Bare Necessities Bra Size Calculator
Finding your perfect bra size is crucial for comfort, support, and the way your clothes fit. This calculator uses standard measurement methods to help you determine your ideal bra size. Remember, these are guidelines, and individual fit can vary by brand and style.
Measure snugly around your rib cage, directly under your bust.
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring the tape is level.
Understanding Bra Sizing
Bra sizing typically involves two main components: the band size and the cup size. Both are derived from specific body measurements.
How to Measure Correctly:
- Underbust Measurement (Band Size): Stand upright without a bra or in a non-padded bra. Wrap a soft measuring tape snugly around your rib cage, directly under your bust. Ensure the tape is level all the way around your back. Breathe out fully to get the smallest measurement. This measurement is the foundation for your band size.
- Fullest Bust Measurement (Cup Size): While still standing upright, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is level across your back and not too tight or too loose. If you're wearing a bra, ensure it's non-padded and supportive.
The Calculation Logic Explained:
Our calculator uses a common method to determine your bra size:
- Band Size: Your snug underbust measurement is used to determine your band size. If your underbust measurement is an even number, that's your band size. If it's an odd number, we add 1 inch to get to the nearest even number, which becomes your band size. For example, an underbust of 31 inches becomes a 32 band, and an underbust of 32 inches remains a 32 band.
- Cup Size: The difference between your fullest bust measurement and your calculated band size determines your cup size. Each inch of difference typically corresponds to a letter cup size.
- 0-0.99 inch difference: AA Cup
- 1-1.99 inch difference: A Cup
- 2-2.99 inch difference: B Cup
- 3-3.99 inch difference: C Cup
- 4-4.99 inch difference: D Cup
- 5-5.99 inch difference: DD (or E) Cup
- 6-6.99 inch difference: DDD (or F) Cup
- 7-7.99 inch difference: G Cup
- 8-8.99 inch difference: H Cup
- 9-9.99 inch difference: I Cup
- 10-10.99 inch difference: J Cup
- 11-11.99 inch difference: K Cup
- 12-12.99 inch difference: L Cup
- 13-13.99 inch difference: M Cup
- 14-14.99 inch difference: N Cup
- 15-15.99 inch difference: O Cup
- 16-16.99 inch difference: P Cup
Why a Good Fit Matters:
A well-fitting bra can significantly improve your posture, alleviate back and shoulder pain, and enhance the appearance of your clothing. Conversely, a poorly fitting bra can cause discomfort, digging straps, spillage, and lack of support.
Important Considerations:
Bra sizing is not an exact science, and different brands may have slight variations in their sizing. This calculator provides a great starting point. For the most accurate fit, consider visiting a professional bra fitter who can assess your unique shape and recommend specific styles.
Also, remember that your bra size can change over time due to weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or aging. It's a good idea to re-measure yourself periodically.
Examples:
- Example 1: If your underbust is 31 inches and your fullest bust is 37 inches:
- Band Size: 31 (odd) + 1 = 32 inches.
- Cup Difference: 37 – 32 = 5 inches.
- Recommended Bra Size: 32DD.
- Example 2: If your underbust is 34 inches and your fullest bust is 36 inches:
- Band Size: 34 (even) = 34 inches.
- Cup Difference: 36 – 34 = 2 inches.
- Recommended Bra Size: 34B.
- Example 3: If your underbust is 29.5 inches and your fullest bust is 30 inches:
- Band Size: 29.5 (rounds to 30, then 30 is even) = 30 inches.
- Cup Difference: 30 – 30 = 0 inches.
- Recommended Bra Size: 30AA.