Bra Sizing Guide: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Measurement Tutorial For Bra Size

Introduction

Finding the perfect bra size is essential for comfort and proper support. However, many women struggle to determine their accurate bra size due to various factors such as weight fluctuations, body shape, and incorrect measuring techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to measure your bra size accurately, ensuring you find the perfect fit for ultimate comfort and confidence.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Bra

Before we delve into measuring your bra size, let's familiarize ourselves with the essential components of a bra. This knowledge will help you better understand how your measurements correspond to different bra sizes.

1. Band Size

The band size refers to the numerical measurement around your torso, just below the bust. It provides the primary support for your breasts. Band sizes are usually expressed in even numbers, such as 32, 34, 36, etc.

 

2. Cup Size

The cup size represents the volume of your breasts and is denoted by letters of the alphabet, ranging from AA to K and beyond. The cup size is directly proportional to the band size. As the band size increases, the cup size also increases to maintain the same volume.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Bra Size

Calculating bra size typically involves measuring two key aspects: the band size (the circumference around the ribcage, just beneath the breasts) and the cup size (the difference between the band size and the fullest part of the breasts). Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure your bra size:

Step 1: Get a Measuring Tape and Prepare

To ensure accurate measurements, follow these guidelines:

• Stand in front of a mirror, wearing a non-padded bra or no bra at all.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and arms by your side.
• Wear a well-fitting top to minimize any clothing interference.
• Use a soft measuring tape for precise measurements.

Step 2: Measure Your Band Size

To measure your band size, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the measuring tape snugly around your torso, just below your bust, where the band of your bra sits.
2. Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground and not twisted.
3. Exhale and take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters.
4. Round the measurement to the nearest even number. For example, if you measured 31 inches, round it up to 32 inches.

Step 3: Measure Your Bust Size

To measure your bust size, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, typically at the nipple level.
2. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and not too tight or too loose.
3. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Step 4: Calculate Your Cup Size

To calculate your bra size, subtract your band size (Step 1) from your cup size (Step 2). Each inch represents one cup size. Use the following chart to determine your cup size:

​

Difference (in inches)	Cup Size
0-1	AA
1	A
2	B
3	C
4	D
5	DD or E
6	DDD or F
7	G
8	H
9	I
10	J
11	K
...and so on.

 

For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your bust size is 38 inches, the difference is 4 inches, indicating a cup size of D.

Step 5: Find Your Perfect Bra Size

Combine your band size (Step 2) with your cup size (Step 4) to determine your perfect bra size. For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your cup size is D, your bra size is 34D.

Understanding the Fit

It's crucial to remember that bra sizes can vary across different brands and styles. While measuring your bra size provides a good starting point, it's equally important to try on different bras to find the best fit for your unique shape and preferences.

Signs of a Well-Fitting Bra

• The band should sit horizontally around your torso, providing a snug yet comfortable fit.
• The cups should fully enclose each breast without any gaps or spillage.
• The center gore, located between the cups, should lay flat against your sternum.
• The bra straps should stay in place without digging into your shoulders or sliding off.

Unlocking the Secrets of Bra Sizes: Essential Information You Need to Know

Every woman’s bust is slightly different. Therefore, a wide range of bra sizes is needed to accommodate the breasts of women of all shapes and sizes. A true full list of bra sizes is too long to include, but common bra sizes that are generally sold by most lingerie brands range from 32A up to 36D. However, a large percentage of modern women don’t really fit within this range of standard sizes. In fact, the average bra size in the USA is a 34DD. Other women do have the potential to find their perfect bra size in most lingerie lines but can’t seem to figure out which standard size actually fits them best. Unfortunately, many women (approximately eighty percent, in fact) end up wearing a bra size that is slightly (or majorly) off from the size that would actually fit them correctly.

There are very few lucky women out there who have somehow stumbled across a specific style and brand of bra that fits them perfectly with no pinching, squeezing, or falling involved. Since most women wear a bra every single day, it’s a tragedy that only about twenty percent of women are actually wearing the right size bra for their bust. Every woman deserves to have the tools and knowledge needed to find the perfect bra size for her and finally own a collection of bras that truly fit.

1. Let Go of Expectations of Your Bra Sizes:

When you go bra shopping, whether it’s online or in a real brick-and-mortar lingerie store, don’t walk (or click) into the store with any expectations in mind. Many women think of themselves as fitting into a certain bra size and find it very difficult to accept that the size they think they are might not be realistic.

Seventy percent of modern women wear a bra size that is too small for them and ten percent wear a size that is too large. This staggering statistic occurs because many women can’t seem to reconcile their real bra size with the bra size they have in their mind. Know that bra sizes between lingerie brands and bra styles can vary greatly. When picking out a new bra, be open to any and all sizes and be sure to focus on how the fit of the bra feels rather than the number of its band or cups.

2. Take Advantage of Bra Sister Sizes

Sister sizes are a magical reality that many women remain unaware of or are unsure how to use. In terms of bras, sister sizes are bra sizes with varying band or cup numbers that are virtually equivalent to each other.

Knowing how to take advantage of equivalent bra sizes can help you find the right size when a certain lingerie brand doesn’t carry your regular size. It can also help you know what sizes to try on next if the bra size you’re used to doesn’t fit you in a certain style or brand. Your closest lower-end sister size is one band size down and one cup size up (34B to 32C). On the upper end, your closest sister size is the opposite: one band size up and one cup size down (32C to 34B).

3. Go International and Compare Bra Sizes

Don’t be afraid to try international bras just because their sizing appears different than the sizes that you’re used to seeing when bra shopping. Trying to figure out international bra sizing can be difficult at first, but be open to learning more about it. Easy conversion charts like the one pictured below can help you effortlessly figure out which international sizes to try based on the size that you’re used to wearing. Be aware that conversions are not exact, so you definitely want to try a range of international sizes to figure out which one fits you best. You might just find your perfect size in an international brand instead of in a lingerie line close to home.

