Bras are a necessity for us and choosing the right bra cup size is important for comfort and support. To find the right size, you'll need to measure your band and bust and then calculate the difference to determine your cup size. But how do you make sure the measurements are accurate? What should I do if my bra doesn't fit?
In this guide, we'll cover how to measure your bra correctly, how to determine if your bra fits, and how to solve common fitting problems.
How Can I Tell My Bra Size?
Bra Doesn't Fit
Here are a few signs that may indicate that you are wearing the wrong bra size:
- The cups are wrinkled
- Steel rings poking into the sides of your breasts
- A riding band
- Cups overflowing
- Belt slips off
- The bra moves up when you raise your arms
If you have any of these fit issues, go to a professional bra fitter or get out a tape measure and follow the steps below to measure your bra size at home. (Keep in mind, however, that certain factors may cause your bra size to change, including weight gain or loss, new exercise regimens, pregnancy, and dietary changes).
How Can I Tell If My Bra Fits?
How should I tell if a bra is right for me? Here are some simple questions and answers you can ask yourself to see if the answers are consistent. If they are congratulations, you have chosen the right one. If not, you can refer to this article for ways to choose the right underwear for you.
Does The Strap Fit Snugly And Comfortably Around Your Rib Cage?
Slide two fingers under the straps. It should fit comfortably without too much slack.
Do Your Breasts Fit Perfectly In Cups Without Spillage Or Gaps?
Look in the mirror and see if there are any bulges at the top or sides of the cup. Make sure there are no wrinkles or gaps.
Are the straps tight?
You should be able to slide one finger comfortably under each shoulder strap.
Is The Center Band (The Part Between The Cups) Flat Against The Sternum?
Gently press the center lining. It should be flat against your chest without any gaps.
Does The Bra Wrap Around Your Breasts?
Make sure the underwire is flat against your chest and follows the natural crease of your breasts.
How To Choose Bra Size?
Wearing the right size bra can improve comfort, support, and posture. It also enhances the appearance of your clothes and makes you look more confident.
Bra size consists of two main components: the strap size and the cup size. The strap size is the size around the ribs below the bust, while the cup size is the difference between the strap size and the fullest part of the bust.
Step 1: Measure Your Strap Size
The strap size is the measurement around your ribcage below your bust. Follow the steps below to measure correctly:
Find soft measuring tape: Make sure it's flexible and won't stretch.
Stand up straight: For the most accurate measurement, stand in front of a mirror.
Wrap the tape measure around your rib cage: Place the tape measure directly under your chest, making sure it is level all the way around. Pull the tape tight, but not too tight.
Note the measurement in inches: if it is an odd number, round up to the nearest even number. This is your shoulder strap size.
Example: If your measurement is 31 inches, round to 32. Your shoulder strap size is 32.
The following chart will help you determine your cup size based on the difference between your band and bust measurements.
Rib Cage Measurement (inches) |
Band Size |
25-28.5 |
30 |
28.5-30.5 |
32 |
30.5-32.5 |
34 |
32.5-34.5 |
36 |
34.5-36.5 |
38 |
36.5-38.5 |
40 |
38.5-40.5 |
42 |
40.5-42.5 |
44 |
42.5-44.5 |
46 |
Step 2: Measure Your Bust
Next, measure the fullest part of your chest to determine your cup size.
Wrap the tape measure around your chest: Make sure the tape measure is horizontal and straight across your back.
Measure the fullest part: usually around the nipple line.
Write down the measurement in inches: Keep the tape measure comfortably snug, not too tight or too loose.
Example: If your bust is 36 inches, use that number in the next step.
Step 3: Calculate Cup Size
Subtract your strap size from your bust. This difference determines your cup size.
Subtract the strap size from the bust: Example Bust (36 inches) - Strap size (32 inches) = 4 inches.
Use the cup size chart to find your cup size based on the difference.
The following chart will help you determine your cup size based on the difference between your band and bust measurements.
Difference (inches) |
Cup Size |
<1 |
AA |
1 |
A |
2 |
B |
2.5 |
B½ |
3 |
C |
3.5 |
C½ |
4 |
D |
4.5 |
D½ |
5 |
DD/E |
5.5 |
E½ |
6 |
F |
7 |
G |
8 |
H |
Step 4: Find Your Full Bra Size
Based on your band and cup size, use the following chart to find the specific bra size. If your strap size is 32 and the difference is 4 inches, your bra size is 32D. The chart is a combination of different standards and helps you find the equivalent size across various regions.
