US Bra Size Calculator
Understanding Your US Bra Size
Finding the right bra size is crucial for comfort, support, and the overall fit of your clothes. Many women wear the wrong size, often due to outdated measurement methods or confusion between different sizing systems. This US Bra Size Calculator helps you determine your approximate size using a common measurement method.
How to Measure for Your Bra Size
To get the most accurate results from this calculator, you'll need a soft tape measure and ideally, someone to help you. Wear a non-padded bra or no bra at all for these measurements:
- Snug Underbust Measurement: Wrap the tape measure directly under your bust, keeping it snug and level all the way around your back. Exhale to get the smallest measurement. This is your underbust measurement.
- Fullest Bust Measurement: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust (usually over the nipples). Make sure the tape is level across your back and not too tight.
The US Sizing System Explained
The US bra sizing system typically uses two components: a number for the band size and a letter for the cup size.
- Band Size: This number (e.g., 32, 34, 36) corresponds to the measurement around your rib cage, just under your breasts. In the US system, the snug underbust measurement is often rounded up to the nearest even number to determine the band size. For example, an underbust of 31.5 inches would typically result in a 32 band.
- Cup Size: This letter (e.g., A, B, C, D) represents the difference between your fullest bust measurement and your band size. Each inch of difference typically corresponds to one cup size. For instance:
- 1 inch difference = A cup
- 2 inch difference = B cup
- 3 inch difference = C cup
- 4 inch difference = D cup
- 5 inch difference = DD (or E) cup
- 6 inch difference = DDD (or F) cup
- And so on…
Important Considerations
While this calculator provides a good starting point, bra sizing isn't an exact science and can vary between brands. Here are a few tips:
- Try On: Always try on bras before purchasing. The fit can differ significantly even with the same size from different manufacturers.
- Sister Sizes: If your calculated size doesn't feel quite right, you might explore "sister sizes." For example, a 34C has sister sizes like 32D (smaller band, larger cup) or 36B (larger band, smaller cup). The cup volume remains similar.
- Fit Check: A well-fitting bra should have a band that is snug and level across your back, cups that fully contain your breast tissue without gaping or spilling, and straps that provide support without digging into your shoulders.
- Professional Fitting: For the most accurate results, consider getting a professional bra fitting at a lingerie store.
Example Calculation:
Let's say your measurements are:
- Snug Underbust: 31.5 inches
- Fullest Bust: 37 inches
Here's how the calculator would determine your size:
- Band Size: 31.5 inches rounded up to the nearest even number becomes 32.
- Cup Difference: 37 inches (bust) – 32 inches (band) = 5 inches.
- Cup Letter: A 5-inch difference corresponds to a DD cup.
Therefore, your estimated US bra size would be 32DD.