4. Consider Both Bra Band and Bra Cup Sizes

Both band and cup sizes are equally important when it comes to finding your perfect bra size. You can’t just pick up any C-cup bra off the shelf in a store and expect it to fit your bust. Also, be aware that when you change band sizes, the bra’s cup size shifts slightly too even if its letter remains the same. Try on multiple bands AND cup sizes when bra shopping to get a truly accurate idea of what size you are.

5. Measure Bra Size and Bra Cup Sizes Yourself 

It’s important to know how to measure bra size and cup size yourself to find an estimated bra size that should work for you. All you really need is a measuring tape and a mirror. First, measure around the widest part of your rib cage, where your bra band normally sits. Round the number, you get to the nearest even number to get your band size. Then, measure around your nipples.

If you don’t want to figure out your bra size based on your own measurements, you can use a bra size calculator. You can find an accurate bra size calculator many places online. Most bra size calculators work with measurements in inches and can help you out in a pinch when the question of “What bra size am I?” arises again.

6. Get Measured by a Professional Bra Fitter 

While it’s a good idea to know how to measure yourself for a bra size, it’s also important to get measured by a professional as well.

Most stores that sell a significant amount of lingerie offer free, private bra sizing by their professional employees. Getting measured by an experienced professional takes less than five minutes and can do wonders for you when it comes to finally determining your real perfect bra size.

7. Keep Measuring Your Bra Sizes 

Knowing what your perfect bra size was five years ago doesn’t mean you know what it is now. Your breasts and your body naturally change over time, which means that the size that fit you years ago might be completely wrong for you now.

You might not even notice when your old bra size stops fitting. To be on the safe side, make it a point to measure yourself or get measured professionally at least once every couple of years to ensure that you’re still wearing the right size.

Remember, finding the right bra size is a journey. It may take some trial and error, but the effort is worth it. A well-fitting bra can transform your comfort and confidence, making you feel your best every day.

Now that you have the knowledge and tools to measure your bra size accurately, you can embark on your bra shopping journey with confidence. Visit Haute Flair for a wide selection of bras in various sizes and styles. They also offer a bra size conversion chart to help you navigate international sizes. Happy bra shopping!

Visual Guides for Bra Shopping: Essential Charts and Images

In addition to the comprehensive guide on how to measure your bra size, there are several useful charts and images that can assist you in finding the perfect fit. These visual aids provide a clear reference point and help you navigate the world of bra sizes with confidence. Let's explore some of these helpful resources below.

1. Bra Size Conversion Chart

One valuable chart is the bra size conversion chart, which allows you to easily convert your bra size between different international sizing systems. This chart takes into account variations in band and cup sizes across different countries and provides a handy reference for finding your size in international brands. Haute Flair offers a comprehensive bra size conversion chart on their website, making it convenient for you to explore bras from around the world.

Country	Underbust (cm)	Underbust (inches)	Bra Size
United States	63-67	25-26	30
United Kingdom	63-67	25-26	30
France	63-67	25-26	30
Germany	63-67	25-26	30
Australia	63-67	25-26	30
Japan	63-67	25-26	30

2. International Bra Band Sizes

Understanding international bra band sizes is essential when exploring bras from different regions. To help you decipher these sizes, refer to the international bra band size chart. This chart displays the band sizes used in various countries, such as the UK, Europe, France, Italy, Australia, and Japan. By referring to this chart, you can easily identify your band size in different sizing systems, providing you with more options when shopping for bras.

Country	Band Size	Underbust (cm)	Underbust (inches)
United States	30	63-67	25-26
United Kingdom	30	63-67	25-26
France	80	63-67	25-26
Germany	65	63-67	25-26
Australia	10	63-67	25-26
Japan	65	63-67	25-26

 

3. International Bra Cup Sizes

Accompanying the band size chart is the international bra cup size chart. This chart outlines the cup sizes used in different countries, allowing you to compare and understand cup sizing variations. By referring to this chart, you can determine your cup size in various international sizing systems, ensuring a more accurate fit when exploring bras from around the world.

Country	Bra Cup Sizes
United States	A, B, C, D, DD/E, DDD/F, G, H, I, J, K
United Kingdom	A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K
Europe	A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N
Australia	A, B, C, D, DD/E, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K
Japan	A70, A75, A80, B70, B75, B80, C70, C75, C80, D70, D75, D80, E70, E75, E80, F70, F75, F80
France	A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O

4. Sister Sizes Diagram

Sister sizes are an important concept to grasp when it comes to bra sizing. A sister size is a bra size with a different band or cup size but equivalent in overall volume. Understanding sister sizes can be particularly useful when you can't find your exact size in a certain brand or style. A sister size diagram visually demonstrates how you can find your nearest sister size by going up or down in band and cup sizes.

Band Size	Sister Sizes
28	AA, A/B, B/C, C/D
30	A/B, B/C, C/D
32	A/B, B/C, C/D
34	A/B, B/C, C/D
36	A/B, B/C, C/D
38	A/B, B/C, C/D
40	A/B, B/C, C/D
42	A/B, B/C, C/D
44	A/B, B/C, C/D

 

These charts and diagrams serve as valuable references during your bra shopping journey. They provide visual representations and make it easier to navigate different sizing systems, understand sister sizes, and find your perfect fit across various brands and styles.

Remember, in addition to these resources, it's important to follow the steps outlined in the comprehensive guide on how to measure your bra size accurately. Combining the knowledge from the guide with these useful charts and images will empower you to make informed decisions when selecting bras that offer optimal comfort and support.

More Chart References