Q&A for How to Measure Your Bra Size

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I measure my bust for a dress?
    Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane.
    Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Wear a bra that is unpadded and measure above your bust (the tape will be in your armpits), at the fullest part of your bust, and then below your bust.
  • Question
    I'm 12 and I have to figure out this whole bra fitting thing myself. Is it normal to be a B cup at my age?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is certainly possible.
  • Question
    How do I measure my bra size without a flexible measuring tape?
    Community Answer
    Get a ribbon and mark your measurements, then you can measure the ribbon with a yardstick or steel tape measure.
  • Question
    I have a very long torso (I'm tall). How do I size for this?
    Community Answer
    The length of your torso shouldn't matter because you will be measuring around yourself horizontally.
  • Question
    What if I am bigger going around my back than I am in cup size?
    Community Answer
    You can design customized bras online according to your size and height. Google "custom bras."
  • Question
    I have never bought a bra before. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Go to a store that specializes in lingerie. Then you can ask an attendant for help without being embarrassed because they size people every day.
  • Question
    My measurement under my bra is 30 and across the bra is 32. What size bra do I need?
    Qwerty98
    Community Answer
    You could try a 30B or a 32A. Try both on and get the one that's most comfortable.
  • Question
    I've never brought a bra before and don't have a tape measure. If there another way to measure?
    Community Answer
    You should just invest in a tape measure. In the meantime, you can go to a store that sells bras and get a professional measurement.
  • Question
    How do I know if my sports bra is too small?
    Community Answer
    If it hurts or leaves red marks on your skin, it is too small.
  • Question
    What should I do if I am embarrassed to ask for a bra?
    Community Answer
    Don't be embarrassed. It's a totally normal development. One easy way is to just wait until you are out shopping with your parent and start looking at them. They will probably take the cue and ask you if you want to get one.
  • Question
    How do I measure my breasts separately? One is larger than the other and I'd like to wear a bra that fits the larger breast and add inserts to increase the size of the smaller one.
    Community Answer
    To accomplish this, you don't have to measure your breasts separately. Simply follow the instructions in this guide to determine the size of your larger breast, then order a bra in that size and inserts for the smaller breast.
  • Question
    I was professionally fitted for a bra recently, but I wasn't measured, the fitter assessed me visually. The bras I bought are now feeling extremely uncomfortable and tight, and leave deep red marks. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    That means you have the wrong size! Find a professional who can actually measure you, and get the right bra size. If you paid to have this measurement done, get your money back.
  • Question
    Modern measuring says I'm a 32D, traditional measuring says I'm a 34D. I wear a 34B, but the band is super tight and I barely fill the cups. What size am I really?
    Community Answer
    It's best to try some on. I have a prominent rib cage so that affects measurements. I suggest you try a 36AA in a few different brands. Remember if the band is not quite right, you can fasten it tighter or looser with its hooks. We all get "bloated" days.
  • Question
    If my cup measurement is 37.5 do I go up to 38 or down to 37? I ask because my band is 34. If it is a difference of 3" I'm a C cup, but if a difference of 4" I'm a D.
    Bestmistake15
    Community Answer
    Try both sizes and pick whichever one fits better, that way it will be more comfortable on your body.
  • Question
    What should I do if I think I'm a 34C but it doesn't fit?
    Community Answer
    Do not "think" you are a particular size. Measure your band and breasts to get the right size. You may also need to try different brands to get the correct fit.
  • Question
    I am 13 and I measured 30B. Do I shop in the junior section for bras or the children's section?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where you are shopping. Some stores don't have bras in the kids' section that measure up to a B. Look in both sections to see what fits you best.
  • Question
    My band size is 31 and cup size is 38, so which kind of bra should I wear?
    Community Answer
    You would be a 32 F approximately, but you could also be a 32 E/DDD, depending on the company. Look around at different bras. You would fit into a 34 DD.
  • Question
    The guy who measured my boobs for my bra said I needed to take my top off, but then he could see my naked boobs. Should I have done that?
    Community Answer
    If he was a professional measurer and didn't do or say anything inappropriate, then it should be fine. Most measurers will measure you topless or with a thin shirt on.
  • Question
    What would a C cup be in the measurements?
    Community Answer
    If you measured 29 inches in your under bust, you are a 34 band size. If you measured 36 inches at your bust's fullest, going down from the 34 band size, you are a C-cup. So you are a 34C.
  • Question
    Should I be naked to get my measurements taken?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what store you go to. Some stores will measure you while topless, while some will do it with a thin shirt on.
  • Question
    How do I measure just my breasts?
    Community Answer
    If you want to get a bra, you have to take all of the measurements, but if you just want the bust, measure over the top of your nipples and that is your breast size.
  • Question
    How do I stop the wire in the bra coming out/breaking and digging into my chest? What's wrong with the bra size if this keeps happening?
    Community Answer
    This likely isn't related to the size. You could be over-washing your bra, the material could be wearing thin, or the bra could have a defect.
  • Question
    I'm only 12 and a 34 D, is that possible? People keep on laughing at me because I have huge boobs but I'm a great athlete.
    Jaiden Little
    Community Answer
    I have a lot of friends like that, just ignore them. Next time you see them and they make fun of you just say, "So? I don't care about what you think about me." Also, talk about this to an older sister or mom, even a friend.
  • Question
    I am unsure what size I am because I measured the bottom as 25 in and the center as 27 in.
    Community Answer
    Your size is 26A. You should probably stick with training bras or bras for tweens/teens.
  • Question
    Should I wear a cup bra if I am young?
    Community Answer
    If you are developed enough to wear one, then yes. Try on some different kinds of bras and see what fits best and what you find most comfortable.
  • Question
    How should I get measured for a bra at a department store?
    Community Answer
    Just ask a salesperson if the store offers bra fittings. If it does, an associate will take you through the process.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have tissue coming out the sides of my bra, but the waist fits right?
    Community Answer
    You can keep your "waist" (band) size the same and just go up a cup size and see how that fits. Just keep in mind that different brands will sometimes be sized slightly differently.
  • Question
    How do I measure my bra size if I am buying bras online?
    Community Answer
    Check for a return policy, that way you can always return them if they don't fit. If there isn't one, wait until you have determined your size before buying them.
  • Question
    On the rib cage measurement, would that be on the inhale or the exhale?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't matter. The place right under your breast shouldn't move when you breathe, only your stomach should.
  • Question
    I'm 32 underhand and 38 across my breast. What size?
    Community Answer
    Try 32 E. At a specialist lingerie store, they will give you a professional fitting if you ask for one.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article