Most women, unfortunately, don’t realize that they’re not wearing the right size bra. Wearing the wrong size bra can lead to a lot of health problems in addition to simply making a woman feel and look shapeless. A wrong size bra can result in scarring underneath the breasts, inadequate support, and poor posture. Rather than subjecting yourself to back pain, shoulder pain, and lymph node blockages, simply invest in the correct size bra. You can now skip going to get fitted for a bra and find out your own size in the comfort of your home, which is great for women who want to shop online. Check out these great ways to measure your bra size without having to drive to the store.
1. Gather Equipment
The first step in measuring your bra size is to put on a supportive bra that is solid and offers plenty of lift. You will also need to have a flexible measuring tape on hand so that you can easily measure your body.
2. Measure Your Rib Cage
Once you have on a supportive bra and are prepared with a measuring tape, then you first need to measure your rib cage. Warp the measuring tape all of the way around the band of the bra, using a mirror to ensure that it is completely parallel to the floor, otherwise you will skew your measurements. Do not allow the measuring tape to rest on the breasts, as this will cause the measurement to be too large. While you don’t want to pull the measuring tape too tightly around the ribs, you need to make sure that it is snug enough to not slip down when you move.
3. Decide on Your Band Size
Using the number that you measured around your rib cage, you can easily determine the best band size for your new bra. Check where the end of the measuring tape overlaps the tape in the front of your body. The number that the end rests on is your band size. If you are not on an even number then round down to determine your band size. Add 4” to this size to determine your band size.
4. Measure Your Bust
After measuring your band size, you will then need to determine your bust size. Keep the measuring tape around your back and parallel to the floor, but lift it up slightly so that it is resting on the fullest part of your chest. Expand your ribs by breathing deeply, as this will ensure that the measuring tape rests comfortably and that you will have room to breathe.
5. Determine Your Cup Size
Holding the measuring tape in place, look to see where the end of the tape overlaps so that you can determine your cup size. If the number is not a whole number, then simply round up to the nearest whole number. Subtract this number from the number that you measured around your ribs. Make sure that you do not use the band number, which is your rib cage plus 4”. Use the following information to help you determine what size cup you should be wearing.
1” difference – A cup
2” difference – B cup
3” difference – C cup
4” difference – D cup
5” difference – DD cup
6” difference – DDD cup
7” difference – F cup
8” difference – G cup
9” difference – H cup
10” difference – I cup
6. Check for Gaps
Once you know what size bra you should be wearing, then you can go shopping and try on a few options. It’s important, even if you carefully measure, to try on bras so that you can troubleshoot. Gaps in the bra mean that the bra is too big. Any gaps will cause the bra to feel loose and won’t give you the support that you really need to feel and look your best. Try going down a cup size to see if this fixes the problem.
7. Pay Attention to the Straps
Straps that are either too loose or are too tight are a clear sign that your band is not the right size. Sizing down is the best way to address this problem. While you can make some adjustments to the straps of a bra, it’s only by getting the right size that you can be sure your bra will be perfectly comfortable to wear.
8. Check for Overflow
If you are not fully contained in your new bra then you probably have the wrong size cup. A cup that is too small will force a chest up and won’t contain the breasts, which can be very uncomfortable. If this is the problem, then it’s a good idea to opt for a larger cup size, but you will want to try to keep the band the same size or even go down one size in the band to compensate for the larger cups.
9. Pay Attention to the Underwire
Uncomfortable underwire is a clear indicator that there is a problem with the bra. Underwire offers great support, but you shouldn’t be able to feel it in your bra. If you can feel it digging into your skin, then that is a sign that the band is too tight. Underwire should fit flat on the ribs without digging in or popping out of the sides. If the underwire pulls up and sits on the top of your chest, then it not only defeats the purpose of the bra, but is also uncomfortable. This is a sign that the band is too small or that the cups are too small.
10. The Bra Pulls up
When you lift your hands over your head the bra should stay where it is. It is common for older bras to pop up in the front or to have a back band that pulls up in the back. Both of these are clear indicators of a bra that doesn’t fit correctly. The best option in this case is to look for a bra with a tighter band that will stay in place when you move.
11. Feel the Center Gore
The center gore is the small area between the cups and should always lie flat on the ribs. If you can stick a finger underneath the gore, then the bra will ride up when you move. On the other hand, a gore that is too tight will press uncomfortably into the ribs or sternum, making the bra uncomfortable to wear.
