Ultimate Guide on How to Measure Bra Sizes and Find the Perfect Fit

Figuring out how to measure your bra size can be difficult if you do not know where to start. There are several factors to consider, such as band size, cup size, and different styles of bras. If you have ever worn an ill-fitted bra, you know that it can ruin your favourite outfit and your entire day. Getting the perfect fit is essential for your comfort and well-being. It is also important to reassess how your bras fit and regularly update your bras as your life changes. Additionally, size isn't the only thing you need to consider - you also need to know your shape.

Our ultimate bra sizing guide offers everything you need to know about:

• How to measure bra size
• Understand cup size measurement
• Things to consider for a better-fitting bra
• Everyday bra fitting problems and much more.

So, whether you are looking for the best bras for a large bust or just trying to get your head around the distinct types of bras and what they do, this bra fitting guide is here to help.

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Quick Links:

• Are You Wearing The Right Bra Size?
• How Do Bra Sizes Work?
• Differences Between Underwire & Wire-Free Bras
• How To Measure Bra Size At Home
• Bras Size Chart In Australia
• Types Of Breast Sizes And Shapes
• Bra Glossary & Terminology
• Tips For Finding The Perfect Bra Sizing
• Sister Sizing And How It Is Calculated
• Wearing A Bra: Tips And Tricks To Solve Common Problems

Are You Wearing The Right Bra Size?

The best way to know whether you are wearing the right bra size is to check for the following tell-tale signs.

• Poking underwire from the side of your breasts
• A bra band that rides up
• Wrinkling cups every time you wear the bra
• You notice cup spillage
• Straps slipping off your shoulder
• A bra that hikes up every time you lift your arms

If you've noticed one or more of these bra-fitting issues, it is time to change. Either head to a professional bra fitter, or better still, bring out that measuring tape. Follow our step-by-step bra sizing guide and learn how to measure your bra size at home.

How Do Bra Sizes Work?

Bra sizing is more complex than the numbers you find on your clothes, and it can change depending on what country you are in. Wondering, 'how do bra sizes work?' Don't worry - any bra in Australia will have a double-digit number followed by either one or two letters. These indicate the band size and the cup size - the size of the band that wraps around your ribs plus your bust size. Did you know that 80% of women are wearing the wrong-size bra? Get it right using our tips below!

Bra sizes explained

Bra sizing comes down to two key measurements - band (rib cage) and cup (over bust). The cup size measurement is thus the difference between the rib cage and the bust. Don't forget that the cup size is proportionate to the band size. E.g. a C cup on a 10 band will be much smaller than a C cup on a 16 band.

Differences Between Underwire & Wire-Free Bras

When it comes to underwire and wire-free bras, is there really that much difference? If you are looking for comfort and support, then the answer is a big yes!

Wire-free Bras

Wire-free bras are your go-to for feel-good comfort, all day, every day. With not a wire in sight, they deliver a soft, flexible fit that moves with you and feels effortless from morning to night - perfect for relaxed days and low-impact activities. Cleverly designed bands and shaped cups still provide support and lift, without sacrificing comfort. Easy to wear and easy to love, wire-free bra styles are the ultimate comfort-first favourite you'll reach for again!

Underwire Bras

Underwire bras are essential for feel-good support and a confident shape. The wire sits gently under the bust to lift and keep everything in place to give you a smooth silhouette. They're perfect for all bust sizes or when you want extra support under your favourite fitted tops and dresses. When the fit is just right, underwire bras feel secure and supportive, so you can stay comfortable and confident all day long.

How To Measure Bra Size at Home

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to measuring your bra size:

Step 1: Measure the band size

To get the correct bra sizing at home, start using your tape measure to find the length around your ribs, just under your bust. Make sure the tape is taut against your body but not tight. This measurement is the under-bust and will inform the size of your bra band. You want it to be tight enough to provide support, but not too tight that you can't breathe easily! If your under bust measurement is below 33 inches, add about 5 inches to get your band size. If your under bust is over 33 inches, add only 3 inches to get your band size. Round up if you land on an odd number.

Step 2: Cup size measurement

Once you have your under bust measurement, take your over bust measurement by measuring around your back and the widest part of your breasts, usually at the nipple. This breast size measurement should be close but not as tight as the under-bust measurement. Do this by placing a simple, non-padded bra on and placing the tape around the fullest part of your bust so that it is sitting level and flat. Note how many inches you are, as this will determine your cup size.

Step 3: Calculate the cup size

To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from your over bust measurement - this difference will indicate your cup size. These are the current bra sizes in Australia: 0 = AA, 1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5 = DD, 6 = F, 7 = FF, 8 = G, 9 = GG, 10 = H, 11 = HH, 12 = J, 13 = JJ, 14 = K and so on.

