The Algorithm for the Perfect Bra

Aarthi Ramamurthy and Michelle Lam left Microsoft to start their own company -- one that would use computers to generate the perfect bra for every woman. They started by getting rid of the measuring tape:

“We went to bra fitting after bra fitting and spoke to experts, and the best ones didn’t use measuring tape,” Lam

said. “They had these unwritten rules where they could look at a woman’s body and say, we think this would be best. We were able to take these rules and distill them into code.” [...]

The algorithm then produces a page of custom recommendations and allows shoppers to choose three bras to test, while the True & Co. experts choose two “mystery” bras based on the customer’s answers to the quiz.

These five bras are shipped for free so women can try them on at home and decide what works. Everything on the site is priced at $45, including high-end brands like Calvin Klein and Natori.

Link -via Gizmodo | Photo: Tracy Hunter

It's too good to be true. I tested it out, and was very disappointed with what I saw. It's certainly possible to make a (mostly) accurate algorithm, but this one needs work. They only offer up to a UK F cup, even though plenty of people need larger cup sizes. Also, the only listed band sizes are 30-38. Lots of women wear sub-30 bands (or should be wearing them). The "quiz" is also incapable of determining if a band is too big or if a cup is too small, which are two very common problems.

While any online fitting service is bound to be somewhat inaccurate, I am impressed with the services offered on the Butterfly Collection website. A Sophisticated Pair also has good fit advice. I would not recommend the calculator on the Lady Grace website, as it adds 4-5 inches to the underbust measurement to get the band size, which results in an unsupportive bra.

Almaline: Have you looked at Ewa Michalak bras? They makes 24-48 bands (and almost any cup size), though I think you may have to request "unusual" sizes in certain styles.