What is the proper way to measure bra size?

Question

I have found a lot of conflicting answers.

Answer 1

Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. The tape should rest on the lower band of your bra. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front.

Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. For example, if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size. If the resulting band size is an odd number like 33", you can usually go to the next even band size (34"), but you may also want to try the next lower band size (32").
Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. The difference between this measurement and your BAND size is your cup size. Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size. For example, if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.
if the difference is:
less than 1 inch =aa cup
1 inch =a cup
2 inches =b cup
3 inches =c cup
4 inches =d cup
5 inches =dd cup

Answer 2

One common (but usually inaccurate) way of determining bra size is described below (all values measured in inches).

First measure tightly around the torso, directly underneath the breasts. This is the frame size. To calculate the band size, add 5" if the frame size is an odd number, or 6" if it is even (the difference takes account of the fact that bras are only available in even sizes).

Next measure directly across the fullest part of the breasts over the nipples, while standing straight with arms to the side. This is the bust size. The cup size is then the difference between the bust size and the band size, converted into a letter using the following table:

0" to 0.5" AA
1" or less A
2" or less B
3" or less C
4" or less D
5" or less DD or E (labels are not standardized across manufacturers)
6" or less DDD or F
7" or less DDDD or FF or G

For example, if a woman's frame size is measured at 30", then 6" would be added to give a band size of 36".
If her bust size measured 40", that gives a difference of 40" - 36" = 4", which converts to a "D" cup size.
So her final bra size would be 36D.

It has been observed that measuring systems like this put women in bras that are too big in the band, and too small in the cup. The majority of bra bands run true to size (as in, a size 36 band measures, when stretched, 36 inches).

Still, other bra manufacturers and distributors state that trying on, and learning to recognize a proper fit, is the best way to determine a correct bra size, much like with shoes.

Answer 3

Had this done and it really does make a difference. When you go to the store of which you purchase your underwear, there's usually an assistant. Just tell her you're trying to buy the correct bra size & ask 4 her assistance. U won't have to take off ur clothes for this. U'll just have 2 pull ur top up.

Answer 4

I went in Victoria Secret with my BFF and they measured both of us for free.

Answer 5

Use my hands. They are perfect at measuring that.

Answer 6

I always do it with my tounge.