How to Find Your Perfect Bra Size at Home

A bra that fits well changes everything: it feels comfortable all day, sits smoothly under clothes and gives you proper support. The good news is that you can find your size at home in about five minutes with just a soft measuring tape and a mirror.

What you need

A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing)
A mirror
Your best-fitting non-padded bra, or no bra at all

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Step 1: Measure your band

Wrap the tape snugly around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Keep it level all the way around and breathe out normally. Note the number in inches and round it to the nearest whole number. If you get an odd number, try the next even size up first, since most bands come in even sizes (32, 34, 36 and so on).

Step 2: Measure your bust

Now wrap the tape loosely around the fullest part of your bust, again keeping it level across your back. Do not pull it tight. Round this number to the nearest inch as well.

Step 3: Work out your cup size

Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference is roughly one cup size:

1 inch: A cup
2 inches: B cup
3 inches: C cup
4 inches: D cup
5 inches: DD cup

For example, a band of 34 and a bust of 37 gives a difference of 3 inches, so your starting size is 34C.

Step 4: Check the fit in the mirror

Measurements are a starting point, because every brand fits a little differently. When you try a bra on, look for these signs of a good fit:

The band sits level across your back and feels firm on the loosest hook.
The straps stay up without digging into your shoulders.
The cups are smooth, with no gaps at the top and no spilling over the edges.
The centre part between the cups lies flat against your chest.

If the band rides up, go down a band size. If the cups gap, try a smaller cup; if they overflow, go up one. Remember that when you change the band size, the cup changes too: a 34C holds about the same volume as a 32D or a 36B.