Wearing a correctly fitting bra can help support larger breasts, reduce discomfort, and look better than using one that is the wrong size. However, breast size can undergo changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as a result of a weight gain or loss, from ageing, or due to hormones that fluctuate. Knowing how to measure yourself for the correct bra size will help you purchase comfortable bras when your figure undergoes these transformations. This will also enable you to purchase your underwear online.
Signs of an Incorrectly Fitting Bra
Here are some common indications that you are wearing the wrong bra size for your breasts:
- If you raise your arms, your bra hikes up.
- Straps that keep slipping.
- Breasts spilling out of cups.
- The band rides up.
- The underwire pokes into your sides.
- The cups are wrinkled.
If you encounter any of these signs, look for a professional bra fitter. Alternatively, you can measure your breasts yourself and get bras that fit you perfectly.
How to Measure Yourself for the Correct Bra Size
You will need to obtain two measurements. One is for the size of the bra band required and the other is the correct cup size. To get the first measurement, take a tape measure and place it snugly just underneath the bust. The measurement should be rounded to the closest whole number. For example, 36.7 inches becomes 37 inches. For an odd number result like 37 inches, add five inches, reaching 42. For even numbers, you should add four inches.
Measuring Cup Size

Take another measurement across the chest at the level of the nipples. Use this handy bra size calculator to determine your cup size from the two measurements you have taken. Measurements can be taken either in centimetres or inches.
Once you try a bra on in the recommended size you have determined, you can go up or down a bra size quite easily by remembering that if you go up one cup size, you should go down one band size. So, you would move from a 34C to a 36B, for example.
Some women have uneven breast sizes, with one breast being bigger than the other. This can be resolved by obtaining bra fillers that even out the size of your breasts and how you look in clothes. Silicone bra fillers are comfortable to wear. These bra inserts can be obtained for those times that the size of your breasts is subject to fluctuations, for example, during a menstrual period.
Buying the Right Bra for Each Outfit
T-shirt bras are made to be worn with t-shirts, as the name implies. They go well with fitted tops and many dresses, giving a smooth silhouette and don’t show any lines. Nude bras are for wearing with white outfits as they keep your skin tone hidden. For scooping necklines, don a plunge bra that keeps you modest even when wearing a top with a low-cut neck. A strapless bra will avoid straps sticking out of your clothing.
Knowing your breast size and which bra to wear will ensure that you are always confident and comfortable, even when your breast size fluctuates.