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How To

How to Measure For a Bra

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(26 Ratings)

Underwire bra, sports bra, push-up bra...no matter the type you choose, a properly fitted bra enhances your silhouette and provides support that can prevent back and posture problems. Follow these steps to correctly fit yourself for a bra.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Flexible measuring tape
  1. Step 1

    Measure under your breasts, around your ribcage. Add 4 inches to determine your band size. An alternative method is to measure above your breast, under your arms. Either method is fine, but the result needs to be an even number. If it is an odd number, add 1.

  2. Step 2

    Measure over your breasts at the fullest point. Do not pull the measuring tape tightly, rather hold it loosely so that you can breathe easily. Make sure to hold the tape level.

  3. Step 3

    Subtract your band measurement from your fullest point measurement to determine your cup size. If the measurements are the same, you are cup size AA. You go up a cup size for each additional inch of difference. For example, 1 inch difference equals A cup, 2 inch difference equals B cup, 3 inch difference equals C cup and 4 inch difference equals D cup.

  4. Step 4

    Visit the lingerie section of a department store or a Victoria's Secret store at your local mall, if you are uncertain about your measuring skills. A salesperson will be happy to help you measure for the correct bra size.

Tips & Warnings
  • Your bra size will change over time. Re-measure approximately every 6 months to a year or if your bra seems to be fitting incorrectly.
  • A properly fitted bra will not be tight. Underwire bras should not dig into your breasts.

Comments  

SharaA said

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on 12/30/2008 Throw out the 4" part and this is actually correct. I measured my daughter for her first bra at home, which was much easier and more relaxed ( and much less embarrassing) than doing it at a store. I would add that it is still necessary to try on bras as there are so many different cup and band styles.

Zoggi said

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on 5/6/2008 Yep, Momfish is right. This puts me at 34B, wheras I'm actually a 30F. Pretty big difference...

Momfish said

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on 6/8/2007 The "Add 4 inches for band size" is patently ridiculous. Band sizes are the ribcage measurment, that's it!

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