What is my bra size?

What is my bra size?! How to properly measure your bra size - a public service announcement.

After my lovable boss decided to measure my bra size in front of everyone, this post seemed like a great idea. (Seriously, have you ever read such a mortifying work story? I love her, but geez!)

The Proper Way to Measure Your Bra Size

You know the joke about not being able to go back out at night because you've already taken off your bra? This is me 100%. And I bet it's you too, which is a safe wager because the majority of women purchase the wrong size bra simply because they aren’t aware of their correct measurements.

If you knew what to measure and how, you could say goodbye to all those ill-fitting bra woes, such as gaps, backaches, and sore spots from a too-tight bra cutting into your skin. Plus, you'd save time and effort when you shop sexy bras for women. To help you out, I've partnered with Cosabella to come up with a guide to the proper way to measure bra size.

Oooh la la

(Also, I am clearly too immature to write a blog post about bras.)

What is my bra size?

Follow these simple bra measurement steps to have a perfect and comfortable fit next time:

Step 1: Measure your band size: Wearing no bra and using a measuring tape, measure the torso under your bust. While measuring, make sure the tape should be level. Round up to the nearest whole number. Add four in case of an even number or five if the number is odd. For instance – if the number is 33 inches, the band size will be 33+5= 38; if it is 32 inches, the band size will be 32+4= 36.

Step 2: Compute measurement of your bust: Wrap the tape loosely around the fullest part of your bust line (at nipple level). Make sure the measuring tape isn’t too tight or two loose. Note the bust size. If required, round off the number to the nearest whole number. 

Step 3: Compute your cup size: 

To find your cup size, subtract the band size from the bust size. Now refer to the bra size chart given below to find your cup size. For instance – if your bust size is 38 inches and band size is 35 inches, the cup size will be 38-35= 3 inches. It will be 35C.

Bra Size Chart

Bust Minus Band	US Cup Sizes US Brands	European Cup Sizes EU Brands	UK Cup Sizes UK Brands
less than 1"	AA	AA	AA
1"	A	A	A
2"	B	B	B
3"	C	C	C
4"	D	D	D
5"	DD/E	E	DD
6"	DDD/F	F	E
7"	DDDD/G	G	F
8"	H	H	FF
9"	I	I	G
10"	J	J	GG
11"	K	K	H
12"	L	L	HH
13"	M	M	J
14"	N	N	JJ
15"	O	O	K

How to make sure a bra is the correct size:

1. If you can't fit your finger between your body and bra band, then the bra is too tight.
2. If there is a gap at the bottom of the bra cup that means the band is too loose. 
3. Bend forward at your waist, slip on the bra and simply hook it. This step ensures that your boobs are entirely in the cups.
4. If you can stick your finger under the center gore, i.e. the area between the cups that means the bra is not the right fit. The center gore of a bra should be tighter so as to prevent your breasts from slipping out the bottom.
5. Wear a fitted shirt or tee over the bra. If your breasts bulge, the bra is not appropriate.
6. Are there any empty spot in the cups? If yes, then the bra is not of the correct size. The cups should look smooth and full.
7. When you shop a new bra, secure it on the loosest row of hooks. This will allow you the flexibility to tighten the bras as its elastic loosens over time.
8. If you notice spillage on the top of cups or under your arms, you will need a larger cup size.
9. If the bra straps fall or leave reddish mark whenever you pull them off, choose a different bra size as per the bra size chart given above. Straps should rest comfortably. If available, it's safest to pick bras with adjustable straps.