Bra Fitting Guide

Bra Fitting Guide

Learning how to measure your bra size and knowing your measurements will make bra shopping so much easier. Equipment for measuring bra size is minimal: All you need is a tape measure and a little free time, and you'll have saved yourself a lot of bra-shopping misery. Best of all, knowing how to measure your bust will make adjusting to changes in your breasts (from losing or gaining weight, hormone fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and more) so much less stressful.

 

STEP 1: MEASURE YOUR BAND SIZE

While braless or wearing a non-padded bra, use a measuring tape to measure around your waist directly under your bust, where a bra band would sit. The tape should be level and very snug but not tight. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it's odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band size is 38.)

 

STEP 2: TAKE YOUR BUST MEASUREMENT

Wrap the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest (at nipple level). Take your measurement in inches and round to the nearest whole number.

 

STEP 3: CALCULATE YOUR CUP SIZE

Subtract your calculated band size (Step 1) from your bust measurement (Step 2). For each inch in difference, this will equal 1 cup size. Your bra size is your band size with your cup size. Example: 37 inches (bust) and 34 inches (band) = 3 inches difference. That's a 34C. 1 inch = A cup, 2 inch = B cup, 3 inch = C cup, etc.

 

HOW TO MAKE SURE A BRA SIZE IS CORRECT

Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups.

Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front.

Make sure the bra is not too loose. You should be able to slide only one finger underneath the band.

Fix falling straps. First, tighten the band, then shorten the straps.

Put on a close-fitting shirt over the bra. If the cups pucker or your breasts bulge, you are not wearing the correct bra size.

Look at yourself sideways in a mirror. Your breasts should sit midway between your shoulders and elbows. If not, you need a more supportive and better-fitting bra.

Choose a bra that fits perfectly when secured on the outermost hook. As the bra loosens over time, make the band taut by moving toward the tightest hook.