How to Measure Bra Size Accurately
When purchasing a bra or bras, the main problem women face is in sizing.
How to tell if a bra is the correct size for you or not? Sometimes women find a bra they like, in a size that works, and continue to buy the same size and type for years.
This is fine, until one of two things occur - either a woman's size changes over time, or the manufacturer stops making this certain bra.
What are some other variables that can affect bra size and cause problems in measuring? The bra size worn as a teen or young adult most likely will differ from one worn when older, or pregnant, or after giving birth.
Hormonal changes or diet can alter the size of bra needed.
Losing or gaining weight, menstrual cycle, and even diuretics can affect breast size and consequently, bra size.
Breast inflation is normal during the premenstrual and menstrual phases in part due to hormones and in part due to excess water retention.
Weight loss and weight gain can modify the amount of fatty deposits, causing a change in breast size.
Breast that sag, or those that have been augmented, can also cause bra size to vary over time and between different brands of bras.
Another reason it's difficult to know how to measure bra size is due to variety in bra size labeling in various countries.
At times, there is a difference between the stated label size and the actual measurement of the bra.
Bigger busted women have the most difficulty accurately measuring bra size.
Standardized sizing appears to work best on smaller busted women.
Also to consider in sizing for a bra are the shape and symmetry of the breasts, along with the spacing between.
With all these considerations in mind, is there any one accurate way to measure bra size? Obviously, if you've been lucky enough to find a bra that fits well, is secure, and offers exactly the right amount of support in addition to being easy to wash, a bra that holds up for a long time without losing it's shape and comfort, you can purchase the same style and brand of bra time and again.
If this type of bra, though, happens to be a sports bra, you might find yourself out of luck trying to find a lower cut bra that can work well with a low cut dress for a special occasion.
The same brand and size in this type of bra may not work as well for you.
Let's look first at what makes a bra one that fits accurately.
Experts in the industry agree on several basics.
You need a smooth fitting bra cup; if your breast don't fill the cups, go for a small size cup.
Breasts that are squeezed in or look to be flowing over the bra need a larger, possibly "full cut" designed cup.
There should be no gap between the edges of the cup and your breasts.
If the center panel doesn't lay flat against your breastbone then the cup size may be too small.
The bottom part of the bra band should be firm under the shoulder blades.
Support is better with a lower back fit.
You want to be able to run a finger under the front band.
Snug is good; tight isn't.
If you are unsure if the band is big enough, try sitting.
The rib cage expands while sitting, and if it doesn't feel comfortable when you sit, you'll know it's not the right size.
Finally, you want to be sure the straps don't fall.
Straps that are close together can help prevent this.
Also, the straps should not be leaving marks from digging in to your shoulders.
An underwire should never dig in or poke out.
What are some ways to measure your correct bra size in order to ensure a perfect fit? Let's start with finding the correct band size.
The traditional method uses a measuring tape.
Standing in front of a mirror, to be sure you have the tape positioned correctly, take the tape measure, expel all the air from your lungs, and measure directly under your bust, all around the bra, making sure to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Round the measurement to the nearest whole inch either way.
Because bras come in "even" sizes (32, 34, 36, etc.
), if your number is even, add a "4"; if it is odd, add a "5" to get your band measurement.
You can also use the tape measure to measure above the bust, taking the tape across your back, around your chest under your arms - and above the bust, while keeping your arms straight down.
An even number is your band size.
If the number is an odd number, add 1 inch for your size.
When measuring, always make sure the tape measure rests flat on the skin.
Some suggest when measuring the first way not to bother adding the extra four inches and just add an inch if you come up with an odd number for sizing.
You can also measure for band size using just one of your current bras.
With your bra on, if you can pull the band away from your back more than an inch, it's too loose.
If it's a little loose subtract one size, if it's really loose, subtract two sizes.
Cup size is usually more difficult to measure.
With arms at your side, measure around the fullest part of your bust, once again with tape measure parallel to the floor.
If you do this while not wearing a bra, hold your breast up to where they should be when wearing one and have another person take the measurement.
Make sure the tape measure is just touching your body, then round the measurement to the nearest inch.
The band size measurement is subtracted from this one.
Your cup size would basically be as follows: Difference Cup Size less than 1" AA 1" A 2" B 3" C 4" D 5" DD/E 6" DDD/F 7" DDDD/G Once you've determined your size, you still need to make sure the bra fits.
With all the various styles and types available, bra size may differ in terms of what fits you properly from one type to another.
A plunge bra may fit more comfortably in one size than a traditional full cup bra.
With bra size in hand, your best bet is to try on the bra that you want and test it for proper fit.
Bras that ride up, or those with a loose or too tight band, need to be taken down or up a size.
You can also go by your top or dress size in determining bra size.
This is not the most accurate method when looking at how to measure bra size, but it can lead you to a size that might work, and from there, you can try it on and see if it passes the "fit" test.
If your top size is XS and your dress size a 0-4, then band size would be 32, top size S and dress size 6-8 would mean a size 34, top size M and dress size 10-12, a 36 would be the band size, and if your top size is L and dress size 14-18, band size is roughly a 38.
For cup size, S would be an A-B, M, a B-C, and L would be a cup size C-D.
Remember, this is just a guide loosely based on clothing size, not using a tape measurement.
The best way to ensure accuracy of size is to try on the bra before buying.
Once on, sit down to make sure it is still comfortable, and then, while standing, bend over to make sure your breasts are still supported.
