How to measure your bra size

Do you recall the first time that you got a bra? Chances are that you or a parent found your fit simply by trying it on, and you’ve probably continued to rely on that method for all your bra-wearing life. If you were lucky enough to get a proper fitting, you likely found the ideal size for your body that was determined based on measurements by a professional. Nowadays, thanks to useful online resources such as this blog, you don’t have to be an expert to measure bra size.

While many bra-wearers may be familiar with the letters and numbers on the labels on their bras, a lot of people don’t know how the size is determined. These measurements reflect band and cup sizes, and you can measure bra size yourself. You’ll need a soft measuring tape and some way of recording your numbers — simply follow the steps below.

Step 1. Go Topless

Strip down to nothing above the waist to get the most accurate results. To measure bra size, you must first allow your body to feel its most natural. Beyond not wearing clothes, you shouldn’t lift, squeeze, or constrict your upper body either.

Step 2. Measure Around Rib Cage

Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, placing it under the bust with the measuring tape sitting parallel to the ground. One of the main reasons to measure bra size is to avoid wearing a size that’s too small, which will feel uncomfortable when its band starts digging into your sides, back and ribcage, and may cause unappealing bulges. To obtain a proper fit, you should also be able to fit a finger between the measuring tape and your back.

Another way to avoid bras that feel uncomfortable around your chest and back is to choose styles that are made from soft and lightweight materials, such as Rene Rofé T-shirt bras that are easy to adjust and flexible for everyday wear.

Step 3. Find Your Band Size

To measure bra size, take the measurement from around your ribcage and round it to the nearest whole number to determine your band size. The measurements found on bras from different manufacturers vary and may be available only as even or odd numbers — in which case you’ll need to add 4 to a measurement that is even or add 5 if you’re looking at sizes with odd numbers.

Step 4. Measure Around Your Bust

The next step to measure bra size is to measure your bust size. Once again keep the measuring tape parallel with the ground while you wrap it around your body at nipple level, which would measure how far your bust extends forward. To get the most accurate measurement of your bust size, bend over and measure your bust.

If you find that you’d like to see more fullness in your cup or more cleavage, try one of the varieties of push-up bra styles available from Rene Rofé, including a 5-pack of a Light Push-Up Bra in an array of colors, as well as Lace Push Up Bras in packs of 4, 5 and 6.

If you’re looking for more subtle curves, try the Rene Rofe 4-Pack Soft Foam Wireless T-Shirt Bra, which is lightly padded with flexible foam cups for a natural look.

Step 5. Calculate Your Cup Size

Next, to measure bra size you must calculate to find your cup size. Take your bust measurement, which will be the larger number of the two, and subtract your band measurement. This number will correspond with your cup size. If your bust and band size are the same, then you’re a size AA. From there you will go up on letter in the outfit according to the difference of measurements between your bust and band size. For example, if the difference between your bust and band size is 1 inch, then you’re an A cup; a 2-inch difference indicates a B cup, 3 inches is a C cup and 4 inches is a D cup.

Step 6. Combine Measurements

Your final step to measure bra size is simply to combine the number from your band size (step 1) with the letter you calculated in step 5. If your band size is 36 and your 38, that would make your cup size B, and your official bra size would be 36B.

Knowing your correct bra size is essential to choosing the most comfortable bras that you’ll get the most use from. Another alternative to choosing bras that will offer a flattering fit while maintaining their comfort is to choose a seamless style. The Rene Rofe Seamless Light Support Sport Bra Yoga Top is available as a 6-pack and are available in sizes S/M/L to fit just about all figures. Rene Rofé’s seamless styles also are available in strapless styles, such as the Bandeau Bra with Removable Pads.