Here’s our jargon-busting guide to all the pieces that make up a bra – this can range from 10 pieces for a very basic style to 48 for the most complicated

The Bra Deconstructed

Bra Part	Description
APEX	The apex is the part or the bra where the strap joins the cup.
STRAP	The strap keeps the cup in place but should not take the main weight of the breast.
ADJUSTER	The adjuster is used to tighten or loosen the strapaccordingly. Its position on the strap can vary and depends on the design of the bra.
HOOK AND EYE	You can usually fasten a bra on the first, second or third hook andeye. We recommend that when you buy a new bra, it fits snugly when fastened on the loosest hook and eye. This is because your bra will stretch over time and you will need to use the middle and tightest hooks to keep it firm later on.
CUP	The cup is the part of the bra that supports the breast.The bottom part of the cup is often lined for extra support.
CENTRE FRONT / CENTRE GORE	The centre front or centre gore is the piece of the bra that its fat against the chest in between the breasts. It issometimes part of a cradle.
CRADLE	A cradle helps position the wires and cups securely against the chest. Many women therefore and bras with cradles more comfortable to wear.
SLING	Some bras incorporate a sling into the inner cup to provide additional support to the side of the breast to stop it from spreading out to the side. It is popular to use a sling in cups for larger breasts or for any size when the outer fabric is too delicate to provide enough support on its own.
WING	The wings, when fastened at the back, not only secure thebra to the body but also pull the wires into position to sitaround the breast.
UNDERBAND / BOTTOM BAND	The underband or bottom band runs along the bottom of the bra and anchors the bra to the body. It should it snugly against the body, providing the majority of the support for the breasts

Calculation of bra size

To calculate the bra size one should subtract the band measurement (step 1) from the cup measurement (step 2). Generally, for each inch in difference, the cup goes up by one size

Example:

Step 1: 34" under measurement + 4" = 38" band
Step 2: 40" over measurement
Step 3: 40" - 38" = 2" or Cup "B"

The following table reveals the standard Cup size of every bra with a given difference in every individuals size.

The Difference in measurement:	The Standard Cup Size
0"-1/2"	(1.3 cm) AA
1/2"- 1"	(2.6 cm) A
2"	(5.1 cm) B
3"	(7.6 cm) C
4"	(10.2 cm) D
5"	(12.7 cm) DD * or E *
6"	(15.2 cm) DDD * or F *
7"	(17.8 cm) G *
8"	(20.3 cm) H *
9"	(22.9 cm) I *
10"	(25.4 cm) J *

Note: this measuring system tends to become less accurate as the cup sizes go above a D. Additionally, some manufacturers name larger cup sizes differently.

« Previous Topic Brassieres	Next Topic » Bra Manufacturing

Derived from the french word meaning upper arm, the brassiere is a mass-produced support undergarment worn by women that consists of two fabric cups attached to two side panels, a back panel, and shoulder straps (unless strapless) that fits snugly. They are sized according to a universal grading system first introduced by Ida Rosenthal, the founder of Maidenform, in 1928. Two measurements are crucial to determining bra size: the chest circumference and the fullest part of the breast.	Various significant aspects of brassiere manufacturing are covered, e.g. bra design, molding technology and manufacturing automation. Bra design is substantial to brand product development while innovative molding technology is the key to signature types of bras like sewfree bra, seamless bra and one-piece bra. Automation has been a global trend in manufacturing as it reduces the labour cost and, on the other hand,enhances the consistency in product quality.

Categories

Bra Anatomy and its Size

The Bra Deconstructed

Calculation of bra size

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