Anyone who has worn an ill-fitting bra or the wrong bra size knows that doing so can ruin an otherwise flawless outfit—or worse, an entire day. (The breast pain and backaches that can come with large breasts are nothing to joke about.)
The solution is finding the right size and fit for your undergarments, but it’s not that easy.
Bra size is notoriously fickle between different lingerie brands; a C-cup at one store can easily be a D-cup at another, and some bra sizes can grow and shrink (especially in band size) over the course of a day or during washing.
The best option is to know your bra size by taking bust measurements using these 3 simple measuring instructions, which will ensure a perfect fit in band and in cup—and can even help you find the right amount of support.
Learning how to measure bra size can feel uncomfortable, but knowing your measurements—and keeping them written in a note on your phone or somewhere else that's accessible when bra shopping will make it so much easier, especially for online shoppers.
Equipment for measuring bra size is minimal: All you need is a tape measure and a little free time, and you'll have saved yourself a lot of bra-shopping misery. Best of all, knowing how to measure your bust will make adjusting to changes in your breasts (from losing or gaining weight, hormone fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and more) so much less stressful.
Subtract your calculated band size (Step 1) from your bust measurement (Step 2) and refer to the bra cup size chart here. Your bra size is your band size with your cup size. Example: 37 inches (bust) – 34 inches (band) = 3 inches. That's a 34C.
Some key points to keep in mind to find the perfect fit:
Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups.
Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front.
Make sure the bra is not too loose. You should be able to slide only one finger underneath the band.
Fix falling straps. First, tighten the band, then shorten the straps.
Put on a close-fitting shirt over the bra. If the cups pucker or your breasts bulge, you are not wearing the correct bra size.
Look at yourself sideways in a mirror. Your breasts should sit midway between your shoulders and elbows. If not, you need a more supportive and better-fitting bra.
Choose a bra that fits perfectly when secured on the outermost hook. As the bra loosens over time, make the band taut by moving toward the tightest hook.
Bra size shouldn't be a guessing game. With this guide, managing irregular bra cup sizes should be a breeze, and sore, achy breasts from ill-fitting bras will be a thing of the past because you'll be able to find the bras that fit you perfectly.