Is there a standard on how to measure for a woman's bra? The answer is, quite simply, "No.
" Various manufacturers have their own design and/or measuring system.
So, it is not surprising that many women are confused as to what bra size they are or which type of bra fits them best.
A bra is comprised of two cups, one for each breast, two vertical straps for the shoulders and one horizontal strap that covers the circumference of the rib cage and back.
There are two measurements for any given bra; bra horizontal band size (1) and bra cup size (2) Cup size ranges from A to FF or G depending on the bra manufacturer.
Here are the generally accepted steps to measure a woman for a bra (you'll need a bra, a tailor's measuring tape, and a friend for assistance): Step 1 - Wear your most comfortable bra.
It should be unpadded and not a sports bra or minimizer.
Step 2 - Band Size (1) - Take the tailor's measuring tape and wrap it around, under your breasts and make sure that the measuring tape is parallel with the ground.
Make sure you exhale after a deep breath and that the measuring tape is snug, but not tight.
This measurement is in inches.
Let's say that your measurement is 30" If the measurement is even, add 4" to your number.
If the measurement is odd, add 5" to your number.
30" + 4"= 34" Step 3 - Bust Size (2) - Take the tailor's measuring tape and wrap it around your bust.
Again, the measuring tape should be parallel to the ground and not tight.
For this example, we will say that your bust size measurement is 36".
Step 4 - Cup Size - Simple enough, just take your Bust Size, 36" minus your Band Size, 34" which equals a 2" difference.
(36 - 34 = 2).
Check with your bra manufacturer as to the inches in difference and Cup Size may vary.
Some bra manufacturers consider a difference of 2 inches to equal a C cup.
Whereas another bra manufacturer will consider a difference of 2 inches to be equal to a B cup.
As another example, a difference of 6 inches for one bra manufacturer is equal to be a DDD cup.
Whereas a difference of 6 inches for another bra manufacturer is equal to an F cup.
It is always a good rule of thumb to inquire with your favorite bra manufacturer or retail vendor about how their bra vendors deduce what your overall measurement in inches should equal out to, so that you may get the proper difference in inches between your Bust Size and Band Size to find the best bra for you.
Want to make sure that your bra selection is correct? Follow the 5 simple guidelines: 1.
Bra Band - It should fit just below your shoulder blades in the back and you should be able to run just one finger underneath the band easily.
If too tight or too loose, adjust the bra clip as necessary.
2.
Bra Strap - You should be able to run just one finger underneath the left and right straps easily.
If too tight or too loose, adjust the straps in the back as necessary.
3.
Bra Center - Where your bra cups meet in the front, the bra center should lay flat against your skin (sternum).
If the bra center fits away, then this means that the cups are too small.
If the bra center is digging into your skin, then this means that the cups are too big.
4.
Bra Cup - Each breast should sit comfortably in the cup and that there is no spillage from the cup of the breast.
Spillage means that the cups are too small.
If your breast does not sit comfortably, leaving additional space, then the cups are too big.
5.
Bra Profile - Stand sideways to a mirror while wearing your bra with your arms down.
The bra band should be parallel to the ground and half way between your elbow and your shoulder.