Bra Fitting

Although for any bra size it is important to have the correct band measurement, for smaller bust sizes, it can really make a big difference due to how bra cups are sized.  Basically, as the band size goes up, so does the cup size.  For example, a 36AA cup is larger than a 34AA cup and a 34AA cup is larger than a 32AA cup.

How to Determine Your Bra Size

Band Size

STEP 1:  Determining Band Size

Wear a lighty lined or unpadded bra.  Measure around your body, just under your arms but have the measuring tape meet at a point above your upper chest area. Do not make it too tight or too loose. If the number is even, then that is your band size (i.e. 34”). If your measurement is an odd number then add 1”. For example, if you measured 31” then round up to 32”.

Cup Size

STEP 2:  Determining Cup Size

Using a measuring tape, measure around your body across the fullest part of your bust. Again, this should not be too tight or too loose. To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from Step 1 from your cup measurement. The following chart provides sizing details.

DifferenceCup Size
Less than 1/2’’ AAA
Less than 1’’ AA
1’’ A
2’’ B
3’’ C

Bra Size Conversions


USAEuropeanAustralian
AAA AAA AAA
AA AA AA
A A A
B B B
C C C
USAEuropeanAustralian
30 65 8
32 70 10
34 75 12
36 80 14
38 85 16
40 90 18

Tips for Ensuring the Perfect Fit

The best way to know whether a bra fits well is to try it on!

  • All women have one breast that is bigger than the other so choose the cup size of the bigger breast and adjust the strap on the smaller side to accommodate.
  • Make sure the straps are adjusted so that in the back, the lower edge of the band should land below the shoulder blades and be level across your body. The back of your bra should not be higher or lower than the front. If it is higher, then you may need to go down a band size or readjust the strap length.
  • If you can, wear a new bra starting on the outer hook/eye.  As the bra stretches out, use the middle or innermost hook/eye.
  • The center seam (space between the cups) should lie flat against your chest. You will need to go up a cup size if the center seam is not laying flat against your body.  The only exception can occur on wireless molded cup bras as these bra styles lack underwires to press the center front area down against your breastbone.  As long as you are not spilling out of the top or sides of the cups in the wireless styles, then it is the way the the center front should lay.
  • Your breasts should not bulge out of your bra, either at the top or sides of the bra.

What Else you Should Know

The best way to know whether a bra fits well is to try it on!

  • It is perfectly normal to change bra sizes throughout your life. We recommend measuring yourself or have someone measure for you.
  • Be aware of variations among bra sizes based on the manufacturer's size interpretation and also the style.
  • Bra sizing is very individual. A great fitting bra for one 34AA woman may not fit another 34AA woman the same way. We all vary in breast shape, volume, spacing and body type.
  • Bra fitting is not an exact science. Use your bra size as a guideline. There may be instances when you may need to go up or down a size, depending on how the bra was designed.

 We know how difficult it can be to purchase a bra online so feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.