Bra Size Guide for Finding Your Size at Home
Short answer: You can find your bra size at home with a tape measure and a little time. You measure around under the bust and around the fullest part and compare with the brand's size guide. Here is a simple method and the signs that show a bra does not fit.
What you need
You need a soft tape measure, a mirror and a few minutes. Wear a thin bra or none, so the measurements are not thrown off by padding. Stand upright and relax your shoulders, and you measure what you actually wear in daily life.
Measure under the bust
Measure around the body just under the bust, where the edge of a bra normally sits. The tape should lie flat and level all the way round and be snug without squeezing. This measurement is often called the band size and gives you the starting point for your size.
Check the brand's guide
Sizes are not the same across brands, so always use the guide that belongs to the bra you want to buy. See for example the bamboo bra without underwire, where you can find size details on the product page. If you are between two sizes, try both. Any bra size guide is only a starting point.
Measure the fullest part
Then measure around the fullest part of the bust with the tape lying lightly all the way round. The difference between the two measurements is often used to find the cup size. The brand's size guide shows how the measurements turn into a size, and it can vary between brands.
Signs that the bra does not fit
If the band under the bust cuts in or rolls up, the size is probably wrong. If the cups are too small the bust spills over, and if they are too big the fabric wrinkles. If the straps slip or the bra rides up at the back, the band may be too big.
Try it for a day
Measurements are a good starting point, but a bra has to feel good. Wear it for a whole day and notice whether it squeezes, rubs or shifts. Walk, sit, raise your arms and bend over, and you will see how it behaves.
Bamboo and other materials
Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo, and it feels soft and smooth against the skin. The stretch means a soft bra can fit well in several sizes, but still try it. See also bamboo panties for a set that goes together.
Measure again now and then
The body changes over time and the fabric wears, so measure again at intervals. If a bra no longer fits, it is not you who is wrong. Also look at the bamboo T-shirt for women as a layer on top once you have found your size.
Frequently asked questions
Should I measure with a bra on?
Measure with a thin bra or without, so padding does not interfere. Stand upright and lay the tape flat around the body.
Why does my size differ from brand to brand?
Brands use different size guides and cuts. Always use the guide for the bra you want to buy, and try it on.
How often should I measure again?
Measure at intervals and when your bra no longer fits well. The body and the fabric both change over time.
