Lyla Lindsey
Finding the right bra size is a challenge many women are familiar with. While measuring yourself at home is a good place to start, it's not always an exact science and may not work for all body types. To get an accurate reading, it's best to measure without a bra on, using a tape measure that's pulled tight but is still comfortable. Measure directly under your bust, then measure the fullest part of your bust to get the cup size. You can then use these measurements with a bra size calculator to get your recommended size. However, if you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional fitter, who can guide you to the right size, brand, and style for your body and lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to measure underbust | Measure around the body, directly under the bust. |
| Measure under clothing using a regular tape measure while wearing a well-fitting bra. | |
| Ensure the tape is straight and without kinks. | |
| Hold the tape measure firmly, with no slack. | |
| How to measure overbust | Measure across the fullest part of the breast. |
| Place the tape measure straight and without kinks, with the tape sitting lightly against the bust. | |
| How to determine bra size | Use a bra size calculator with underbust and overbust measurements. |
| Refer to a sizing chart to move up and down band sizes to find a better fit. | |
| Signs of a good fit | The bra fits snugly around the back and sits evenly on the body from front to back. |
| The underwires sit flush against the chest. | |
| The breasts are fully encased within the wire. | |
| The bra stays in place when the arms are lifted. |
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What You'll Learn
Measure underbust for band size
To measure your underbust for band size, wrap a measuring tape around your chest, directly under your bust. It is important that the measuring tape is level all the way around. This measurement will be your band size. If you get an odd number, you can round it to the nearest even number, depending on whether you prefer a tighter or looser fit. For example, if your underbust measures 31 inches, you can round it down to 30 for a tighter fit, or up to 32 for a looser fit.
Your band size, together with your bust size, will determine your cup size. To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your bust size. For every inch of difference, the cup size increases by one. For example, a woman with a 39-inch bust and a 31-inch underbust will have a cup size of 8 inches, or H.
It is important to note that bra sizes vary between brands and manufacturers, so it is always a good idea to try on a few different styles before making a purchase. Additionally, band sizes can differ between countries, with sizes such as small, medium, and large corresponding to different measurements. As such, it is important to refer to the sizing chart of the specific brand you are interested in.
By taking these simple measurements and using a bra size calculator, you can easily find bras that fit well and make you feel confident.
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Measure overbust for cup size
To measure your overbust for cup size, stand with your arms resting by your side. Get someone to help you measure around your body, at the fullest part of your bust, usually over the nipple. You can do this with or without a bra on, but if you choose to wear one, make sure it is your current favourite non-padded bra. The tape measure should sit straight across your back and parallel to the floor. It should also be held gently, resting lightly on your body. This measurement is your OVERBUST.
Once you have your overbust and underbust measurements, you can calculate your cup size by subtracting the underbust measurement from the overbust measurement. The difference in inches denotes your cup size. For example, if your overbust is 2 inches larger than your underbust, your cup size is B.
It's important to note that bra sizes can vary between brands and manufacturers, so these measurements should be used as a guide. A well-fitting bra should meet the following criteria: it should fit snugly around the back and sit evenly on the body, the underwires should sit flat against your chest, and your breasts should fit comfortably in the cups without any spillage or gaping.
If you are still unsure of the best fit, you can always seek advice from a professional fitter or use a virtual fitting service.
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Check bra fits snugly around the back
Checking that your bra fits snugly around the back is crucial for overall comfort and support. Here are some detailed steps to ensure a snug fit:
Firstly, ensure the band sits horizontally across your back. It should be level with the front of your bra, creating a straight line around your torso. This provides a stable foundation for the bra to rest upon.
Secondly, adjust the band to fit snugly but comfortably. It should be secure enough that it doesn't ride up or down with movement, but not so tight that it feels restrictive or uncomfortable. You should be able to slide two fingers under the band comfortably; if you can fit more than two fingers, it may be too loose, and if you can't fit two fingers, it's likely too tight.
Thirdly, pay attention to the fabric and its behaviour. The material should lay flat and smooth against your skin, without any bunching, gaping, or wrinkling. These issues indicate that the band is either too loose or too tight, and adjusting is necessary.
