If you've ever felt that your bra just doesn't fit quite right, you're not alone. Many women wear bras that don't provide the proper support or comfort, often because they haven't been accurately measured or because their size has changed over time.
While a professional fitting is ideal, you can still find your perfect bra size at home with a few simple steps. Let's dive into the world of bra sizes and empower you to find the fit that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Why Finding the Right Bra Size Matters
Wearing the wrong bra size can lead to discomfort, back pain, and even skin issues. Beyond physical discomfort, an ill-fitting bra can affect your posture and self-confidence. A bra that fits well not only provides support but also enhances your natural shape, making your clothes look and feel better.
Essential Tools You'll Need
Before you start, gather a few items:
- A soft measuring tape
- A mirror (or a friend or loved one to help)
- A pen and paper (or your phone) to jot down measurements
- A well-fitting, non-padded bra (if available)
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Bra Size
1. Measure Your Band Size
Your band size is the circumference around your ribcage, just under your bust.
- Stand in front of a mirror or have a friend help.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Ensure the tape is level and snug, but not too tight.
- Check the size chart to understand what band size you are in a brand. This is the measurement for Springrose’s Easy On Mobility Bra:
For example, if your ribcage measures 32 inches, your band size is 34. If it's 30 inches, your band size is 32.
2. Measure Your Bust Size
Your bust size is the circumference around the fullest part of your chest.
Wearing a non-padded bra, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is level and not too tight.
Note the measurement to the nearest whole number.
3. Calculate Your Cup Size
To determine your cup size, subtract your band measurement (the number you got after adding 4 or 5 inches) from your bust measurement.
Bust Measurement - Band Size = Cup Size
For example, if your bust measures 40 inches and your band size is 36, the difference is 4 inches.
Use the difference to find your cup size:
- 1 inch: A
- 2 inches: B
- 3 inches: C
- 4 inches: D
- 5 inches: DD or E
- 6 inches: DDD or F
- 7 inches: G, and so on.
In our example, a 4-inch difference means a D cup, so your bra size would be 36D.
Understanding Bra Size Variations
Bra sizes are not standardized across brands, so you might find variations even if you measure correctly. Different brands may use different fits and sizing conventions, so it's crucial to try on bras and see what feels best.
You should also look at each brand’s size chart before buying, although some unfortunately don’t provide the measurements for their products.
Sister Sizes
Sister sizes are a handy concept if you're having trouble finding the perfect fit. They refer to bra sizes that have the same cup volume but different band sizes.
One common misconception is that a bra cup letter is a measure of size. It’s actually a measure of volume. It’s all relative to the underband size as we learned earlier. As such, a 40A will be larger in the cups than a 34A.
This means that if you find a bra fits well in the cup but is too tight or loose in the band, you can try a sister size. The general rule is that as you go up in one measure, you go down in the other. For example, a 36C and a 34D have the same cup volume.
Tips for Trying On Bras
- Check the Band: The band should be snug and sit straight across your back. It should not ride up or dig in.
- Adjust the Straps: Straps should be comfortably snug, without slipping or digging into your shoulders.
- Assess the Cups: Cups should fully encase your breasts without gaps or overflow. If there’s a gap, the cup is too big; if there's spillage, the cup is too small.
- Move Around: Move your arms, bend over, and see how the bra feels with movement. It should remain supportive and comfortable.
Learn more about how bras should fit here.
When to Replace Your Bra
Even the best-fitting bras have a lifespan. Signs it's time for a new bra include:
- The band or straps have lost elasticity
- The cups are misshapen
- The bra no longer provides the support it once did
Learn more about the signs that your bra needs to be replaced here.