Start by measuring your band size: Measure around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not too tight. Round up to the nearest whole number.
Next, measure your cup size: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor.
Subtract your band size from your cup size. The difference will determine your cup size. For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your cup size is 36 inches, your cup size would be a B.
Try on several bras in your size to ensure the best fit. Make sure the band is snug but not too tight, and that the cups fit correctly without any gaping or spillage.
Keep in mind that bra sizing can vary by brand and style, so it’s important to try on different styles and brands to find the perfect fit for you.
Remember to regularly check your size as weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and aging can affect your measurement.

Start by measuring your band size

Measure around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not too tight. Round up to the nearest whole number. This measurement will give you your band size, which is the number portion of your bra size (such as 34 or 36). It is important to have the correct band size as it provides support for your bust.

measure your cup size

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor. This measurement will give you your cup size, which is the letter portion of your bra size (such as A, B, C, etc.). It is important to have the correct cup size as it ensures that your bra fits comfortably and properly, without any gaping or spillage.

It is important to note that cup size varies by brand and style, so it may be necessary to try on several bras to find the perfect fit for you. Also, make sure to measure yourself at least once a year as your body shape changes over time.

Subtract your band size from your cup size

Once you have both your band size and cup size measurements, subtract your band size from your cup size. The difference will determine your cup size. For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your cup size is 36 inches, your cup size would be a B.

A difference of 1 inch is equivalent to an A cup, 2 inches is equivalent to a B cup, 3 inches is equivalent to a C cup, and so on. This method of subtraction is the traditional method of determining the cup size, but it is important to note that it may vary depending on the brand or style of the bra.

It’s important to note that bra sizing can be affected by a variety of factors, such as weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and aging, so it’s essential to regularly check your size and try on different styles and brands to find the perfect fit for you.

Try on several bras in your size to ensure the best fit

Once you have determined your bra size using the above measurements, it is important to try on several bras in your size to ensure the best fit. This will help you to determine which styles and brands work best for your body shape and preferences.

When trying on bras, make sure that the band is snug but not too tight and that the cups fit correctly without any gaping or spillage. The straps should be adjusted to the correct length and the center panel should lie flat against your chest.

It is also important to keep in mind that bra sizing can vary by brand and style, so it may be necessary to try on different sizes or styles to find the perfect fit. Additionally, keep in mind that your bra size may change over time due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging, so it’s important to regularly check your size and try on different styles and brands to ensure the best fit.

Keep in mind that bra sizing can vary by brand and style

It is important to keep in mind that bra sizing can vary by brand and style. Different brands and styles may have different cuts and designs, which can affect the fit of the bra. For example, a push-up bra will have a different fit than a sports bra.

It is recommended to try on different styles and brands to find the perfect fit for you. Some brands may run smaller or larger than others, so it’s important to try on different sizes and styles to ensure the best fit. It is also important to keep in mind that your bra size may change over time due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging, so it’s important to regularly check your size and try on different styles and brands to ensure the best fit.

It’s also important to note that bra sizing can vary by country, therefore if you’re buying a bra online or from a different country make sure to check the sizing chart or do a conversion as some bras may not have the same measurement.

Remember to regularly check your size as weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and aging can affect your measurement.

It’s important to remember that your body shape and size can change over time due to a variety of factors such as weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and aging. These changes can affect your bra size, so it’s important to regularly check your size and try on different styles and brands to ensure the best fit.

It’s recommended to measure yourself at least once a year, or whenever you notice that your bras are feeling too tight or loose. This will help you to ensure that you are always wearing the correct size and that your bras are providing the proper support and comfort.

Additionally, changes in your lifestyle such as starting a new exercise routine or gaining/losing weight can also affect your bra size, therefore, it is important to keep checking your size regularly.

How do I know if the band is firm enough?

To determine if the band of your bra is firm enough, you can check the following:

The band should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the band and your skin.
The band should be parallel to the floor and should not ride up in the back. This indicates that the band is too loose.
The band should provide most of the support for your bust. If the straps are digging into your shoulders or you feel like you are “hanging out” of the cups, this indicates that the band is not firm enough.

