How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

Finding your correct bra size is essential for comfort and support. Studies suggest that a large percentage of women wear the wrong bra size. This guide will help you measure yourself accurately at home using just a soft measuring tape.

What You'll Need

• A soft, flexible measuring tape
• A non-padded bra (or no bra for the most accurate measurement)
• A mirror to help check tape placement

Step 1: Measure Your Band Size (Underbust)

Wrap the measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. The tape should be level all the way around and firm against your skin without being too tight. You should be able to slide one finger under the tape.

• If the measurement is an even number, that is your band size (US/UK system)
• If the measurement is odd, round to the nearest even number
• For EU sizing, use the measurement in centimeters directly

Step 2: Measure Your Bust

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust (usually at nipple level). Keep the tape parallel to the floor and avoid pulling it too tight — it should rest gently against your body.

Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

Subtract your band measurement (underbust) from your bust measurement. The difference in inches determines your cup size:

• 1 inch difference — A cup
• 2 inches — B cup
• 3 inches — C cup
• 4 inches — D cup
• 5 inches — DD/E cup
• 6 inches — DDD/F cup

Understanding Sister Sizes

Sister sizes have different band and cup combinations but hold the same cup volume. For example, 34C, 32D, and 36B are all sister sizes. If a bra feels too tight in the band, try going up one band size and down one cup size. If the band feels loose, try going down one band size and up one cup size.

International Band Size Differences

• US & UK — Use even numbers (30, 32, 34, 36, etc.)
• EU — Use multiples of 5 (65, 70, 75, 80, etc.) based on underbust cm
• France & Spain — Add 15 to the EU size (80, 85, 90, 95, etc.)
• Italy — Use single digits (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
• Japan — Same as EU sizing (65, 70, 75, etc.)

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Measure in a non-padded bra — Padded bras add volume and skew bust measurement
• Stand up straight — Slouching changes your measurements
• Keep the tape level — Especially important for the bust measurement
• Measure multiple times — Take 2-3 measurements and average them
• Re-measure regularly — Weight changes, hormonal cycles, and aging all affect bra size