This Bra-Size Calculator Is a Thing of Genius
Without the help of our bra-size calculator below, finding out (and updating) your bra size can be a time-consuming and downright annoying thing to have to do. There are loads of great places you can visit to get your bra fitted (and I do venture afield, as you'll see below), but the truth is that it's super important to keep checking. Our bodies change fast (weight can fluctuate and our figures shift all the time), and wearing the wrong size bra can be rather damaging to your breast tissue. So although we would always recommend getting fitted properly, it is a great idea to be able to scope out your own bra size from home until you can fit the time in your schedule to get it done properly. That way, you can be on top of things when you're too busy to visit a lingerie department every six months.
Why Do I Need a Bra-Size Calculator?
The first thing you'll learn? You've probably been wearing the wrong bra size for a long, long time. But don't worry—you're not alone in that mistake. It's incredibly common for people to assume that they have bigger backs than they actually do (or be scared of having a larger cup size for the fear that it will limit their underwear options). Here's where we step in to help.
To get some expert intel, I headed to both Marks and Spencer and Rigby & Peller. The latter is an old-school underwear shop that works very differently from other stores. Instead of measuring you, the bra fitters work by sight. They just look at your chest and work out which size you are. Both Rigby & Peller and M&S came back with a 34D. Now, while just knowing someone's bra size from looking at their chest does seem like a sort of superpower every breast owner should have, alas, it's not something we can all possess, which is why I got thinking about a bra-size calculator.
What Are the Benefits of the Bra-Size Calculator?
Although you can always opt for an in-store measure, this bra-size calculator is an easy way for everyone to work out their own bra size without having to step foot in a store should they not wish to or simply not have the time to spare. Keep scrolling for our guide on how to find out your correct bra size, and you can thank me later.
How to Use the Bra-Size Calculator
Step 1: Measure Your Band
To measure around the band part of your bust, which is directly underneath your breasts, make sure you have a soft tape measure to hand, place it flat against your skin, and draw it around your torso. Keep as close to under your bust as possible. Once you've done that, note down the number in inches.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust
Once you've done the band, then you want to measure the fullest part of your bust. Gently take the tape measure and measure it in inches as well.
Step 3: Work Out Your Cup Size
Then comes the slightly tricky bit: To work out what your cup size is, you want to subtract your band size from your bust size. From the difference between the two sizes, you can work out your cup. If the difference is less than 1, then it's AA; 1 means A; 2 means B; 3 means C; 4 means D; 5 means DD; and so on.
You'll still need your band measurement to give you the number preceding the letter. For example, if your band size is 34 but your bust size is 37, then your bra size is 34C (difference of 3, again, means it's a C-cup). Of course, it's worth mentioning that bras can fit differently according to different brands, but now you have the basic tools to work out your correct size.
If you need more guidance, I also spoke to bra-fit expert Julia Mercer from M&S, who gave me some further insights so that if you ever want to know how to find the right size, you'll be in no doubt. First off, Mercer said that as the average bust size of women in the UK is growing (34B to a 36D/36DD in the last decade), "it's become more important than ever to wear a bra for both comfort and support."
Mercer also said, reassuringly, that you should "never be alarmed if you have to go up a cup size," as this will not only help you look more in proportion but will also help your posture. And the best way to check if your bra is fitting correctly? "Lift up your arms, twist your body, and the bra will fit perfectly in place," she advises. For more help, keep scrolling for a bra-fitting checklist.
5 Key Checks for the Perfect Bra Fit
1. Under-band: This should be parallel to the floor and secure enough that only two fingers can fit under the elastic.
2. Centre front: Should sit completely flat against the sternum.
3. Side wire: Make sure this is flat against the rib cage and never digging into the breast tissue.
4. Cup capacity: Breasts should sit fully into the cup without any spillage.
5. Straps: These should be adjusted to just fit two fingers on top of each other, which will give the right pressure for your shoulder.
Now that you've got all of the tips on calculating your own bra size, it's time to shop! See my favourite bras to buy now.
Shop the Best Bras for All Sizes
1. T-Shirt Bras
- Seamless design for invisibility underneath clothing.
- Made with wide straps and extra side-material for full coverage.
- Wireless and label-free to prevent underwear lines.
- Brushed finish for maximum comfort.
