - your breasts, that is!

Empower your talents!

You may not realize it, but you probably belong to the eighty percent (!) of Dutch women who keep walking around with the wrong bra size. Nowhere necessary, as you will see below, but very understandable. The system of bra sizes is complicated, one bra brand is not the other and often you get the wrong advice in stores, but with the right knowledge in your pocket, you can show off your ladies in a way that will literally amaze you and your onlookers!

Think about your pluses

Too small cups, too large a size, too tight straps and red marks on your shoulders: just admit you struggle with them yourself, because that's the first step to finding a bra that's right for you. We begin with a bit of "enjoying yourself with sizes," because the system of cup size and circumference requires a little further explanation. The following images will give you the guidance you need.

Cup size and circumference: a big bunch of math in front of you

Cup size - the size of your breasts in the cups of your bra - is constantly changing. Your physical development, proper diet and hormone levels all have their influence. Thereby, no two copies are exactly the same, including yours, so your bra size depends largely on the right cup size. The sizing itself is also a big factor, or really just higher math. We don't always realize that a cup C is very different for a 75C bra size than for a 90C, for example. The following images demonstrate this.

The same cup size C is different for each circumference size....

...Because when the size goes up a step, the cup size actually goes down a step! Or vice versa, cup one size up needed, then size one size down.

Your best buddies

These factors make it dead wrong to blindly buy your next bra in the same size as the one you have. And then there is sizing, which we also go massively wrong with. Most women wear a cup size that is too small and a size that is too big. Consequence: your figure always comes out worse than it could be! So give your body the attention it deserves and arm yourself with our knowledge before you buy your next bra or lingerie set.

Take matters into your own hands

Despite the top advice a good salesperson can give you, for your own perfect bra size, it's still best to rely on your own knowledge and feelings. You know your body like no other, and no one can tell you what feels or looks best. That's why it's time to take your hands out of your pockets and bravely put them into your own hands. The checklist below will help you know exactly what to look for, so take your units in hand and grab that mirror!

Step 1: take a deep bow to yourself

From your collection, grab the bra you feel fits best: this is your reference bra size. Place the cups on your breasts, bend over and gently shake your shoulders, allowing them to nestle in like two drops of water. Gently stand up and fasten the clasp on the tightest hooks. Look carefully to make sure the back panel is completely horizontal.

Step 2: watch your back

Supporting your bosom starts at the back: the back piece. It should perfectly fit the curve of your back to optimally elevator your breasts. Check the horizontal line: the bottom of the back should not be higher than the underwire. Especially with large size br as, supporting your front is a necessity.

Step 3: the shoulders underneath

Since no two breasts are identical - including yours - you can use the straps of your bra to align properly. Make sure they can't slip over your shoulders and adjust both sides until you see a symmetrical bosom. Don't make the mistake of taking your breasts to the next level with the shoulder straps: ninety percent of the support comes from the back piece!

Step 4: meet me in the middle

Pay close attention to the piece of fabric that connects your cups. This connecting link should fit nicely and rest exactly in the middle, but most importantly make contact with the skin on your sternum. If it floats, then you've got the wrong size.

Step 5: loosening the braces

The underwires are a great indicator of whether you're doing well. When you close your bra, they should open up a little so that they arrange themselves smoothly to the curve of your breasts. Pay close attention to what you feel: do they poke into the skin under your armpits? Your bra is too big. If they pierce your breasts themselves, your bra is too small.

Step 6: finally the cup in your hands!

You are ready to take your world cup in your hands! Follow the cupline with your finger and look carefully to make sure the top cup doesn't cut in or leave a gap. A smooth transition from breast to cup is what we're looking for, because shyly crawling away or plumply puffing out just makes minus points of your pluses. Look carefully to make sure your nipples fall right into the deepest point of the cups, so the fabric doesn't wrinkle and the design of your bra comes out best.

The ladies on the balcony!

Congratulations you three: from now on you'll never have to get in each other's way again! You now know exactly what to look for to find your ultimate bra size. Remember, every brand is slightly different, so if possible, start for your newest one with the brand you currently love the most. Now you can confidently go score your perfect designer bra size online. Off to the balcony ladies: it's time to show off that World Cup to the public!