Yes, when measuring your bust for cup size, it is generally recommended to wear a bra. This approach helps ensure accuracy by holding your breasts in their natural, supported position.
The Purpose of Wearing a Bra for Bust Measurement
Wearing the right bra during bust measurement is crucial for obtaining an accurate cup size. The primary reason is to hold your breasts securely in place, preventing them from hanging loosely or shifting, which can lead to an incorrect reading. This method ensures the measurement reflects how your breasts are supported within a well-fitting bra, rather than their unsupported state.
Selecting the Ideal Bra for Measurement Accuracy
To get the most precise bust measurement, the type of bra you wear makes a significant difference. You should opt for a bra that offers proper support without altering your natural shape or adding volume.
Consider these characteristics when choosing your bra for measurement:
- Non-Padded: Always select a bra without any padding. Padded bras, including push-up or heavily lined styles, can add artificial volume to your bust, resulting in an inflated and inaccurate measurement.
- Comfortable & Favorite: Choose a bra that you currently find very comfortable and that fits you well. A bra that doesn't fit properly (too tight, too loose, or misshapen) will not provide an accurate representation of your supported bust.
- Underwire (Optional but Helpful): While not strictly mandatory, an underwire bra can be beneficial as it typically offers good lift and separation, further ensuring your breasts are correctly positioned for measurement.
How to Measure Your Bust Accurately
Once you've selected the appropriate bra, follow these steps to measure your bust effectively:
- Don Your Bra: Put on your chosen non-padded, comfortable bra.
- Position Yourself: Stand upright, relax your shoulders, and keep your arms at your sides.
- Measure the Fullest Part: Wrap a soft measuring tape around your back, bringing it to the front. Ensure the tape goes over the fullest part of your bust, typically at nipple level. The tape should be snug but not tight, and parallel to the floor all the way around.
- Note the Measurement: Read the measurement where the tape overlaps. This is your bust measurement.
Connecting Bust Measurement to Bra Size
This bust measurement is a fundamental component in calculating your bra cup size. It is used in conjunction with your band (or ribcage) measurement. To determine your cup size, your band measurement is typically subtracted from your bust measurement, with the difference corresponding to a specific cup letter.
Bra Measurement Tips
To ensure the best results, keep these do's and don'ts in mind:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Wear a non-padded, well-fitting bra. | Measure without a bra or with a padded bra. |
| Measure at the fullest part of your bust. | Let the tape slip or be too loose/tight. |
| Keep the tape parallel to the floor. | Pull the tape too tight, compressing your bust. |
| Use a soft, flexible measuring tape. | Use a stiff ruler or metal tape. |
For a comprehensive guide on finding your perfect fit, including how to measure your band size, you can explore resources like this general bra sizing guide.
