• HEALTH & WELLNESS
How To Find Your Bra Size
Reviewed by Amanda Hitchcock
Last Updated March 2022
It’s estimated that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. This is a staggering statistic–bras are staples in our wardrobe and we all know how uncomfortable an ill-fitting or malfunctioning bra is. Bras are a dime a dozen, but how do you know which is best for you?
Here, we’ll talk about how to properly find your bra size at home to save you the back pain and headache.
Are You Wearing The Wrong Bra Size?
There are several signs of a bra that’s not the correct size, such as a tight band, loose straps, and gaping cups. And with lingerie brands and different companies all having different sizes, it’s even harder to find the correct bra. A 36C at one store can be a completely different size in another. Like jeans, it’s important to know your measurements in order to purchase the right fit.
Image Credit: wearpepper.com
Even if you were recently fitted, your bra size may change. If your bra sits properly on your shoulders without digging in, the band sits across your back without causing any pain on the loosest hook, and your breasts properly fill the cups without underwire squishing then your bra fits great. Some issues to watch out for are:
• Straps sliding off or digging into your skin
• Overflowing cups
• The underwire riding up or becomes uncomfortable from poking your skin
• You have to constantly adjust your bra
Wearing the wrong bra size can lead to poor posture, sagging, and pain. The breast tissue is thin, and can be easily stretched out.
How to Measure Your Bra Size
Measuring your bra size is rather simple. Of course, you can go into a retail or lingerie store to get a professional fitting, but since most of us shop online it’s more practical to do it ourselves. And since it’s recommended to remeasure for your bra size frequently, it’s important to learn how to do it yourself.
Step 1: Determine Your Band Size
First, make sure you’re wearing a lightly lined bra that has no push up where they are closest to their natural state (or no bra at all). With a measuring tape, measure your torso directly under your bust where a bra would normally sit. The tape should be snug, but not so tight it creases your skin. Round up to the nearest whole number and make a note of it. If it’s an even number, then that is your band size. If it’s an odd number, round up or down one number depending on your frame. If you’re lean, round up. If you’re not then round down.
Step 2: Determine Your Bust Size
Next, it’s time to measure your bust. Wrap the measuring tape around your chest, to the fullest part where your nipples lie and round to the nearest whole number. Again, make sure it’s not too tight as this will give you a different size. The tape should be secure yet comfortable, almost on the loose side as opposed to tight. Make a note of this number since you’ll need it for the next step.
Step 3: Determine Your Bra Size
Every inch of difference between your bust and band size equals one cup size. For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your cup size is 37 inches, then your bra size is 34C due to the three inches between the numbers.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat Often
As we age, our bra sizes will change. Be careful of becoming attached to your bra size–like our clothing sizes, it’s bound to change. Additionally, we know that there are big discrepancies between manufacturers. Our bodies are constantly evolving, so it makes sense that our breasts do as well. Your menstrual cycle, the time of year, pregnancy, and post-partum are just a few of the factors that can change your breast size.
What Bra Is Best?
There is no right or wrong brand or style of bra. Wear what you feel best in! Whether it’s a sports bra, push up, or lingerie, you deserve to wear a bra that is both comfortable and flattering. Don’t be afraid to try different brands for the best fit and make sure to try them on first. A 34C at one store can be different in another.
From t-shirt bras, balconette bras, to strapless, and bralettes, there is a style for every day and event. Another reason why knowing your proper bra size is important is for sports bras for bigger-busted women who wear sports bras with traditional bra sizing.
The shelf life of a bra is only eight months. Of course there are exceptions, and if you take care of your undergarments then they will last much longer, but that is roughly the same amount of time it’s recommended you go in for a bra size fitting. Having a few bras in your closet for different occasions (everyday wear, plunge, backless, strapless, etc) is a good idea.
Looking for recommendations? We've reviewed a number of excellent brands that make bras. Check out our in-depth reviews on our favorites:
• Knicky
• ThirdLove
• Girlfriend Collective
• Pepper Bra
• EBY
• Knix
• Richer Poorer
Summary
You’d think that in this day and age finding the right bra in the right size would be easy. Unfortunately with the discrepancies between manufacturers it can be confusing. The wrong bra size can cause several issues including an achy back, pain, and overflowing cups.