How to Determine Your Bra Size
Scientific studies have shown that the Spanish do not know how to choose their bra size. In fact they say that only 3 out of 10 women know how to look for the right bra. This is a common problem across the globe. Knowing your bra size is important, much more than you probably think. Wearing a bra that does not correspond to your chest can be harmful and in the long term, it could lead to sore breasts, back pain or head pain. Are you often wondering how to know your bra size? On OneHowTo, we do our bit to help.
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How do I calculate my bra size?
To find out exactly what bra size you need, you must have, first of all, the necessary information. You can search the internet (but always go to specialized sites), or you can ask at a lingerie store. In addition, you should think about what you will use the bra for, i.e. for sport or some work that requires continuous physical exertion. Choose your bra according to the situation.
How is my bra size calculated? Well, the bra size has two parameters: size (calculated with numbers) and the cup (measured in points). The best way to measure is with a bra on, as then the chest is firm and the measures are more accurate.
- To find out your size, measure the thorax just below the breast, adjusting well the tape in a horizontal line. Many European countries use the French method, so that once we have our measure, we add 15 to it.
- To find out the cup, measure the breast contour at the point of maximum projection, which is the point of the nipples. You must measure yourself from the space between the breasts, from the sternum.
Well, once you've measured the size and contour of your breasts, we can move on to calculating the cup. It is as follows:
- If the difference between one number and the other is 10 cm (4 in), it's an A cup.
- If the difference is 15 cm (6 in), it's a B cup.
- If the difference is 17.5 cm (7 in), it's a C cup.
- If the difference is 20 cm (8 in), it's a D cup.
- And so on, increasingly approximately by 2 cm (1 in).
Things to keep in mind
- If your measurements are at the ends of the scaled tables (for example, the difference between your two measures is 20 cm or 8 inches), opt for a larger cup. Remember that your bra, as tradition dictates, should securely fasten your chest but at the same time you should feel comfortable with it on. Do not make the mistake of buying a much bigger bra that suits you, let alone a smaller one, since it is more harmful and this is one of the main habits that leads to sagging breasts.
- The contour and cup give you shape. In other words, the same letter cup has the same capacity for all sizes of contour: it is not the same C from a size 75 to a 95. And here's the mistake many women often commit. They think that their breasts need to be squeezed up inside the cup, so the contour sizes are too large.
- Consider the shape of your breasts when choosing a bra. Some bra-makers' creations and some ready-to-wear bra brands will fit better than others, so do not simply pick up the first bra you find and expect it to be the perfect one for you.
How do I know if my bra is too small or large?
You will know that your bra cup is too small if:
- Your breast sticks out above or below.
- The outline of your bra rests on your chest rather than on your ribs.
- It leaves marks on the shoulders and the strips are not overstretched.
You will know that the bra strap is too small if:
- It leaves marks on the torso.
- You close in the last row of hooks.
You'll know the cup is too large if:
- The strips fall and you cannot fit in anymore.
- It causes wrinkles and bags.
You know the strap is too big if:
- It creeps up your back.
- You close the first row of hooks and feel that is still not secure.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Determine Your Bra Size, we recommend you visit our Fashion & Style category.
