How to Measure Bra Size

I have been shopping for bras lately (after reading that the average woman washes her bras only six times per year, I figured I had better have some extra on hand). Bras are especially difficult to buy online, since they all look and sound great, so you might be tempted to go for the prettiest and the cutest ones.

But fitting the right bra is an important task and more difficult when you can't try them on. The key to finding the right bra is to start with the right bra size.

Measuring yourself for a bra is the first step. Get out your tape measure for this. Take the first measurement just under the bustline. Expend all air in your lungs and make this a snug measurement. If the number is even, add 4 inches. If the number is odd, add 5 inches. This is your bra size. For instance, if you measured 34 inches, you added 4 inches and came out with 38.

Now for the cup size. This time, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Round the measurement up to the nearest whole number if you get a fraction. Subtract the first measurement under the bust from the second. For every inch difference you will go up one cup size. If 34 + 4 = 38 and the second measurement is 40, then the difference is two inches so cup size would be a B.

Once you have the correct size, you need to consider other factors regarding support and coverage. If you prefer full coverage, you won't want to purchase a demi-cup, for instance. Also, read the reviews of other customers who have purchased the same item. If a bra has a tendency to stretch or sag or the straps cut in, a review can tell you those important considerations.