Step 4: Find out your bra size

Now that you have your band and cup size, put them together to get your bra size. So, if you measured a 36-inch band size and your cup size was 5 = DD, your bra size is 36DD.

Bra Size Chart In Australia

Here's a quick guide to bra sizes to help you choose like a pro.

If your breast measurements aren't landing exactly on these numbers, round up and not down. If your sizes are larger than these, it is best to go into a store and get professionally fitted. The larger the breasts are, the more natural variation you will find.

Types Of Breast Sizes and Shapes

Now that you know your bra sizing, it's time to figure out your breast shape. According to bra experts Triumph, there are nine common shapes:

• Relaxed-shaped breasts have a softer appearance and tend to hang a little more.
• Asymmetrical breasts, where one breast is noticeably bigger than the other.
• Athletic breasts, which are smaller and more muscular, don't require as much support.
• Slender breasts, which get narrower towards the bottom.
• Bell-shaped breasts, which are fuller at the bottom.
• East-west breast, with nipples pointing in opposite directions.
• Side-set breasts, which sit to the sides of the chest.
• Round breasts, which are, well, round. They're often naturally well-supported but may need fuller coverage around the top.
• Teardrop breasts, which are fuller below the nipple.

How to size up or down correctly

Need to go down one cup size for a better fit? The best way to do this is to go up one band size. For instance, if you're a 34C and want to go up one cup size, opt for a 36B. Always remember that bra sizing can change slightly from one brand to another. And there's an element of trial and error involved until you find that perfect fitting bra.

Bra Glossary & Terminology

Apex

Refers to where the shoulder strap connects with the bra cup.

Balconette

The balconette refers to a bra shape that appears higher towards the front centre and broader at the apexes.

Bralette

Bralettes are soft cup bras that are typically wire-free. Generally speaking, they provide less support than a traditional bra, but this is only sometimes the case.

Boning

Boning is made of materials like metal or plastic. They are flexible or very rigid and used on a bra's side panels.

Contour

Contour bras are a popular style of bra item with either moulded foam or spacer cups for added comfort, shaping, smoothness and support.

Convertible

These bras offer various style options, including crisscrossed, halter, and strapless styles.

Embroidery

Embroidery is a type of decorative art involving stitching on top of a substrate, such as mesh or fabric, often using intricate designs and motifs. The technique has been employed for centuries, with finds of early examples dating back to antiquity. Embroidery is still widely used in the fashion and textiles industry today.

Hook and eye

Hook and eye closure is a small metal fastener commonly used to secure the closure of a brassiere.

Wirefree

Bras without underwire are usually a contoured cup for shaping and support.

Underwire

Underwire bras feature a curved wire that is built into the bra and designed to support and shape the bust.

Minimiser

A rigid bra style designed to reduce the appearance of the bust and result in a smooth silhouette.

Wing

Part of the bra band that extends from the side of the cups to the back closure. Also known as the back and side of the bra. A thicker wing is more supportive for larger sizes.

Racerback

Racerback bras are a strap design that can be hidden under tank tops. Common in sports bras and convertible bras.

Expert Tips for Finding the Perfect Fitting Bra

Bra shopping and wearing can be a tedious, uncomfortable experience for many women. Ill-fitting bras can dig into the skin, slip off shoulders, and create unflattering spillage, causing the wearer to remove them the second they enter the house.

Read on for 7 top tips for the perfect bra fitting and measurements.

• Cup size is a critical factor in bust support, with the band providing approximately 90 per cent. Straps are not primarily used to firm up the bust but to keep it flush with the body and enhance its shape. If the cup and band fit correctly, most bras should remain in place even after removing the straps.
• The centre gore of the bra should sit flush against your chest; this ensures that the cups and underwire are properly supporting your bust.
• When purchasing bras, experts advise women to be aware of their proper size and sister sizes. This is due to the wide variation in how a bra of the same size fits from one brand or style to another. To ensure you get a good fit, keep in mind that if you go up in the band, you should go down one cup size and vice versa. For instance, if you typically wear a 32C, try a 30D or 34B. Likewise, if your normal size is 34C, you may find better-fitting bras in a 36B or a 32D.
• Natural asymmetry is something that many women are familiar with. In terms of breast sizes, if one is larger than the other, buy a bra that fits the bigger breast.
• If your breasts extend beyond the cup, they may put additional pressure on the straps. As a result, you may find yourself having to pull the straps to maintain them in place. In this situation, opting for a larger cup size would provide relief for your shoulders.

• If the bra straps are causing discomfort and digging into your shoulders, it may indicate that the cups are too small. If the breasts protrude beyond the cup line, the added weight on the straps may cause users to pull them tauter. In either case, a larger cup size may provide better support and comfort for the shoulders.
• The other plausible explanation for straps digging into your shoulder is that the band size is too big. It may be worthwhile coming down one band size. To check the bra fitting, stand in front of a mirror and examine the position of the straps - if they are pulled too tight, the band is too large or no longer supportive.
• Experiencing slipping straps? Large cup sizes could be a culprit. Ideally, if you notice the front of your bra, between the cups, floating, once you've put the bra on, you should go down one cup size to get a better-fitting bra.

Helpful ways to ensure your bra sizing is correct

Make sure your bra is fitting correctly by checking off the following points:

• The breasts are sitting comfortably in the cups and not spilling over.
• The underwire lies flat against the body when your arms are raised. The underwire should form a semi-circle under each breast and sit flat in the centre against your chest.
• The band goes around your body horizontally and isn't raised at the back. The band should be snug and you should be able to fit two fingers under the hooks.
• Hook your bra and slip the straps off your shoulders - if the band is tight enough, the bra will stay in place (it's how strapless bras do their thing)
• The straps aren't falling off your shoulders or digging in too tightly.
• A wirefree bra should feel totally comfortable and supportive - no digging in or gaps, just a smooth, snug fit. The band should sit nicely and level, the cups should fully hold your bust, and the straps should give you a little lift without slipping.
• A perfectly fitted underwire bra should feel snug and super supportive, with the wire sitting flat. The band should feel secure, the cups smooth and sleek, and the straps should lift you gently without any pinching or poking.

Sister Bra Sizing and How It's Calculated

If you've been looking for the perfect bra, you may have come across the term 'sister sizing'. Sister sizing refers to other bra sizes where the volume of the cup stays the same, even though the band and bust size change. To measure the bra sister size, you need to move one step in either direction of your current bra size. For example, if you are a 12C, your sister sizes are 10D and 14B. So, if you find you are using the looser hook on your bra and it's still a little tight, moving up in your sister size will provide you with a broader band but the same cup volume.

If you use the tightest hook, you can, and it's still not tight enough, moving down a sister size will give you a tighter band with the same cup volume.

This works because bra sizing is a ratio of the band to your bust - how much breast tissue the cup can hold will increase as the band size increases. Cup size won't hold the same volume for all women, so you and your friend who are both the same cup size will still have different breast sizes depending on your band size!

Pro tip: be careful with sister sizing

Try to only move up to one step when buying a sister-size bra - going too far will lead to bras that don't fit correctly.

Wearing A Bra: Tips and Tricks to Solve Common Problems

For something worn daily, bras can present quite a few problems! They can be tricky to put on, awkward to adjust and can make or break your entire outfit. Here are some of our favourite tips and tricks for wearing and adjusting bras:

• Lifting your breasts into the cups is VITAL to wearing a bra comfortably and for health reasons. If you do not lift each breast into its cup, the bra will sit over the top rather than supporting them. This will lead to uncomfortable pressure on your breasts, plus they will pop out from underneath your bra when you lift your arms!
• If you are wearing a new bra for the first time, ensure its fitted so you wear it on the loosest hook. Bras will stretch over time, and you can tighten it with another hook when this happens, which will extend the life of your bra.
• If your straps keep falling off, tightening them is the first solution you should try. If you have naturally sloping shoulders, a change in bra style may benefit you. A t-shirt or racerback style bra will help, as their straps are narrower than other styles and are less likely to slip off your shoulders.
• If your breasts are not filling your bra cups, there is no need to panic. Try tightening the straps, as this may draw the top of the cup flush against your skin.
• 'Swooping and Scooping' is a widely used professional technique in which you use your hands to scoop and properly place your bust into the bra cups to ensure optimal support.

Measure Bra Sizes Like a Pro and Find a Comfortable Bra For You

Measuring bra sizes may seem intimidating initially, but it can easily be achieved with a few simple steps. Our guide outlines the A-Z of bra sizing and bra measurement. Refer to our Australian Bra size chart for sizing guidance. Whether you need a new bra for going out, everyday wear, sport or if you've just worn through your old ones, Harris Scarfe's huge variety is sure to have the perfect bra for you!

Check out the whole range online or head to your nearest Harris Scarfe store, where our friendly team can fit you for the perfect bra, and you can shop your favourite brands, including Berlei Bras, Triumph Bras, Fayreform Bras and Playtex Bras. If you want to get your bra size measured in person with the help of an expert, head to selected Harris Scarfe stores to experience our Bra Fitting Services.

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