Q&A for How to Measure Your Bra Size

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Question

How do I measure my bust for a dress?

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce
Tailor
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.

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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Question

What bra size do I need if my under-bust measurement is 30 and my bust is 32?

Qwerty98

Community Answer

You might consider trying a 30B or a 32A. It's best to try both sizes to see which one feels most comfortable.

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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.

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Question

How can I tell if my sports bra is too small?

Community Answer

If your sports bra causes pain or leaves red marks on your skin, it is likely too small.

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Question

What can I do if I feel embarrassed to ask for a bra?

Community Answer

You shouldn't feel embarrassed as it's a normal part of growing up. A simple approach is to browse bras while shopping with a parent, which might prompt them to ask if you're interested in getting one.

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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.

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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.

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Question

What bra size should I try if modern measuring says I'm a 32D, traditional measuring says I'm a 34D, and I wear a 34B but find the band too tight and the cups underfilled?

Community Answer

It's a good idea to try on different sizes and brands to find what fits best. In my experience, trying a 36AA may be helpful, as it may provide a better fit for your rib cage. Adjust the band tighter or looser using the hooks to ensure comfort, especially on days when you might feel bloated.

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Question

Should I round up or down if my cup measurement is 37.5 inches and my band size is 34 inches?

Bestmistake15

Community Answer

Try both sizes and choose the one that fits best, ensuring that it feels comfortable on your body.

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Question

What should I do if a 34C bra doesn't fit me?

Community Answer

Measure your band and bust sizes to determine your correct bra size. You may also need to try different brands to find one that fits you properly.

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Question

Should I shop in the junior or children's section for 30B bras?

Community Answer

It depends on the store. Some stores may not carry a 30B in the children's section, so you should check both sections to find the best fit.

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Question

What bra size should I wear if my band size is 31 and my cup size is 38?

Community Answer

Your bra size would likely be a 32F, but you might also fit into a 32E/DDD depending on the brand. You could also consider trying a 34DD.

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Question

Is it normal for someone measuring my bra size to ask me to remove my top?

Community Answer

If the person was a professional and behaved appropriately, it is generally acceptable. Typically, bra fittings are done with a thin shirt on, but requirements can vary.

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Question

What are the measurements for a C cup?

Community Answer

If your underbust measures 29 inches, your band size is 34. If your bust measures 36 inches at its fullest, you are a C-cup, making you a 34C.

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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.

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Question

How do I measure just my bust size?

Community Answer

To measure just your bust size, wrap the measuring tape around your back and over the fullest part of your breasts, which is typically across the nipples.

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Question

How can I prevent the underwire in my bra from breaking and digging into my chest, and what does this indicate about the bra size?

Community Answer

This issue may not be related to size. Over-washing, worn materials, or a manufacturing defect could be causing the problem.

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Question

Is it possible for someone to be 12 years old and a size 34D?

Jaiden Little

Community Answer

Yes, it's possible to be 12 years old and a size 34D as everyone's body develops differently. Ignore anyone who makes fun of you and consider talking to a trusted adult or friend for support.

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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.

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Question

Is it appropriate for me to wear a cup bra at a young age?

Community Answer

If you are developed enough, wearing a cup bra is appropriate. Try on various types to find the one that fits best and feels most comfortable to you.

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Question

How do I get measured for a bra at a department store?

Community Answer

Ask a salesperson if the store offers bra fittings. If they do, an associate will guide you through the process.

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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.

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Question

How can I measure my bra size when buying bras online?

Community Answer

Make sure there is a return policy so you can return bras that don't fit. If there isn't a return policy, determine your correct size before purchasing.

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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.

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Question

What bra size should I wear if my underband is 32 inches and my bust is 38 inches?

Community Answer

You should try a 32E. For a more accurate fit, consider visiting a specialist lingerie store for a professional fitting.

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