How to Measure Bra Size
- Bra Fitting and Sizing
Knowing how to measure bra size is the first step in your journey to finding the perfect bra. It's a fact that around 80% of people don't know their correct size, meaning that they're living in permanent discomfort from an ill-fitting bra, which is crazy!
Unfortunately, knowing how to measure bra size isn't the only part of your bra fitting journey: there are quite a few things you need to go through.
Fortunately, I've put together a complete series of fitting guides telling you what to do, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home with minimal hassle. So, whilst bra fitting might seem a bit overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. Let's start with the most important part: how to measure bra size.
How to Measure Bra Size at Home
Most people think that measuring your bra size is a complicated process that requires a day trip out of the house, but it doesn't have to be this way. If you've ever wondered how to measure bra size at home or how do you measure for a bra, I'm going to tell you exactly how to do so.
There's a simple answer to how to measure bra size, which comes in five easy steps. The most important thing to remember is that your bra size is measured by your band size (which is the number) and your cup size (which is the letter).
- Take off your bra, grab a flexible tape measure and be sure to measure in inches.
- Begin with the band. Take the tape around the rib cage, directly under the bust and keep it completely level (you should be able to get roughly two fingers under the back).
- This measurement is your band size - some brands vary in their measurements so always double-check (you can find our brand-specific size guides here). If it's an uneven number, try rounding up to the next even number and use this as your band size. For example, if your band measurement comes to 35.2 inches, round up to a 36 band size.
- Now to the bust. Take a loose measurement over the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape completely level around the body. Tip: take a deep breath in and out to make sure that the tape isn’t too tight.
- Using these measurements, you can now calculate your bra size at home.
How to Measure Bra Size: Where to place the tape measure to find your bust measurement
Bra Size Calculator
Finally, use the bra size calculator below to do some quick maths. It's as simple as taking your bust measurement and subtracting your band measurement from it. The difference between the two is your cup size. Congrats, you now officially know how to measure bra size!
Don't forget:
- Sizing can vary from brand to brand, which is why we have brand-specific size guides to help you.
- It's really important to try on bras and measure them against a fit check after taking your measurements. If a bra doesn't feel comfortable, it doesn't fit you.
How to Measure Bra Size: Sister Bra Sizes
So, that's how to measure bra size, but we're not finished there. If you've got a particularly awkward size or you find your dream bra and it's not offered in your size, it's time to head to sister bra sizes.
Simply put, sister bra sizes are used in place of your regular size. They're not the same as wearing a bra that fits like a glove, but they are the closest fitting size you can get after that. So, if something isn't available in your size, you do have options!
The rule is that if you go up a band size, you then go down a cup size. And vice-versa, if you go down one band size, you go up one cup size.
Where Can I Get Measured For a Bra?
With all of this information, you can measure your boobs from the comfort of your own home. All you need is your measurements and our size chart. If you don’t feel confident with this, any lingerie store or boutique will have its own fitting service. Do be careful though, as many places have differing ways of sizing.
Bra Fitting Guides
Now you've found out how to measure bra size, you're ready for the next step in your journey to finding the perfect bra.
If you're not in the UK, you can head to the Bra Size Chart for a full guide to international lingerie sizing. You can use your measurements to convert and check your size across any country, meaning that you've got one less thing to worry about. At BraForMe, all of our bras are in UK sizes, so you need your UK size before you purchase anything from us.
There's a lot to get to grips with and it might seem a bit overwhelming, which is why we've got a complete set of bra fitting guides to follow to help get the perfect fit. You can follow each guide to take you through the individual fitting steps, or you can head straight to whichever one you need now.
How to Measure Bra Size Questions
Whilst this might seem like a lot to take in, it's really important to spend some time getting to know your boobs. You should look after and love your breasts, so investing time to find a bra that is going to support you and keep you comfortable is going to benefit you for the rest of your life (remember to check your sizing every six months - our bodies are always changing)!
If there's anything you're not sure about, or you want some extra guidance, simply contact us and we'll do everything we can to help you find the perfect bra.
Psst. Did you know? We ship internationally! No matter where you are, we can provide you with your dream bra. Check out our shipping policy for everything you need to know about timings, prices and returns.
