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How to measure your bra size? Practical tips from the expert

Update: 15 March 2026
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9 min
Author: Aleksandra Golenia
bra size

A wedding is a special day where every detail matters. Wedding lingerie, if chosen well, can enhance the beauty of your dress and provide comfort throughout the day. Today we'll give you tips on how to measure your bra size and choose the perfect wedding lingerie.

Did you know that as much as 80% women wear the wrong bra size and ill-fitting underwear? Unfortunately, this is true. Such bad choices not only affect our style, but above all our comfort. So how do you measure your bust size? How to choose the right bra circumference and cup size? These and other questions about bra size are answered by our expert corsetmaker Ewa.

Our priority is that you simply feel good, or even your best, in our lingerie. That is why our team these are not random people, but turbo experts in their field. This time, Eve will help you to fit your bra size perfectly and avoid basic mistakes.

Ewa is a corset maker by profession. She started her adventure with this profession in 1987. At that time, she had already started working in a workshop called “Former Corsetry“ and gained experience with Justyna Wandelt. After 1999, she ran her own business as a brafitter, selling and advising on lingerie.

„I gained experience with Justyna Wandelt and passed my journeyman exam with corsetress Sobisz. After 1999, as a brafitter I started my own business and until now I have been running a shop and atelier, selling, advising and fitting lingerie of Polish brands.”

...and now will help you find the perfect bra size. Here are some tips on how to measure your bust size, from us to you.

Ewa Kause

Why is the right bra size so important? 

Let's start by explaining why getting the bra size wrong is not welcome. Underwear is something that really determines how clothes look on the figure and how our body looks (and we would like it to look as good as possible). An ill-fitting bra size means that the bust just doesn't look right:

  • Bust does not have proper support
  • The bra does not collect the bust
  • The bra does not shape the breasts
  • Underwear does not relieve pressure on the spine 
  • The bra „sinks” into the body 

In addition to this, it can have health consequences. Wearing the wrong size bra leads to deformities as well as back pain. Oops...that already gives you something to think about.

Ideal bra size - measure circumference under the bust and at breast height

In order to choose the right bra, the following are crucial correct measurements. For us, this is the starting point, this is where we start sewing. So let's find out how to do it properly.

„In my experience, it's best to measure your breasts in a soft bra to gather the bra in the right place and then measure with a centimetre at breast height.”.
Ewa Krause

Two measurements are taken into account - the circumference under the bust and at breast height. Always measure yourself in a soft bra, because it does not flatten the bust and maintains its natural shape. We do not do this without a bra and in a sports bra, as we may get a distorted result.

What else is worth knowing? Measure under the bust tightly. However, avoid pulling in your tummy and over-erecting yourself, you may then choose the wrong bra size. What is more, always choose a bra size 5 cm smaller. Why? Because the material of the bra naturally stretches.

Correct bra size...why should you measure yourself in a soft bra?

Well, why don't we measure ourselves in a sports bra or simply without a bra? It's all about our posture. It's rather clear that the bust fits completely differently with and without a bra. For small bra sizes, this may not matter so much and measurements taken without underwear will be fine. However, if we wear larger bra sizes, the question of measuring the bust is already somewhat different. A large bust without underwear may „droop”. This means that when we measure the circumference at breast level, it will be smaller than when we wear a bra. The consequences? We will choose the wrong bra size and buy the wrong fitting underwear. A soft bra, on the other hand, will allow us to gather our breasts into that right place. 

How do I measure my bra size? How do I adjust the cup?

We already know how to measure the circumference, but the cup of the bra is just as important. Remember that breast asymmetry is natural, always fit your bra to the larger breast.

„We often make the mistake of wearing bras with too large a circumference and too small a cup. This causes the bra to fit poorly and the breasts are not properly supported, resulting in an unsatisfactory appearance and can lead to back and shoulder pain.”.
Ewa Krause

If we choose a bra with a circumference that is too large and a cup that is too small, the bust will not line up aesthetically. This also results in an unsatisfactory appearance. However, this is not the only problem, as Ewa Krause mentioned. The wrong bra size not infrequently leads to back and shoulder pain because the bust is not given the right support. This, of course, is not what we want.

