We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Involved in Measuring for Bra Size?

By Cate Gee
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,669
Share

When you're building a house, it's critical to have a solid foundation on which to build. It's the same with finding the right bra for your body type. A proper fitting will involve determining your bra band size and your bra cup size. Knowing these will allow you to choose a bra that can improve your bra comfort and your posture, make your clothes fit better, and emphasize or downplay your assets, according to your needs.

The first step in measuring for bra size is to determine your bra band size. To do this, use a tailor's measuring tape and circle your ribcage under your breasts, where your bra band rests; it's important that the tape rests flat against your body. Once you have this number in inches (centimeters), add five if it's an even number and six if it's odd. This is your bra band size, and you're halfway there. Remember this number or write it down, because it will also help you figure out your bra cup size.

Next, measure around your back and across the center of your bustline, taking care to keep the measuring tape flat and parallel to your bra band line. Subtract your bra band size number from this second number to find out your bra cup size. Cup sizes increase based on the number of inches (centimeters) of difference in this formula. One inch (2.54 cm) equals an A cup, 2 inches (5.08 cm) equals a B, three inches (7.62 cm) equals a C, and so on.

While fairly easy, measuring for bra size can be an intimidating prospect, but there are trained professionals in most department stores who can help you figure it all out more easily than you could alone. You can ask for a bra fitting at most stores with a good size lingerie department, or ask at a boutique that may specialize in measuring for bra size. Most stores don't require an appointment, and many can help you find the right bra size in just minutes.

You can ask to be measured with your clothes on, if you're more modest. A good professional can get accurate measurements efficiently and objectively by measuring you with or without your current bra. You can also ask a friend or relative to help you determine your measurements, though many women find they get the best results, and the best fit, by working with a professional fitter.

Every woman is unique, and a fitting professional can help answer questions when you're finished measuring for bra size. You may want more information about how to fit a bust with two different cup sizes or how to find a less common size; you may also want help finding the right sports bra for your workout needs. There are hundreds of variations, so be sure to ask questions about fit, comfort, cost, and utility. Unlike most items of clothing, a bra is designed to be worn over and over, so it's important to find a few that will suit your lifestyle and fashion needs.

Even once you're finished measuring for bra size and feel confident you know which one to buy, it's still important to try bras on before you make a purchase. Bodies also change shape with age and activity, so you may need to be measured again if you find your fit is failing. Replacing a bra that is wearing out also is critical to a proper fit.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By MrsPramm — On May 02, 2014

@Fa5t3r - That reminds me of the scene in Sex and the City where Miranda had to go and get a bra fitted for a funeral and the sales woman was really pushy about getting in the stall with her so she could take her measurements.

I can definitely see why some women would be bothered by that kind of contact, even if they do it with their clothes on.

By Fa5t3r — On May 02, 2014

@croydon - Measuring at home is not a substitute for trying the bras on though. I would bring several different necklines to wear them with as well. There are some kinds of bras that I wear a little bit tight because they look better that way under certain kinds of dresses. I know one of my friends sleeps in her bras and she doesn't pick the correct bra size to do that because it's too uncomfortable.

You're only going to know how it looks under your clothes if you've got the clothes handy, so don't be afraid to either bring them along, or pick up something in the store as an example.

By croydon — On May 01, 2014

I always leave it too late to replace my bras, because they are expensive and I'm always pleasantly surprised by what a difference it can make to be wearing a proper fit again. If you are embarrassed by the idea of having a person fit you at the store (although they are usually very nice and it can be an interesting experience), then you should try to measure your bra size at home before going to the store. Getting the right size is just like putting on glasses for the first time when you need them. It makes a huge difference.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-involved-in-measuring-for-bra-size.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.