How to Measure Bra Size

 

“In my experience fitting with a tape measure is only accurate on an A-D cup bust size, upto about a size 14, after this it is very rare that you get the exact fit. Choosing a bra within different brands, styles, colours and fabrics can all add to a difference in size.” - Debra

 

BRA FITTING GUIDE

 

In-store we assess each bra on the body to ensure you have the best fit possible. We are passionate about fitting you for a bra because a correct fitting bra can stop all sorts of common problems. In 16 years, we are proud to say we have professionally fitted over 1,000,000 women for their bras.
We understand the challenges of buying the right size bra online. That’s why we have created this guide to help you measure your bra size accurately at home. We believe there is a bra for everybody so if you’ve ever wondered, “What bra size am I?”, read on to find out.

BRA SIZE MATRIX - HOW TO PROPERLY MEASURE BRA SIZE

The measurement tables below are a good guide, they are not an exact science. While they might be accurate and work well for women with smaller busts, it’s not always the case for fuller busts. That’s why it is important to assess bra fit too. Please see below images for good and ill fitting bras which should help you when selecting your size if you are unable to visit us in store.

 

HOW TO MEASURE BRA BAND SIZE (UNDER-BUST)

The under-bust measurement will establish the size of the band (the bit that goes round your body). Remember that many bra bands have some elasticity which is why it is important you hold the tape measure firmly around your body while taking measurements. You don’t want any slack as a firmly fitting band will provide the most support, alleviating pressure on your shoulders from bra straps.

UNDERBUST SIZE (CM)	65-67	67-72	72-77	77-82	82-87	87-92	92-97	97-102	102-107	107-112	112-117	117-122	122-127
BAND SIZE	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
US BAND SIZE	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54

HOW TO MEASURE BRA CUPS SIZE (OVER-BUST)

The over-bust measurement will help establish your cup size. Place the tape measure around your body ensuring it is straight and without kinks. Then move it up to sit over the widest part of your breasts - often over the nipple. You’ll want it sitting lightly while you take the measurement. 

 

	A	B	C	D	DD	E	F	FF	G	GG	H	HH	J	JJ	K
8	77-79	79--81	81-83	83-85	85-87	87-89	89-91	91-93	93-95	95-97	97--99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107
10	82-84	84-86	86-88	88-90	90-92	92-94	94-96	96-98	98-100	100-102	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112
12	87-89	89-91	91-93	93-95	95-97	97-99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117
14	92-94	94-96	96-98	98-100	100-102	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122
16	97-99	99-101	101-103	103-105	105-107	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127
18	102-104	104-106	106-108	108-110	110-112	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132
20	107-109	109-111	111-113	113-115	115-117	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137
22	112-114	114-116	116-118	118-120	120-122	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142
24	117-119	119-121	121-123	123-125	125-127	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147
26	122-124	124-126	126-128	128-130	130-132	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142	142-144	144-146	146-148	148-150	150-152
28	127-129	129-131	131-133	133-135	135-137	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147	147-149	149-151	151-153	153-155	155-157
30	132-134	134-136	136-138	138-140	140-142	142-144	144-146	146-148	148-150	150-152	152-154	154-156	156-158	158-160	160-162
32	137-139	139-141	141-143	143-145	145-147	147-149	149-151	151-153	153-155	155-157	157-159	159-161	161-163	163-165	165-167

 

A BRA THAT FITS WELL

A bra fits well when it meets the following criteria:

• It fits snugly around the back & sits evenly on the body from front to back.
• The underwires sit flush against your chest.
• Your whole breast fits into the cup with NO spillage or gaping.
• You can fit your finger under the straps.

IMAGES TO HELP YOU MEASURE BRA SIZE AND ADJUST

 UNDERBAND

 The underband should be firm, but not uncomfortable. If the underband is riding up, the back size is too big.

Example of a well fitted underband	Example of a poorly fitted underband

CUPS

 The breasts should be totally encased within the wire, which should sit flat against the body. If the wires dig in at the underarm or the bust is bulging over the cups, a larger cup size is needed.

Example of a well fitted cup	Example of a poorly fitted cup

UNDERWIRE

Wires should sit close to the chest and the bra should stay in place when the arms are lifted. If the wires lift under the band when arms are raised, a smaller band is required.

Example of a well fitted underwire	Example of a poorly fitted underwire

 

OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BRA FIT

 

BRA SHAPES

Finding the correct shaped bra for you is just as important as the fit. The correct shape bra can be very minimising to the bust. See our bra shape suggestions for ladies with a larger bust.

BALCONETTE

Have a question? Why not try out our FAQs page!