Measure Your Bra Size and Bra Calculators
We all know that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. You may know that 40% of women are DD Cup plus, you may not know that your bra shape is just as important as the fit.
I have spent 5 years conducting extensive research, I have found that finding your correct bra size isn’t as easy as one simple measuring system and bra Size Calculators are not accurate what so ever…for example I put my measurements into one and it said I was a bra size 18D. Truth is my bra size is10GG so it was way off. I always recommend you get professionally fitted however I know that is not always possible. Remember that the shape is just as important as the fit so ensure you get a bra that is right for your body shape.
Generally speaking it differs from smaller to larger cups. My measuring technique is similar to others however we have tweaked to get you closer to a better fit. Steps 1 and 2 are generic for both smaller and bigger cup sizes, though Step 3 is for smaller cups and Step 4 is for larger cups
1. Band Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage snugly just under your bust. Make sure you’re wearing a good fitting, non-padded bra while measuring, measure in inches. If it’s an odd number go down one. Use the Band Size chart below to convert your band size.
- Bras stretch in the back; your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook when new;
- Band is level from front to back;
Band Size
|
Australia |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
|
UK & US |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
|
Europe |
65 |
70 |
75 |
80 |
85 |
90 |
95 |
100 |
105 |
110 |
2. Cup Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your breasts. Measure in inches the fullest part of your bust. Simply subtract your band size from your bust measurement and that will give you your cup size. Use the chart below to find your cup size.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
|
|
AU |
A |
B |
C |
D |
DD |
E |
F |
G |
H |
- |
- |
- |
|
UK |
A |
B |
C |
D |
DD |
E |
F |
FF |
G |
GG |
H |
I |
|
USA |
A |
B |
C |
D |
DD/E |
DDD/F |
DDDD/G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
|
EU |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3. Smaller Cup sizes A – D
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. Now to tweak! Go up in your band size and down in your cup size.
For Example:
Band Measurement: 32 inches = Australian Size 10
Bust Measurement: 35 inches
Cup Size: 35 – 32 = 3, Equals a C cup
Bra Size: 10C
NOW go up a band size and down a cup size = 12B
4. Larger Cup Sizes DD Cup & Up
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. Remember you want it to be a snug fit that way it is guranteed to support you.
For Example:
Rib Cage Measurement: 34 inches = Australian Size 12
Bust Measurement: 40 inches
Cup Size: 40 – 34= 6 Give’s me an E Cup.
Bra Size: 12 E
Bottoms Size Guide
| SIZE | DRESS SIZE GUIDE | WAIST (INCHES) | HIPS (INCHES) |
| S | 8-10 | 24-27 | 34-37 |
| M | 12-14 | 27-30 | 37-40 |
| L | 14-16 | 30-33 | 40-43 |
This is very obviously wrong. My band is 30 inches & cup is 36 inches but I perfectly fit a 12c Australian bra! According to this site I’d be an 8E – No way!
Hi Sabrinna,
You may be a 12C this is a starting point however I would ask you if the band rides up your back at all or if it sits evenly from front to back? The band must fit snug around the back so it can support you like it needs too. A 12C in the cup is equivalent to a 10D and 8DD so the measurements are quite accurate. Depending on your back size will determine which one you are, most people always think they are larger in the back then what the really are. I recently fitted a lady who was very adamant that she was a 16C however she ended up being a 12DD and has never been more comfortable
Rx
Hi, I’ve been measured for band size 35 and cup size 45 1/2. I have perfectly fitting Fayreform bra in 16gg and have also been recommended for 16g, 18f or ff and 18g. Are all these sizes roughly comparable to each other and what would you recommend. Any help would be great.
Thanks.
Hi Jo,
Yes they are very sister sizes a 16GG is the same as an 18G and a 16G is the same as an 18FF it is the band size that varies but the cups are the same size. Using my measurements you are either a 16G or 16GG depending on the half
Hope that helps!
Rx
Thank you for this. It’s frustrating to see how clueless people are about how bra sizing works. But it’s not their fault, the systems of bra fitters are terrible and adjusted to push people into standard sizing.
My underbust measurement is 26 inches and I was once fitted into a size 12 bra. While it did fit okay, it’s so much better to wear a bra in my correct size. I wish manufacturers would take note, as I’m sure there a lots of people like me with small backbands and large cup sizes forced to wear an ill-fitting bra. People think my cup size seems ridiculously large but it’s what fits.
Thanks again again for the post.
Thanks Lilah,
Yes so many women think they are bigger around the back then they are. We actually just released a Bra Fitting App that will help educate women further on getting a good fitting bra. It’s called Fine Lines Bra Fitting App.
Thanks again
Rx
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Other bra size calculators kept giving me really wacky sizes that were wayyy too loose around the back! I’m a 12D-DD and was getting things like 16C come up! I thought i had a decent fit myself but wanted to check it and was just left baffled on those other sites. Glad to know I’ve been choosing the right size (through much trying-on and being told a few years ago by a busty and bossy friend that I had nice boobs but needed to tighten my straps *a lot*).
Great to hear Jade!
We have soent years researching and tweaking our bra size guide so it’s always great to hear the success you had. There are some great posts on your bra shape as well that really helps with your bra shopping.
Rx
Can you tell me if I measure 38 in and 45in I am a 16 f …so confused.
Hi Nicole,
Yes you will be a 16F and the sister sizes to that are 14G and 18E so try any of those.
Good luck
Renee x
This is the most accurate calculator I have ever used!! I am 26″ band and 36″ bust. By your chart this would make me a 4GG depending on brand and I wear a freya 6G that fits perfectly! I find it difficult to find stores that carry my size. Any suggestions?
Hi Jennifer,
That’s great I am so glad it was accurate for you, we have spent many years perfecting it so it’s always nice to hear.
I would go to your local lingerie boutique and get them to order your size in or Debra’s have a great selection or Storm in a D Cup. Both are in Sydney but you can buy online as well.
Rx
so I wear a 12 b but according to this I should be an 8G are you sure that is right ?