title: Evaluation of professional bra fitting criteria for bra selection and fitting in the UK.
abstract: A correctly fitting bra is essential for good health; this study investigates the use of professional bra fitting criteria to establish best-fit in an underwire bra commonly sold in the UK. A comparison was made between women's bra size as measured by the traditional bra fitting method with their recommended bra size based on professional bra fitting criteria. Forty-five female participants were recruited; their mode self-reported bra size was 34DD. Participants were measured in their own bra using the traditional bra-fitting method to establish their 'traditional size'. A 'best-fit' bra size was recorded for participants based on professional bra fitting criteria. Significant differences were found between traditional and best-fit cup and band sizes (p < 0.001); the traditional method of bra fitting overestimated band size and underestimated cup size. As band size increased the traditional method also became more inaccurate (p < 0.001). It is recommended that women are educated in assessing their own bra fit using professional bra fitting criteria and less emphasis placed on determining absolute bra size.    Practitioner Summary: This is the first study to investigate using professional bra fitting criteria to establish best-fit in an underwired bra commonly sold in the UK. The traditional method of bra fitting was found to be inadequate, especially for larger-breasted women; the use of professional bra fitting criteria should be encouraged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Spinnaker Building, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2ER, UK. jenny.white@port.ac.uk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scurr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000502:physiology*; D003020:Clothing; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D012984:Software; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult