How to Measure Yourself for a Bra at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Finding your perfect bra starts with accurate measurements. Most women are wearing the wrong size — not because they didn't try, but because bra sizing is genuinely confusing and rarely taught well. This guide walks you through exactly how to measure your underbust and bust at home, with nothing but a soft measuring tape and a mirror.

What You'll Need

• A soft measuring tape
• A mirror to check tape placement
• No bra or top on for the most accurate results

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Step 1: Measure Your Underbust (This Gives You Your Band Size)

Your band size comes from the measurement around your ribcage, directly under your breasts.

Take three separate measurements in the same spot:

• One with the tape comfortably snug
• One slightly tighter
• One as tight as you can go while still breathing comfortably

Average the three numbers and round to the nearest even number. For example, 31.25 inches rounds to 32. That's your estimated band size.

A few things to check as you measure:

• The tape should lay flat against your back, untwisted, and parallel to the floor
• Wrap the tape around your back first and bring the ends together in front to read the number
• If you're unsure whether to round up or down: for bands 32 and under, round up; for bands 36 and above, round down
• A well-fitting band should feel snug on the loosest hook, especially in a new bra

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Step 2: Measure Your Bust (This Gives You Your Cup Size)

Your cup size comes from the measurement around the fullest part of your breasts — usually at nipple height.

Take three separate measurements in three different positions:

• Standing upright
• Leaning forward 90 degrees
• Lying flat on your back

Average those three numbers.

A few things to check:

• Keep the tape flat against your back, untwisted, and parallel to the floor
• Wrap around your back first and bring the ends together in front
• Don't press down on your breasts — keep the tape comfortably snug and level for the most accurate reading

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Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

Subtract your average underbust measurement (Step 1) from your average bust measurement (Step 2). The difference in inches tells you your cup size:

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Step 4: Put It Together

Combine your band size (Step 1) with your cup size (Step 3) and you have your bra size.

For example: a 32 band + 6 inches difference = 32F.

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Radical makes everyday bras in 92+ sizes — including many sizes mainstream brands don't carry. If you've struggled to find your size before, shop The Radical Bra and see what a real fit feels like.