Why is Figuring Out What My Bra Size is So Challenging?

For many of us, our first experience finding our bra size was as a teenage girl, buying our first “real” bra. We were probably measured by a stranger in a big box department store and excitedly set out to pick out a bra that made us feel so grown up. 

As we grow we go up a size or two and once we reach adulthood we’re pretty set as far as bra size goes. We go up or down a size when we feel like we need to, but most of us are probably just making an educated guess.

Changing sizes.

Our breasts can change size and shape many times throughout our lives. Whether it’s due to aging, weight changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, breasts just do not stay the same size. 

This can make it challenging to keep track of what size you are at any given stage of life. Knowing how to easily find your size may seem impossible, but it’s really not. Follow a few simple steps and you’ll be ready!

The shape factor.

Another challenge in determining bra size is breast shape. There are several different shapes of breasts and they don’t all fit the same way in every bra style. 

For example, if you have close-set breasts you may find that a front closure bra doesn’t work for you the way that a plunge bra does. It’s not because of the size but because the style isn’t suited for that particular shape. 

Do I really need to remeasure?

Some women have been wearing the wrong bra size for so long that they don’t even realize it. Wearing the wrong size is not only uncomfortable but unflattering as well.

So how do you know if you’re wearing the wrong size bra?

You may be wearing the wrong size bra if:

• There is space between your breasts and the cups. If you have gaps, it’s a sign that your cups are too big.
• The straps dig into your shoulders. This is usually a sign that your band is too big.
• The straps slip off of your shoulders. This is not only annoying but a sign that your fit is off.
• Your bra band leaves painful red marks and is uncomfortably tight.
• Your breast tissue spills out of the cups. Not only does this create an unflattering look, but it’s a sign that your bra is too small.
• Your breast tissue gets pinched underneath the underwire. This can mean that you’re wearing a cup size that’s too small.

How do I know what my bra size is?

To determine your bra size you’ll need a tape measure. The first step is to figure out your band size. Wrap the tape measure around your chest making sure to go under your arms. 

Make sure that the tape measure is snug but not too tight. It should sit just above your bustline. Round to the nearest even number.

Next, you’ll measure your bust size. Wrap the tape around yourself in the same way but measure across the fullest part of your bust. Once again, the tape should be snug but not tight. Enter your measurements into the bra size calculator to find out your Glamorise bra size.

Are online bra calculators accurate?

Yes! A bra size calculator is a great way to accurately find out your bra size. Since every company is a bit different, if you’re buying online it’s a good idea to plug your measurements into their calculator. 

For example, if your band measurement is 40 and your bust measurement is 44, you could be a 42D in one brand or a 40D in another. 

Can you measure without a tape measure?

Sure, but be aware that in order to get the most accurate size a tape measure is best. What if you don’t have a tape measure? If you have a piece of string or a ribbon, you can get a fairly close measurement. Wrap the string or ribbon around you like a tape measure and then measure the length against a yardstick or ruler. 

When should you start wearing a bra?

This is more of a personal preference rather than a hard and fast rule. Young girls usually start to develop between the ages of 11 and 14, but this varies. \

Some girls are eager to start wearing a training bra as soon as they can, while others would rather wait as long as possible. There are signs that a girl is approaching the time where she may need a bra. Signs include:

• The growth of breast tissue, known as breast buds. Once her breast tissue begins to protrude, it may be time to broach the subject of wearing a bra.
• Other signs of puberty, such as the development of pubic hair, or her body changing shape, are also indicators that the time may be near. 

Yes, bra shopping can be difficult, but knowing how to find the correct size can be empowering.