How do you know what bra size you are?

Answer 1

You need to familiarise yourself with how a bra should fit, and what it feels like when it does. You will also need to understand how bra sizes work.

The bra size is made up of 2 parts - the band size or back size, and the cup size. The band size is the size of your frame, and is usually the ribcage measurement rounded to the nearest even number. For example, if your ribcage measures 31 inches you will probably need a 32. The cup size is the volume of the breasts, and contrary to popular belief it's completely relative to the band size, so a 34C for example is bigger than a 32C. Normally the bust measurement will give an indication of what cup size you need but it's only an estimation. If your bust measurement is 1 inch bigger than your band size, then you need an A cup, 2 inches is a B cup etc. The bigger the cup size, the less accurate this will be so the best way to find out what size you need is to just try some on.

If you already wear a bra, you can work out what cup size you will need in a different band size by going up a cup for every band that you go down and vice versa. For example if you're wearing a 36C and you need a smaller band, you will need to try 34D, 32DD etc.

When you have a bra that fits properly you will be able to tell because the band will be very firm but not painful, and the cups will be filled out but not overflowing. You probably won't be able to fasten it on the tightest adjustment because this is reserved for when the bra starts to wear out.

If you look at your back in the mirror, the band of the bra should be completely horizontal across your back, not rising up in the middle at all. If your bra is riding up, even by a small amount, then you need to try a smaller band size. You shouldn't be able to pull the back away from you by more than a couple of inches.

Read the related links below for more information
If you have never worn a bra, the best way is to go to any nice store that sells Bras and ask a saleswoman to measure you. You really need to be wearing a bra that fits ok in order to measure yourself with a soft tape measure. If you have a bra that pretty much fits, go online to any store that sells bras and they will have a detailed explaination of how to measure yourself.