How to Measure Bra Size at Home?

Wearing a bra every day shouldn't be a challenge. The fact that a bra band rides up, straps keep slipping off your shoulders, or cups are too tight can be easily solved by changing to the right bra size. Many women tend to wear the same size year after year without understanding that their bodies can change over time.

The great thing about it is that you can calculate your bra size yourself from the comfort of your home using a regular measuring tape, a mirror, and some minutes of your time. After measuring yourself, you can use a bra size calculator to estimate the size you wear. Then you can just compare your measurements with those of the brand.

What Do You Need to Measure Your Bra Size?

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following materials:

● Soft measuring tape

● Mirror

● Unlined and unpadded bra, or no bra at all

● Paper or phone to write down measurements

● Bra size calculator

Bra Size Calculator

A bra size calculator helps find your bra size by using two measurements, such as your underbust/band measurement and your bust (fullest part of your breast) measurement. You enter those numbers in your calculator, and it gives you a band size and cup size, sometimes with size conversions too.

Measuring Your Underbust/Band Size

The band is the component of the bra that covers your ribcage. It supports the bra, and this explains why it is vital to ensure accurate measurements of your band size.

Steps for measuring your band size include the following:

● Ensure that you are standing upright

● Measure yourself just below your bust using the measuring tape

● Go round your ribcage while ensuring that the tape is parallel to the floor

● Hold the tape in place but do not pull it too tight

● Take the measurement for example 32,34,36, 38, and so on

Make use of the mirror when taking the measurement to make sure that the tape is even all over. You may repeat the process to get accurate results.

To measure your panty size, please read this article and check the links: How to Measure Your Panty Size for the Perfect Fit

Measuring Your Bust Size

Now, take the circumference of the fullest part of your breasts. This will be taken in addition to your band size measurement to determine your cup size.

● Relax your arms and assume your natural standing posture

● Take the circumference of the fullest part of your breasts, without pulling the tape too tight on your body

● Remember that the tape must stay horizontal on your back as you take the measurements

● Do not hold your breath or change your posture as you do this.

Knowing the Cup Size

The cup size is usually calculated by subtracting the underbust/band measurement from the bust measurement. The difference is matched to a cup chart, like:

● 1 inch = A

● 2 inches = B

● 3 inches = C

● 4 inches = D, and so on

Example: If your band is 32 and your bust is 36, the difference is 4 inches, which many calculators show as a D cup.

How Does a Bra Size Calculator Help?

The size of a bra typically comes with a combination of a band size number and a cup size letter. The use of a bra size calculator can simplify this process by automatically providing you with an estimate of your bra size after providing the required measurements. Keep in mind, however, that bra sizes can differ depending on the style, manufacturer and brand. The bra size calculator should only be used as a starting point for determining your bra size.

How to Know if Your Bra Fits Well

Here are the features that a bra needs to possess:

● Comfy band: This should be comfortable enough, and it should not dig into your skin

● Level band: The band should fit parallel to the ground, and it should not ride up on you

● Right-cups: Your breasts should lie nicely in the cup, and they should not spill out of it

● No gaps: There should be no big spaces between the fabric of cups and your breasts

● Comfortable straps: They should fit correctly, without digging in and they should not leave any marks on your shoulders

● Underwire: If there is any, it should perfectly go around the breast tissue and lie flat on our body. The ends should not poke into your skin.

● Easy movement: Your bra should not restrict you from moving your arms freely

Try to pick another bra if your’s doesn't match these requirements.

Why Can Your Bra Size Change?

A bra size does not mean forever. Measurements of breast and body can vary due to changes in body weight, hormones, pregnancy, lactation, and age. It could happen that you will realise your regular bra is not comfortable anymore after undergoing a major change in body weight. This is totally okay.

Think about taking measurements again if:

● Your band becomes too tight or too loose.

● Your cups are gaping or overflowing.

● Your band is riding up from the back.

● Your straps keep on sliding.

● You have undergone changes in body weight.

● Your breast has changed its shape or fullness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some small mistakes may affect your measurements. Here are some things you should try to avoid:

● Tightening the tape measure

● Tilting the tape measure while measuring your back

● Measuring through bulky clothes

● Measuring while wearing a very padded bra

● Holding your breath during measurement

● Considering your previous bra size as accurate

Wacoal's Expertise in Bra Fit

Wacoal has vast experience in making bras with regard to comfort, support, fitting, and body shapes. There are different styles of bras available in the brand with varying support, outfits, and preferences.

While selecting a Wacoal bra, consider using your measurements with the size guide of the brand. You also need to take into account the type of bra because there will be different fittings even if the size is the same.

When Should You Measure Your Bra Size?

There is no need to take measurements at a set time period. You should rather think about measuring yourself when your present bras begin to feel uncomfortable. This could also prove helpful after any kind of weight change, pregnancy, nursing, or breast change. Measuring your size prior to buying a new bra will allow you to make a more well-informed decision.

Final Note

Home bra sizing is straightforward as long as you know where to start from. Carefully measure the circumference of your bust and band and input the data into a bra size calculator, after which look up the brand-specific size chart.

The most important thing is that you do not have to stay stuck with one specific bra size. Your body evolves, and your perfect bra size should evolve along with it. Spend some time measuring and choosing a comfortable fit.