How to measure yourself for a bra

Lingerie experts estimate that as many as 80% of women in the UK are wearing the wrong size bra. Most women tend to wear a back size that is too big and a cup size that is too small. Not only does this mean that the breasts are not being supported in the right way, which can lead to health problems, but it also means that the figure is not being shown off to its full potential. To put your curves back in the right place it is essential that a correctly fitted bra is worn.

Ideally, you should measure yourself every 6 months as your bra size is likely to alter due to weight change or the natural process of ageing.

You can use these guidelines to fit yourself:

1. To find your Bra size – measure in inches around your chest directly under your breasts. The tape should be tight around the body and level across the back. If the number is even add 4″, and if odd add 5″. This is your bra size.
2. To find your cup size – Gently measure around the fullest part of the bust making sure the tape is level across the back. The difference between your bra size and your bust measurement is your cup size.

Measuring Guide

bra measurement guide

For example, if your under bust measurement (1) is 31″ add 5″ to get your bra size which equals 36. If your over the bust measurement (2) is 38″ (i.e. a 2″ difference) then your cup measurement is a C cup. Therefore your correct bra size is 36C.