Most women have a hard time finding the right fit bra and it’s not because of the bra design/brand but it’s the measurement that they don’t take or even know how to measure bra size correctly. So they kept relying on the size of the bra that they already had. It not only adds up to the frustration but may also cause health concerns.
Wearing an ill-fitting bra can cause headaches, shoulder, and neck pains, which may eventually lead to posture problems. And if you’re wearing bras that are too tight, you might even suffer from breathing problems. Even worse, it might negatively affect how well your lymphatic system functions.
Are You Wearing The Right Sized Bra?
How do you know if you’re wearing the wrong bra size? Here are some of the signs that you are wearing the wrong bra size:
- Bra cup wrinkling (too large cup, consider one cup size smaller)
- Underwire poking in the sides/underarms (small cup size, consider one size up)
- Bra band rides up in the back (wrong band size/bra is too old and needs replacement)
- Bra band digging into your skin
- Cup Spillage (small cup size, consider full coverage bra with one size up)
- Under boobs (small cup size, consider full coverage bra with one size up)
- Straps slipping off (wearing large size, consider one size small)
- Straps digging into shoulders (wearing small size, consider one size up)
Why It’s Important To Measure Bra Size Before Buying A New Bra?
Most women think that their bra size remains the same. They kept buying the same sized bra again and again which eventually ended up in the above-mentioned problems of wearing the wrong size bra. As women, our hormones are fluctuating so our bodies. Breasts change shapes and sizes with the fluctuation of hormones, weight gain/loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, and some other factors to mention. So it’s important to measure first before heading towards undergarments shopping either online or in-store.
How To Measure Your Bra Size Correctly At Home
To correctly measure your bra size, you will need a measuring tape, a wall mirror, and little of your time and patience. Your close trusted friend can also assist you in the measurements but you can also take these simple measurements at your own. Follow along with these steps and you’ll find your perfect bra size.
There are two main measurements of the bra (1) the band size and (2) the cup size. The band size of your bra is based on the circumference of your underbust, which is located under your breasts in the ribcage area. In Pakistan, band sizes are usually measured in inches, and their numerical labels are 30, 32, 34, etc.
The cup size of your bra is based on your breast or bust size, which is calculated by getting the difference between your underbust and your chest or bust circumference. The cup size is represented as the alphabet (e.g., A, B, C, D, etc.)
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
Also known as your underbust width, you can measure your band size by wrapping the measuring tape directly under your breasts. Make sure you are breathing normally when doing so and that your chest is relaxed. This prevents the likelihood that you end up taking your measurements incorrectly. Write down the value on a piece of paper by adding 5 inches if the measurement is an odd number or add 4 inches if the measurement is an even number.
If your underbust/band measurement is an odd number like 31 inches then add 5 inches to it making your band size 36 inches. If the reading is even number like 32 then add 4 inches which makes it 36 inches.
You must take this measurement twice because the band size is the major factor of a perfectly fitted bra. It holds the weight of the breasts and the major source of support. The measuring tape should be snug but not tight or pinching the skin.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
The bust size determines the bra cup size and to get this measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your breasts (i.e., your nipples). Make sure that the measuring tape is at the same height in the back as in the front and that it is parallel to the ground. Also, it should not pinch the skin. Take note of the measurement in inches and write it on a piece of paper. Let’s say it’s 38 inches
Step 3: Calculate Cup Size
Cup size is calculated by subtracting the band size from the bust size and by looking at the remainder value in the chart below.
Let’s say your underbust measurement is 31 inches add 5 inches for the odd number and the final band size becomes 36 inches
Your bust size is 38 inches
Now subtract bust size from the band size 38 – 36 = 2
Find the difference in the chart below
| Difference in inches | Cup Size | |
|---|---|---|
| 1″ | A | |
| 2″ | B | |
| 3″ | C | |
| 4″ | D | |
| 5″ | E | |
The difference of 2 inches represents the cup size B, Your bras size is 36B
Wearing a perfectly fitted bra is not an aesthetic or fashion need, it has more than that. Right size bra doesn’t only support the breasts but also improves the posture, alleviate neck & shoulder pain too. If it’s a time to change your bra then first measure yourself with the help of this guide and reward yourself with a perfect fit bra.
