How To Measure Your Bra Size: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you love or hate to wear them, bras are an essential underwear drawer staple. And no matter which side you’re on, there is one question we all ask ourselves: How do I measure my bra size? Shopping for and trying to find your correct bra size can be frustrating and stressful, especially as your bra size changes over time, and statistics show that most of us wear the wrong bra size! And, of course, as most of us are now shopping online, finding what bras to wear with halter tops or bardot tops without knowing your correct size adds to the stress. 

So how do we avoid this and measure our bra size correctly? Let us show you step by step how to correctly measure your bra size at home; take away the stress of bra shopping and give you the confidence to find the right bra for you!

How To Measure Your Bra Size At Home

Measuring your bra size at home is a straightforward process. All that you need is a soft tape measure and about ten minutes. To correctly measure your bra size, you should wear a simple non-padded bra, not a sports bra, and one that you feel comfortable in. Doing this will ensure that your breasts are in the correct position, as close to natural as possible. Then, when you are ready, follow this 4-step method:

Measure Your Band Size 

• You need to place the measuring tape around your ribcage underneath and parallel with the band of your bra.

• Then pull it quite tight but not so much to be uncomfortable. Make sure that the tape you are using is level and straight all the way around.

• Take note of how many inches or centimetres you are. For example, if you are measuring your bra size in the UK, it will be in inches.

• If your measurement is an even number, this will be your band size.

• If your measurement is an odd number, you need to round up or down to the nearest even number. This will depend on your build, and if you are softer around the band, you need to round down; if you are leaner, you need to round up.

Measure Your Cup Size/Bust Size

• Now, you need to place the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.

• Ensure the tape sits flat and level, and don’t pull it too tight.

• Take note of how many inches or centimetres you are.

• Now you have your cup size.

Calculate Your Cup Size

• Next, you must subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement and write down the number.

• This difference is your cup. (e.g. 34 inches (Band) - 37 inches (Bust/Cup) = 3 inches) To calculate your cup size, check it against the following bra cup size chart:

As you can see using our example, 3 inches would be a C cup.

Calculate Your Bra Size

• The last step is to take your band size and cup and put them together to give you your bra size. Using the example from above — 34 inches (Band) - 37 inches (Bust/Cup) = 3 inches. The 3 inches gives you a C cup, so then your bra size will be 34C. We have used inch measurements in the examples, but you can find the cm measurements in the charts above.

How To Measure Your Bra Size Without A Measuring Tape?

If you don't have a soft measuring tape, don't worry. You can still easily measure your bra size with this 2-step method:

1. Find a charger cord, piece of yarn or string and mark off your measurements by tying a knot or marking the spot with some tape.
2. Once you have done that for your band and bust measurement, lay out your marked cord or string pieces along a straight measuring stick or a ruler. Then calculate your bra size exactly as you would have measured with the soft measuring tape.

Bra Size Calculator

If you don’t feel like doing the calculations yourself or want to be sure you have calculated your bra size correctly, try one of the many bra size calculators available online—making it easy for you to find your bra size. Enter your band and bust measurements, then hit the button, and it will calculate your bra size for you. Some will even have a measuring tape to print off and use.

Bra Sizes - Final Tips

Now that you have found your bra size, you need to remember a few things when browsing for a new bra.

• Your bra size will change over time, for example, due to lifestyle changes, menstrual cycle, menopause etc. So it is good to measure your bra size every six months and keep a note somewhere. 

• Bra sizes can vary across brands, ranges and styles, so you may need to find your sister size to get the right fit. The sister size will give you the same cup but with a smaller or larger band size depending on what you need. For example, if your bra size is usually 34C (75C cm) but the band is loose then you would move to a size 32D (70D cm). If the band is tight then you would choose a 36B (80B cm).

• Some bra styles or brands will have size categories, small, medium etc., instead of actual bra sizes, so check the measurements section when searching online to find your correct size.

How To Measure Your Bra Size - Mystery Solved

We hope we have given you the knowledge and confidence to shop for your next bra without the uncertainty and stress, and that your next bra-shopping experience will be easy and relaxing. Why not check out the wide selection of bras available at NA-KD and see if you can find the perfect bra?