How to measure a sports bra

Provided by Sports Bra Fit X-pert, Dyna DuMore, at http://www.X-chrom.com

Why should you take the time to measure yourself before buying a sports bra?

Because getting the sports bra style of your choice in the right size for you is the most important step when buying a sports bra. (read how to buy a sports bra.)

If you get a sports bra in the wrong size, you may encounter uncomfortable or painful dilemmas. For example, the band of the sports bra may ride up. Or, you may experience chafing, where the sports bra rubs against the skin to create a rash. Or, you may find the sports bra allows a lot of vertical movement.

Take the time to measure yourself. Your measurements are just a starting point as every sports bra is sized differently. You’ll have to rely on your buying source to recommend the right size for you, but this recommendation should be based on your measurements.

Measure around the rib cage under the bustline Measure above the bustline under the armpits Measure around the FULLEST part of the bustline; Take care to wear a non-compression bra when taking this measurement. When taking these measurements, make sure the tape is straight all around the body. Take care to pull the tape until it is taut before reading the measurement.

Sometimes it is easier to get more accurate measurements if someone else does the measuring for you.

At this point, I’d recommend emailing me the measurements. I can then interpret the numbers and recommend a size for you.

The reason I say this is because every body is different. There is no one formula to apply to these numbers that will be accurate for every body.

If you don’t want to take the time to do this, here is the formula I have found to be most applicable to most bodies.

• Take measurements number 1 and add 3-4 to get to the closest even number.
• Compare that result to measurement number 2. Between the two, the closest even number should be your band size.
• Take measurement number 3 and subtract it from your band size. If you get a 0-1” difference, then your cup size is A. If you get a 1-2” difference, then your cup size is B. If you get a 2-3” difference, then your cup size is C. And, so on.

Keep in mind, the “and, so on” brings up another issue. Every manufacturer uses its own cup sizing scheme. I’ve seen A, B, C, D, F, G. I’ve seen A, B C, DD, F, G. I’ve seen A, B, C, D, DD, DDD, F, FF, G – we use this scheme at http://www.X-chrom.com. Rely on your buying source for clarification but have your measurements in hand.