Whether or not you wear a bra is a matter of personal choice, but even if you only wear one occasionally, you still need to know how to measure your bra size – properly. This will ensure that those you own fit, flatter and offer all the support they’re intended to.
Many women settle on a size that they’re given at a bra fitting appointment, but our bodies fluctuate and change over time so it’s worth checking in every now and again to ensure you’re getting the best from your lingerie. It’s essential to keep measuring.
The bra wearers among us will also know that our preferred style can change due to multiple factors, including – but not exclusive to – our outfit, the time of the month, and as our breasts develop and change in size. To see what you’ve got and what you might be missing, we recommend regular sort throughs of your intimates drawers and if you do come across a bra that you’re no longer attached to, consider donating it to a dedicated charity.
So, how to measure for a bra that fits perfectly? We’ve broken down everything you need to do to get the right bra size first time – and improve the ratio of good to bad bras in your wardrobe.
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Where to begin
A common mistake is refusing to consider the possibility that your bra size has changed since the last time you were measured. In addition to the impact of age and lifestyle, your size will likely vary depending on the bra itself. But though sizing differs from brand to brand, there are two basic measurements that will guide you regardless: the band size and the cup size. Many bra-size calculators available online will do the maths for you, but if you want to be sure, consider the following factors…
What are the tell-tale signs you’re wearing the wrong size or style?
We asked Sophie Skidmore, bra fitter at Marks and Spencer, for her top tips on achieving the perfect bra fit:
- Underband: it should be parallel to the floor and secure enough that only two fingers can fit under the elastic.\
- Centre front: wired bras should sit completely flat against the sternum.\
- Side wire: this should be flat against the ribcage and never digging into the breast tissue.\
- Cup capacity: breasts should sit fully into the cup without any spillage.\
- Straps: these should be adjusted to just fit two fingers on top of each other, which will give the right pressure for your shoulder.
How to measure your bra band size
Stand upright without a bra on, and using a measuring tape, measure around your back and under your bust, where the band of a bra would usually sit. Make sure the tape is going around in a steady, even line. It should feel snug, but not tight. Measure in inches: if you land at an even number, that is your band size. If it’s an odd number, round it up to the nearest inch to find your size.
M&S Lexington Wired Full Cup Bra F-H
How to measure your cup size
For this bit, most retailers recommend you wear your current favourite (ie most comfortable) bra, so that your boobs are held in the place you actually want them to be. Then measure around the fullest part of your chest. Next, subtract your band size from this bust measurement. The difference denotes your cup size. 0=AA; 1=A; 2=B; 3=C; 4=D; 5=DD; 6=F; 7=FF; 8=G; 9=GG; 10=H; 11=HH; 12=J; 13=JJ; 14=K and so on. Combine your band and cup size, so you have a number followed by a letter, for example: 34F. This is your benchmark measurement – but remember, there’s a whole lot of nuance involved in finding the perfect fit, like considering your style and fabric preferences.
What if the band is riding up?
If the band is riding up on a new bra, try loosening the straps, or changing to a tighter hook. If that doesn’t work, you will need to go up a band size. Bear in mind that when you increase band size, you might need to go down a cup size (so if your 34C bra is riding up, try a 36B).
Is a bra definitely too tight if it leaves an imprint on your skin?
No. That being said, if you want to avoid it, consider increasing the width of the band at the back.
Cos Mesh Underwired Bra
The cups: how do you avoid spillage?
Spillage usually happens if you’ve reduced your back size (often the right thing to do), or if your boobs aren’t oriented the way your bra wants them to be. Either increase the cup size, or look to a wider wire shape for greater containment.
What about gaping cups?
Try tightening the band to cinch the wire under the breast tissue and bring the cup closer to your body. Tightening the straps might also help. If this fails, you will need to go down at least one cup size.
