Measuring your bra and panty size at home is simple once you know what to do and what each measurement means. Here’s a clear, brand‑neutral guide you can use for your page.
How to Measure Your Bra Size
A bra size has two parts: the band size (number) and the cup size (letter). You find both with two tape‑measure steps.
- Measure the band
Wrap a soft measuring tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust. Keep the tape level and snug, but not painfully tight. Breathe normally, then note the number in inches. Round to the nearest whole number (many guides then round to the nearest even number, such as 33 → 34). This is your band size. - Measure the bust
Next, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, usually across the nipples. Keep the tape level around your back and front and let it rest comfortably on the bust instead of pulling it tight. Note this number in inches. This is your bust measurement. - Find the cup size
Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement:
- 1 inch difference → A cup
- 2 inches difference → B cup
- 3 inches difference → C cup
- 4 inches difference → D cup
- 5 inches difference → DD / E cup
For example, if your band is 34 inches and your bust is 38 inches, the difference is 4, so your size is 34D. This gives you a simple bra measurement guide you can follow whenever you need to measure bra size or check how to measure your bra cup size at home.
Fit Tips After Measuring
Even with correct measurements, checking the fit is important:
- The band should sit straight and firm around your body, not riding up your back.
- The cups should lie smoothly with no gaping, wrinkling, or spillage.
- The straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or slipping.
- On wired bras, the center front should sit close to your chest, not floating away.
If cups gape, try a smaller cup or a different shape. If there’s spilling, go up a cup size. If the band rides up, go down a band size. Re‑measure every 6–12 months or after weight changes or major lifestyle changes so your bra measurement stays accurate.
How to Measure Panty/Hip Size
Panty sizes are usually based on hip measurement, sometimes with waist as a secondary reference.
- Measure your hips
Stand with feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and bum (a little below the hip bones). Keep the tape level all around, snug but not tight. Note this number in inches – this is your hip measurement. - (Optional) Measure your waist
Wrap the tape around your natural waist (the narrowest part of your torso, above the navel) if the size chart asks for it. - Match to a size chart.
Use your hip measurement (and waist, if needed) against the brand’s size chart to choose your panty size (S, M, L, XL, or numeric sizes). If you’re between sizes, choose the larger size for more comfort, especially in seamless or lace panties.