Can someone explain how to correctly measure bra size?

[yeunthie99]

Can someone explain how to correctly measure bra size?

[4Blessings]

I recommend getting a free bra fitting at a store like Bloomingdales. Even if you do not purchase their product they will take the time to show you a proper fit and have you try on bras that work for you.

The last time I went for a fitting I had two kids in a double stroller and my oldest with me and the sales rep was so patient and helpful. I really recommend it!

[sewmom]

I do bra fittings and I also make bras. These are the instructions I always use...

BRA MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS

Try measuring in front of a mirror or with help from your s/o. Measure once with your bra on and once without and use the average. Most women that go to get fitted are wearing an ill-fitting bra which compresses their bust and increases their high bust. So these skewed measurements are used to find a new bra which still does not fit.

Areas to measure...

Full Bust - measure around the fullest part of your bust over the bust points (nipples) without pulling the tape too tight.

High Bust - measure above your breasts at the underarm level.

Ribcage - measure directly under the breasts and pull the tape snug.


Determining your size...

Band Size: add two inches to your ribcage or subtract two inches from your high bust (your ribcage is more accurate, the high bust is more for error checking). Round to the nearest even size like 38 or 40.

Cup Size: subtract your band size from your full bust. Every inch equals one cup; 0 = AA, 1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5 = DD/E, 6 = DDD/F, 7 = G, 8 = H, 9 = I, 10 = J, 11 = K, L = 12, M = 13, N = 14, O = 15, etc.

Let me know if you find anything confusing.

P.S. Don't trust those online bra calculators, they usually don't work properly.

Instructions taken from my blog.

[MoonStarFalling]

That's interesting. For years I tried to follow the "add two inches to your rib cage" advice but it has never once worked for me. The bra is always two inches too big in band size. Lots of bra websites now advise not to add the two inches.