How Do I Determine Bra Size & Accurately Measure?

Are you like many women who stick to the same bra size, year after year? Or maybe you’re like others whose weight has changed and you’re not really sure what size you are now. 

If so, it’s a good idea to re-measure yourself and see if you are wearing the right bra size. Read on to discover how to properly find your bra size, with or without a tape measure.

So why is finding the right fitting bra so important? For starters, comfort! Wearing a bra that’s too small can be extremely uncomfortable, not to mention unflattering. If it’s too big it won't give you the support that you need.

Too small and it can create an unflattering silhouette. How do you know if you’re wearing the wrong size bra?

There are a few telltale signs that you need to take some new measurements. Your bra is likely the wrong size if:

• The straps dig in leaving you with painful red marks.
• The straps are too loose and sometimes slip off. No one wants to be constantly pulling their straps back up.
• The band is uncomfortably tight. This is not only painful but can leave unflattering bulges.
• Your breasts spill out of the cups. Once again, not a very flattering look.
• The cups are too big leaving gaps between your breasts and the cups.  Depending on the style, this can look bunched up under clothes and doesn’t give the correct support.
• Your breasts peek out from underneath the underwire. This means that your cup size is too small.

How do I Calculate My Bra Size?

If you have a tape measure handy, calculating your bra size is pretty straight forward.  

1. Find your band size. To find your band size for your Glamorise bra wrap the tape measure around your chest and back, underneath your arms and just above your bust. Make sure that the tape is snug but isn’t too tight. Round your number to the nearest whole number. This is your band size. 

2. Next, measure across the fullest part of your bust. Now, subtract your band size from this number. The difference will give you your cup size. A one-inch difference is an A cup. Add a cup size for every inch. For example, if you’re a 40-inch band and your bust measurement is 44, there’s a 4-inch difference which makes you a D cup.  

How Can I Measure My Bra Size Without a Tape Measure? 

Of course, in order to get the most accurate size a tape measure is the best, but what do you do if you don't have a tape measure handy? Well, there are a couple of options. You can use a string or ribbon to measure. Simply measure as you would with a tape measure.

Then measure the length of the string against a yardstick or a ruler. You can also estimate if you have a bra that fits ok. Put it on and take notice of the fit. If the band is too tight you can estimate how many inches to add.  

If the band fits fine but the cups are too big, choose a bra with the same band size but a smaller cup size. If the cups are too small go up one or two sizes. It may take some trial and error, but finding the right size is worth it. 

Finding the Perfect Fit

Once you have your correct bra size you’ll want to try some on and see which style fits you best.

Here are some tips.

1. Hook the band on the first set of hooks. It should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. Move to the next set of hooks if it starts to stretch out with time or washing.  
2. Check the center. It should lie fairly flat.  If there’s a huge gap that’s a sign that you may need a bigger cup size.
3. Check the fit of the cups.  There shouldn’t be any gaps and your breasts shouldn’t be overflowing.  If there are gaps you need a smaller cup, and if you’re spilling over you need either a larger cup size or a different style.

Find the Perfect Style

Not all styles are created equal. Ask yourself what kind of look you’re going for. Do you want a totally natural look? Go for something without lining, or something that is lightly lined.

A tee-shirt style offers full coverage cups and gentle support. For full-busted women, certain styles like a demi-cup or deep V may cause you to spill out a bit even if the cup size is what normally fits.  Try going up one cup size or look for a full-coverage style.

For more style options, check out our bra collections page and find the perfect style for any occasion.