Learn how to accurately measure your bra size at home in just 5 minutes. All you need is a soft measuring tape and a mirror. Follow our step-by-step guide to find your perfect fit.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Measure Your Band Size (Underbust)
- Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides
- Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, directly under your breasts
- Keep the tape snug but not tight - you should be able to fit one finger underneath
- Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around
- Take the measurement in inches and round to the nearest whole number
If your measurement is even, that's your band size. If it's odd, round up to the next even number.
Example: 31" → 32 band | 33" → 34 band | 35" → 36 band
Measure Your Bust Size (Overbust)
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust
- This is usually across your nipples
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor - check in a mirror
- The tape should be comfortably snug, not compressing your breasts
- Record the measurement in inches
For a more accurate bust measurement, especially for larger busts, lean forward 90° and measure while your breasts hang naturally. This captures your full breast volume.
Calculate Your Cup Size
Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. The difference determines your cup size:
Determine Your Bra Size
Combine your band size number with your cup letter to get your bra size.
Try On and Adjust
Your calculated size is a starting point. Always try on bras and check:
- Band: Snug and parallel to the floor, not riding up
- Cups: No spillage or gaping - breasts fully contained
- Center: Gore (center piece) lies flat against chest
- Straps: Stay in place without digging in
- Underwire: Sits in breast crease, not on tissue
If your size doesn't feel right, try a sister size. Going down a band? Go up a cup (34C → 32D). Going up a band? Go down a cup (34C → 36B).
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring Over a Padded Bra
Padding adds inches to your bust measurement, giving inaccurate results.
Tape Too Loose or Tight
A loose tape gives a larger size; too tight compresses tissue and reduces size.
Tape Not Level
If the tape dips or rises, your measurement won't be accurate. Use a mirror to check.
Using Old Measurements
Bodies change! Re-measure every 6-12 months or after weight, pregnancy, or hormonal changes.
Measuring FAQ
For the most accurate measurements, measure without a bra or wearing a thin, non-padded bra. Padded or push-up bras will add to your bust measurement. If measuring braless, lean forward slightly when measuring the bust to capture your full breast tissue.
Use a piece of string, ribbon, or even a phone charger cable. Wrap it around your body, mark where it meets, then measure the length against a ruler or yardstick. You can also print a paper measuring tape from online resources.
Avoid measuring right before or during your period when breasts may be swollen. Mid-cycle typically gives the most accurate results. If you notice significant size changes throughout your cycle, you might benefit from bras in two sizes.
Always fit to your larger breast to ensure comfort and avoid spillage. For the smaller breast, you can use removable padding or inserts to create balance. Breast asymmetry is completely normal - up to 88% of women have noticeably different sized breasts.
Re-measure every 6-12 months, or after: weight changes of 10+ pounds, pregnancy/breastfeeding, starting or stopping hormonal birth control, menopause, or if your current bras become uncomfortable. The average woman changes bra sizes 6 times in her life.