How to Measure Bra Size

Sexy lingerie can make you look and feel amazing. But wearing an ill-fitting bra can be uncomfortable at best, and damaging to your body at worst. Even bras that seem to fit just fine can be way off the mark when it comes to providing the right support and doing your body justice.

Knowledge is power, so it’s time measure up, honey. Don’t know where to start? When it comes to bra fitting at home, we have everything you need to know.

How to Measure for a Bra

Knowledge is power, so it’s time to measure up. Don’t know where to start? When it comes to bra fitting at home, we have everything you need to know.One of the main questions we get asked is how do you measure for a bra, and here we have everything you need to help you get the perfect fit – with both the old fashioned bra measuring hacks and our fantastic True Fit tool.

What about a Bra Size Calculator?

Some people look for a bra size calculator when bra shopping online, but you don’t need one of those, a simple subtraction is all it takes to measure bra size. Of course, using the calculation method below doesn’t account for breast shape, and this is often half the issue when finding the perfect fitting bra. If you want to account for shape and size, use our True Fit tool that can be found on all bra products.

How to Measure your Bra Size Using the Traditional Method

Band measurement: Measure the circumference in inches of your waist underneath the breasts (where the band of your bra should sit)
Cup measurement: Measure the circumference in inches of your breast at their fullest part
Finding your size: Subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement. The difference represents your cup letter and the band measurement doesn’t change.

So, if the difference between cup measurement and band measurement is 1 inch, this represents the first letter of the alphabet: A. Two inches represent B, 3 inches represent C and so on. If your band measurement is 34 inches and your cup measurement is 37 inches, your bra size would be 34C.

Why the Right Bra Measurement Matters

What’s your bra size? 32A, 34C, 38DD? And what’s with the letters and numbers?!

Whatever you think it is, there’s a good chance you’re wrong. According to research, up to 80% of us buy bras in the wrong size. Ask any bra fitter and they’re sure to tell you the majority of women leave with a different sized bra to the one they walked in with.

We know that every woman’s shape and size is unique. And as you can probably tell, when it comes to Ann Summers bras, we are perfectionists, so we’re on a mission to ensure that we provide the best fitting bras for you.This is why we have updated our bra cup size chart which now includes our vast range of bra sizes for our fuller-breasted femmes.

We also know how important it is to have the best fitting bra, no matter your bust size, and that’s why our range of DD+ bras now goes up to a 44H. But we haven’t stopped there, in our strive for perfection we have also improved the comfort and shape of our bras with softer foam cups, better underwires and shoulder straps.

So, prepare to get all the support your boobs need and look like the goddess you are, inside and out using True Fit – our online solution when bra shopping with Ann Summers.

Introducing Truefit: the solution to your bra size dilemmas on the go or in the comfort of your home. Simply click the ‘What’s My Size?’ button on the product page and answer our quick and simple questions to find a bra that fits – it really is that easy.

So, what are you waiting for? Discover your true fit.

So, what are you waiting for?

Discover your true fit.

How to tell if you’ve got the wrong fit

Aside from physical issues, wearing the wrong bra size or a badly fitting bra can also seriously knock your body confidence. Whether you’re squeezing them in or falling short, neither is a good look.

Not only can it make your shape look a little odd when stripped to the bare minimum, but it also does nothing for your fully clothed silhouette. Think lumps, bumps and flattened boobs; a poorly fitted bra is definitely a no-no for your health and curve appeal. So, with that in mind, what are the warning signs you need to look out for?

Spillage

If your boobs look like they’re trying to escape under your arm or over the top of the cups, you’re underestimating your cup size. If back bulge is your problem, then you need a bigger band size. Ain’t nobody got time for tucking things back in.

Wrinkles

If your bra fabric is wrinkled or baggy, your cup size is too big. While it’s tempting to go up a size when you’re below average, you won’t get the support you need. If you have a smaller chest, push up bras can offer a larger, fuller look without compromising on fit.

Rubbing

Nothing beats taking your bra off after a long day. But do you ever notice redness or chaffing in certain spots? Whether it’s underneath your breasts or on the ribs or shoulders, this is a sure sign your bra is too tight.

Slipping

If you’re constantly pulling up sliding straps, you’ve likely gone too big in the band, cup or both. Same goes if your bra rides up your back, or if your boobs get exposed when you raise your arms – that’s a nip slip nobody wants to experience.

How Do You Know If a Bra Fits Right?

There are various ways you can tell whether your bra is the perfect fit when trying on at home or in-store.

The band

First up, the band itself. This should sit firm and straight. You should also be able to get two fingers under it but feel a little resistance. If it’s too loose, you need a smaller size. If you’re struggling to get your fingers in (ooh!) then you should try the next size up.

The straps

The straps are a key part of your bra. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that the tighter the straps the more support they provide, but they should actually sit comfortably on the shoulder without any pinching or sliding. Be sure to check they are equal on both sides.

The centre

Also known as the ‘bra bridge’, this is the little bit of fabric nestled snuggly between your boobs. It should sit flat to your body without any room underneath but also not digging into your skin. If you can see a gap, you need to go up in size. If you have this problem a balcony cup bra could be a great option, offering ¾ coverage with all the support of a full cup bra.

The wires

If you’re testing out a bra with wiring, such as underwired bras, be sure to check it fits properly. These should follow the natural curve at the base of your breast. If they’re sitting on it or too far below, they won’t do their job and this is where a large amount of support comes from.

The cups

If all the other elements are adjusted correctly, your cups should be smooth and perfectly moulded to the line curve of your breast. Remember the warning signs we mentioned above; any wrinkles or sagging, move on, girl.

6 Point Bra Fit

So, there you have it, your complete bra-fitting guide. With the right size sitting snug on your breasts, not only do you get better support but you’ll also feel even sexier. Now you’re feeling confident, comfortable and supported in your bras why not take a look at our stunning collection of lingerie? Whether you need plus-size lingerie for those perfect curves, or you’re after the perfect basque for hot nights at home, you can find your perfect fit with Ann Summers.

Now you know your size, why not treat yourself?

Your boobs and lingerie drawer deserve the best – treat yourself today.

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