Band Size | Bust Size | US Size | UK Size | EU Size | FR/BE/ES Size |
30 | 30-32 | 30A | 30A | 65A | 80A |
30 | 32-34 | 30B | 30B | 65B | 80B |
32 | 32-34 | 32A | 32A | 70A | 85A |
32 | 34-36 | 32B | 32B | 70B | 85B |
34 | 34-36 | 34A | 34A | 75A | 90A |
34 | 36-38 | 34B | 34B | 75B | 90B |
36 | 36-38 | 36A | 36A | 80A | 95A |
36 | 38-40 | 36B | 36B | 80B | 95B |
38 | 38-40 | 38A | 38A | 85A | 100A |
38 | 40-42 | 38B | 38B | 85B | 100B |
40 | 40-42 | 40A | 40A | 90A | 105A |
40 | 42-44 | 40B | 40B | 90B | 105B |
42 | 42-44 | 42A | 42A | 95A | 110A |
42 | 44-46 | 42B | 42B | 95B | 110B |
44 | 44-46 | 44A | 44A | 100A | 115A |
44 | 46-48 | 44B | 44B | 100B | 115B |
46 | 46-48 | 46A | 46A | 105A | 120A |
46 | 48-50 | 46B | 46B | 105B | 120B |
If you need to buy underwear you can click here to visit us at Plusock, we offer a wide variety of underwear, panties, and a variety of socks. We have those underwear sizes below
Size |
Recommended Cups |
M |
75CDE |
L |
80CDEF |
XL |
85CDEF |
2XL |
90CDEF |
3XL |
95CDEF |
4XL |
100CDEF |
5XL |
105CDEF |
Other Issues
What Should I Do If My Cups Are Cracked Or Overflowing?
If your bra cups are cracked or overflowing, this is a clear indication that the bra size is not right for you. Here's what you should do:
Measure your bust again to make sure you have the correct cup size. Spilling cups indicate that the bra is too small.
If there is a cup overflow, go up a cup size. For example, if you wear a 34C, try a 34D.
Some bra styles may be better suited to your breast shape. Try a full-coverage or plunge bra for better shaping.
If the cups are cracked or damaged, it's time to replace your bra. Frequent wear and tear can affect the structure and support of your bra.
Why Do My Bra Straps Keep Falling Off?
Make sure the straps are adjusted to the correct length. Straps that are too loose can slip off your shoulders.
Make sure the straps are positioned correctly on the shoulders. Some bras have adjustable straps.
Try a strappy or convertible bra. These styles usually hold the straps in place better than traditional bras.
Straps that are too loose can cause the straps to slip. See if you need a smaller strap size.
Wider straps provide more support and are less likely to slip.
What Type Of Bra Is Best For My Body Type?
Choosing the right bra for your body type will ensure comfort and support. Here are a few recommended bras based on different body types:
- Enhancing your body shape is key for those with a petite frame. Choose a padded bra or a push-up bra to add volume. A plunging bra will also give you a slight lift and enhance your natural curves. Push-up bras, padded bras, and backless bras are recommended.
- Full-busted women need bras that provide good support and distribute weight evenly. Full-cup bras and bras with wider straps can provide the necessary support. Bras with steel rings are also helpful. Full cup bras, bras with wider straps, and suspender bras are recommended.
- Women with an athletic build typically have wider, more muscular breasts and less breast tissue. t-shirt bras and sports bras are ideal because they provide a smooth silhouette and plenty of support without excessive padding.
- For plus-size women, bras with wider bandwidths and straps offer more support. Full cups and bras with steel rings provide excellent lift and support. Full-cup bras with wider bands and straps and underwire bras are recommended.
- If your breasts are asymmetrical, you're not alone - about 40% of women have this breast shape. Look for bras with removable padding so you can add extra padding to smaller breasts for a balanced look.
How Often Do I Change Bras?
The frequency of bra replacement depends on a number of factors, including use, care, and wear. Here are some general guidelines:
It is best to have several bras in rotation to prevent overuse of any one bra. Bras should be worn no more than twice a week.
Wash your bra after 3-4 wears to maintain its elasticity and cleanliness. Excessive washing can damage the fabric and elasticity, so avoid washing too often.
Replace your bra when you notice signs of wear, such as elongated straps, frayed straps, or deformed cups. Generally speaking, the service life of a bra is about 6-12 months, depending on the quality and care of the bra.
For bras that are worn occasionally (e.g. for special events), replace them every 1-2 years or when they show signs of damage.