How to Measure Your Bra Size

You will need to take 2 measurements to determine your bra size. Band and Bust... then it's a simple calculation to find your correct size.

(Don't worry, you won't need an advanced engineering degree to work it out!)

You need a Measuring Tape, like the one a seamstress would use (not the metal one a contractor uses, and for heaven's sake, do NOT use a yardstick.... )

And maybe a piece of paper to write the numbers down.

When you are ready to measure, you should either be bare chested, or wear a non-padded bra. 

Ready?

Measure around your chest right under your breasts. This is the spot on your chest where things are starting to happen. 

Pull the tape snug, but don't cut off your breathing. Make sure it's level all the way around (use a mirror if you can). Make sure the tape is not twisted.

 Take a look at the measurement.

If it is an even number, add 4 inches. (so a 32 becomes a 36)

If it is an odd number, add 5 inches.  (so a 33 becomes a 38)

 Write this number down on your piece of paper.

Shift the measuring tape up a few inches, and measure around the biggest part of your chest. Generally, you this is at the level of your nipples. 

Make sure the measuring tape is level, and not twisted.

Look at the number.

Now round to the nearest whole number....

(quick math lesson.... anything over the 1/2 inch mark, round up... anything over the 1/2 inch mark, round down) (if you are smack on the half way line, flip a coin.)

37 1/4 inches becomes 37

37 2/3 inches becomes 38

Here comes the hardest part! Math. (Seriously, not tricky at all... so put away the calculator)

Take the number you got for your bust measurment --------->  ex. 39

Subract the number you got for your band measurement---->  ex. 36

                                   Then take this number------------------->         3

And insert it into the handy Bra Size Chart Below   

Ta Dah!! Cup Size.

In this example, the woman is a 36 C

Despite all of your measuring, not all bras in your size will fit you. Manufacturers cut corners, or use different standards of measurment known only to the guys in the back room. The only way to know for sure if the bra fits?   Try it on....

Ordering a Bra online is fine, just make sure they have a good return policy. I actually prefer trying Bras on in the privacy of my home

Do the straps dig into your shoulders? Can they be loosened?

     Try loosening the straps a bit, if it's still uncomfortable, maybe find a bra with wide straps.

Does the band dig in under your bust? Even in the last hook setting?

      Because Bra's stretch, you want it to fit snuggly on the last hook. As it loosens up, you can go         to another hook. If the Bra DIGS into you, try a bigger band size.

Bend over a bit... Do the girls stay in the cups?

      If you are blessed with a larger cup size, you may have to look for a full coverage bra for                 everyday wear. (Yes, you can still buy that teeny lacy bra, just be aware that you'll be tugging         and squeezing things back into place if you wear it while chasing kids around the park).

Do the girls fit in the cup? Or do they bulge over?

      Find a bigger cup size, or a bra that has more coverage. Having an odd extra bulge spoils the         look of your T shirts.

One final note... you don't have to pay the earth for a good bra, HOWEVER, you do often get what you pay for. If you buy something cheap and flimsy feeling, chances are it will get stretched out and not fit for long. This is an item of clothing you wear A LOT! Consider it an investment in yourself.... in how you look, and how you feel at the end of the day.