How to find the right size
To measure yourself, you will need a smooth tape measure, and for best results, remove your bra.
Now, measure directly under your breasts at the rib cage, making sure to keep the tape level around your torso. Pull the two sides together until they meet and lie flat against your body, but be careful not to pull too hard. The tape should feel snug, but not tight. Round the measurement to the nearest even number. For example, if you measure 31″, then round up to 32. This will be your band size. However, if you measure slightly more than an even number, such as 32 1/4″ or 32 1/2″, you may You may want to round down because bras lose elasticity over time and will only become less supportive with frequent wear. If you’re borderline between two sizes, personal preference will dictate which band size you should purchase.
Next, measure around the fullest part of your breasts (usually across the nipples) and round to the nearest number. For example, a measurement of 40.5″ would round up to 41″.
Finally, subtract your band size from the measurement taken at your bust. From our current example, 41 – 32 = 9″. Use the information below to find your corresponding cup size.
1″ = US A or UK A
2″ = US B or UK B
3″ = US C or UK C
4″ = US D or UK D
5″ = US DD/E or UK DD
6″ = US DDD/F or UK E
7″ = US G or UK F
8″ = US H or UK FF
9″ = US I or UK G
10″ = US J or UK GG
11″ = US K or UK H
12″ = US L or UK HH
13″ = US M or UK J
14″ = US N or UK DD
15″ = US O or UK K
16″ = US P or UK KK
Thus, the woman in our example would be a UK 32G or a US 32I; however, European and American styles tend to have a smaller cut on both the brim and crown. If you need to size up in the band, remember to downsize in the cup, meaning a 32G becomes a 34FF. Because all manufacturers use different cuts and sizes, finding the right fit can be a challenge.
Double check the fit
Now that you have a general idea of what size you need, take a moment to review some of these tips to make sure you have the right fit.
- Your band should fit snug (but not tight) in the loosest set of hooks. The elastic in all bras deteriorates with daily wear, and your bra will last longer if you start with a tight band on the loosest set of hooks.
- The band of your bra should be centered on your back with the straps snug to the top of your shoulders. It should not ride up the back or cause the straps to fall off the shoulders, as this will mean that your breasts hang low in the front. At least 80% of the support in your bra comes from the band, so it’s important that the band fit perfectly.
- Adjust your straps. Again, the band bears most of the weight, but you may need to adjust the straps looser or tighter to give you optimal support and comfort. The snug-fitting straps will pull the cup against your breast so that it fits well under your clothing and supports all of your breast tissue.
- Check your hoop. The underwire of a bra should cover the breasts and rest firmly against the rib cage, especially in the center where the underwire meets. The wire should lie flat, completely separating your breasts. On the side of your torso, the wire should not crush your breasts or dig into your skin. Many women don’t realize that there is breast tissue on the side that also needs to be removed in the cups. When the bra fits correctly, the bra cup should enclose the breast tissue and be filled and shaped by your breasts.
Common problems
Most women wear a bra with a band size that is too large and a cup size that is too small. Therefore, if the average woman buys a 34D bra, she will most likely wear a 32DDD. Here are some easy ways to tell that you have the wrong bra size:
- Your breasts stick out from the bottom of your bra, especially when you raise your arms.
- Your breasts are spilling out of your bra cups and causing bulges.
- Your bra straps leave deep marks on your shoulders.
- The band goes up in the back.
- Your breasts are flattened in the center of the bra or compressed by the underwire on the sides.
- The ring is stuck into the breasts or sides.
- You have frequent infections or rashes under your breasts.
If you ever have any questions about what size to wear or how to fit, feel free to email us at [email protected].