There’s nothing worse than wearing the wrong size bra. We’ve all done it at some point, but it’s time to adult and start taking fit more seriously.

So, if you’re wearing the wrong size bra – or worse have no idea what your bra size is – then this blog post is for you!

We’ll guide you through the basics of how to measure for the correct bra size and provide tips to help make sure you’re getting the best fit.

Why Is Proper Bra Fit Important?

It’s easy to assume it’s no big deal, but wearing the correct bra size is actually pretty important.

Wearing the correct bra size can improve comfort, support, and overall health of the breast.

Comfort

An uncomfortable bra is the worst.

if the bra is too tight, it can restrict the movement of your ribcage and pull your shoulders forward, leading to strain and discomfort in the back muscles.

Wearing the correct size bra can improve comfort by reducing the pressure on your shoulders and back caused by straps that are too tight, or by a band that is too loose.

Support

It can provide proper support to the breast, helping to prevent sagging and maintain the shape of the breast.

The support of the bra lifts and distributes your breast weight evenly, which prevents the ligaments from overstretching and sagging.

This support can also help prevent back pain and poor posture that can occur when the breasts are not properly supported.

Overall Health

In terms of overall health, wearing the correct bra size can help prevent breast pain and breast tissue damage that can occur and help reduce the risk of skin irritation, chafing, and infections caused by ill-fitting bras.

Additionally, wearing the correct bra size can help reduce the risk of breast-related conditions such as mastitis (breast inflammation) and cysts.

Confidence

A well-fitting bra can also enhance your figure and boost self-confidence by supporting your breasts and lifting them to create a flattering shape.

This helps create a smooth and seamless silhouette, making it easier to wear form-fitting or tight clothing.

A well-fitting bra can also help to create a balanced look, ensuring that your breasts are proportionate to the rest of the body. This can help to create a more flattering look overall.

In terms of self-confidence, wearing a well-fitting bra just makes you feel more comfortable and secure in your own skin.

When a bra fits well, it can be easy to forget that you are wearing it, allowing you to focus on other things and feel more at ease.

Plus, feeling good about how you look can boost self-confidence and help you to feel more confident in social and professional situations.

How to Measure for the Correct Bra Size in 3 Simple Steps

We’ve broken down measuring for the correct bra size to 3 steps: measuring the band size, measuring your cup size, and finally determining your perfect bra size.

Step 1: Measure Your Band Size

Your band size is an essential measurement in determining your overall bra size, as it provides the foundation for a proper fit. In this section, we will go over what band size is, how to measure it, and provide tips for getting an accurate measurement.

What is Band Size?

Band size is the measurement around the rib cage, just under the bust.

It is the foundation of the bra and it provides the majority of the support for the breasts.

The band size is represented by a number, such as 34, 36, 38, and so on.

The band size measurement is taken using a measuring tape, it’s important to keep the tape measure snug but not too tight to the body.

Once you have the measurement, you can use a bra size chart to find the corresponding band size.

The band size measurement varies depending on the brand and style of the bra, so it’s important to check the brand’s size chart to find the right size.

How to Correctly Measure Band Size

Measuring your rib cage for band size is a simple process that can be done at home.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly measure your rib cage for band size:

1. Get a measuring tape: You can use a standard sewing measuring tape or a flexible measuring tape specifically designed for bra fitting.
2. Wear a non-padded bra: It is important to have an accurate measurement and a bra with padding or any other kind of padding will affect the measurement.
3. Stand up straight: Stand in front of a mirror and make sure your shoulders are relaxed and your back is straight.
4. Measure around your rib cage: Place the measuring tape just under your bust, where the band of your bra would sit. Make sure the tape is level and snug but not too tight. Take note of the measurement in inches.
5. Round up or down: If your measurement falls between two sizes, round up or down to the nearest whole number.
6. Use a size chart: Once you have your measurement, use a size chart like the one below to determine your band size.
7. Remember to repeat the process: It’s important to remember that your body and size may change over time, so it’s recommended to repeat the process every 6 months or so and adjust your band size as necessary.

Band Size Chart

Here is a sample chart that shows rib cage measurements and their corresponding band sizes:

This chart shows the typical rib cage measurements and the corresponding band sizes. Keep in mind that this is just a sample chart and actual band size measurements may vary depending on the brand and style of the bra.

It’s also important to note that this chart only includes standard sizes and not every brand has all the sizes, so it’s important to check the brand’s size chart or consult with an expert to find the perfect fit.

Tips for getting an accurate measurement

In addition to wearing a non-padded bra and standing up straight when you measure, here are a few more tips to make sure you get an accurate measurement:

1. Take the measurement twice: It’s a good idea to take the measurement twice to ensure accuracy and to compare the two measurements.
2. Don’t pull the measuring tape too tight: Make sure the measuring tape is snug against your skin, but don’t pull it too tight. This can cause a measurement that is too small.

Step 2: Measure Your Cup Size

In this section, we’ll discuss the second step in measuring for the correct bra size: measuring your cup size.

