BraMeasurement.co.uk

Bra Sizes

A correctly fitting bra will ensure that you look, and feel, fantastic. Follow the guidelines given here and then see if your current bras are the correct size for your bust. Research has shown that up to seventy per cent of women wear the incorrect bra size, often too large a band size and too small a cup size.

The figures given below relating to how to measure you own bust size should be used as guidelines only. Where possible, you should get yourself measured by a professional (it should only take about five minutes) and you should try on several styles and brands in order to find a bra size that gives you the best fit.

Bra Sizes and cup sizes are not identical and are measured in relation to the band size of the person in question. For example, a B cup with a band size of 38 will therefore be larger than a B cup with a band size of 32.

International Bra Sizes

Bra sizes in the UK are based around the unit of inches, although you can calculate an accurate measurement by using centimetres and a conversion chart. An inch is 2.54cm.

Cup sizes are always relative to the band size, so the same cup size is bigger on a bigger band size. Bra cup sizes, as far as we can tell, were introduced in about 1935 in the US and then adopted by British underwear manufacturers. The numbers used for bra band size (eg 34, 36, 38 etc) were devised in the mid-twentieth century. To make bra sizes sound more appealing, manufacturers took the underbust measurement, added 4 to 5 inches to it, and came up with the band sizes that we now use. This is why you add 4 or 5 inches to your underbust measurement when you are measuring your bra band size.

When it comes to comparing bra sizes in different countries, for example the US and the UK, the band sizes are the same but, in cup sizes larger than a D, there may be less consistency. However, the following is a useful guide to international bra band measurements:

Figleaves, the online lingerie specialists, have an excellent and detailed free 40 page downloadable guide to finding your true bra size. Get the free Bra Fitting Guide here.

Bra Measuring Tape

If all that seems a bit complicated (and it can be a little daunting), then you might like to look at our Bra Measuring Tape. It's a simple two step way to calculate  your bra size using a unique tape measure.

Find out more about the Bra Tape Measure here or buy it now using the Google Checkout link below. We post the Bra Measuring tape out with full instructions (although there really isn't much to it!).