When measuring for your first bra at home, it is important to start by accurately determining your band size. To do this, use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it snugly around your ribcage, just below your bust. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground and take note of the measurement in inches. Next, measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a non-padded bra, again making sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground. Take note of this measurement as well.
Now that you have both measurements, subtract your band size from your bust size to determine your cup size. For example, if you measured 34 inches around your ribcage and 38 inches around your bust, there would be a difference of 4 inches, which corresponds to a D cup. Combine this with the band size to find out what works best for you – in my experience as a bra specialist – I suggest trying on bras with different styles (e.g. demi-cup or full-coverage) and materials (e.g. lace or cotton) before making a final decision on what works best for you.
A common misconception when measuring for a first bra at home is that it’s only about finding something that looks good; however, fit is more important than aesthetics. The truth is that an ill-fitting bra can lead to discomfort or even health issues such as shoulder pain or back problems due to lack of support.
An interesting fact about measuring for a first bra at home is that most people don’t realize how much our bodies can change over time – including breast size. Knowing this can be useful because it means we should re-measure ourselves periodically and not assume we will always wear the same size.
I hope these tips help you get started on finding the perfect first bra. Remember: finding the right fit takes patience but once you do – oh boy!, Confidence skyrockets – embrace it.
| Measurement | Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Band size | Measure around your ribcage just below your bust | Rounded to the nearest inch, add 5 inches if measurement is an odd number, and this is your band size |
| Bust size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Cup size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Band size | Measure around your ribcage just below your bust | Rounded to the nearest inch, add 5 inches if measurement is an odd number, and this is your band size |
| Bust size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Cup size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Band size | Measure around your ribcage just below your bust | Rounded to the nearest inch, add 5 inches if measurement is an odd number, and this is your band size |
| Bust size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Cup size | Measure around the fullest part of your bust | Subtract your band size from your bust measurement, each inch difference is a cup size (1 inch=A, 2 inches=B, and so on) |
| Band size | Measure around your ribcage just below your bust | Rounded to the nearest inch, add 5 inches if measurement is an odd number, and this is your band size |