Today’s post about “how to measure bra size”. It is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of all women wear the wrong size bra. This is not only uncomfortable and looks unfavorable, but can also lead to health problems such as painful pressure points, neck tension or back pain, and headaches. It is quite easy to calculate the right bra size. The table will help!
Almost every woman in this country wears a bra every day. Above all, it should support the tissue and relieve the skin, be comfortable to wear, and still look as good as possible.
Even so, far too many women still squeeze into models that are too small or choose a model that is too large: sometimes the cup size is wrong, sometimes the band is too tight or too wide, sometimes the straps cut in. Studies have shown that almost every second woman cannot have the right bra size. There are multiple reasons for that.
Bra size often changes over the years
Often a bra size was chosen in youth that might have fitted well at the time and is then simply retained for years and decades. But the body changes over time. For example, weight gain or loss affects the volume of the breast and its size. Bra sizes also change frequently during and after pregnancy. Typically, the breast is smaller and less firm after breastfeeding than it was before breastfeeding.
Even within a monthly cycle, different bra sizes may be required for some women due to the changed hormonal level. In addition, the items of laundry vary depending on the cut and manufacturer.
Ultimately, bras are cut in such a way that the bigger the underbust, the bigger the cup size. A B-cup of a bra in size 75 (75 B) is not exactly the same size as the B-cup of a bra in size 80 (80 B), but rather slightly smaller.
Is it bad if the bra size doesn’t fit?
A bra that is too small and the straps that are too tight impairs the freedom of movement of the shoulder apparatus. This can affect posture and even breathing. This can lead to painful tension in the stomach and neck, leading to back pain, headaches, and even digestive problems.
Cups that are too small squeeze the breast and push it outwards to the sides outside the cups. This not only looks ugly but can also lead to uncomfortable pressure points and chafing on the skin.
If the bra is too wide, the band slides up on the back and the bra does not provide enough support overall. Contrary to what many believe, the right underbust band gives the bra its support and not the shoulder straps.
If there is a lack of support, this can lead to involuntary counter-holding of the upper body with the back slightly bent forward and thus causing tension with the back, neck, and headaches.
Finding the Right Bra Size: Two Values You Should Know
In order to avoid pain from wearing a bra that does not fit, it is therefore important to know your bra size. You can get advice from a specialist shop or simply measure the right size yourself. You don’t need more than a tape measure and a mirror.
- Measure the size of the upper chest:
The first value you should know is the upper chest size. To do this, place the measuring tape loosely around the body at the strongest part of the chest without constricting the chest. To ensure that the value is measured correctly, you should make sure that the measuring tape is horizontal all around. You can check this with a mirror or ask someone else for help.
- Measure the underbust size:
The second value you need is the underbust size. To measure it, the measuring tape is placed directly below the base of the chest and then guided tightly around the body. Here, too, you should make sure that the measuring tape is horizontal and not constricting.
Bra Size Chart: How to Find Your Bra and Cup Size
With these two values, you can now determine your suitable bra size. In the end, it will consist of a number and a letter. The number roughly corresponds to the underbust size you measured. The letter indicates the appropriate cup or cup size. The easiest way to calculate the bra size is with a bra size calculator on the Internet. To do this, simply enter the measured upper and lower breast size and display the appropriate size.
You can also easily work out your correct bra size yourself. To do this, subtract the value of the underbust size from the value of the upper breast size. With the difference amount determined in this way, you can now easily read off your suitable bra size using the table below.
Difference in cm | Cup Size |
until 12 | AA |
12 to 14 | A. |
14 to 16 | B. |
16 to 18 | C. |
18 to 20 | D. |
20 to 22 | E. |
22 to 24 | F. |
24 to 26 | G. |
25 to 28 | H. |
Example: With an upper chest value of 90 centimeters and an underbust value of 74 centimeters, calculate 90 minus 74 and get the difference value 16. According to the table below, the appropriate bra size is 75 (closest to the underbust value of 74) C.
Tip: A 75 B might also fit. Because the female breast is shaped and developed very differently from woman to woman. That is why a bra – like other items of clothing – should always be tried on before buying.
Checklist for the well-fitting bra
You should also pay attention to these points when buying a bra:
- The straps should lie comfortably on your shoulder. They must not cut in or slip off the shoulders when moving.
- The band should be snug against the body. It must not press or cut, but also not slide up. If the back section is higher than the front section, the underbust width is too large, and/or the shoulder straps are too short.
- The cup size should be chosen so that the breast fits well and the transition between cup and breast appears harmonious. If the cups stick out or wrinkle, they are too big. If the breast is squeezed and bulges out from the side, it is too small.
- The underwires under the cups should be comfortable to wear and should not pinch or cut. The connection between the cups, the so-called bridge, should lie flat below the breast. If it hangs in the air, the size has not been chosen appropriately.
I hope you get measure your perfect Bra Size. Happy Sopping❤❤❤