How To Measure Your Bra Size At Home: 3 Simple Steps

Most women are still wearing the wrong bra size, which makes negative impacts both on their looks and health. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to learn how to measure bra size before going bra shopping. It is not rocket science, though. We are going to assist you with this. So scroll down and check out how to do it. It is time for you to stop causing harm to yourself by wearing the wrong size. Once you have it all figured out through this article, you are not going to feel exhausted wearing a bra anymore. So, go ahead and read this article.

Ace The Look

• Heavy Bust: If you have a large upper body and a larger bust, always wear a full coverage bra; you can choose between padded and non-padded options depending on your comfort level.
• Small Bust: To accentuate your body, wear a padded push-up bra.
• Occasion: To avoid peaking while wearing a revealing dress, wear a plunging or backless bra, while a casual t-shirt bra works well for an everyday look.
• Fabric: Always choose a cotton and spandex bra for sweat-wicking; the more comfortable you are, the more confident you will be.

How To Measure A Bra Size

There is not one hard and fast rule that says one size fits all – not all bra types, I mean. It is worth mentioning that you must try a bra of every type before you are sure of the size. There would not be a radical difference in the sizes for every type/brand, but there would, most definitely, be some. Research shows that 80% of women are oblivious to their true bra size and shape. And for all you know, you might be wearing an incorrect one as we speak. The most obvious aspect we all go wrong with is the band size, amongst several others. So, here’s what determines your size.

Step 1 – Measure Your Band Size

• Wrap the tape around your chest, where your band sits, and ensure that it is snug, but not too tight or loose.
• Round it off to the next even number if it’s an odd measurement or in fractions. For example, if the measurement is 33 or 33.5 inches, the size will be 34. Or, for 35, try both 34 and 36, again depending on your cup size.

Amelia, a vlogger and lifestyle creator, emphasizes and reiterates in her video, “If you find that your measurement on your underbust is an odd number, always go up to the next even number, so if you’re measuring 31, you’ll be wearing a 32 band (i).

Make a note of this final number.

Step 2 – Measure Your Cup Size

• Wrap the tape loosely around the fullest part of your breast or overbust.
• A simple option is to measure it at the nipple level – this invariably gives an accurate number.
• Round it off to the nearest or next whole number.
• Make a note of this final number.

Step 3 – Calculator

Subtract the cup size from the band size on your calculator. The difference in the inches will correspond to your cup size.

Learning how to measure a bra size is crucial. Yet, note that sports bra sizing may vary due to design and activity-specific considerations.

Is A Sports Bra Size The Same As A Normal Bra?

While sports bra sizing can align with regular bra sizing, there may be potential differences you should be aware of. A regular bra is used for daily wear, while sport bras are meant for physical activity. They prioritize compression or encapsulation, impacting fit. They also use numerical sizing (like XS, S, M) or follow standard band and cup measurements. Additionally, the level of support required during physical activity may influence your sizing choice. Choose the most comfortable sports bra that comes with wide and adjustable shoulder straps, as it distributes the weight properly and does not cause any shoulder aches. It is advisable to consider the intended activity, personal comfort preferences, and brand variations when selecting a sports bra size.

Did You Know?

Caresse Crosby, a New York publisher and activist, is credited with making the first modern bra out of two handkerchiefs and some ribbons in 1910.

Trying on different styles and consulting size charts can help ensure a secure fit, promoting optimal support and comfort during sports and fitness activities.

Things To Remember

• The numerical part of the size is your band size, and the alphabetical part is the cup size. So, for example, if your size is a 34D – ‘34’ is your band size, and ‘D’ is the cup size.
• Opt for a seamless bra or wear a non-padded bra while you get your measurements done (padding can affect getting the right size). Or, wear something light like a T-shirt and avoid sweaters, hoodies, jackets or anything that is thick.
• Be vigilant while getting your measurements, especially if you have sagging or larger breasts. When buying bras for larger breasts, go one step further and get a second opinion if you want to be extra cautious. There have been instances where the difference of the sizes was rather alarming the second time around.
• Get a professional to measure you in a fitting room, and they will help you go through everything we just discussed. Plus, the experts say that the measurements are generally more accurate when you let someone else do your fitting.

