How to Measure Your Bra Size

How To Measure Your Bra Size

Find Your Size

A bra that fits you well will work harder than anything else in your wardrobe. Because the size, shape and firmness of your breasts change over time, what worked perfectly 10 years ago might not be right for you today. Seek out a bra-fit expert at a lingerie boutique or department store for expert help in determining your exact size and which styles best fit your shape. Or, grab a tape measure and do it yourself.

Here’s How

While wearing an unpadded bra – or no bra at all – wrap a soft tape measure snugly around your rib cage, just under your bust. Add five to the measurement (if the number is even, add six), and you’ve got your band size (32,34 etc).

Next, take a loose measurement across the fullest part of your bust.

The difference between the two measurements is your cup size.

1 inch = A
2 inches = B
3 inches = C
4 inches = D
5 inches = DD
6 inches = DDD

Remember: Bra sizing is not standardized (and European sizes are different from American and Australian Sizes). What one maker calls a C cup could qualify as a B cup to another. All of this makes it important to remain open minded when it comes to trying on different styles – in a range of sizes.

A Bra’s Life Span

Your go-to, everyday bras usually last about a year. Preserve them by hand-washing using cold water and a gentle cleanser. Let them soak up to an hour, then hang to dry. If you do put your bras into the washing machine, using a lingerie bag, select the most gentle cycle with cold water, and avoid machine drying, which can damage the elastic or Lycra content of the bra and sometimes causes the underwire to pop out from its casing. If the elastic is worn or the straps are stretched, you need a new bra. (Also toss them if padding becomes lumpy, or straps or seams start to fray.) Good storage is crucial too: Lay molded-cup bras flat and stack them; fold all others, keeping them in neat piles. This maintains their shape and prevents tangling.

Bra Glossary

Cookies – These are removable padded inserts – made of fiberfill or filled with water, oil or gel – that are used to change the shape of the breasts in the same way push-up bras do.

Countour Cup – Made with a fiberfill or foam lining to eliminate nipple show-through and create a rounder shape.

Front Closure – A good style to wear with V-necksw, this bra fastens between your breasts.

Lined Cup – This bra cup offers additional support and keeps nipples from showing through.

Molded Cup – Provides smoothness and definition for Breasts.

Seamed – Bras that have seams running through the cup fall into this category. The seams are meant to define and shape. If they run straight across the cup horizontally, they create a pointed silhouette. If they are diagonal, the bra gives breasts a more rounded, natural look.

Seamless – These are cups that are made without seams (some are foam). They’re good for creating a smoother shape that looks great under T-sirts, silk and satin fabrics, and tight-fitting clothing.

So get to it ladies – get those measuring tapes out and see if you are pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised at your bra size.

Do you have a horror bra story? We are all waiting to ~~laugh~~ hear about it.

Until next time…. happy bra sizing.

** Information source: “The New Secrets of Style” by InStyle. Photo: Intimo

JoJo

Comments

Carolyn says:

June 1, 2012 at 8:03 am

Hi JoJo,
Any hints on bra colour? I always thought you shouldn’t wear a black bra under a white shirt but am I just old-fashioned? How visible/invisible should those undergarments be?

mylingerieaddiction says:

July 8, 2012 at 3:19 pm

I love seeing fashion bloggers writing about lingerie and the importance of a well fitting bra. I think its a huge part of what makes clothing look good and should be talked about a lot more online. Keep up the great work. xx

- JoJo says:
  
  July 9, 2012 at 2:45 pm
  
  Thank you. I agree a properly fitted bra can make all the difference to an outfit and I think a lot of people overlook the importance of getting a professional to fit them. Jo x

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