Your cup size is an essential measurement in determining your overall bra size, as it indicates the size of the cup that will properly fit your breasts.

In this section, we will go over what cup size is, how to measure it, and provide tips for getting an accurate measurement.

It is important to note that measuring your cup size correctly is crucial for a proper fit, and that will ensure that the bra will provide the necessary support and comfort.

So, let’s get started and learn how to measure your cup size correctly.

What Is Cup Size?

Cup size refers to the measurement of the breast tissue that fills a bra cup. Cup size is represented by a letter, such as A, B, C, D and so on, and the letter indicates the relative volume of the breast.

The measurement of the cup size is taken by measuring the fullest part of the breast, usually across the nipples, while wearing a non-padded bra.

The measurement is then compared to the band size measurement to determine the appropriate cup size.

It’s important to note that cup size is not an absolute measurement, as it varies among different brands and styles of bras.

It’s also not the same as the breast size in inches or centimeters, as it’s a relative measurement. A woman can wear different cup sizes depending on the band size, even if the volume of the breast is the same.

And to make it even more difficult, there’s no international standardization of cup sizes, so the same cup letter may not represent the same volume depending on the brand, style or country.

Therefore, it’s important to check the brand’s size chart or consult with an expert to find the perfect fit.

How to Measure Cup Size

Measuring your cup size is a simple process that can be done at home, here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure your cup size:

1. Wear a non-padded bra: It is important to have an accurate measurement and a bra with padding or any other kind of padding will affect the measurement.
2. Stand up straight: Stand in front of a mirror and make sure your shoulders are relaxed and your back is straight.
3. Measure around the fullest part of the breast: Place the measuring tape around the fullest part of the breast, usually across the nipples. Make sure the tape is level and snug but not too tight. Take note of the measurement in inches.
4. Subtract the band size measurement from the cup size measurement: To determine the cup size, subtract the band size measurement from the cup size measurement. The difference between the two measurements corresponds to the cup size.
5. Use a cup size chart: Once you have the difference, you can use a cup size chart like the one below to determine the corresponding cup size.
6. Remember to repeat the process: It’s important to remember that your body and size may change over time, so it’s recommended to repeat the process every 6 months or so and adjust your cup size as necessary.

Here’s an example of how to use the subtraction method to determine cup size:

Let’s say your band size measurement is 34 inches.

You then measure around the fullest part of your breast and get a measurement of 37 inches.

To determine your cup size, just subtract your band size measurement (34 inches) from your cup size measurement (37 inches).

The difference is 3 inches.

Using a cup size chart, a difference of 3 inches corresponds to a cup size of C.

Cup Size Chart

Here’s a cup size chart to help you figure it out at a glance:

This chart shows the typical difference between the band size and cup size measurements and the corresponding cup sizes.

Keep in mind that this is just a sample chart and actual cup size measurements may vary depending on the brand and style of the bra.

It’s also important to note that this chart only includes standard sizes and not every brand has all the sizes, so it’s important to check the brand’s size chart or consult with an expert to find the perfect fit.

Step 3: Determine Your Bra Size

Now, let’s discuss the final step in measuring for the correct bra size: determining your bra size.

By now, you should have your band size and cup size measurements, and in this section, we will show you how to combine these measurements to determine your overall bra size.

In this section, we will also provide tips for getting the best fit and how to adjust it.

So, let’s get started and learn how to determine your bra size correctly.

How to Use the Measurements to Determine Bra Size

Now that you know both your band size and your cup size, you just put them together to determine your bra size.

For example, if your band size is 36 and your cup size is D, your bra size is 36D.

It science! Easier than rocket science, but more useful, in my opinion.

Tips for Interpreting Bra Size Charts

Bra size charts can be confusing, and it’s important to know how to interpret them correctly to ensure a proper fit.

Here are some tips:

1. Look for size ranges: Many bra size charts have a range of sizes, and it’s important to find the size that corresponds to your band and cup measurements.
2. Check the measurement units: Some size charts use inches, while others use centimeters. Make sure you are using the correct units for your measurements.
3. Understand the conversion: Some brands may use different conventions when it comes to bra sizes, so it’s important to understand how to convert the size.
4. Check the brand’s size chart: Every brand has a different size chart, so it’s important to check the brand’s size chart or consult with an expert to find the perfect fit.
5. Keep in mind that cup size is relative: Keep in mind that cup size is a relative measurement, and it varies among different brands and styles of bras.
6. Check the different styles: Some styles of bras will fit you better than others, and it’s important to try on different styles to find the best fit.
7. Remember that your body and size may change: It’s important to remember that your body and size may change over time, so it’s recommended to repeat the process every 6 months or so and adjust your bra size as necessary.

How to Adjust for Different Brands and Bra Styles

Different brands and styles of bras can have variations in sizing, so it’s important to know how to adjust for these variations to ensure a proper fit.

