Start by taking a soft
measuring tape and measure the chest just below the breast. The tape should be
level back and front and should fall along the lower band of the bra you’re
wearing. The tape should be snug and lie smooth along the skin, but should not
be tight or binding. Take this measurement and add 5 inches to the number. This
becomes your band size.
Next take your tape measure and wrap it
around the fullest point along your bust. This measurement is then compared to
your band size. You subtract the band size from the bust measurement and use
that number to determine your cup size. For every one inch of difference between
the band size and bust measure, you have one cup size.
In the case
of an odd-numbered band size, you will want to try both of the even-number sizes
to either direction to get the more comfortable fit.
For example:
Julia has taken her measurements and her band size is 33, while her bust
measurement is 36. That means a difference of 3 inches, which makes her a “C”
cup. Her proper bra size is going to be 32-C or 34-C.
Here’s a
simple chart for cup-size measurements:
Bust Size – Band
Size = Cup Size
Less than 1
inch AA
1 inch A
2
inches B
3
inches C
4
inches D
This measuring technique is a
great way to ensure the proper fit from your bra. However, you shouldn’t
substitute a measurement for simple “hands-on” fitting. Use this measurement to
give you a starting point when you begin your bra shopping. Be sure to try on
the bra you plan to buy before you leave the store. As with any other item of
clothing, sizing can vary from brand to brand, and even from style to style, so
there’s no way around “trying it on for size” to ensure a proper
fit.Just remember, your bra should be comfortable and should
never feel tight or binding. The cups should support the breasts themselves
without sagging or seeming “over-full”. The goal here is to create a smooth,
shapely silhouette, and a properly fitting brassiere is a key part of reaching
that goal.