Finding the right bra size is important for comfort and support, but a lot of women don’t know how to find their perfect fit. Either way, your bra might not fit right or feel good, which could be bad for your health. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find your right bra size, no matter how much you know about shopping or how new you are to it.
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
To find out what size bra you need, you must first measure your band. This is how big you are around your chest, just below your bust. Here’s how to do it:
- Get a Soft Measuring Tape: Make sure you’re using a soft, flexible measuring tape. Stand in front of a mirror and keep your body relaxed.
- Wrap the Tape Around Your Ribcage: Place the tape measure just below your bust and wrap it around your middle. The tape should be straight and snug but not too tight.
- Take the Measurement: Breathe out naturally and record the number in inches. If the number is even, add 4 inches. If it’s odd, add 5 inches. This will give you your band size.
For example, if your ribcage measures 28 inches, adding 4 inches gives you a band size of 32.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
Next, you’ll need to measure your bust. This measurement is essential for determining your cup size. Here’s how you do it:
- Position the Measuring Tape: Stand up straight and place the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Ensure that the tape runs across your back and that it’s snug but not tight.
- Check the Fit: Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and level all the way around your body.
- Take the Measurement: Keep the tape comfortably in place and take the measurement in inches. Record the number, and keep in mind that this measurement should be at the fullest part of your bust.
Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size
You can figure out your cup size once you know both your band and bust sizes. To do this, subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement.
- Subtract the Two Measurements: The difference between the bust measurement and the band size will give you your cup size.
- 1 inch difference = A cup
- 2 inch difference = B cup
- 3 inch difference = C cup
- 4 inch difference = D cup
- 5-inch difference = DD (or E) cup, and so on.
Take the gap of 32 inches between your band size and your bust size as an example. This is 35 inches, so you are a 32C.
Step 4: Double Check the Fit
Once you have your measurements and a size, it’s important to try on bras to check the fit. A good-fitting bra should feel comfortable and supportive without pinching or digging in.
- Band Fit: It shouldn’t feel too tight, but it should fit well. But the band shouldn’t be so loose that it rides up your back. You should be able to fit two fingers under it.
- Cup Fit: The cups should fully cover your breasts without spilling over. If you experience bulging, the cups might be too small. If there’s too much space in the cups, they might be too large.
- Strap Fit: The straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders, and you should be able to slide one finger under the straps without them digging in or slipping off.
Step 5: Recheck Your Size Regularly
Your body changes over time due to factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging. It’s important to recheck your bra size every 6 months to ensure your bras still fit properly.
Conclusion
Figuring out your bra size is important if you want to be comfortable and supported all day. By following these easy steps, you can make sure you find the right bra size for you and have fun shopping. Remember that a good fit is important for comfort and confidence, whether you’re buying your first bra or adding to your collection. So, take the time to measure correctly, and you’ll soon be able to wear your right bra size without any trouble. Once in a while, make sure your bra fits right to make sure it always does its job of supporting you.
