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FREE MEASURING GUIDE
How to Measure Your Bra Size - The Right Way
80% of women wear the wrong bra size. If you're full-bust or plus-size, the standard sizing charts were not made for your body. This guide was.
Why Finding the Right Bra Size Matters
A properly fitting bra is not just about comfort — it affects your posture, how your clothes fit, and how you feel in your body. For full-bust plus women, fit is even more critical because mainstream sizing charts routinely underestimate cup volume and band stretch.
This guide gives you the exact steps to find your real size: band, bust, and cup — with pro tips specifically for larger busts.
What You'll Need
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A soft measuring tape (or a string and a ruler)
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A mirror to help check that the tape is level
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A non-padded bra or no bra for the most accurate results
1. Find Your Bra Size
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Wrap the measuring tape around your ribcage, right under your bust.
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Keep the tape snug, even, and parallel to the floor.
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Write down the measurement in inches.
Pro Tip: If your measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number - that is your band size.Example: 33 inches → band size 32
Quick Cup Size Calculator
Enter your measurements to get your cup size instantly.
2. Find Your Bust Size
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Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust - usually across the nipples.
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Keep the tape straight and not too tight.
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Lean forward to let your bust hang naturally toward the floor - this gives a more accurate reading for larger busts.
- Write down the number in inches.
3. Calculate Your Cup Size
Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. The difference tells you your cup size.
| Difference | Cup Size |
| 5 inches | DD / E |
| 6 inches | DDD / F |
| 7 inches | G |
| 8 inches | H |
| 9 inches | I |
| 10 inches | J |
| 11 inches | K |
| 12 inches | L |
| 13 inches | M |
| 14 inches | N |
| 15 inches | O |
| 16 inches | P |
Choosing the Right Bra Style
Full Cup Bra
Full coverage, maximum support, encases the entire breast. Best for DD+ cups and everyday wear.
T-Shirt Bra
Smooth seamless cups, no lines under fitted clothing. Best for workwear and daily use.
Balconette Bra
Lower cut cup, lifted rounded shape, wider-set straps. Best for lower necklines.
Sports Bra
Firm support for movement — note recommends encapsulation style over compression for full-bust women.
Wireless Bra
Designed without an underwire but engineered to still deliver real lift and support. For full-bust plus women, the key is segmented construction and the right fabric — not a wire. This is where most wireless bras fail larger cup sizes, and where Busty & Beyond is built differently.
Common Fit Issues - and What to Do
Straps digging in
Your straps may be too tight. Loosen them slightly or try a different style.
Band riding up
Your band is likely too loose. Try a smaller band size.
Cup overflow
Your cups may be too small. Try a larger cup size.
Wrinkling cups
Your cups may be too big. Try a smaller cup size.
Side spillage
Cup is too small or the wrong shape for your breast root width. Try a wider cup or a fuller coverage style.
Gore not laying flat
Your cup size may be too small, or the bra style isn't suited for close-set or projected breasts.
Underwire poking or stabbing
The wire casing is too narrow for your breast root. This is a fit issue, not a wear issue — the bra isn't made for your body.
Straps falling off shoulders
Your straps may be set too wide for your shoulder width. Look for styles with adjustable or racerback straps.