How to Measure Your Bra Size

How to Measure Bra Size was likely not a lesson offered in school. Don’t worry — Peanut to the rescue. Think of this as the breast version of Cinderella’s slipper.

Sometimes you have to work to find the perfect fit, but it’s totally worth it and comes with all sorts of ahem perks.

We’ll take you through how to find the ideal bosom buddies.

In this article: 📝

Why finding the right bra size matters

Finding the right bra size can boost both comfort and confidence, yet many of us have yet to discover our precise match.

One study found that as many as 80% of women wear the wrong bra size (with about 70% wearing bras too small and 10% too large).

So why does this matter?

Well, basically, because our relationship with our boobs matters.

In this study conducted over 40 nations, 70.7% of women surveyed said they were dissatisfied with their breast size.

This can really contribute to how we feel about our bodies and impact our psychological well-being.

While finding the right bra may not change the size of your actual breasts, it can improve how you feel about them.

Displaying (or not displaying) your breasts in a way that works for you can seriously boost your confidence.

And it may not just be about your breasts looking their best.

Anyone who has experienced the dreaded underwire poke, slipping strap, or cup overflow can attest to just how bothersome the wrong bra can be.

According to this study, ill-fitted bras can cause pain in the chest and back and might even lead to the discomfort that causes some people to seek out breast reductions.

And the plot thickens.

Not having the right bra might also get in the way of healthy lifestyle choices.

17% of women in this study said that their breasts were a reason for not exercising, with not being able to find the right sports bra a key issue.

So finding the right bra is important for a number of reasons.

We’ll show you how to measure your breasts so that you can find the right fit.

How do I calculate my bra size?

Measure your bra size about every six to twelve months. That’s according to lingerie experts.

Yep, that’s right — you might be a 38B in January and a 40C in September. Our boobs can change size and shape for a number of reasons, including breastfeeding, weight loss or gain, and simply getting older.

You also have to factor in that not all 32Cs are created equal.

Size and fit can vary quite a bit between brands — and even if two pairs of boobs are the same size, they may not be exactly the same shape.

The best you can do is measure your bra size as accurately as possible.

From there, finding your favorite brand and style may take some trial and error, but you will be off to the right start.

How can I measure my bra size at home?

The first thing to know is that bra sizes are divided into two elements — band size and cup size.

Band size is the area around your torso just under your boobs (where the band of your bra goes).

Cup size is how big your actual boobs are.

Here’s how to measure bra size at home, taking both of these into account:

How to measure your band size

• Remove your bra. (In a pinch, you can get away with taking your measurements with a bra on, provided it’s a non-padded bra.)
• Using a measuring tape, measure the area directly under your breasts, including the full circumference of this part of your torso.
• Round your result off to the nearest whole number.
• If the number you get is even, add four to it.
• If the number you get is odd, add five to it. (Note: this addition of four or five is for U.S. band sizes — all of which come in even numbers and are based on a measurement in inches.)
• The result will give you your band size (e.g., a 32, 34, or 36.)

How to measure your cup size

• Keep your bra off (or your non-padded bra on).
• Measure the circumference of your breasts around where your nipples are. (Keep the tape measure quite loose for this.)
• Round off your answer to the nearest whole number.
• Subtract your band size from this number.
• Using the answer you got in the previous step, follow this chart to get your cup size:
  

Is bust size the same as bra size?

Bust size is a term that’s often used interchangeably with cup size.

Basically, your bust size is one element of your bra size.

So if you’re looking to answer the question what is my bust size?, it’ll be somewhere from an AAA to a ZZZ.

When you head to the store, remember that the band size comes before the cup size in your measurement, e.g., 34D.

And there you have it!

Both elements that make up your bra size — the magic ingredients to eliminating digs, spills, and discomfort.

Your perfect bra awaits!