How to Find Your Bra Size

Believe it or not, finding your bra size can get tricky women. Many women base their bra sizes on what feels comfortable or they never update their sizes despite changes brought on by age or weight changes. However, ill-fitting bras can cause you discomfort, bad posture and can affect your overall look.

There are three things that you should consider when fitting for a bra size: The bra’s band size, the cup size, and how these two will affect the overall measurement. However, keep in mind that bra sizes vary from country to country and brand to brand. If the measurements aren’t syncing with what you see in the department store, don’t be afraid to try out other brands.

Interested in finding your true bra size now? Here’s how to get started:

Measure Your Band Size

1. The bra’s band is what keeps the whole bra together. To measure your band size, take a measuring tape and fit it right under your breasts, where the bands usually are. The band should be comfortable, snug, and measured with both your arms down at your sides.
2. If the band size ends at a fractional measurement, round it up to the nearest number. If the measurement ends with an even number, add four inches. If it ends in an odd number, add five inches.
3. Should you not be comfortable with step number two, you can just add two or three inches to your initial measurement.
4. This measurement should work for all kinds of bras such as elastic or underwire bras.
5. When you are already measuring an actual bra, your fingers should fit through the band, but not more than your fingers.
6. You should fit the largest adjustment of the bra, but it should be a little tight at the tightest adjustment.
7. If you took your measurement but the bra you’re trying on is still too tight, try getting a bra one size larger.

Determine Your Cup Size

1. Stand up straight, with your face facing forward and shoulders back. Wear a non-padded bra. Use a measuring tape to measure the fullest part of your chest area. Make sure that the measuring tape is parallel to the ground and is not pulled tightly together.
2. You can also use your former cup size as a starting point when buying better-fitting bras, either the size can move one size upwards or one size downards.
3. Your breasts should be able to fit the cups nicely. It should neither bulge nor leave wrinkles on the cup fabric.

When Fitting Bras…

Measuring your chest dimensions can sometimes be very different to fitting actual bras. Here are the things to keep in mind when shopping for bras:

• The band should fit snugly on your ribcage. Bras should not be uncomfortable nor restricting. In fact, the ideal bra is one that you sometimes forget that you have on.
• The band should be the one providing support, not the straps. Check if the bra still provides support by slipping off the straps while fitting.
• The bra should fit even at the largest adjustment.
• The bra should provide complete support and cover for your breasts. Try different positions with your bra, such as leaning forward, backward and sideways. Move and jump around. The perfect bra should be up to the challenge.
• When adjusting sizes, the general rule is when you go down a band size, your cup size goes up.
• Don’t stress over an expensive bra. Good underwear that gives you proper support is always a good investment.