How To Find Your Correct Bra Size

Shopping for a new bra can be frustrating. Sizes tin can vary quite a fleck from brand to brand — and then it's not unusual for the same person to habiliment several different sizes of bras. But don't get discouraged. Tools similar a bra size plumbing fixtures estimator tin can help. Utilize these tips to find a comfortable bra that's right for you.

You know how the size of jeans and other wear can vary a ton between brands — or even within the same brand? Unfortunately, the same is true for bras. This is due to a number of factors ranging from the textile and style to the fit model they used. (A fit model is a person the designer works with to bank check the fit of a clothing detail on a real body).

As bra skillful Linda Becker told the Huffington Post, "Fifty-fifty in the aforementioned visitor, sometimes the bras all run differently, and a 34B [in 1 way] is not the aforementioned every bit some other 34B."

So where does that go out the average bra shopper? It'due south of import to realize that bra sizes aren't an exact science — and you may have to try a lot of duds before y'all find one that really fits.

That said, knowing your measurements and understanding what they hateful can provide you with a good idea of where to start. Many upscale lingerie stores offer professional person fittings — though even these tin vary, depending on the exact method they use and regular old man error. If you'd rather notice your bra size in the comfort of your own home, there are tools and tricks to help yous do it.

How to Discover Your Bra Size at Home

If yous desire to get the self-measuring route, you'll demand to find your band and loving cup size using a measuring tape. Bra sizes combine numbers for the band size with letters for the cup size. Earlier you start, make sure you're wearing an unpadded bra — that will make the measurements more accurate.

Follow these steps to find your bra size:

Observe your band size. Wrap a measuring tape around your back, just under your breasts (where the band of a bra usually sits). That'due south your band size.
Find your bust size. Now wrap the measuring tape around your dorsum, simply this time hold it across the fullest part of your breasts. That'due south your bust size.
Subtract your band size from your bust size. The difference betwixt these two numbers shows how far your breasts extend from your ribcage.
Apply that number to observe your cup size. Now yous tin use the number you lot got in stride three to find your cup size on a bra size chart.

Bra size charts may vary a bit from make to brand, but hither'south an example of a U.South. bra size chart. Remember, the numbers are what you go (in inches) when you subtract your ring size from your bust size:

ane = A Cup
2 = B Loving cup
3 = C Cup
4 = D Cup
5 = DD or E Cup
six = DDD or F Cup
7 = DDDD or 1000 Cup
8 = H Cup

And so on — for every inch of deviation between band and bust size, you go upward a letter of the alphabet in cup size.

Once you take your loving cup size, combine it with your band size. If your band is 38 and your cup is D, your size is a 34D — or at least that's a practiced place to commencement!

Don't Feel Like Reading a Chart? Apply a Bra Size Fitting Calculator

If you don't experience like doing subtraction and reading a nautical chart, there are enough of cool online tools that will do the work for you lot. Some bra size plumbing fixtures calculators are more basic, like this 1 from Bare Necessities. Some get beyond the numbers to accept into business relationship things similar the shape of your breasts — like this tool from Third Love.

Want to get even more thorough? 1 well-reviewed and popular tool is the A Bra That Fits Calculator, which was created with the feedback of a very active and supportive Reddit forum. This tool doesn't stop at band and bust measurements — it asks you to take six different measurements to find a more precise fit.

Check for a Skilful Fit

Ultimately, finding the perfect bra volition primarily come down to knowing what to look for in the fitting room, or when trying on bras at domicile afterward shopping online. Follow these tips:

Cheque the band. Nearly of the back up in your bra comes from the band, so this is key. Effort raising your artillery above your head. Ideally, the ring would stay pretty much in place.
Check the cups. If the cups leave gaps effectually your breasts, they're probably besides big. And if you're spilling out over the top, that'southward an obvious sign that they're too pocket-size.
Check the straps. The straps should fit snug over your shoulders, without slipping off or excavation into your skin.

It's also totally mutual to have one chest that's slightly bigger than the other. In this case, you'll want to go with the one that fits the larger breast. If the difference is fairly small, endeavor finding a bra made from a stretchy fabric that volition naturally adjust to the size of each breast. If information technology's larger, look for a bra with removable inserts and article of clothing the insert only on the smaller side.