How to Buy a Bra  

An estimated 70% of women do not know their proper bra measurements. Without knowing these measurements, it can be very difficult to buy fashionable and well fitting clothes. Many women’s clothing items use bra or cup size measurements to distinguish differences in fit, so these measurements can be extremely important. This section will arm you with the knowledge you need for these crucial measurements. Additionally, a woman’s breasts change significantly over time, particularly during and after pregnancy. Weight loss, gain and monthly cycle variations can also have an effect on the fit of your bra. It is advised that you check your bra size once or twice a year or as necessary due to significant weight changes.

Things to check in the Fitting room

Try to get someone to take the measurements for you - your posture will be more relaxed and natural. The measurements should be more accurate.

Stand up straight and breathe normally

Don’t measure over the top of clothing

Wear the bra you feel most comfortable in

Use a cloth tape measure if possible.

Determining your Bra/Band size

(ribcage circumference measurement)

Step 1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast at a constant height with the cloth measuring tape. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This dimension is your bra/band size (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go up one inch to the next EVEN number.) This should equal the circumference around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms.

Step 2. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, flat on your back, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the Bra Size from step 1.

Determining your Cup size (projection of breasts from chest wall)

Step 3. To determine the proper Cup Size, find the difference between step 2 and step 1 (step 2 - step 1.) Use the chart below to determine your Cup Size.

Difference                                Cup Size         Available on City Girl

0 to 1/2 inch                                  AA                         Available

1/2 to 1 inch                                    A                           Available

1 to 2 1/2 inches                             B                           Available

2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches                       C                           Available

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches                        D                          Available

4 1/2 to 6 inches                        DD (E)                        On order

6 to 7 inches                             DDD (F)                      On order

7 to 8 inches                                   G                            On order

The usual bra measuring system may not work:   

Some people have written to me suggesting that the previous measurement scheme does not work at ALL for them. Why? The previous measurement guide is an approximation. Each person is unique, and all busts differ in volume, shape and spacing, just as each person’s unique body size, height, and weight can affect a bra’s fit; a tape measure and simple formula may not always tell the whole story. Plus, even if the measurements ARE accurate, there are no real “standards” for bra sizing, so differences between manufacturers is common.

An alternate bra measuring scheme: (from Tanya Brown at Tanya Brown’s Breast Prosthesis Emporium)

Determining your Bra/Band Size: (ribcage circumference measurement)

1. Measure around the chest directly under the breast.

2. Measure around the chest, directly above the breasts/under the arms.

3. If the difference between the two measurements is two inches or less, use the Step 1 measurement. If the difference is over two inches, you may want to try one bra/band size larger for comfort. This will be your bra/band size.

4. If the under-breast measurement is an odd number, add one to reach the next even numbered bra band size.

5. Now measure around the chest at the height of the fullest part of the breast. The measuring tape should be held horizontal, and your arms should be down. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison.)

Determining your Cup Size: (projection of breasts from chest wall)

To determine the proper Cup Size, find the difference between step 5 and your bra band size. Use the chart above to determine your Cup Size.