Let’s face it, everyone dreads shopping for a new bra. The wall of endless bras at Victoria’s Secret can intimidate even the best shopper since finding the perfect fit is often a long and frustrating experience. But, knowing how to correctly measure your bra size can seriously help.
Wearing the right bra size has so many benefits. It can help relieve back pain, improve posture, and even determine how certain tops and dresses will look on you.
If you’re tired of fighting with ill-fitting bras, keep reading to find out how to measure bra size the right way.
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How to Measure Bra Size
If you’re not comfortable having an assistant at Victoria’s Secret (or somewhere similar) measure you personally, you can totally do it at home. All you need is a soft measuring tape marked in inches, and to follow these 3 easy steps.
Band Size
Make sure to wear a padded or lightly lined bra throughout the whole measuring process.
First, take your measuring tape around your back, then wrap it around your front so it falls just below your bust.
Pull it snugly, but not too tight. If you’re in between measurements, round down to the nearest whole number.
Some people think this number is their band size, but you’re not done yet. If the measurement you got is an even number, add four inches; if it’s an odd number, add 5 inches. The final number is your band size.
For example, if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36.
Bust Size
Keep your measuring tape around your back, pulling it up so it sits across your chest. You’ll want this measurement to be around the fullest part of your bust.
Stand up straight and pull the tape snugly against your bust. If your bust measures at a half inch or above, round up to the nearest whole number. Likewise, round down if it’s below a half inch.
And that’s it, you’ve found your bust size!
Cup Size
This is where you’ll need to break out your math skills! But don’t worry, it’s super simple.
All you need to do is subtract your band size from your bust size, then use the difference to find your cup size.
For example, if your band size is 36 inches and your bust size is 38, your equation will look like this:
38 – 36 = 2
After doing that super easy math, use the chart below to determine your cup size:
| Difference (bust – band) | Cup Size |
| 1 inch | A cup |
| 2 inches | B cup |
| 3 inches | C cup |
| 4 inches | D cup |
| 5 inches | DD cup |
| 6 inches | DDD cup or F cup |
How To Tell If You’re Wearing The Wrong Size Bra
Even after finding your correct bra size, it’s important to keep in mind that not all brands in the same size will fit you the exact same way. Every brand makes their bras differently, so some variation is to be expected.
If you feel as though your normal size doesn’t fit correctly, it’s okay to size up or down, if needed.
While trying on bras, it can sometimes be hard to tell what fits correctly and what doesn’t. Here are some telltale signs that you’re wearing the wrong size bra:
- The straps dig too harshly into your shoulders, or easily slide down your arms.
- The band doesn’t rest in the middle of your back, but rather rides up high or falls down too low. (You should be able to fit only one finger underneath your band for a correctly-fitted bra.)
- Your breasts spill over the top of the cup or you have cup gaps.
- Your underwire doesn’t sit under your breasts, but rather across them so your breasts fall out underneath.
Reversely, if the bra you’re wearing has you feeling great (the straps fit comfortably, there are no cup gaps or spillage), you’re in the perfect size bra for you!
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Conclusion
Shopping for a new bra doesn’t have to be the miserable experience it’s chalked up to be. With your correct measurements in hand, you can walk into any store (in-person or virtually) and shop with confidence.
Make sure to re-measure your bra size every now and then, since bodies often change over our lifetime for a number of different reasons.
We hope this guide helps you nail your next shopping trip with confidence. Everyone deserves a great fitting bra. When you look good, you feel good, too!
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