But a bra is much more than a fashion accessory.įor a bra that is too big or too small is not just uncomfortable, but unhealthy over the long term. Band Size Chart US Band Sizeĭifference Between Bust Size and Band Sizeī Study – Only 48% of Women Wear the Right Bra SizeĪ pretty décolleté? Want to shape the breast in order to emphasize the bust nicely? Yes, a bra can also do that. It must be noted, however, that exact measurement of each bra size may vary depending on the brand or manufacturer. Then, all you need to do is to refer to the generic size charts found below. It is also advisable to note your size in centimeters. size, then it is best to record your measurements in inches. For more help, keep scrolling for a bra-fitting checklist.You need to use a measuring tape to get accurate measurements of your bust and your underbust. And the best way to check if your bra is fitting correctly? "Lift up your arms twist your body, and the bra will fit perfectly in place," she advises. Mercer also said, reassuringly, that you should "never be alarmed if you have to go up a cup size," as this will help your posture. First off, Mercer said that as the average bust size of women is growing (34B to a 36D/36DD in the last decade), "it's become more important than ever to wear a bra for both comfort and support."
#Push up bra size calculator how to#
If you need more guidance, however, I also spoke to bra-fit expert Julia Mercer from M&S, who gave me some further insights so that if you ever want to know how to find the right size, you'll be in no doubt. Of course, it's worth mentioning that bras can fit differently according to different brands, but now you have the basic tools to work out your correct size. For example, if your band size is 34 but your bust size is 37, then your bra size is 34C (difference of 3, again, means it's a C cup). You'll still need your band measurement to give you the number preceding the letter. If the difference is less than 1, then it's AA, 1 means A, 2 means B, 3 means C, 4 means D, 5 means DD, and so on. From the difference between the two sizes, you can work out your cup. Then comes the slightly tricky bit: To work out what your cup size is, you want to subtract your band size from your bust size. Gently take the tape measure and measure it in inches as well. Once you've done the band, then you want to measure the fullest part of your bust. It's incredibly common for people to assume that they have bigger backs than they actually do (or be scared of having a larger cup size for the fear that it will limit their options). But don't worry-you're not alone in that mistake. The first thing you'll learn? You've probably been wearing the wrong bra size for a long, long time. That way, you can be on top of things when you're too busy to visit a lingerie department every six months. So although we would always recommend getting fitted properly, it is a great idea to be able to scope out your own bra size from home. Our bodies change quickly (weight can fluctuate and our figures shift all the time), and wearing the wrong-size bra can be rather damaging to your breast tissue. There are loads of ways you get your bra fitted (and I do venture afield, as you'll see below), but the truth is that it's super-important to keep checking. Without the help of our bra-size calculator below, finding out (and updating) your bra size can be a time-consuming and downright annoying thing.