The Right Way to Measure Your Bra Size: The Rib Cage Method
Wearing a properly fitting bra can make a world of difference in your comfort and confidence. Yet, many women are still using outdated methods to determine their bra size. In this article, we'll guide you through the correct way to measure your bra size using the rib cage method, and dispel common misconceptions such as measuring at the armpit level or adding 4 inches to your band size.
Breaking Down the Bra Size Confusion
When you're sorting through bra sizes, it's crucial to look past the old-school methods. The plus-4 method - still used by calculators from brands like SKIMS and Aerie today - is outdated, and it's been leading us astray. BRABAR advocates the rib cage method to size a bra correctly.
Math Examples and the Rib Cage Method
Let's get into some examples. If your bust measures 33 inches and your underbust (rib cage) is 29 inches, the plus-4 method would add 4 inches to get a 33 band, comparing it to a 33-inch bust - a 0-inch difference, which incorrectly calculates as an AA cup. But rounding your actual underbust to the nearest even number gives you a 30 band, and a 33-inch bust minus a 30-inch band is a 3-inch difference - a 30C.
If a woman with a 28-inch underbust and a 33-inch bust used the plus-4 method, she'd be incorrectly advised to wear a 32A, instead of the accurate 28DD.
The BRABAR Movement: A Call to Arms
At BRABAR, the push for standardizing the rib cage method is more than a campaign - it's a movement. Eight out of ten women are in the wrong bra size because they've been taught to measure incorrectly, using the armpit instead of the rib cage. By adopting the rib cage method, every woman and girl - from teen bra wearers to mature women - can find their true size.
Promoting the Strapless Bra Fit
The philosophy is simple: a bra, especially a strapless bra, should fit snugly like a hug around your rib cage. It's the band that does the heavy lifting, not the straps. The BRABAR method ensures 80% of your support comes from the band, which should fit firm and level all the way around your body.
The Rib Cage Method: Step by Step
- Get Prepared: You'll need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a non-padded, non-wired bra. Stand in front of the mirror wearing your best-fitting non-padded bra.
- Measure Your Band Size: Measure your underbust, right under your bust, where your bra band sits. The tape should be snug but not tight against your skin.
- Ignore the Armpit Level: A common mistake is measuring at the armpit level to determine band size. This is incorrect because it includes the width of your ribcage higher up, leading to an oversized band.
- Round to the Nearest Even Number: Your band size corresponds to the even number in your bra size (32, 34, 36, etc.). If your measurement is odd, round to the nearest even number.
- Measure Your Bust Size: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape comfortably taut but not too tight.
- Calculating Your Cup Size: Subtract your band size from your bust size. Use the difference to find your cup size: 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, 5 inches = DD cup, 6 inches = DDD/F cup.
Debunking the "Add 4 Inches" Myth
This outdated plus-4 practice was once employed to provide additional comfort, but is no longer relevant given advances in bra design and materials. Adding 4 inches to your band size results in a band that's far too loose, causing inadequate support and an improper fit - and it distorts your cup size calculation too.
Accurate measurements are the key to finding the perfect-fitting bra. By using the rib cage method, you can determine your band and cup size correctly. There's no need to add 4 inches to your band size or measure at the armpit level. Embrace your true bra size, and you'll experience the comfort and support a well-fitted bra can offer.
The Perfect Fit for Every Game: Sports Bras and Bralettes for Active Girls
From the hallways to the field, girls and young women are constantly on the move, and the right support is key. Whether you're a 28AA, 28DDD, 34B, 36D, 38B, or 38DD, there's a sports bra or bralette crafted for you.
Our sports bralettes are made for every sprint, serve, and stretch, designed for low to medium-impact activities - wire-free, versatile, and comfortable whether it's practice, yoga class, or a walk between classes.
Our range includes halter-style sports bralettes for fashion and function, and full-coverage designs for those who need it most - because one size does not fit all, literally and figuratively.
Embracing Every Size
No two bodies are the same, which is why our fit guide is as unique as the girls and young women we serve - from those stepping into their first 28AA to a young woman seeking the comfort of a 38DD.
The BRABAR Movement: Change We Wear
We at BRABAR are not just selling bras; we're spearheading a movement for change - advocating for the standardization of bra sizing to make it easier and more intuitive for girls and young women to find their fit. The rib cage method rounds to the nearest even number, providing a snug, supportive base that's essential, especially for sports bras.
Join us in the movement. Embrace your size, your sport, and your style with a bra that's as ready for action as you are.
