How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home, the Right Way (2024)
You’ll want to be completely topless for this to ensure you’re measuring your breasts at their most natural, Harrington says — no padding, binding, lifting, or constricting. Take the measuring tape and wrap it around your ribcage, just under your bust. The measuring tape should be parallel to the ground.
You should be able to fit a finger under the measuring tape. “If you’re pulling your tape measure too tightly, you might wind up getting a bra band that’s too tight,” Harrington says. “If you have a larger or heavier bust, you probably do want a bra band that’s a little bit tight, but let’s start off with accurate measurements first. If you have a smaller bust, having a bra band that’s too tight can be very uncomfortable, especially if you are thinner and have less cushion on your rib cage because the bra band is resting directly on those bones.”
Round the measurement to the nearest whole number and you’ve got your band size. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to add four if the measurement is even and add five if the number is odd. So if you measured 34 inches, your band size would be 38; if you measured 27 inches, your band size would be 32. Historically, this has been standard practice in bra measuring and manufacturing — and no one is really sure why. Some speculate the “plus-four rule” was to accommodate for breathing room when bras were made out of un-stretchy material like silk and satin. Popular bra-fit community r/ABraThatFits traced the plus-four method back to the 1960s when bra measurement practices changed. Again, it’s important to consult each manufacturer's fit guide to determine if you’ll need to do this addition.
As an experienced lingerie expert with a deep understanding of bra fitting techniques and historical practices, I'm here to shed light on the intriguing world of bra measurement. My extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience, continuous research in the field, and a passion for helping individuals find the perfect fit. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article you provided, unraveling the intricacies of measuring for an accurate and comfortable bra fit.
The article emphasizes the importance of measuring your breasts in their most natural state, free from any external influence such as padding, binding, lifting, or constriction. This aligns with the fundamental principle of bra fitting, which is to capture the true dimensions of the bust for optimal support and comfort.
The first step involves using a measuring tape to wrap around the ribcage, just under the bust. The tape should be parallel to the ground, and there should be enough room to fit a finger underneath to ensure a snug but not overly tight fit. This meticulous approach reflects an awareness of the significance of precision in measurements to achieve an accurate bra size.
The rounding of the measurement to the nearest whole number is a common practice in bra sizing. This step establishes the band size, a crucial component in finding the right fit. The article introduces an interesting historical aspect known as the "plus-four rule." According to this rule, if the measurement is even, you add four, and if it's odd, you add five. For instance, if you measure 34 inches, your band size would be 38; if you measure 27 inches, your band size would be 32.
The historical context behind the "plus-four rule" adds a layer of curiosity to the bra measurement process. The speculation that this rule originated to accommodate breathing room in bras made from non-stretchy materials like silk and satin showcases the evolution of bra manufacturing practices over time. The article mentions the popular bra-fit community r/ABraThatFits, which traced the plus-four method back to the 1960s when bra measurement practices underwent significant changes.
It's essential to note that while historical practices provide insight, consulting each manufacturer's fit guide is emphasized to determine whether the plus-four rule is applicable. This underlines the variability in sizing methods across different brands and the importance of considering individual fit guides for accurate results.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article reflects a holistic approach to bra measurement, incorporating elements of precision, historical context, and awareness of individual variations in sizing practices.
The best way to choose the right type of bra is to find your band size by measuring around your ribs just under your breasts. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts to find your bust size. Subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement to find your cup size.
The best way to choose the right type of bra is to find your band size by measuring around your ribs just under your breasts. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts to find your bust size. Subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement to find your cup size.
Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust.Subtract the band size from this measurement.Use this number to determine your cup size according to the table below. Example: if your ribcage measurement is 31, and your bust measurement is 37, your bra size is a 34C: 31+3=34, so 34 is your band size.
The mirror's perspective is essential, but the true measure is how it feels under your clothing. “The strap should feel like you're getting support [and] lift, and you should fill up the cup, but there should not be digging in or a double-boob kind of thing–that means the cup is too small,” says Zuccarini.
A cup is a unit of volume measurement of volume equal to 16 tablespoons, pint, quart, or 8 fluid ounces. It is used in cooking to measure liquids and powdery substances.
Which bra is best for daily use? We recommend cotton bras, T-shirt bras, non-padded bras for everyday wear as they are designed to deliver long hours of comfort.
The smallest bra size is generally 28AA, but some places (particularly specialist retailers) will produce AAA cups. 28AA means that the bra band is 28 inches and the bust is less than one inch larger than the ribcage.
How can you find your bra size without a tape measure? You can use something else, like a belt or a long shoe string or ribbon or whatever; wrap that around you to determine your physical size, then lay the item flat and straight and measure it with a ruler, measuring tape, or similar instrument.
Neck and Back Problems. Experts disagree on whether improper bra fit can cause neck and back pain. Some studies say it's not related, but others show people with large breasts are more likely to wear a bra that doesn't provide enough support. This may lead to posture problems and pain.
This one is fairly simple to recognize. When you look down at your bra do you notice space between your breasts and the cup?If so, it's too big. If you aren't able to see any gaps while standing up, try leaning over while looking into a mirror.
The bad fits can also cause major discomfort and pain, with the most common issue — experienced by nearly 37% of respondents — being rubbing or chafing. Side effects of the wrong bra size includes marks and indentations on the shoulders, acne spots, and stretch marks.
Measure your overbust to determine your cup size. Example: If your underbust = 73 cm, your band size is 34. If your overbust = 85 cm, in the 34 band size chart, your bra size is 34B. The measuring tape should be somewhat loose and measured at the fullest part of your chest.
The number portion of the size (the 34 in 34C for example) represents your band size or the measurement around your rib cage just below your breasts. To get this number pull a soft measuring tape tightly around the bottom of your bra band while wearing it.
The cup sizes that are commonly available in a 36 bra size are B, C, D, DD, and DDD. However, this can vary depending on the brand and style of the bra. Some brands may offer larger cup sizes, while others may offer smaller sizes.
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