You just know a bra doesn’t fit well, no matter what the salesperson is trying to convince you. You feel heaviness in the chest, or your shoulders hurt. Maybe your top doesn’t fit the way you want it to. Here’s how to finally get the right size!
Band size
Just under the breasts, wrap a tape measure around the rib cage. Breathe out to get the smallest measurement possible, and don’t stick out your chest or stand up super straight. This is the band size —the number part of the bra size, like the 40 in 40D. If you get an odd number, round up to the next even number.
Cup size
Wrap the tape measure securely around your boobs where they’re fullest. Don’t flatten them. Round up if you’re between two numbers.
After you’ve rounded up your band and/or cup size, subtract your band size from your bust measurement. Your cup size corresponds to the difference between the two numbers. Below is the list:
- Less than 1”: AA
- 1”: A
- 2”: B
- 3”: C
- 4”: D
- 5”: DD
- If you are getting over 5 inches difference, you might consider visiting a specialty bra retailer and get a pro fitting so you can make sure you’re receiving the right support.
Quick example
Let’s say your bust measurement is 35.6” (rounded up to 36”) and your band measurement is 31” (rounded up to 32”). The difference is 4.6 inches, so the right bra size is probably 32D (rare size, but it does exist).