How to Measure to Determine the Correct Bra Size

According to well-known lingerie retailer, Bare Necessities, almost 8 in 10 women wear the wrong bra size. Proper measurement is key to knowing what size bra you actually require, but other fitting considerations are key as well. Unfortunately, finding a good bra fitter is difficult, but you can take your own measurements to determine the right starting size. Once you have that information at hand, try on bras to find the perfect fit.

Step 1

Wrap the tape measure around the upper chest, directly under the arms and above the breasts. Hold the tape measure parallel to the floor and note this measurement.

Step 2

Measure around the rib cage, under the breasts. Hold the tape measure parallel to the floor and snug around the ribs. Add 3 inches if this measurement is over 33 inches or 5 inches if it is below. Compare the measurement at the underarm and this measurement to estimate your band size, opting for the smaller of the two.

Step 3

Wear your best-fitting, most supportive unpadded bra to take a full bust measurement. Choose the bra you already own that best supports your breasts; however, you can get an accurate measurement even if your bra does not fit well. Keep the tape measure loose and parallel to the floor as you measure the fullest part of your breasts, typically around the nipple.

Step 4

Subtract the band measurement from the full-bust measurement. Look at the difference between the two measurements to determine your cup size. Estimate each inch as one cup size, so a 3-inch difference is a C cup.

Step 5

Try on several bras in the size that seems best based on your measurements. Go down one band size and up one cup size if the band rides up or seems too loose.