The Age-Old Question: Am I Wearing the Right Bra Size?
We've all been there; a bra that doesn’t fit… an uncomfortable reminder that can ruin a gorgeous outfit and leave you fiddling with your bra straps all day long. In fact, a recent survey found that over 80% of women in the UK are wearing the wrong bra size, so the struggle is real. But why is it so universal?
Bra sizes can actually vary between brands which means your size can fluctuate depending on where you purchase your bra from. The key is to know your measurements and to keep them handy (e.g. on your phone or in your purse), just in case you fancy a spontaneous lingerie shopping spree! You can then check your measurements against each store's bra sizing guide to find you perfect fit.
How to Tell if Your Bra Size is Wrong
With so many women out there wearing the wrong bra size, it must be hard to tell when a bra doesn’t fit properly. Here are some telltale signs that you’re wearing the wrong bra size:
- Your breasts spill out or over the cups.
- The band rides up when you raise your arms.
- The straps slip down your shoulders or dig in.
- The underwire pokes into your breasts or armpits.
- The cups look wrinkled or flat.
Just remember, life happens, and weight fluctuations, exercise, pregnancy, or a new diet can all mean it's time to reassess your bra size. Read on for tips on how to stay comfy and supported.
How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home
The thought of measuring your bra size for the first time can seem awkward and daunting, but trust us, the rewards are worth it. If you don’t have time to go to a bra measuring professional (e.g. in-store at a lingerie stop), you can do it yourself at home. All you need is a measuring tape and some free time, and you can say goodbye to ill-fitting bras forever!
Measuring the Band and Bust
There are two key measurements that you need to take to find your bra size: the band and the bust. Follow these instructions to find yours!
Band
While braless or wearing a non-padded bra, take a measuring tape and measure your torso directly under your breasts, just below where the wire of your bra would sit. You can either do this yourself or ask someone to help you. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and at the same level on your back, sides and front. Then, jot down the measurement in either centimetres or inches.
Bust
Next, move the measuring tape up over your breasts to the fullest part of your chest, at approximately nipple height and just under your shoulder blades. Loop the measuring tape around your back, close to the skin but not too tight, and make sure the tape is parallel to the floor at the same level on your back, sides and front. Then, write down your measurement in either centimetres or inches.
Signs You’ve Found the Perfect Fit
Once you have your band and bust measurements, you can check them against any store's bra sizing guide to find your perfect fit for that particular brand. You’ll know whether it’s right if the following occurs:
- The band feels firm, sits flush against your ribcage, and is level all the way around your body.
- Your breasts sit perfectly within the cups, which appear smooth with no bumps, ridges, or flat spots.
- The underwire fully encompasses your breasts and sits flat against your ribcage.
- The straps sit snugly against your shoulders, with just enough room to slide two fingers beneath them.
Sizing at Scarlett Gasque
This table breaks down your measurements into Scarlett Gasque sizes. But remember – bra sizing isn't a universal language. Being a 34C in Scarlett Gasque doesn't automatically mean you'll be the same size when shopping elsewhere, as each brand has their own sizing quirks! Keep an eye out for those differences and make sure you find what fits you best, regardless of what the label says.
| Centimetres | Inches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bra Size |
Bust | Band | Bust | Band |
|
30D |
85 - 90 |
62.5 - 67.5 |
33-35 |
24.6 – 26.5 |
|
30DD |
90 - 95 |
62.5 - 67.5 |
35-37 |
24.6 – 26.5 |
|
30E |
95 - 100 |
63.5 - 67.5 |
37-39 |
24.6 – 26.5 |
|
32B |
80-85 |
67.5 - 72.5 |
31-33 |
26.5 – 28.5 |
|
32C |
85-90 |
67.5 - 72.5 |
33-35 | 26.5 – 28.5 |
|
32D |
90-95 |
67.5 - 72.5 |
35-37 |
26.5 – 28.5 |
|
32DD |
95 - 100 |
67.5 - 72.5 |
37-39 |
26.5 – 28.5 |
|
32E |
100 - 105 |
67.5 - 72.5 |
39-41 |
26.5 – 28.5 |
|
34B |
85 - 90 |
72.5 - 77.5 |
33-35 |
28.5 – 30.5 |
|
34C |
90 - 95 |
72.5 - 77.5 |
35-37 |
28.5 – 30.5 |
|
34D |
95 - 100 |
72.5 - 77.5 |
37-39 |
28.5 – 30.5 |
|
34DD |
100 - 105 |
72.5 - 77.5 |
39-41 |
28.5 – 30.5 |
|
34E |
105 - 110 |
72.5 - 77.5 |
41 – 43 |
28.5 – 30.5 |
|
36B |
90 - 95 |
77.5 - 82.5 |
35 – 37 |
30.5 – 32.5 |
|
36C |
95 - 100 |
77.5 - 82.5 |
37 – 39 |
30.5 – 32.5 |
|
36D |
100 - 105 |
77.5 - 82.5 |
39 – 41 |
30.5 – 32.5 |
|
36DD |
105 - 110 |
77.5 - 82.5 |
41 – 43 |
30.5 – 32.5 |
|
38B |
95 - 100 |
82.5 - 87.5 |
37 – 39 |
32.5 – 34.5 |
|
38C |
100 - 105 |
82.5 - 87.5 |
39 – 41 |
32.5 – 34.5 |
|
38D |
105 - 110 |
82.5 - 87.5 |
41 – 43 |
32.5 – 34.5 |