In no time at all, you'll get the hang of how to determine the right bra size depending on the type and style you wish to wear.
How to tell if a bra is the correct size for you or not? Sometimes women find a bra they like, in a size that works, and continue to buy the same size and type for years.
This is fine, until one of two things occur - either a woman's size changes over time, or the manufacturer stops making this certain bra.
What are some other variables that can affect bra size and cause problems in measuring? The bra size worn as a teen or young adult most likely will differ from one worn when older, or pregnant, or after giving birth.
Hormonal changes or diet can alter the size of bra needed.
Losing or gaining weight, menstrual cycle, and even diuretics can affect breast size and consequently, bra size.
Breast inflation is normal during the premenstrual and menstrual phases in part due to hormones and in part due to excess water retention.
Weight loss and weight gain can modify the amount of fatty deposits, causing a change in breast size.
Breast that sag, or those that have been augmented, can also cause bra size to vary over time and between different brands of bras.
Another reason it's difficult to know how to measure bra size is due to variety in bra size labeling in various countries.
At times, there is a difference between the stated label size and the actual measurement of the bra.
Bigger busted women have the most difficulty accurately measuring bra size.
Standardized sizing appears to work best on smaller busted women.
Also to consider in sizing for a bra are the shape and symmetry of the breasts, along with the spacing between.
With all these considerations in mind, is there any one accurate way to measure bra size? Obviously, if you've been lucky enough to find a bra that fits well, is secure, and offers exactly the right amount of support in addition to being easy to wash, a bra that holds up for a long time without losing it's shape and comfort, you can purchase the same style and brand of bra time and again.
If this type of bra, though, happens to be a sports bra, you might find yourself out of luck trying to find a lower cut bra that can work well with a low cut dress for a special occasion.
The same brand and size in this type of bra may not work as well for you.
Let's look first at what makes a bra one that fits accurately.
Experts in the industry agree on several basics.
You need a smooth fitting bra cup; if your breast don't fill the cups, go for a small size cup.
Breasts that are squeezed in or look to be flowing over the bra need a larger, possibly "full cut" designed cup.
There should be no gap between the edges of the cup and your breasts.
If the center panel doesn't lay flat against your breastbone then the cup size may be too small.
The bottom part of the bra band should be firm under the shoulder blades.
Support is better with a lower back fit.
You want to be able to run a finger under the front band.
Snug is good; tight isn't.
If you are unsure if the band is big enough, try sitting.
The rib cage expands while sitting, and if it doesn't feel comfortable when you sit, you'll know it's not the right size.
Finally, you want to be sure the straps don't fall.
Straps that are close together can help prevent this.
Also, the straps should not be leaving marks from digging in to your shoulders.
An underwire should never dig in or poke out.
What are some ways to measure your correct bra size in order to ensure a perfect fit? Let's start with finding the correct band size.
The traditional method uses a measuring tape.
Standing in front of a mirror, to be sure you have the tape positioned correctly, take the tape measure, expel all the air from your lungs, and measure directly under your bust, all around the bra, making sure to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Round the measurement to the nearest whole inch either way.
Because bras come in "even" sizes (32, 34, 36, etc.
), if your number is even, add a "4"; if it is odd, add a "5" to get your band measurement.
You can also use the tape measure to measure above the bust, taking the tape across your back, around your chest under your arms - and above the bust, while keeping your arms straight down.
An even number is your band size.
If the number is an odd number, add 1 inch for your size.
When measuring, always make sure the tape measure rests flat on the skin.
Some suggest when measuring the first way not to bother adding the extra four inches and just add an inch if you come up with an odd number for sizing.
You can also measure for band size using just one of your current bras.
With your bra on, if you can pull the band away from your back more than an inch, it's too loose.
If it's a little loose subtract one size, if it's really loose, subtract two sizes.
Cup size is usually more difficult to measure.
With arms at your side, measure around the fullest part of your bust, once again with tape measure parallel to the floor.
If you do this while not wearing a bra, hold your breast up to where they should be when wearing one and have another person take the measurement.
Make sure the tape measure is just touching your body, then round the measurement to the nearest inch.
The band size measurement is subtracted from this one.
Your cup size would basically be as follows: Difference Cup Size less than 1" AA 1" A 2" B 3" C 4" D 5" DD/E 6" DDD/F 7" DDDD/G Once you've determined your size, you still need to make sure the bra fits.
With all the various styles and types available, bra size may differ in terms of what fits you properly from one type to another.
A plunge bra may fit more comfortably in one size than a traditional full cup bra.
With bra size in hand, your best bet is to try on the bra that you want and test it for proper fit.
Bras that ride up, or those with a loose or too tight band, need to be taken down or up a size.
You can also go by your top or dress size in determining bra size.
This is not the most accurate method when looking at how to measure bra size, but it can lead you to a size that might work, and from there, you can try it on and see if it passes the "fit" test.
If your top size is XS and your dress size a 0-4, then band size would be 32, top size S and dress size 6-8 would mean a size 34, top size M and dress size 10-12, a 36 would be the band size, and if your top size is L and dress size 14-18, band size is roughly a 38.
For cup size, S would be an A-B, M, a B-C, and L would be a cup size C-D.
Remember, this is just a guide loosely based on clothing size, not using a tape measurement.
The best way to ensure accuracy of size is to try on the bra before buying.
Once on, sit down to make sure it is still comfortable, and then, while standing, bend over to make sure your breasts are still supported.
In no time at all, you'll get the hang of how to determine the right bra size depending on the type and style you wish to wear.
