Bikini Top and Swimsuit Brasierre fitting problems

The Biggest challenge facing women when purchasing Swimsuits or Bikinis online, and Retail, is determining the correct Cup and Band sizing. It is a serious challenge.

Free for all imports of Chinese origin and the lack of home grown manufacturers, as well as incorrect labels found on Bust Cup or Brassiere sizing is causing women untold problems.

The following article should be of help determining the best methods of finding your correct Bra size.



Internet purchasing

For the most part Owners of Swimwear or Lingerie sites selling on the Internet would not know the difference between Bikini clasp and slider. The reason being that they are resellers who display another’ s product on commission. His supplier / manufacture in turn delivers to your door. This is called drop ship marketing.

These resellers would not have a dedicated fitting department, rely on a common fit chart, usually charge extra for postage, and never accept return swimwear. So best you know what you sizes before you are too order.

Some things to look for when buying retail.

It is common for a manufacturer to attach either manufacturer specific sizing or mixed country size labels to their garments of which, some quote the equivalent sizes for different countries.

1. All countries require that a sizing label is fixed as specified by their import law. Be warned, for the most part, these are manufacturer best guess and are often inaccurate as they know that as long as they comply it does not mean they have to accurate.



2. A Brassiere made in Asia to the European size and EU specification say a 75B, it will almost always be labelled as 34B (USA) and 34B (UK) when exported to those countries.



3. The methods used to calculate cup size differ in each of these countries. You will likely find that the physical size or volume of the cup may differ. In some cases the band size may also differ, but if you buy without a test fit you have a problem.



4. In the US they use ½ inch measuring and in the UK nearest inch. You can relax a little because this only starts making the differences in cup sizes above D. A – C cup are fairly close fit, but there is a huge difference when you compare Asian and Australian fit in the same range.



5. Do I hear you say, “I heard that one before but it is still confusing when the Brassiere size says 30ddd and the Bra I am looking at says 34 DD and it does sill does not fit not fit”.



6. When you see these out of the ordinary Cup sizes in DDD. These are usually manufacturer specific and then you will wonder why you are unable to find the right top.



7. The Brassiere you are now wearing may not be correct sizing for you. It may a few years old and had stretched or is not American or UK made therefore has typical Chinese attributes. Narrow under wire that pinches the Bust sides and leaves marks together with a high volume almost conical cup. When what is needed is a wide under wire with less volume.

The reason is that in this example Western women have broader shoulders and the ratios applied to the East are a bit different.

What to watch for

1. Do not rely on manufacturers sizing when determining your Bra size if you do not live in the country of original manufacture.



2. Measure yourself correctly and know your real sizes before you buy.



3. Charts on most swimwear fitting pages are most times incorrect, and worse still confusing.



4. Never be afraid of writing to the seller asking for advice.



5. Provide your correct measurements and let them come back with the size they recommend



6. If you are big busted or on the plus side, or you have a soft bust structure be sure to adjust your Bra shoulder straps to Pert your Bust. This will ensure accurate sizing.



7. If you have one of those seamless stretch fabric form Bras older than I year rather find another or fit a Bra that supports your Breasts to pert when measuring over Bust
   

Our best advice
We suggest that you use what we at Xen swimwear use as a confirmation of size between countries. As Xen manufactures to Country specific methods, we have found it complimentary to our international sizing systems. We know it works because our end users are happy with size fit and you the reader will find the information provided more accurate than can be conveyed in a magazine article.
The 85B.org site is near as can be to true sizing http://www.85b.org/bra_size_info.php . Even if you have an imported Bra bought in France, Germany, Australia or Japan and you want to know its US size equivalent or international sizing Just click on 85b.org

About the Author.
Hugh Robinson is head of Special Projects at Xen swimwear. He provides useful hints and other fitting information to women with a problem under the name of xenswim1 in various forums. This has lead to a loyal following from women who even if they do not buy Xen product ask for advice. These range from "what do I look best in?" to where to by X style. Xen swimwear is proud to enhance the feminine mystique.