Now! You have a perfect guide to get the right lingerie size.

How To Find The Right Bra

Choosing the right bra is nothing but knowing your exact bra size for every type. However, we can’t just magically arrive at this number. We need to work backward and connect a few dots to get there. So, before we deep dive into learning how to measure and understand other aspects, let’s go over a few pointers.

Straps

• Move your arms around like a windmill to see if your breasts are falling out or hanging from the bottom, your bra is riding up, etc. In that case, try adjusting the straps first. Otherwise, you will need to go with a smaller cup size.
• If your bra straps are pinching or digging into your shoulders, or there is spillage of breasts, making the two of them look like four, you need a bigger size.

Cups

• Bend forward and wear your bra so that everything goes into the cup, and nothing hangs under the wire. If it’s a non-wire bra, then check if the cup holds your busts properly without pinching them.
• Make sure the cup is comfortably taut, and there is no extra room.

Band

• Always hook your bra at the closest (first) eye and run your two fingers along the breadth. Your fingers should slide comfortably. The bra will loosen up with time, and you can hook it on the next eye then. Check the quality of the closure as well, the hooks should be perfectly intact.
• If your bra is riding up your back and you’re always pulling it down, you need a smaller size (band).

Center

• The center part of the bra should just sit perfectly, it should not stick out, neither should it poke your skin.

Things To Remember

• As a rule of thumb, your bra should fit snugly around your body. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
• When you go up or down your bra size, the cup size also differs. For example, if your size is 34B, a bigger size for you would be 36A. Or, if you want a smaller size, then you choose 32C and vice versa.
• It is easier to determine your band size first, and then map it to your cup size.
• Remember that your breasts should be approximately midway between your elbows and shoulders.
• The cups will do the heavy lifting and the straps will support them, so do not forget to adjust them the first time around, to get a comfortable feel.
• There are different types of bras available in the market to suit your objective. You can pick a push-up bra that is kind of a bust enhancer, wear a sports bra for active days, and if you are pregnant you need a maternity or nursing bra.
• There are plenty of designs to choose from as well like a bralette, strapless, backless, adhesive silicone bras. Each for a different purpose and outfit.
• If you are newly pregnant, we suggest getting a bra extender, your band size is likely to increase and this will help.
• Try getting a bra wash bag and avoid rumbling your bras in your other laundry.

Quick Tip

In case you have noticeable asymmetrical breasts, opt for a bra that snuggly fits the larger one and then add pads to the cup of the smaller one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 36B small or medium?

36B is a medium bra size, where you measure 36 inches at underbust area and have a B cup size.

What happens if you wear a loose bra?

A loose bra can lack the support your bust needs. This may cause you to overwork the muscles in your upper body, resulting in aches and pain.

Are there specific techniques for measuring bra size during pregnancy or postpartum?

Breast size fluctuates during pregnancy or postpartum with breastfeeding and weight gain. It is better to wait a couple of months post-partum as it gives the breast time to settle down. Go for a bra with extenders to accommodate size fluctuations, consider maternity/nursing bras, and check the fit regularly or get yourself measured by a professional.

What are sister sizes, and how can they help if my size is unavailable?

Sister sizes are bra sizes with the same cup volume but a different band size. For example, if your usual size is 32D, your sister’s size would be 34C, as they have the same volume size but different band sizes. Sister sizes are helpful as it gives you more options to choose from and try different fits.

How can I ensure the best fit when buying bras online?

While buying bras online, make sure to measure yourself and check the brand size chart before placing an order. Check for adjustable features, return policy, and read reviews.

Are you wearing the wrong bra size? Learn the right way to measure your bra size and get the perfect fit with this helpful video!

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