How to Measure Your Bra Size With a Tape Measure
Many women are wearing the wrong size bra. If you find a bra to be uncomfortable or you feel you are constantly having to adjust it, you are likely wearing the wrong size bra. It's possible the bra started out the right size, but either you lost or gained weight or the bra stretched out. Whatever the reason, it is important to properly measure yourself and buy the right bra size.
Instructions
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1
Put on a supportive, nonpadded bra to wear while you measure yourself.
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2
Hold the tape measure flat against your body so it is parallel to the floor and isn't twisted or bunched up anywhere. Wrap the tape measure around your body so it crosses the largest part of your bust. Write the measurement down. If the measurement includes a partial inch, round up to the next whole number. For example, if the number is 36.7 inches, write down 37 inches.
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3
Using the same method as in Step 2, measure your rib cage just underneath your breasts. Make sure you are not holding your breath and throwing off the measurement, or you will end up with a bra that's too large. Write down this number.
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4
Take the number from Step 3 and add 4 if it was an even number; add 5 if it was an odd number. For example, if your measurement was 29, you would add 5 to make it 34.
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5
Subtract the number you got in Step 4 from the number you got in Step 2. In our example, we came up with 37 inches in Step 2 and 34 inches in Step 4. If you subtract 34 from 37, you get 3. The difference between the two numbers represents the cup size.: 1 equals A, 2 equals B and so on. The 3 in our example equates to a C cup. The number in Step 4 also goes into your bra size, so you would be a 34C.
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Tips & Warnings
If your breasts are constantly bulging out of the top of your bra, your cup size is too small. If the back of your bra is constantly sliding up your back, the strap is too large.
Wearing the wrong bra size can be uncomfortable and contribute to bad posture. Specialty undergarment stores have personnel who can help you find not only the right size bra but also the right brand.
References
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Comments
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stickbugs
Jan 30, 2011
The band size sizing of adding 5 inches is no longer accurate. "The old method was devised by Warners in the 1930s when bra design was in its infancy and does not work with modern, elasticated bras" Because according to your method above, I am a 34 band and a NEGATIVE cup. Really? Then how come my breasts aren't concave? And how come I wear a 32B bra?
