How to Find Your Bra Size at Home (Without Losing Your Mind!)

Let’s be honest — finding your bra size can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. One minute you think you’re a 14C, then you try on another brand and suddenly you’re a 12DD. Sound familiar?

The good news? You don’t need a fancy fitting room or a lingerie expert to figure it out. With a tape measure, a mirror, and five minutes, you can measure your bra size right at home — no awkward fitting sessions required.

So, grab a cuppa, your measuring tape, and let’s find your perfect fit together.

Are You Wearing the Wrong Size Bra? Let’s Find Out!

Ever come home after a long day and can’t wait to take your bra off? Yep, that’s a sign.

Most women wear the wrong size without realising it. Here’s how to tell if your bra isn’t doing you any favours:

  • Straps digging in or sliding off? They should sit nicely, not leave dents or fall down your arms.
  • Band riding up your back? It should sit straight and snug, not creep up toward your shoulders.
  • Cups overflowing or gaping? Spillage means the cup’s too small. Gaping means it’s too big.
  • Underwire poking? That wire should sit flat against your ribs, never dig into soft tissue.
  • Adjusting all day? If you’re constantly tugging, pulling, or re-positioning — something’s off.

A customer once told us, “I thought bras were meant to be uncomfortable until I found my right size.”
Trust us — when it fits properly, you’ll never want to take it off.

👉 Check out our Fitting Room for more signs your bra might be betraying you.

How to Measure Your Band Size

This is where the magic starts. Your band provides most of the support — think of it as the foundation of your bra.

Here’s how to measure:

  1. Wrap your tape snugly around your ribcage, right under your bust.
  2. Keep it level all the way around your back.
  3. Take a deep breath and check the number where the tape meets.

If it’s an even number, that’s your band size. If it’s odd, round up to the next even number.
So, if you measured 33 inches, your band size is likely 34. That’s 12 Aussie! Yep, you measure in inches then convert. Don’t stress our bra size conversion guide will help you otu.

It should feel firm, like a friendly hug — not a tight squeeze.

Quick story: A customer once told us she thought she was a 16 band her whole life. After measuring properly, she discovered she was actually a 14! Her new bras suddenly stopped riding up, and her shoulders thanked her.

Finding Your Bra Size at Home_01

How to Measure Your Cup Size

Now for the fun bit — finding your cup size.

  1. Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape relaxed and level.
  2. Write down that number.
  3. Subtract your band size from your bust measurement. The difference equals your cup size.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

  • 1 inch = A cup
  • 2 inches = B cup
  • 3 inches = C cup
  • 4 inches = D cup
  • 5 inches = DD cup
  • 6 inches = E cup

You get the picture.

Example: If your bust is 38 inches and your band is 34, that’s a 4-inch difference — hello, 34D!

Don’t stress if your size changes from brand to brand. A Panache Sport 34D might feel firmer than a Freya Active 34D — that’s totally normal.

👉 Want an easy way to match your measurements to the perfect bra style? Try our Bra Finder.

Fit Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Here are a few golden nuggets to make sure your measuring mission goes smoothly:

  • Do it in front of a mirror: It helps you keep the tape level.
  • Avoid padded bras: Measure over a non-padded or lightly lined one for accuracy.
  • Re-measure often: Hormones, weight, and workouts can all change your size.
  • Sister sizes are your secret weapon: If a 14DD feels snug, try a 16D instead.
  • Different bras, different fits: A running bra might need to feel firmer than your everyday T-shirt bra.

And here’s a fun fact — over 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. But once you’ve measured yourself properly, you’ll join the other 20% living their best, bounce-free lives.

For more help, read our blog Sports Bra Shopping – The Pain Points and How to Beat Them. It’s packed with real-life tips from women who’ve been there.

FAQs About How to Find Your Bra Size at Home

Q1: How often should I measure my bra size?
At least once a year. Your body changes — and so should your bra size. Weight loss, exercise, pregnancy, or even just time can make a difference.

Q2: Can I measure my bra size without a tape measure?
You can! Use a piece of ribbon or string, mark the spot, and measure it with a ruler. It’s old-school but it works in a pinch.

Q3: Why does my size change between brands?
Just like jeans, bras fit differently depending on cut and fabric. Don’t panic if you’re a 12E in one brand and a 14DD in another. The label isn’t what matters — comfort is.

Q4: What’s the most common measuring mistake?
Pulling the tape too tight. We get it — we all want that “snug” number. But if you can’t breathe, it’s too tight. Keep it firm, not squeezed.

Q5: What if I’m between two sizes?
Try both. Go smaller for more support, or larger for comfort. You might even find your “sister size” fits like a dream.

Still not sure? Visit our Determine Your Size page for visuals and tips to double-check your measurements.

The Bottom Line: The Right Fit Feels Like Freedom

Learning how to find your bra size at home isn’t about numbers — it’s about confidence.

When your bra fits perfectly, you stand taller, breathe easier, and feel amazing in your clothes.
No straps digging, no underwires poking, no constant adjusting — just comfort, support, and lift in all the right places.

So, take five minutes today. Measure your band, measure your bust, and discover what “just right” really feels like.

Then head to our Bra Finder to find your perfect match. Because when your bra fits right, everything else just feels better.

Amy x

Amy Jaffers - Sports Bra Expert

Amy Jaffers

Amy is the face behind Sports Bras Direct, Australia’s largest sports bra website. She's a mother of two, outdoors lover and sports bra expert. Her life mission is to help active women get the support they need as well as assisting women in need through her charitable donations.

Bra Finder
SIGN UP & GET $20 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.