We all know the feeling. You have changed size and need to find your bra size before going shopping. You finally decide it is time to take on the dreaded sports bra shops. Only to come home confused and frustrated. Why is it so hard!!!
I know firsthand this joy. I have spent 10 minutes standing next to the sports bra in a well-known department store. Only to have the sales assistance come over and say, ‘you’re right aren’t you love’. Then walk off. Arghh!
Not to mention my experience at a nationwide sports store chain. The teenage boy would not even make eye contact let alone consider helping me.
Now I am not saying all sports bra stores are like this. I know for a fact there are many high-quality stores out there that offer great sizing advice. That said, Australia is a big country, and such stores may not be near you. Or you may simply not have the time it takes to visit one.
That is why I have put together this article. To help you find your bra size accurately at home.
The first thing is comfort. If it is not comfortable it is most likely the wrong size. Too small and it can be extremely tight and uncomfortable. Not to mention unflattering!
Too big and it will not support the girls like it should. Leading to possible pain and discomfort.
Besides comfort there are a few signs your bra doesn’t fit like it should and it’s time to take some new measurements.
Your bra may be the wrong size if:
Of course, many of these problems can be solved with some simple adjustments. Before throwing your sports bra in the bin head over to ’10 Common Sports Bra Fitting Problems and How to Solve Them’. All that may be needed is a simple tweak.
Ok, if tweaking doesn’t work you may need a new size and a re-measure.
This is surprisingly easy. All you need is a tape measure and a mirror. A friend will also help but is not essential.
The two measurements you need are your under-bust and over-bust. These measurements are best obtained whilst wearing a good fitting bra.
Run your tape measure around your chest keeping it parallel to the floor. Measure around your chest directly under your breasts where your bra band would normally sit.
The tape should be firm but not to tight. You should be able to comfortably slide two fingers under it.
This measurement is your under-bust.
This is best done whilst wearing an everyday bra which does not have any moulding or padding in the cups. Run the tape measure around the fullest part of you breasts. Usually across the nipple area.
This measurement is your over-bust.
Armed with these two measurements you can now accurately determine your bra size. Simply plug them into my bra size calculator on my ‘Determine Your Size’ page. Best bit is once you find your size a single click takes you shopping all sports bras your size!
Not everyone has a suitable tape measure lying around at home. If this is you how do you accurately find your bra size at home?
Your simplest option is do exactly as above but with a piece of string or ribbon instead of a tape measure. Make sure you note where the string / ribbon crosses where your measurement would be (make sense?)
Then simply lay your string out and measure the length with a ruler. Hey presto your under-bust and over-bust!
Of course, finding your size is only the start of your sports bra success journey. Check out my ‘Fitting Room’ for a wealth of other sports bra fitting information.
It is so worth taking the time necessary to ensure you find the perfect sports bra for you. Of course, if you are still not sure or have any questions please get in touch.
Yours in support.
Amy x
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