Things You'll Need:
- Bras
- Sports Bras
- Measuring Tapes
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Step 1
Use a measuring tape to measure around your bare rib cage, just beneath your naked breasts. This number indicates the band size most appropriate for your figure.
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Step 2
Measure the widest part of your bust, sliding the tape around the middle of your back. Hold the tape as level as possible to ensure accuracy.
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Step 3
Note the difference between the two measurements. Use the following as a guide, and try on a range of sizes above and below your measurement: If your bust measurement is up to 1 /2 inch larger than your band size, then your cup size is an AA. A measurement of 1 /2 inch to 1 inch more than the band size indicates an A cup, 1 to 2 inches indicates a B cup, 2 to 3 inches indicates a C cup, 3 to 4 inches indicates a D cup, and 4 to 5 inches indicates a DD or E cup.
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Step 4
Select a range of bras according to your band and cup size.
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Step 5
Try on a bra. Place your hands through the straps and bend over to allow your breasts to fall into the cups. The cups should contain your breasts'unless you're trying a demibra or an enhancing bra'and should center your nipple in the fullest part.
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Step 6
Close the bra using the middle hook. Look for a band that fits snugly but doesn't cut into your rib cage. If it's too tight, try adjusting the hook closure before proceeding to a larger size.
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Step 7
Adjust the straps so the band fits comfortably under the breasts and around the rib cage. If the bra seems to slip forward, if you find yourself pulling up on the straps, or if it feels as if your breasts are falling out of the bottom of the cups, the band size is too big.
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Step 8
Check the fabric or bridge between your breasts. This should lie flat on the breastbone. If it sticks up or stabs your breastbone uncomfortably, try a larger cup size. If it puckers, try a smaller size.
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Step 9
Move up a cup size if your breasts bulge from the bra. Move down a size if you notice wrinkles in the cup material.
Comments
pauline777 said
on 8/10/2009 The article is good, but being a large busted woman, I know for a fact that a DD and E are not the same. I am a DDDD or in Europe an F cup and they are nowhere near close to a DD or E. but the other information was as far as I can see correct.
sk35 said
on 5/1/2009 This is a very informative article. I usually buy my lingerie from the internet and never was satisfied because of the size and fit of my bras really helpful I know bare essential is running 50% off onsome clearance styles.....www.keeshaapparel.net
andystef said
on 3/22/2009 hey,all ladies,If you are really going to seek a suitable cup or true circumference,especially wanting to buy a luxurous brand,Triumph,Wacoal,CK,etc in lowest price with good quality,you can contact me,andystef@163.com
jodik said
on 7/24/2008 I recently found out I was wearing the wrong size and then spent months trying to find new bras in the right size. Part of the problem was that my new size was harder to find, but the bigger problem was that every brand and every style fit differently.
I finally started a lens on Squidoo to sort it all out. Hope this helps other women too.
http://www.squidoo.com/findabrathatfits
Zoggi said
on 5/6/2008 I am impressed by the knowledge of everyone who has commented on this article - normally most people don't have a clue!
The article is great, the only thing I would disagree with is the fastening of the bra - it's best to fasten it on the loosest hooks so that you are able to tighten it as it starts to wear out. If you grow in cup size, then loosening the back isn't going to help much, (it will only make the underwires rub more) so there isn't really any argument for fastening the bra on the middle hooks. There is one exception to this rule though - if you are buying a maternity bra in the early stages of pregnancy you might find that your ribcage starts to expand, so you will need to buy a bra that fits on the tightest hooks.