Lastly, ensure the back hook and eye closure is snug. When trying on a new bra, always start with the loosest hook. This allows for future adjustments as the bra may stretch over time, so you can tighten it for a snugger fit later. The closure should lay flat and not pull away from your body, creating a smooth, continuous band around your torso.
Remember, the band provides most of the support in a bra, so ensuring it fits snugly and securely is essential for both comfort and functionality. Taking the time to adjust and check the fit will ensure you get the most out of your bra.
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Ensure underwires sit flat against chest
When trying on a bra, it is important to ensure that the underwires sit flat against the chest. This is because the underwire is a major contributing factor to a comfortable bra fit. If the underwire is too small, it can dig into your ribs or poke into the sides of your breasts.
To ensure the underwires sit flat against the chest, the bra must be the correct size. The underwire should start under the arms at the inframammary crease and circle underneath to your cleavage. The inframammary crease is where the breast tissue meets the chest wall. The underwire should follow the natural curve of the IMF (inframammary fold) line. The IMF line is the junction where the bottom of your breast connects to your torso.
If the underwire is digging into your ribs, it is likely that you are wearing the wrong bra size. Take new chest measurements to confirm your correct bra size. If the underwire is digging into your armpit, this is most likely a sign that your cup size is too big. Try a smaller or larger cup size and ensure that your bra band fits properly.
The centre gore (the triangular section on the front of your bra where the band, underwire and cups all come together) should lay flat against your sternum. If the centre gore does not lay flat, the cups may be too small or the band may be too loose.
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Choose a bra style with quality materials for comfort and support
When choosing a bra, it's essential to consider both style and comfort. The ideal bra should make you feel confident and supported, with a well-constructed design that feels good and looks good. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a bra style with quality materials for comfort and support:
Bra Style
The style of the bra plays a significant role in determining its comfort and support. You can choose from various options, including strapless bras, bralettes, wireless bras, and more. Consider the purpose of the bra and your personal preferences. For example, if you're looking for a bra to wear with halter tops, a full-coverage bra with a halter neck strap might be ideal. On the other hand, if you want a seamless look under T-shirts, a smooth T-shirt bra might be a better choice. Additionally, some bras are designed to enhance cleavage or provide a streamlined silhouette under form-fitting clothes.
Support and Comfort
The level of support and comfort you need depends on your breast size and shape. Underwire bras, for instance, provide lift and support and help create a rounder shape. However, they may not be comfortable for everyone, especially if they don't fit well. Wireless bras can also offer support, especially with the right straps and band, but very large breasts may require underwire for full support. Padded bras can provide comfort and support for all shapes and sizes, while non-padded bras are a good option if you have larger breasts and want to avoid accentuating them. Adjustable and convertible straps are also essential for customising the fit and enhancing comfort.
Quality Materials
Look for bras made with quality materials that feel good against your skin. Soft, stretchy fabrics like nylon, elastane, and microfiber can provide a comfortable fit. Smooth, seamless cups made from foam or soft, buttery fabrics can enhance comfort and ensure the bra lays smoothly under clothing. Additionally, wider straps can distribute weight more evenly across your shoulders, providing better support and comfort compared to traditional spaghetti straps.
Fit
Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for comfort and support. Get yourself measured by a bra-fitting expert to determine your correct band and cup size. A well-fitting bra should feel like a nice hug on your body. If you have bottom-heavy breasts, consider bras with more support to relieve pressure on your shoulders. Additionally, pay attention to the band size and cup coverage to ensure the bra fits snugly and securely without digging into your skin.
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Frequently asked questions
To measure your bra size in Australia, you need to take two measurements: the underbust and overbust (or band and cup size). First, measure firmly under your bust, ensuring the tape is straight all the way around and as tight as possible without being uncomfortable. This will be similar to the blouse size you wear. Second, measure across the fullest part of your bust, ensuring the tape is straight and without kinks.
Your cup size is determined by your overbust measurement. Cup sizes are not related to band sizes. For example, if you prefer a firmer fit and are a 12B, you could consider a 10C, which has the same cup size but a smaller band size.
A well-fitting bra will fit snugly around the back and sit evenly on the front and back of your body. The underwires should sit flat against your chest, and your breasts should be fully encased within the wire. Your whole breast should fit into the cup with no spillage or gaping. The bra should also stay in place when you lift your arms.
It is recommended that you check your bra measurements yearly as breast size can vary over time.
