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Question

How do I measure my bust for a dress?

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce
Tailor
Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane.

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce

Tailor

Expert Answer

Wear a bra that is unpadded and measure above your bust (the tape will be in your armpits), at the fullest part of your bust, and then below your bust.

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Question

I am 12 years old and wear a B cup; is this a normal size for me?

Community Answer

Yes, it is entirely normal to wear a B cup at your age. Your breast development varies significantly among individuals, so your bra size reflects your unique development.

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Question

How do I measure my bra size without a flexible measuring tape?

Community Answer

You can use a piece of string, ribbon, or cord to take your measurements. Mark the length on the string, then measure that length against a rigid ruler, yardstick, or steel tape measure.

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Question

I have a very long torso (I'm tall). How do I size for this?

Community Answer

The length of your torso shouldn't matter because you will be measuring around yourself horizontally.

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Question

What should I do if my band size is disproportionately large compared to my cup size?

Community Answer

You can explore custom-made bra options online, which are designed to accommodate unique measurements.

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Question

I have never bought a bra before. What should I do?

Community Answer

Go to a store that specializes in lingerie. Then you can ask an attendant for help without being embarrassed because they size people every day.

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Question

What bra size should I consider if my under-bust measurement is 30 and my bust is 32?

Qwerty98

Community Answer

You would typically start by trying a 30B or its sister size, a 32A. To find your ideal fit, try both sizes to see which is most comfortable.

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Question

I've never brought a bra before and don't have a tape measure. If there another way to measure?

Community Answer

You should just invest in a tape measure. In the meantime, you can go to a store that sells bras and get a professional measurement.

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Question

How can I tell if my sports bra is too small?

Community Answer

You can tell your sports bra is too small if it causes you pain or leaves red marks on your skin.

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Question

What can I do if I feel embarrassed to ask for a bra?

Community Answer

You shouldn't feel embarrassed as it's a normal part of growing up. A simple approach is to browse bras while shopping with a parent, which might prompt them to ask if you're interested in getting one.

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Question

I was recently professionally fitted for a bra visually, not by measurement. The bras I bought are now uncomfortable, tight, and leave deep red marks; what should I do?

Community Answer

It sounds like you were fitted for the wrong size. You should seek a professional who can accurately measure you to determine your correct bra size. If you paid for the fitting service that resulted in these uncomfortable bras, consider discussing your experience with the store for a potential resolution.

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Question

When my cup measurement is 37.5 inches and my band size is 34 inches, should I round up or down for my bra size?

Bestmistake15

Community Answer

You should try both the rounded-up and rounded-down cup sizes, then choose the one that feels most comfortable and provides the best fit on your body.

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Question

Should I shop in the junior or children's section for 30B bras?

Community Answer

It depends on the store. Some stores may not carry a 30B in the children's section, so you should check both sections to find the best fit.

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Question

What bra size should I wear if my band size is 31 and my cup size is 38?

Community Answer

You are likely a 32F. Depending on the brand, you might also find a good fit with a 32E/DDD or a 34DD.

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Question

How do I measure just my bust size?

Community Answer

To measure just your bust size, wrap the measuring tape around your back and over the fullest part of your breasts, which is typically across the nipples.

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Question

How can I prevent the underwire in my bra from breaking and digging into my chest, and what does this indicate about the bra size?

Community Answer

This issue may not be related to size. Over-washing, worn materials, or a manufacturing defect could be causing the problem.

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Question

Can I be 12 years old and wear a size 34D bra?

Jaiden Little

Community Answer

Yes, it is possible. Body development varies widely, and individuals can reach different bra sizes at 12 years old. If you experience teasing or discomfort, talk to a trusted adult or friend for support.

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Question

I measured my underbust at 25 inches and my bust at 27 inches; what bra size am I?

Community Answer

Based on your 25-inch underbust and 27-inch bust measurements, your bra size is 26A. You might find that training bras or styles designed for teens provide the best fit.

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Question

How do I get measured for a bra at a department store?

Community Answer

Ask a salesperson if the store offers bra fittings. If they do, an associate will guide you through the process.

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Question

What should I do if I have tissue coming out the sides of my bra, but the waist fits right?

Community Answer

You can keep your "waist" (band) size the same and just go up a cup size and see how that fits. Just keep in mind that different brands will sometimes be sized slightly differently.

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Question

How can I measure my bra size when buying bras online?

Community Answer

Make sure there is a return policy so you can return bras that don't fit. If there isn't a return policy, determine your correct size before purchasing.

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Question

On the rib cage measurement, would that be on the inhale or the exhale?

Community Answer

It shouldn't matter. The place right under your breast shouldn't move when you breathe, only your stomach should.

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Question

What type of bra should I get if I have problems with the straps slipping off my shoulders?

Community Answer

You can get bras that have a clip about hallway down the straps at the back. This clip brings the straps together so that they look like an X. This will stop the straps from falling off.

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Question

I am an older women and my breasts seem to be sagging. What bra would be the best to get the uplift I need?

Community Answer

Use a pushup bra. They have two small strips you can tug to pull breasts up and closer to the center of your chest. Determine your size normally.

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Question

Where should I buy a bra?

Community Answer

You should select a store that stocks your specific bra size and the styles you prefer.

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Question

I have a 34 bra band that feels slightly loose, and an AA cup is too small. Which bra size should I try next?

Community Answer

You should consider trying a 32B. When your band size decreases, your cup size generally needs to increase to maintain a similar cup volume.

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Question

I'm exploring bra sizing and realize I might need a bigger bra. How should I approach my mom about getting new ones?

Community Answer

It's a common conversation. You can say something like, "Mom, my current bra feels a bit tight, and I think I've outgrown it. Could we go shopping for some new ones?" Suggesting a professional bra fitting might also be a good idea if you're unsure of your exact size.

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Question

I have uneven breasts, and bras that fit one side either fold on the other or cause spillage. What are your suggestions for finding a suitable bra?

Pinkskates

Top Answerer

First, select a bra size that accommodates your larger breast, and use padding in the smaller cup to create an even look. You might also look for bras with individually adjustable straps. For significant asymmetry, consider exploring bras designed for single mastectomy patients.

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Question

Pinkskates

Top Answerer

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Question

I'm thirteen and was measured as a D or DDD cup. I don't feel that large; is this normal, or was the measurement inaccurate?

Pinkskates

Top Answerer

You might be surprised by your measurement. Many people mistakenly equate an A cup with small breasts and a D cup with large breasts, but this isn't always accurate. Your cup size is relative to your band size and indicates the difference between your bust and underbust measurements. A D cup signifies a four-inch difference, and a DDD cup a six-inch difference.

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