When you fasten your bra, the band should be on the loosest hook. This will allow you to adjust the band as it stretches over time. If you have to fasten your bra on the tightest hook, it may be time to replace it.

Also, you should be able to run your finger along the band, and it should stay firmly in place, not moving up or down.

It’s important to note that, as the band stretches over time, you may need to adjust the fit by going down a band size or by fastening your bra on a tighter hook. Regularly checking your band size and making adjustments as necessary will help ensure that your bra is providing the proper support and comfort.

Why do my bra straps keep falling down?

There are a few reasons why your bra straps may be falling down:

The straps are not adjusted properly: Make sure your straps are adjusted to the correct length. They should be snug but not too tight. If the straps are too loose, they will slide down your shoulders.
The band is too loose: If the band of your bra is too loose, it will not provide enough support for your bust, which can cause the straps to slide down your shoulders. Try adjusting the band to a tighter hook or consider going down a band size.
The straps are not wide enough: If your straps are too thin, they will not provide enough support for your bust. Try looking for bras with wider straps or consider using bra strap cushions to help keep the straps in place.
The bra is too old: Over time, bra elastic can stretch and lose its shape, which can cause the straps to slide down your shoulders. It’s important to regularly replace bras that are worn out or no longer fit well.
The bra style is not suitable for you: Some bras like strapless or racerback bras may not be suitable for you if you find the straps falling down often.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body shape and size are different and what works for one person may not work for another. Finding the perfect bra that fits comfortably and stays in place may take some trial and error.

What if the band is riding up?

If the band of your bra is riding up in the back, it can indicate that the band is too loose. There are a few things you can do to fix this problem:

Adjust the band: Make sure the band is adjusted to the correct length. It should be snug but not too tight. If the band is too loose, it will ride up in the back.
Try a smaller band size: If adjusting the band doesn’t work, consider going down a band size. This will help ensure that the band is providing the proper support for your bust.
Check the straps: Make sure your straps are adjusted to the correct length. They should be snug but not too tight. If the straps are too loose, they can cause the band to ride up in the back.
Check the style of the bra: Some bras styles like balconette bras, may not be suitable for you if you find the band riding up. Also, make sure the bra is not too old, as over time the band elastic can stretch and lose its shape, which can cause the band to ride up.
Check your posture: If you find that the band is riding up, it could be due to your posture. Keep your shoulders back and chest out to ensure that the band is sitting in the correct position.

Is a bra definitely too tight if it leaves an imprint on your skin?

snug but not too tight, and should not leave any marks on your skin. It should provide support without causing any discomfort or pain. If you notice that your bra is leaving an imprint on your skin, it’s best to try a larger band size or adjust the band to a looser hook.

It’s important to remember that a bra should fit comfortably and not be too tight or too loose. Regularly checking your bra size and making adjustments as necessary will help ensure that your bra is providing the proper support and comfort.

The cups: how do you avoid spillage?

To avoid spillage from the cups of your bra, there are a few things you can do:

Get the right cup size: Make sure you are wearing the correct cup size. If the cups are too small, they will not be able to fully contain your bust, which can lead to spillage. If the cups are too large, they will create gaps and wrinkles.
Check the style of the bra: Some bras styles like balconette bras, may not be suitable for you if you find spillage. Also, make sure the bra is not too old, as over time the cups can stretch and lose their shape, which can cause spillage.
Make sure the band is tight enough: A properly fitted bra should have a snug band that is not too loose. A band that is too loose will not provide enough support for the cups, which can lead to spillage.
Adjust the straps: Make sure your straps are adjusted to the correct length. They should be snug but not too tight. If the straps are too loose, they can cause the cups to sag and lead to spillage.
Check your posture: If you find that you are experiencing spillage, it could be due to your posture. Keep your shoulders back and chest out to ensure that the cups are sitting in the correct position.

What about gaping cups?

