How to Use The Bra Size Chart
Let’s take things from the top. The first step to using our bra size chart is knowing how to measure your bra size. If you aren’t familiar with your band or cup size, follow our guide below to find your perfect fit in our bras and others.
How to Measure Bra Size in 3 Steps
There are 3 steps to measuring bra size—measuring your band, your bust and using both measurements to determine your cup size. We have also included a bra size chart that helps you do less math and find your perfect fit faster. Let’s get to measuring!
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
To get the closest measurement, wear a thinly lined bralette or unpadded bra. Grab a soft tape measure and wrap it around your back snugly, keeping it parallel to the floor. Wrap it back around to your bust (right below the middle of your chest) along the band of your bra line and connect it back to meet the other end of the tape measure. Round down to the nearest even number and note your band size in inches.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
When learning how to measure your bust, keep the same measuring tape around your back at the band’s level and measure across the fullest part of your chest, making sure to hold the measuring tape against you and parallel to the ground. Take a deep breath to make sure the tape rests at a comfortable position. If your measurement falls at a half-inch, round up!
Step 3: Determine Your Cup Size
The most common way to calculate your cup size is by subtracting your band size from your bust size. By calculating the difference, you get a number of inches that corresponds to a letter cup size. For example, an A cup means your breasts are lifted an inch of your chest, a B cup means they are lifted 2 inches off your chest, and so on and so forth, per the below chart:
Difference (In Inches): Your Cup Size
- 1” | A cup
- 2” | B cup
- 3” | C cup
- 4” | D cup
- 5” | DD cup
- 6” | DDD cup
How to Determine Your Bra Size
The last step in how to determine your bra size is using your band size and cup size to locate your bra size using a bra size chart. Fortunately, our bra size chart does the math for you and tells you your size from your band and bust measurements.
Differences in Bra Size by Style
We also have different sizing guides to fit each bra style.
Wireless Bras
For our Lightly Lined Wireless Bras we recommend choosing the size you typically wear in other brands, but you can certainly verify your size by measuring your band and cup size and comparing it to our bra size chart above.
Scoop Bralette
For our Scoop Bralette, we recommend using the bra size chart below.
- XS | 32A-D
- S | 34A-D, 32DD
- M | 36A-D, 34DD
- L | 38A-D, 36DD
- XL | 40A-C, 38DD
- XXL | 42A-B
Triangle Bralette
For our Triangle Bralette, we recommend using the bra size chart below.
- XS (A –C) | 32A-C
- XS (D-DD) | 32D-DD
- S (A-C) | 34A-C
- S (D-DD) | 34D-DD
- M (A-C) | 36A-C
- M (D-DD) | 36D-DD
- L (A-C) | 38A-C
- L (D-DD) | 38D-DD
Bra Fitting Guide: Do You Have the Right Bra Size?
The only way to tell whether any bra size is right is to put it to the test. By using these indicators of comfort and support it won’t take you too long to know whether your bra size is the right fit or not.
Band
The band should be level with the ground and not feel too tight or too loose. An indicator of an incorrectly fitting bra is when the band hikes up your shoulders or digs into your back or shoulder tissue. There should be enough room to slide one finger underneath the band of a properly fitting bra.
Straps
The straps should sit securely on your shoulders and be snug but not too tight or too loose. They shouldn’t be digging into your shoulder or slide off, especially if they’re adjusted to the tightest fit.
Center Gore
At the center gore, the underwire should lay flat and not poke into your breasts. Trace the wire of your bra with your finger to make sure it is snuggly sitting on your rib cage and not on your breast tissue.
Cups
The cups should form to the curve of your breast and should properly cover with no overflow or gaps. A wire and a cup should still fit you and give you a cleavage line without the cut being too small or uncovering.
Quick Tips and Fixes to Find Your Bra Size
A bad bra fit is often worse than no bra at all. It can cut into your skin, leave you achy, and ruin your posture. But if you are unsure where to go size-wise, here are a few tips to guide you to bra salvation.
Tip #1: If you need to size up or down, it may not be as simple as going up or down in cup size—going from a 36B to a 36C and vice versa.
Tip #2: The same sentiment can be used by increasing band size. If you wear a 36B and the cup is too big, rather than simply going down to a 36A, try a 38A. If the cup of your 36B is too small, try a 34C and see how it fits.
Tip #3: Bras have sister sizes, and sometimes, it takes a little bit of trial and error to get the size right. Try different sizes and don’t be discouraged with differences in fits by brand.
The best place to start? Measuring your bra size before you shop is the best starting point to figure out what size you should try first.
Bra Fitting FAQs
From how to wear a bra correctly to what to do if you don’t have a soft tape measure, we’ve answered all of your bra fitting questions below.
How can I tell if my bra fits properly?
There are certain comfort, fit and support indicators that you can use to know whether a bra fits properly. For detailed instructions, explore our bra fitting guide above.
Am I wearing my bra correctly?
You can’t know if your bra fits unless you put it on the right way. Follow these steps for putting your bra on correctly.
Step 1: Clasp your bra on the loosest hook.
You want to clasp your bra on the loosest hook so that as it stretches out, you can tighten it in order to have the best band fit.
Step 2: Tighten your straps.
You want your straps to be snug but not so tight that they are digging into your skin or leaving marks.
Step 3: Scoop and smooth your breast tissue into your bra.
The last trick is to scoop your breast tissue out from the bottom of the cup and pull lightly back on the band. Make sure to smooth the cup down at the edge of your bra.
How do I know my cup size without measuring?
Measuring bra size without a soft measuring tape is easy, all you need is some string or a cord. Wrap the string around your band line, then on the bust line. Note the exact length with a pen and use a ruler or regular tape measure to determine your measurements. Follow our steps above for determining your bra size.
Now that you know how to properly measure your bra size and determine your best fit, use our bra size chart to find comfortable bras that will support you like a sister. Still unsure? Reach out to one of our bra fit experts, who are always available on live chat, or by phone to guide you through the proper fit process.