Here are some tips for adjusting for different brands and styles of bras:

1. Try on different styles: Some styles of bras will fit you better than others, so it’s important to try on different styles to find the best fit.
2. Adjust the band size: The band size is the most important measurement for a proper fit, and it’s important to make sure the band fits snugly but not too tight.
3. Adjust the cup size: The cup size should fit comfortably without any bulging or gaping.
4. Adjust the straps: The straps should be adjusted to fit snugly without slipping off the shoulders.
5. Adjust the back band: Make sure the back band is level and not riding up.
6. Check for proper support: The bra should provide proper support and lift for the breasts.

Common Bra Fitting Issues

Finding the perfect fitting bra can be challenging – obviously or you likely wouldn’t be here – and it’s not uncommon to encounter some fitting issues.

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common fitting issues that women face when trying to find the right bra size.

We will also provide tips and solutions to help you overcome these issues and find the perfect fit. Whether you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or simply not happy with the way your bra looks, this section will provide you with the knowledge and tools to solve these issues and find the perfect fit.

So, let’s get started and learn how to overcome common fitting issues.

The Issues & Why They Happen

There are several common bra fitting issues that women may face when trying to find the right bra size. Here are some of the most common issues and an explanation about why they happen:

1. Cups that are too small: This issue occurs when the cups of the bra do not fully cover the breasts, resulting in spillage or bulging. This can be caused by a cup size that is too small or a band size that is too big.
2. Cups that are too big: This issue occurs when the cups of the bra are too large and create wrinkles or gaps. This can be caused by a cup size that is too large or a band size that is too small.
3. Band that is too loose: This issue occurs when the band of the bra rides up the back or feels too loose. This can be caused by a band size that is too large or the straps being adjusted too tightly.
4. Band that is too tight: This issue occurs when the band of the bra feels too tight and digs into the skin. This can be caused by a band size that is too small or the straps being adjusted too loosely.
5. Straps that are too loose: This issue occurs when the straps of the bra slip off the shoulders. This can be caused by straps that are too loose or a band size that is too big.
6. Straps that are too tight: This issue occurs when the straps of the bra dig into the shoulders. This can be caused by straps that are too tight or a band size that is too small.

How to identify these issues

Identifying bra fitting issues can be tricky, but there are several signs that can help you identify common fitting issues. Here’s how:

1. Cups that are too small: Signs of cups that are too small include spillage or bulging at the top or sides of the cups. You may also notice that the cups do not fully cover the breasts.
2. Cups that are too big: Signs of cups that are too big include wrinkles or gaps in the cups. You may also notice that the cups do not stay in place and move around while wearing the bra.
3. Band that is too loose: Signs of a band that is too loose include the band riding up the back or feeling too loose. You may also notice that the straps are too tight even when fully adjusted.
4. Band that is too tight: Signs of a band that is too tight include the band digging into the skin or the dreaded ‘back fat’ issue. You may also notice that the straps are too loose even when fully adjusted.
5. Straps that are too loose: Signs of straps that are too loose include the straps slipping off the shoulders. You may also notice that the band rides up the back or feels too loose.
6. Straps that are too tight: Signs of straps that are too tight include the straps digging into the shoulders. You may also notice marks or indentations left on your skin after you take off your bra.

How to Adjust for Bra Fit Issues

Once you have identified a bra fitting issue, it’s important to know how to adjust for it to ensure a proper fit. Here are some tips on how to adjust for common fitting issues:

1. Cups that are too small: To adjust for cups that are too small, try going up a cup size or adjusting the band size to ensure a proper fit.
2. Cups that are too big: To adjust for cups that are too big, try going down a cup size or adjusting the band size to ensure a proper fit. You can also adjust your breast in the cup by bending over and shimmying into the cup a bit.
3. Band that is too loose: To adjust for a band that is too loose, try going down a band size or adjusting the straps to ensure a proper fit.
4. Band that is too tight: To adjust for a band that is too tight, try going up a band size or adjusting the straps to ensure a proper fit.
5. Straps that are too loose: To adjust for straps that are too loose, try tightening the straps or adjusting the band size to ensure a proper fit.
6. Straps that are too tight: To adjust for straps that are too tight, try loosening the straps or adjusting the band size to ensure a proper fit.

To Sum It Up

In this article, we discussed the importance of measuring for the correct bra size and provided a step-by-step guide on how to measure for band size, cup size, and overall bra size.

We covered common fitting issues such as cups that are too small or too big, a band that is too loose or too tight, and straps that are too loose or too tight.

We provided tips on how to identify these issues and how to adjust for them.

So, we covered a lot, chica!

Going forward, it is important to remember that every brand fits differently, so it’s important to check the brand’s size chart or consult with an expert to find the perfect fit.

Also, don’t forget that your body and size may change over time, so we recommend repeating the process every 6 months or so to adjust your bra size as necessary.

Now, go forth and fit that bra! And be sure to let us know if you have questions or we can help in any way – that’s what Fab Foundations is all about.