Studies suggest that up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. A poorly fitting bra isn’t just uncomfortable—it can cause back pain, poor posture, and skin irritation. Finding your perfect fit doesn’t require a professional fitting; you can do it easily at home with a simple measuring tape.
Here is the definitive guide to finding your true bra size.
What You’ll Need
- A soft measuring tape (cloth or flexible plastic).
- A non-padded bra (the one that fits you best currently) or go braless.
- A mirror to ensure the tape is level.
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
This is the most important part of the bra’s support.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, directly underneath your bust.
- Ensure the tape is snug and exactly horizontal (parallel to the ground).
- Exhale to get the smallest measurement possible.
- The Math:
- If you get an even number, that is your band size.
- If you get an odd number, round up to the next even number.
- (Example: If you measure 31 inches, your band size is 32.)
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
This determines the volume of your breasts.
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest (usually across the nipple).
- Hold the tape loosely. It should be touching you but not pressing into the tissue or “denting” the breast.
- Make sure the tape is level across your back.
- Round to the nearest whole number.
Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size
The cup size is the difference between your bust measurement and your band measurement.
- Formula: Bust Size – Band Size = Cup Size
Use the chart below to find your letter:
- 0-inch difference: AA
- 1-inch: A
- 2-inches: B
- 3-inches: C
- 4-inches: D
- 5-inches: DD/E
- 6-inches: DDD/F
(Example: 37″ Bust – 34″ Band = 3-inch difference. You are a 34C.)
Step 4: Check the Fit (The “Final Test”)
Measurements are a starting point, but every brand fits differently. When you try on a bra, look for these signs of a perfect fit:
- The Band: It should be level all the way around. If it arches up in the back, the band is too big. You should be able to fit two fingers under the band comfortably.
- The Cups: There should be no “overflow” or “quad-boob” over the top, and no gaping or wrinkling in the fabric.
- The Gore: The flat part of the bra between the cups should sit flush against your chest bone. If it lifts off your skin, the cups are too small.
- The Straps: They should stay in place without digging into your shoulders. Remember: the band provides 80% of the support, not the straps.
Pro-Tips for Success
- The Scoop and Swoop: After putting your bra on, lean forward and use your hand to “scoop” your breast tissue from the side into the cup. This ensures all the tissue is supported by the underwire.
- Sister Sizes: If a 34C is too tight in the band but the cup feels right, try a 36B. If the band is too loose but the cup fits, try a 32D. (When you go up in band size, you must go down in cup size to keep the same volume).
- Measure Regularly: Weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and aging can change your size. It’s best to re-measure every 6 to 12 months.
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