Learning how to measure your bra size is essential for all women. Why? It’s really a must-do type of process.
Accurate bra measurement is, without exaggeration, a life-altering process, because it can, literally and figuratively, elevate your life.
80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.
Yes, you’ve read that right. And the funny thing is that women realize this when taking the measures correctly and using them to choose a different bra size. Once they do, they can easily see and feel the difference.
It’s true that accurate bra measurement is often easier said than done, but that’s where we come in. So, let’s go through our step-by-step tutorial to discover:
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Why Is Your Bra Size Important
Bra measurement is relevant for three very simple reasons: comfort, appearance, and wasted resources ( money and time).
A bra is one of the essential clothing items in a woman’s wardrobe. It holds great power over the way she looks. And the way she looks impacts the way she feels.
So in reality a bra is directly connected to how women feel in and about their bodies. But let’s be specific, shall we?
An ill-fitting bra can often lead to physical pain, affecting your shoulders, back, breasts, nipples, and even neck pain. On a psychological level, the wrong bra will negatively alter a woman’s perception of herself. It will lack the power to bring out the beauty of her natural body shape, making her lose confidence in her appearance.
It’s quite impressive how such a small clothing item holds so much power over a woman’s existence. The good thing, though, is that you can use that power for your own benefit, learning how to measure your bra size accurately and using the information to select an item that complements your body and feels great to wear.
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Bra Measurement Tips & Insights
Before we dive deep into the measuring guide, it would be relevant to know a few key details to make the process easier and faster:
1. Bra measurement is a compound number.
When working on how to measure your bra size, keep in mind that this is made up of two components, the number representing the band size and the letter indicating the cup size, which is determined using the size of the breast itself.
2. Choose the right instrument.
As with all body measurements, the best instrument to use for accurate results is a flexible, textile measuring tape.
3. There is no normal bust size.
With other body measurements, there may be different limits or sizing standards. As far as bra measurement is concerned, this doesn’t exactly happen. In other words, anything goes.
Plus, it’s important to know that breast size fluctuates throughout a woman’s life, particularly during menstrual cycles due to different hormonal changes. This is why you need to measure regularly, especially if you are losing or gaining weight.
4. Determine if you are wearing the wrong bra size.
As mentioned earlier, 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Are you part of this number? Here are a few questions to answer:
- Does the band move in the back?
- Does the bra band feel uncomfortable or too tight?
- Do your breast breasts spill over the cups?
- Do you feel the cups support your breasts?
- Are there any gaps in the cups?
While you might be able to fix some of these issues by adjusting the bra, the way in which you feel afterward will help you understand whether you are wearing the correct size.
5. Measure without a bra
The correct bra measurement is done without a bra. Taking the measurements with an extra layer of clothes on, including a bra could lead to inaccuracies.
6. Have a helping hand throughout the measuring process.
Even though you can do the bra measurement on your own, relying on a close friend to assist you would be a wise choice. This would definitely ensure the accuracy of the results.
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How To Measure Your Bra Size Correctly
Now that we’ve covered the importance of knowing your bust measurements, as well as sharing some key insights, it’s high time we go into the actual how to measure your bra size tutorial.
Step One: Find your band size
Known as the underbust measurement, your band size is found just below your breasts, determining the circumference of your torso. To determine your size, place the measuring tape directly under your bust and wrap it around your body.
If you are wearing a bra, make sure you do not place the tape over the bra or underwire, as this might impact the results. This is actually why taking these measurements without a bra is recommended.
Keep a straight posture and ensure the tape is wrapped firmly, but comfortably. And remember to breathe normally before taking the measurement.
Step Two: Find your cup size
This is also known as the bust size.
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, which is usually located over the nipple. Make sure that the measuring tape is held in a firm, comfortable position, parallel to the floor.
Step Three: Determining your bra size
After completing your bra measurement process, you will obtain two separate sizes, expressed either in centimeters or inches.