Let us also remember that breast asymmetry is perfectly natural. We always fit the bra to the larger breast.

And one more thing! A well-fitting bra covers the entire breast and the underwire clings to the body without digging into the skin.

What bra sizes do we have? 

Bra size consists of two elements, this we have already explained. It is about the circumference under the bust and at breast height.

Circumference under bust: 

  • 65 (63-67)
  • 70 (68-72)
  • 75 (73-77)
  • 80 (78-82)
  • 85 (83-87)

As we can see, one size covers a certain fork in cm. 

The same applies to cups. We distinguish between A, B, C, D, E, F and G cups. Of course, they can also be larger. Measure yourself and find out your bra size here

At Bouduar, we make made-to-measure lingerie. In addition to standard bra sizes, we also offer bespoke lingerie with specific bust measurements in mind.  

Online shopping and bra size - how to avoid basic mistakes?

Online shopping is an everyday occurrence nowadays, but we don't have the opportunity to try things on. However, if you know your bust measurements, this should not be a problem. Remember that bras from different brands can vary in size, so it is important to take accurate measurements. Always compare your measurements with those given by the manufacturer.

Importantly, bras from different brands can vary in size, so it is crucial to take accurate measurements. Always compare your measurements with those given by the manufacturer.

Still in doubt? You don't know, how to measure your bra size? Experts like Ewa and our whole team are able to help you. Take advantage of our brafitter's advice, we are at your service. We are always happy to advise you, dispel any doubts and help you choose the right lingerie.

„It's very nice when a woman puts on a bra and says why didn't I think of that right away, that it's a problem. It's very nice and it really is.”
Ewa Kause

Is it enough to measure up just once?

Well, precisely not, because our measurements change with our menstrual cycle. Sometimes we also have weight fluctuations. Let's remember this and measure ourselves regularly so that we always have a well-fitting bra size.

So, how do you already know how to measure your bra size? We hope we've answered some of your questions. Do you have more? Write to us or make an appointment to online consultation, we are at your service. And for more on how to measure your bra size, Eve tells us in our podcast.

How do you look after your bra?

We won't leave you without valuable tips after buying your dream bra. In our opinion, taking care of your bra is just as important as its selection. Proper care can prolong the life of your bra.

  • First of all avoid washing in the washing machine, because it can damage delicate fabrics. Some people say that the washing machine is the enemy of underwear - there is something in that! Instead, hand washing is definitely a better option.
  • Outdoor drying is much better than tumble drying as it does not damage the fabric.
  • Bras should be stored in a way that protects their shape. You can use special bra boxes or organisers to keep them in shape.
  • Regularly checking the condition of your bra will allow you to detect any damage early and avoid unnecessary expenditure.

What should you keep in mind?

Remember that a well-fitting bra is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also your health. The wrong size can lead to back and shoulder pain, which is why it's so important to get measured regularly.

Remember that the right bra size is not just about the appearance of your bust. It is, above all, about your well-being, increased confidence, comfort and freedom. Sometimes we women don't realise or are unaware of how much a well-fitting bra affects our well-being. Know your correct cup size and bust circumference and we guarantee your bra purchase will be a success!

So, do you already know how to measure a bra properly? Determining your cup size won't be a problem for you? We hope we have answered some of yours. Be sure to also take a look at the bra size calculator created by our experts and size chart.

Or perhaps you have more questions? Write to us or make an appointment to online consultation, we are at your service and will be happy to help you choose your bra size (cup size, bust circumference, chest circumference). We also offer advice on the blog, how to choose underwear according to your figure. Eve talks about how to measure your bra size in our podcast.

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Date added: 15/03/2026 | Update Date: 15/03/2026
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