- Take off your bra. Measuring over one means you're measuring the bra, not yourself.
- Use a soft fabric measuring tape — the kind used for sewing. Rigid tape measures lie.
- Stand naturally. Don't suck in, don't puff out. Just be a person.
- Have someone help if you can — it's easier and more accurate.
- All measurements below are in inches.
The Underbust Measurement
📸 Photo coming soon
Tape around ribcage,
under the breasts
Wrap the tape measure directly under your breasts, around your ribcage. Not across your breasts, not at your waist — right in that crease where your bra band sits.
Pull it as snug as you'd want a bra band to feel. This is crucial. Too loose and your band size will be off, which throws everything else off too.
If you've been measuring loosely this whole time, that's why the band always rides up.
The Bust Measurements
📸 Photo coming soon
Standing straight,
tape at fullest point
Stand up straight — shoulders back, chin up, normal posture. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your breasts, wherever that is.
Don't pull the tape tight. Let it sit naturally against your body. You want the actual measurement of your breast tissue, not a compressed version of it.
Arms slightly away from your body so the tape lays flat. Yes that feels awkward. Do it anyway.
📸 Photo coming soon
Bent 90°, hair falling,
tape at hanging fullest point
Lean forward at the waist until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor — a full 90 degree bend. Let your breasts hang forward naturally.
Wrap the tape around the fullest hanging point — this is usually at nipple level when you're leaning. Don't pull it tight. Don't try to hold yourself steady and measure at the same time — get help if you can.
Yes you look ridiculous. Do it anyway. Your future comfortable bra thanks you.
Things That'll Mess Up Your Measurement
You're measuring the bra, not your body. The bra is already shaped and padded. Take it off.
Measure how your body actually sits. Your bra doesn't know you're holding your breath.
Keep the tape parallel to the floor all the way around. Angled tape gives you a smaller number than you actually are.
Got 36.7 inches? Round down to 36, not up to 37. For bust measurements specifically, always round down.
Hardware store measuring tape doesn't curve around your body correctly. Fabric tape only.
Measure twice, use the average. Bodies shift, tape shifts. Two rounds gives you a more accurate number.