How to Size Bras, How to Size Corsets
Here's some great bra and corset sizing guidance from one of our bra and corset mfrs.
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Step 1 - Band Measurement |
| Measure under your bust without a bra, using a cloth tape measure. Ensure that the tape measure is positioned around your back at the position the bra would normally be worn, and bring the ends of the tape measure directly under your bust. This measurement should feel as snug as your want the band of the of bra to feel when worn. If the number is odd, add 1" (one inch) to round up to the next even number (if you measured 33", add 1" to 34"). |
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STEP 2 - Measuring the Bustline |
| Next, complete your measurements without your bra by taking the tape measure around the back as you did for the band measurement. Bring the tape measure across the largest part of the bust. This measurement should be comfortable, not so snug that the tape measure makes a dent in the breast tissue, but not loose enough that the tape measure falls. Write this measurement down. Note: never round this number up or down. |
| STEP 3 - Calculate the Bra Size |
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Take the bustline measurement and deduct the band measurement. This difference will determine the cup size. For example, if the band measurement were 33", it would be rounded to 34", and if the bust measurement were 37", the difference is 3". According to the table below, we would recommend a 34C.
Difference
(inches) |
0-1/2 |
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11/2-21/2 |
21/2-31/2 |
31/2-41/2 |
41/2-51/2 |
51/2-61/2 |
| Cup Size |
A |
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B |
C |
D |
DD/E |
DDD/F |
Difference
(inches) |
61/2-71/2 |
71/2-81/2 |
81/2-91/2 |
91/2-101/2 |
101/2-111/2 |
| Cup Size |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K | |
Troubleshooting |
Here are common bra problems and what to do about them:
- Wrinkled cups. Go down one cup size.
- Spilling breasts. Try a larger cup size. Or, choose a bra design that offers more coverage.
- Falling straps. First try adjusting the straps. If that doesn't work, your breasts are probably not filling out the tops of the cups, so try going down a cup size. Also, look for designs where the straps are located in the middle of the cup, not at the edges. Or try a racer-back style.
- Band rides up in back. Try a tighter hook or loosen the straps. If neither works, go down one band size.
- Strap marks. Try loosening the straps. Otherwise, you probably need a more supportive bra, perhaps one with padded straps.
See our measuring tips and suggestions and advice for men in determining the size to buy. |
| About bra sizes |
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Why do manufacturers use complicated cup sizing? They do so to maximize sales, not necessarily to ensure you get the correct bra size. In order to minimize the number of sizes a store carries, larger cup sizes (typically, above a D cup) are measured differently by each manufacturer. An E cup for one manufacturer may be equivalent to a DD cup for another.
Most bras on our site increment through a DDD as follows: A cup = 1", B cup = 2", C cup = 3", D cup = 4", DD cup = 5", and DDD cup = 6".
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