How to measure yourself for a bra at home

Most women are wearing the wrong bra size, and almost nobody finds out until something starts to hurt. The good news is that you only need two measurements and a soft tape to fix it.

What you need

A soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a non-padded bra or no bra at all. Do not measure over a padded or push-up bra — it will add an inch or two and throw the whole thing off.

Step one: the band

Wrap the tape around your ribcage, directly under the bust. Pull it snug — snugger than feels natural — and keep it level all the way around your back. Breathe out and read the number. This is your underbust.

Now find it in our bra size chart: an underbust of 27–28 inches is a 32 band, 29–30 is a 34, 31–32 is a 36, and so on up to 42.

Step two: the cup

Now measure around the fullest part of your bust. This time the tape should lie flat without pressing in. Stand straight and do not lean forward.

Subtract your band size — not the underbust number — from this one. The difference is your cup:

• 1 inch = A
• 2 inches = B
• 3 inches = C
• 4 inches = D

So an underbust of 28 inches gives a 32 band. With a 34 inch bust, 34 minus 32 = 2, which is a 32B.

Checking the fit

A bra that fits sits level across your back — not riding up. The band, not the straps, should carry most of the weight. You should be able to slide two fingers under the band and no more. The cups should be smooth, with no gaping at the top and no spillage at the sides.

Between sizes

Take the smaller band and the larger cup. A 34B and a 32C hold roughly the same volume, but the tighter band gives more support.

Still unsure? Send us your two measurements and we will tell you exactly what to order.