With advice from an expert.
A bra is one of the trickiest clothing items to shop for. Get it right, and you won’t even notice you’re wearing one, but get it wrong and you’ll find yourself daydreaming about rushing home to whip it off. On top of that, getting fitted for a bra isn’t a one-and-done deal; since your bra size can be impacted by age, weight, hormones, and major life changes like pregnancy, it’s a good idea to measure yourself once a year to ensure your bra properly fits. And this goes for every size, no matter how large your bust is.
Getting a bra fitted in person by a professional is usually the best way to determine bra size, but you can easily do it yourself at home without the hassle of letting a stranger put their hands on you. We turned to ”The Bra Expert” Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book, to get expert advice on accurately figuring out your bra size, and it’s a lot easier than you might think.
How should a bra fit?
The most obvious sign of a poorly fitted bra is discomfort, particularly if you feel anything digging into your skin or if you find yourself frequently tugging or pulling the bra to make it sit better. You can also simply look at yourself in the mirror to look for signs of an improper fit.
“If your bra has an underwire, it shouldn’t be riding or moving up the underside of your breasts,” says Sena. “If it’s a wire-free bra, the band shouldn’t be flipping up in the front.” On that note, Sena says that the band is the most important part of determining fit. “It should be horizontal across your back and not riding up. Think about gravity: If it’s riding up in the back, it’s coming down in the front,” she notes.
“Your breasts should also be fully encased in the cups and not billowing out, nor should there be any breast tissue being squeezed or pinched anywhere,” she continues. “Your straps should not be digging into your shoulders or sliding down.” Also, look for any gaps or wrinkling in the cups, as that could be a sign that the bra is too large.
How do you measure your bra size at home?
You might be intimidated by measuring yourself, but it’s simpler than it seems — you just need measuring tape. First, put on your favorite, best-fitting bra, and then put on a T-shirt or tank top if that makes you feel more comfortable. “Wrap the tape measure snuggly around the underside of your breasts, and record that number,” says Sena, referencing the parallel line below the bust, where it meets your ribcage. “Next, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts, which is typically over the nipple line. Record that number. That number will be larger than the first number. You will then subtract the two and figure out how many inches difference there is between the two numbers.”
The first number is your band size, while the difference between the two numbers determines your cup size. A one-inch difference between the bust and band is an A cup, a two-inch difference is a B cup, and so on.
What are the downsides of a poorly fitted bra?
The main downside of a poorly fitted bra is physical discomfort. If the bra is too small, you’ll notice pinching and digging in; if it’s too large, you’ll have gaps in the cups and the straps may not be secure. Bras that are too small can even cause physical pain in addition to discomfort. Plus, a poorly fitted bra isn’t exactly confidence-boosting. While knowing your bra size is the first order of business, some bras just fit better than others, so we rounded up our favorite easy-to-wear bras below.
Best-Fitting Bras
EBY 3D Precision Bra
EBY
The new EBY 3D Precision Bra is a high-tech undergarment that offers underwire without the wire. In this case, the “wire” is actually a 3D-printed nylon thread inside a silicone wire, giving you support without any poking. It comes in three colors and nine sizes, and while they don’t use traditional bra sizing, they have a chart to help you figure out where you fit in.
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra
ThirdLove
We’re big fans of ThirdLove’s 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, which comes in half sizes for the perfect fit. The pleated straps stay in place through the day, and the nine different color options give you plenty of choices when it comes to style.
Truekind Daily Comfort Wireless Shaper Bra
Truekind
Truekind bras are specifically recommended by Sena for their wirefree design and size range. The Daily Comfort Wireless Shaper Bra is one of the brand’s bestsellers thanks to its stretchy, breathable fabric and smooth fit.
Soma Enbliss Wireless Bra
Soma
Another brand recommendation from Sena, Soma bras are supportive, comfortable, and high quality. The Enbliss Wireless Bra offers plenty of support without any wires, thanks to a thick yet comfortable band and contoured cups.
Natori Bliss Perfection Contour Underwire Bra
Natori
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned underwire bra, this pick from Natori is one of your best bets. Designed for everyday use, it has a pretty lace trim and soft padding that you’ll want to wear day and night.
Chantelle Norah Comfort Underwire Bra
Chantelle
This Chantelle bra is not only comfortable, but it’s also very pretty, with a stretchy lace design that won’t be visible under tops. It’s available in up to an I cup, and comes in fun colors like lilac and sepia.
Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
Harper Wilde
This bralette is made without cups, wires, and padding, but it has a light compressive fit that provides support and lift. Unsurprisingly, it’s super comfortable — and the range of sizes and colors has us wondering why every woman isn’t wearing it.
Knix WingWoman Contour Bra
Knix
Knix’s best selling bra comes in a whopping 99 sizes, so it’ll feel like it’s custom made just for you. The wireless design ensures all day comfort, while the full coverage and wide band guarantee tons of support.