It is very important to understand that when it comes to undergarments, brands have their interpretations. The B cup for one brand could very well be a C one for another.
While the lack of standard sizing can be frustrating, it is relevant to remember that tailoring bras is quite different from other outfits. The model of the item, material, and of course, body type can influence the actual sizing of the bra. So, it is best to take your measurements, compare them against each brand’s sizing chart, and decide based on that.
If you are between sizes, go up a size to ensure comfortable wear.
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The ABCD of Bra Measurement
Identifying the correct bra size is difficult for several reasons, but one of them has to be the lack of clear-cut sizing standards. What does this mean exactly?
While we may speak the same language, we end up understanding very different things. So, let’s go back to basics: the alphabet.
In this section of our guide, we are going to explain what letters mean in bra language. For clarity, the cup size is generally explained by letters. The foundation of this system is made up of the first four letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, and D, to which they can go on to E, F, G, H, I, J, and K.
However, if we are looking at US brands, we might find that the letters that define cup sizes include: A, B, C, D, DD (which stands for E), DDD (which is the equivalent of F), G,H, I, J, K, and even higher, up to N.
The band size is defined by numbers. While the difference between sizing insights between European countries ( and not only) and the US is the “cm versus inch” issue, there are some other differences as well.
- In France and Spain, sizes increase in increments of 5 (e.g., 80, 85, 90).
- In Italy, band sizes are numbered (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
- The UK follows the US system (e.g., 32, 34, and so on)
- In Australia and New Zealand, band sizes start at 8 and increase in increments of 2 (e.g., 8, 10, 12).
Let’s illustrate these elements in a table to make it simple to follow:
For cup size:
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For band size:
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How Esenca Sizing Can Help
While you can take bra measurements in the comfort of your home using a standard measuring tape, there are plenty of online bra size calculators you can use. However, the challenge is finding one you can trust. Obviously, a test to verify the accuracy is to order an item based on the bra measurement received.
If you’re looking for a place to start, we’d suggest trying Esenca Sizing. There’s really no going wrong with this advanced body measuring solution.
Using our accurate data extraction technology, Esenca provides its users with hundreds of precise sizing insights. Whether you are looking to purchase a new bra, dress, gloves, or pair of pants, this tool has dedicated modules to provide you with on-point measurements. All it takes are two photos that can be taken with your smartphone camera and an estimated completion time of under one minute.
Additionally, once integrated with different online stores, Esenca Sizing can convert body measurements by considering each brand’s sizing charts and providing shoppers with personalized recommendations.
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Conclusion
Purchasing the right bra for your body type can be a complicated process. It’s no wonder that throughout their lives, many women find themselves rotating no more than two, or three bras they are most comfortable in.
The irony of it is that such a complicated situation, has, in reality, a very simple solution. All you need to do is learn how to measure your bra size, whether it’s through the traditional method or using technology, and based on those measurements, select an item.
So, go ahead, give it a try, and see, and feel the difference!
FAQ
Should I wear a bra while measuring my bra size?
Yes, to ensure accurate results, it is recommended to measure on a bare chest. Measuring over other layers could interfere with results and ultimately, lead to inaccuracies.
How often should I re-measure my bra size?
It is true that breasts tend to modify their shape during hormonal fluctuations or weight changes. Therefore, it is recommended to re-measure your bra size twice per year.
What should I do if I am between sizes?
Considering that there are no sizing standards when it comes to bras, each brand having its own charts, it is fairly possible to find yourself in between sizes. Should this happen, the recommendation would be to size up to ensure comfortable wear.
Key Takeaways:
- Choosing the right bra size is imperative: Knowing how to take a bra measurement will allow you to select your correct size, improving your posture and appearance.
- Bra sizes are compound numbers: When determining your bra size, you will need to measure both the bust (bra cup) and underbust (band size).
- Consider your measurements when purchasing bras: Since there are too many variations in bra sizing standards, it would be wise to check each brand’s sizing chart and identify the right fit based on your measurements.
