How to find the correct Bra size?

Question

What is the right way to find your bra size? I have used the adding 5 inches to the measurement for your band size and subtract that from your cup size but it says I should wear an A cup which is way off. I have never worn that size. Right now I'm wearing a DD cup and think I might need to go up a size.

I can't afford Victoria's Secret. I'm a single mother of 3 kids and their stuff is way too expensive.

Answer 1

Go to a professional and get measured (at a department store, or other boutique-like or real boutique stores like Victoria's Secret). That is the easiest way.

You can also use other calculators like this one:

http://www.afraidtoask.com/breast/brasizeform1.html

Answer 2

First measure under your breasts, this is your band size. Then measure around your breasts. If it's an inch difference, you are an A cup EG: 34 C would be 34 inches around the rib cage, and 37 inches around your breasts. So if its 1 inch difference = A 2 inches =B 3 inches = C 4 inches = D And so on When trying on bras, by sure that there is no pulling up ,like the back should not be stretching up , nor should the straps be cutting into your skin. Olga and Triumph are good bra makers for larger chested women. And if you are quite large, it is worth while to spend big bucks on only a few well fitting bras, rather than a whole bunch of ill fitting ones.
Also, try a bigger band size with the same cup size, as well as the same band size with a bigger cup. Its good to try both to find the right fit. Good luck I hope this helps a bit!!!
Oh and don't get down on your self, like finding nice men, finding a good bra can just be a lot of trying on, but both are out there if you look hard enough!!!!

Answer 3

Yeah, I find that adding 5 just doesn't work for everyone. Because of that method, too many women are wearing a band size that is too big and a cup size that is too small! Try this method instead, it's far more accurate:

Measure your upper ribcage above the breasts (under the armpits). If this measurement is an odd number, round it up or down to the nearest even number. This will be your band size.

Now measure around the fullest part of your bust. Take a note of this measurement.

Now subtract your band size from your bust measurment to find the cup size:

0 inch difference = AA cup
1 inch difference = A cup
2 inch difference = B cup
3 inch difference = C cup
4 inch difference = D cup
5 inch difference = DD cup

For example, if your upper ribcage measurement is 34 and your bust measurement is 38, you would be a 34D. HTH : )

Answer 4

Get measured by a professional, it is usually free and you'll probably be surprised. The trick that your thinking of is to measure directly under your breasts. Add five inches to get your band size. Then, measure the fullest part of your breasts while wearing a comfortable bra (this measurement should be done loosely, some fitters will add a half inch!). The difference in the band size and the breast measurement will tell you your cup size. 1 inch difference being A, 1 being B, and so on. However, this isn't foolproof and doesn't always work.

Answer 5

Always measure while wearing your own best fitting bra.
To determine the back size
(torso measurement):
Have someone stand at your side and bring a tape measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under the breast.
Add 5 to the measurement (i.e. if "A is 29", the back size is 34)
After 33 inches, only add 3 inches to the back measurement.
Verify the back size:
Measure around the top of your breasts. This measurement should equal your back size calculation. For example if you measured 29 inches around your ribcage, the calculation is 29 + 5 = 34. The measurement above your breasts should equal 34.

If the back size comes out to an uneven number, try the next size up.
If you are in-between sizes or you are having difficulty finding the correct fit, then if you go up in cup size come down in band size or if you go up in band size come down in cup size. For example, if you are wearing a 42D, but it is a little too snug around the band, then you would move up to a 44C.


To determine the cup size
(breast measurement):
Have someone stand by your side and bring a tape measure loosely around the fullest part of the bust.

Subtract the back size from this measurement.This difference determines the cup size.
0"=AA
1"=A
2"=B
3"=C
4"=D
5"=DD
6"=E/F
7"=F/G
8"=G/I
9"=H/J

You might want to check this site as well http://www.breasttalk.co.uk/bra_sizing.asp

Answer 6

if your bra keeps riding up, than you need to go down a size around say you are wearing a 38 now you need to go to a 36. It's because you don't have the correct cup size and to tell if you have that correct the middle part of the bra, between your breasts should be against your skin not pulled away from it. If it is pulled away than you need to go up a cup size, until it is against your skin in the middle of your breasts.

Answer 7

victorias secret isnt that expensive but honestly you can find really good bras at cheaper places like at marshalls they have a lot of good bras that dont cost much at all. if you go in victorias secret then they can measure you. its free and you dont have to buy anything. ive done it a few times. they measure you with clothes on and they will give you sizes to see which one fits best. everyone gets sized there so it isnt like awkward or anything because they do it so often. good luck!

Answer 8

Measure around under your bust to get the size, i.e. 38, then measure round again, over your bust. For extra inch, add on a cup size, i.e. +1" = A Cup, +2" = B Cup, +3" = C Cup, etc.

Answer 9

Measure under your bust - if you get an odd number add 5, if you get an even number add 4. Measure over the fullest part of your bust. If this number is the same you're an A cup, If it's one more you're a B cup etc. Or get measured by a professional.

Answer 10

You need a good, professional fitting. You can one at V.S., another lingerie store, or an up-scale retailer. You don't necessarily need to buy your bras from them, just get a fitting and look around for a while. However, it would be nice if you bought just 1 bra, since the did provide you with a valuable service.