How to Measure Bra Size
Measuring bra size will be necessary, because if it is ill fitting, discomfort and
pressure will be felt on the shoulders. Here is how to do it.
What You Will Need
Tape measure
Bra
Step 1
Stand straight up. Place your arms on the sides and breathe in a normal manner.
Step 2
Put the tape around your upper chest and back. Do this by going below your armpits and over the breasts. Ensure the tape is set tight against the skin. Round off the figure if it is a fraction. Example: 31.7 (80.3 cm) will be 32 inches (81.3 cm).
Step 3
Continue measuring bra size by putting the tape measure tight on the back. This is done by going across the ribcage and under the breasts. If you obtain an even number, add 4 inches (10.2 cm) to the figure. Add five inches (12.7 cm). The resulting figure is the band size.
Step 4
To get your cup size, measure your chest diameter. The breasts have to be measured at the fullest area. This will be around the nipple part. To get your cup size, subtract the band size from the chest plus your measurement for the breast.
Suppose your breast and chest measure 34 inches (86.4 cm) and the band measures 32 inches (81.3 cm). The difference is 2 inches.
Cup Size Differences
1 inch (2.5 cm): A; 2 inches (5.1 cm): B; 3 inches (7.6 cm): C; 4 inches (10.2 cm): D; 5 inches (12.7 cm): DD or E; 6 inches (15.2 cm): F and 7 inches (17.8 cm): G. In the example being given, the difference is two inches. This means the cup measurement is B.
Measuring Sports Bra Sizes
Measuring bra size in this case is a bit different. Start by wearing a no-pad bra. Stand in front of the mirror. Do not wear a shirt.
Step 1
Place the tape measure under the arms and over the breasts. Round the figure off if it is in fractions.
Step 2
Put the tape measure at the fullest part of the breasts. Take note of the number. Subtract the chest figures from the number you obtained here. If the difference is less than an inch, your cup size will be AA.
An inch is equivalent to A while 2 inches is equal to B. 3 inches is the same as C and 4 inches is the same as D. 5 inches is equal to DD.
Step 3
Combine the two numbers (i.e., 36B). A small sports bra will be suitable for the 32-34 A/B range. The medium size is for 34-36 B/C. The large bra size is for chests sized 36-38 C. The XL bra will be for the 38-40 C/D.
After measuring bra size, you should take note of how it feels. The important thing is how you feel. If the bra feels tight, get a larger size, even if the figures say the bra is right for you. Your comfort level should always be the priority.