Have you ever tried on a dozen bras and left the store with nothing but frustration? You’re not alone. A wrong-sized bra can make the whole day uncomfortable, from straps slipping down to underwires that feel like stabbing you.
We’ve all been there, tugging at our bra straps and readjusting multiple times a day. It makes you dread even putting one on in the morning.
This article explains how to find the right bra so you can finally say goodbye to those awkward fitting room moments.
Why Is Wearing the Right Bra Size So Important?
Wearing the right bra size is not just about feeling comfortable, although that’s certainly important. The fit also impacts your posture, overall health, and how your clothes fit and look on you.
- Comfort Throughout the Day: A bra that fits well feels good. It lets you move freely without any pain or discomfort.
- Better Posture: A bra that doesn’t support you well can lead to bad posture. You might find yourself slouching or hunching over to compensate for the lack of support.
- Healthier Breasts: Wearing a bra that’s too tight can restrict blood flow, while a loose one offers little to no support. Over time, wearing the wrong bra size can lead to health issues like back or breast pain.
- Clothes Look and Fit Better: The right bra makes a big difference in how your clothes fit. Shirts and dresses lay more smoothly, making you look more put-together.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Bra Size
In most U.S. brands, bra sizes usually start from A, which is the smallest size, and go up to H. However, there are even bigger sizes available. The current largest known bra size is a staggering 102 ZZZ. Now, let’s get into how you can find the right bra.
Measuring the Band Size
- Put on a Non-Padded Bra: Put on a bra you already own that fits you well and isn’t padded.
- Find a Mirror: Stand before a mirror and let your arms hang down by your sides.
- Measure: Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, just under your breasts. It should feel snug but not super tight.
- Check the Number and Adjust: Write down the number in inches. If you mistakenly took the reading in cm, don’t worry. Use a calculator to convert cm to inches. If the measurement is not a whole number, round it to the next number. Then, add four inches to this number to get your band size. For instance, if you measure 30 inches around, adding 4 inches makes it 34.
- Test for Snugness: Your band should feel snug but not overly tight. Check if you can easily fit more than two fingers between the band and your skin.
Measuring the Cup Size
- Stick with the Same Bra: Keep on the non-padded bra that you wore for measuring your band size. It will help you get the most accurate measurement for your cup size.
- Time to Measure: Stand in front of the mirror. Measure the fullest part of your bust (around the nipples). Ensure to keep the tape level.
- Do the Math: Now subtract your band size (the measurement you took around your ribcage) from the bust size. Use this number to determine your cup size according to the chart below.
| Difference | 0″ | 1″ | 2″ | 3″ | 4″ | 5″ | 6″ |
| Cup size | AA | A | B | C | D | DD/E | DDD/F |
Example: 36 (bust) – 34 (band) = 2 Inches. Your bra size will be 34B
Key Takeaways
Wearing the wrong bra size is more than a minor hassle. It can lead to back pain, make you constantly adjust your straps, and even make your favorite shirt look off.
Here’s how you can find the correct bra size:
- Measure the Band Size: Start by measuring the area around your ribcage, just below your breasts. Add 3 or 4 inches to get your band size.
- Measure the Cup Size: Next, measure the fullest part of your bust, around your nipples.
- Calculate and Find Your Size: Subtract the band measurement from the bust measurement to find the difference. This difference tells you your cup size. For example, if your ribcage measures 32 inches and your bust is 38 inches, the difference is 6 inches. This means your correct bra size is 36D.
