Bra Size Calculator
Understanding Your Bra Size: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding the right bra size is crucial for comfort, support, and overall breast health. Many women wear the wrong size, leading to discomfort, poor posture, and an unflattering silhouette. Our Bra Size Calculator helps you determine your estimated size based on two key measurements.
Why Correct Bra Size Matters
- Comfort: A well-fitting bra prevents digging straps, gaping cups, and a band that rides up.
- Support: The band, not the straps, should provide most of the support, preventing back and shoulder pain.
- Appearance: The right bra enhances your natural shape, improves posture, and makes clothes fit better.
- Breast Health: Proper support can reduce breast pain and discomfort, especially during physical activity.
How to Measure Yourself Accurately
For the most accurate results, wear a lightly lined, non-padded bra or no bra at all. Use a soft measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror. Take two key measurements:
1. Underbust Measurement (Band Size)
- Wrap the measuring tape snugly around your rib cage, directly under your bust.
- Ensure the tape is level all the way around your back.
- Breathe out to get the smallest possible measurement. This is your Underbust Measurement.
- Example: If your measurement is 30 inches (76.2 cm).
2. Full Bust Measurement (Cup Size)
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust.
- Ensure the tape is level across your back and not too tight or too loose.
- This is your Full Bust Measurement.
- Example: If your measurement is 35 inches (88.9 cm).
How the Calculator Works
Our calculator uses a common method to determine your bra size:
Calculating Your Band Size
The band size is derived from your Underbust Measurement. We take your underbust measurement (converted to inches if you used centimeters), round it up to the nearest whole number, and then adjust it to the nearest even number. For example:
- If your underbust is 30 inches, your band size is 30.
- If your underbust is 31.5 inches, it rounds up to 32, so your band size is 32.
Calculating Your Cup Size
Your cup size is determined by the difference between your Full Bust Measurement and your calculated Band Size (both in inches). Each inch of difference typically corresponds to a cup letter:
- Less than 1 inch difference: AA
- 1 inch difference: A
- 2 inches difference: B
- 3 inches difference: C
- 4 inches difference: D
- 5 inches difference: DD/E
- 6 inches difference: DDD/F
- And so on…
Example Calculation
Let's use the example measurements:
- Underbust Measurement: 30 inches
- Full Bust Measurement: 35 inches
- Band Size: 30 inches (already an even number).
- Cup Difference: 35 inches (Full Bust) – 30 inches (Band Size) = 5 inches.
- Cup Letter: A 5-inch difference corresponds to a DD/E cup.
- Estimated Bra Size: 30DD/E
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
- The Band is Key: The band should be snug and level across your back, not riding up. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the band.
- Scoop and Swoop: After putting on your bra, lean forward and scoop all breast tissue from under your arms and sides into the cups.
- Gore Lies Flat: The center panel (gore) between the cups should lie flat against your sternum, without gapping or digging in.
- Cups Don't Gap or Overflow: Cups should fully contain your breasts without any spillage over the top or sides, and without any gaping.
- Straps are Supportive, Not Sole Support: Straps should feel comfortable and not dig into your shoulders. They should only provide about 10% of the support.
- Sister Sizes: If your calculated size isn't comfortable, try a sister size. For example, if you're a 34C, your sister sizes are 32D (smaller band, larger cup) or 36B (larger band, smaller cup).
Important Note: Bra sizing can vary slightly between brands and styles. This calculator provides an excellent starting point, but it's always best to try on bras to ensure the perfect fit.