- 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
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
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.
This is what proper posture looks like from the side. Shoulders back, chin neutral — not sucking in, not puffing out.
The tape should stay parallel to the floor all the way around for both underbust and standing bust.
Yes posture matters. No you can't measure lying on the couch. Well — actually you can for one of them. Keep reading.
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.
Lie flat on your back and measure loosely around the fullest part of your breasts. Gives you a third data point — especially useful if your standing and leaning measurements are very different.
Average all three bust measurements for the most accurate cup size calculation.
The one time horizontal is actually productive.
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.