Gaping cups can happen when the cups of your bra are too big for your bust. Here are a few things you can do to fix this problem:

Get the right cup size: Make sure you are wearing the correct cup size. If the cups are too big, they will create gaps and wrinkles which are known as gaping cups.
Check the style of the bra: Some bras styles like balconette bras, may not be suitable for you if you find gaping cups. Also, make sure the bra is not too old, as over time the cups can stretch and lose their shape, which can cause gaping cups.
Adjust the straps: Make sure your straps are adjusted to the correct length. They should be snug but not too tight. If the straps are too loose, they can cause the cups to sag and lead to gaping cups.
Check the band size: Make sure the band size is not too big. A band that is too big can cause the cups to sag and lead to gaping cups.
Use bra inserts: You can use bra inserts or padding to fill in the gaps in the cups.
Look for bras with different cup designs: Some bras are designed with cups that are more open, while others are more closed. Look for bras that are designed to fit your bust shape.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body shape and size are different and what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect bra that fits comfortably and stays in place.

The bridge: does it need to be flat to the body?

The bridge of a bra, also known as the center gore, is the piece of fabric that connects the cups and sits between the breasts. Ideally, the bridge should be flat against the body and not ride up or gap. A flat bridge is important for ensuring that the bra is providing proper support and separation for the breasts.

If the bridge is not flat against the body, it could be an indication that the cups are too small or the band is too loose. To fix this problem, you can try adjusting the straps, or going down a cup size or up a band size.

It’s important to note that some bras, such as balconette bras and plunge bras, have a more open or lower center gore design, which means they won’t lie flat against the body. That’s why you should choose the right bra style that fits your body shape and size.

In summary, the bridge of a bra should be flat against the body to ensure proper support and separation for the breasts. If the bridge is not flat, it could be a sign that the cups or band size is incorrect, and you should consider trying a different size or style of bra.

What are the best bras for my shape?

Different body shapes and sizes require different types of bras to provide the best support and fit. Here are a few common body shapes and the best bras to suit them:

Full bust: Women with a full bust should look for bras with full cup coverage and strong side panels to provide additional support and lift. Look for bras with underwire, padded cups and wide straps.
Small bust: Women with a small bust should look for bras with a push-up or padded cups to add volume and shape. Look for bras with balconette cups and lace detailing.
Wide-set breasts: Women with wide-set breasts should look for bras with a wider center gore to bring the breasts closer together. Look for bras with a deep V-neckline and low-cut cups.
Close-set breasts: Women with close-set breasts should look for bras with a wider center gore to create a separation between the breasts. Look for bras with wider center gore and higher-cut cups.
Large bust: Women with a large bust should look for bras with full cup coverage and strong side panels to provide additional support and lift. Look for bras with underwire, padded cups and wide straps.
Large back and small bust: Women with a large back and small bust should look for bras with a smaller band size and larger cup size. Look for bras with balconette cups and lace detailing.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body shape and size are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect bra that fits comfortably and stays in place.

Why don’t retailers all stock my bra size?

Retailers do not always stock all bra sizes for a variety of reasons. Here are a few possible explanations:

Limited demand: Some sizes may not be as popular as others, so retailers may not order as many of them. This could be due to a lack of awareness or education about bra fitting, or the fact that certain sizes may be more difficult to find.
Limited space: Retailers have limited space in their stores and warehouses, so they may not be able to stock a wide variety of sizes.
Cost: Some sizes, particularly larger sizes, may be more expensive to produce, which could make them less profitable for retailers.
Brand: Some brands may not produce as many sizes as other brands, which can limit the availability of certain sizes.
fit: Some retailers may not carry certain sizes because they have not found a good fit for the customer with their inventory.

It’s important to note that online retailers may have a wider selection of sizes available than brick-and-mortar stores. It’s also worth considering ordering your bras from an online retailer or a specialty store that specializes in bras and lingerie.

It’s also important to remember that many retailers now offer custom and tailored bras which is a good solution for those who can’t find the right size.

How To Measure Bra Size that Won’t Sabotage Your Day