How to Measure for Bra Size

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By Megan Mattingly-Arthur
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

Measure for Bra Size

As women, we almost universally despise our bras as being uncomfortable, but necessary evils. What most of us don't realize is that bras don't have to be uncomfortable if they fit correctly. The majority of women, as many as eight out of ten, are wearing the wrong bra size. Grab a tailor's tape measure and we'll show you how to be the smart, sassy chick with the comfy bra and a smile on her face.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tailor's tape measure

Step 1

Wrap the tailor's tape measure high around the back and under the arms. Hold it snugly, but not too tight. The inch number is your band size.
Step 2

Add one inch if your band size is an odd number. For example, if your band size is 35" add 1". Your band size is 36".
Step 3

Place the tailor's tape measure comfortably around the fullest part of your bust.
Step 4

Subtract your band size from your cup measurement. This new number determines the letter of your cup size. For example: 39" minus 36". Your cup size equals 3, a "C" cup.
Step 5

Use this handy reference: 1" difference is an "A" cup, 2" difference is a "B" cup, 3" difference is a "C" cup, 4" difference is a "D" cup, 5" difference is a "DD" cup, 6" difference is a "DDD" cup, and so on.

Resources

JCPenney-Bras Available in Sizes A through I

Comments

Zoggi said

Flag This Comment

on 12/11/2008 This is slightly better than the usual method of taking the underbust measurement and adding 4 or 5 inches, but it still gives me the wrong size. It tells me I should be in a 32C, but I actually wear a 30E! The band of the bra does not go around the top of your chest, so why measure there?!? Just take your underbust measurement (where the bra band goes!) and round it to the nearest even number.