- Convertible straps to adjust to different styles of clothing.
- Binding along neck the edge for a finish that sits flat against the skin.
- Ultra-smooth outer cups for a natural shape under clothing.
- Mesh underband for full, yet comfortable support.
- Varied range of nude shades to adapt to skin tone.
- Made with Flexifit™ technology for a stretch that moves with the body.
- Full-coverage cups for maximum support.
- A lightweight, breathable material for comfort.
- Fitted with smooth spacer cups to be invisible under clothing.
- Thin padding on bra cups to avoid unwanted volume increase.
- Natural neckline to fit seamlessly under clothing.
- Underwired cups for complete support.
- Made with a soft microfibre material for long-lasting comfort.
- Underwired cups for optimum support.
- 4 hook and eye closure to tailor the fit and minimise skin irritation.
- Fully adjustable straps to fit under clothing.
2. Non-Padded Bras
- Made with a semi-sheer material for breathability.
- Fully-adjustable straps to prevent slipping.
- Rigid yet soft underwire for secure and comfortable support.
- Flattering plunge neckline.
- Unlined seamless cups for natural shaping under clothing.
- Made with moulded stretch brushed lace for a comfortable fit.
- Multi-functional J Hook to allow racerback styling.
- Made with three-piece cups for forward projection and side-support.
- Fitted with a stretch band along the neck edge for a tailored fit.
- Padded hook and eye fastening for comfort.
- Made with a firm mesh material and underwiring for support.
- Full coverage cups for a seamless finish underclothing.
- Adjustable straps for comfort.
- High apex styles for ample support.
- Made with a 'cut and sew' design to lift and support.
- Non-padded cups for a natural look under clothes.
3. Black Bras
- Made with Natural Lift™ innovation to lift and define bust.
- Unpadded cups for subtle support.
- Full cups for comfort.
- Plunge neckline for a flattering finish.
- Barely-there design to fit seamlessly under clothes.
- Adjustable shoulder straps for comfortable support.
- Side boning for a structured and supportive fit.
- Made with a mesh material for all-day comfort.
- Seamless raw edge finish for invisibility under clothing.
- Featuring smoothing microfibre wings and sheer unlined cups.
- Full-cups for maximum coverage.
- Thin padding for a smooth look under clothing.
- Fitted with an elasticated underband for a comfortable fit.
4. Strapless Bras
- Foam cups to create a 'push-up' effect.
- Hand-shape technology to ensure support.
- Made with silicone dot technology to keep the bra in place.
- Smooth satin fabric for comfortability against skin.
- Seam-free contour cups for a smooth look under clothing.
- Lightly padded to support without adding unwanted volume.
- Cushioned underband for comfort.
- Fitted with detachable straps.
- Stretchy fabric to mould to the body and bust.
- Made with a no-cut design that offers subtle support without digging.
- Soft-wired cups to avoid skin irritation.
- Invisible wiring for a seamless fit under clothes.
- Detachable straps to suit all styling options.
- Sewn inner cups to prevent slipping.
- Features a wide hook-and-eye for extra support.
- Fully adjustable and detachable straps to suit styling options.
5. DD+ Bras
- Features a wider neckline to flatter fuller busts.
- Non-padded cups to avoid unwanted volume.
- Added stretch for comfort.
- Thicker hook and eye fasting for support.
- Made with a three-piece cup for optimum lifting.
- Fitted with an opaque wing for additional support.
- Fully adjustable straps to prevent slippage.
- Laminated side cups for forward projection and support.
- Stretch lace with increased LYCRA® content for comfort.
- Adjustable straps to prevent strap slippage.
- Features a J-Hook adjuster to create a racer back.
- Made with stabiliser-lined bottom cups to provide support.
- Features an inner side sling for comfort.
- Plunge neckline to fit seamlessly under low-cut clothing.
- Padded underwire for a smooth look under clothing.
- Multi-way straps to suit different necklines.
6. Pretty Bras
- Contrasting adjustable satin shoulder straps for support.
- Elasticated underband for comfort.
- Features a sheer floral-lace design.
- Gingham print with lace trim.
- Features underwire cups for support.
- Stretch-silk satin bow between cups.
- Pink floral design with subtle scalloped-edge.
- Made from airy recycled-tulle.
- Abstract embroidery.
- Features embellishments between cups.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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