Bra size guide
80% OF WOMEN WEAR THE WRONG BRA SIZE.
If you are small chested and petite like me (Louise), you probably tried the smallest band size in store with the smallest cup size, which is a 10A in Australia or 32A in most other countries, and still find it is way TOO BIG.
So you look online for a smaller cup size: 32AA. Little did you know, this cup size is actually way too small for your chest and causes you a lot of discomfort.
You are tiny chested, doesn't mean you are a AA cup.
Let's bust some bra myths:
MYTH 2
SMALL CHESTED WOMEN SHOULD JUST WEAR A 32A
Incorrect. The 32A is often the "default" size only because it is the smallest option widely stocked, not because it fits the majority of petite frames. A 32 band is designed for a 32-inch ribcage, which is better suited for a size 12 frame. If you typically wear a size 6–10, you likely need a 26, 28, or 30 band. Most people in a 32A would find a much more supportive fit in sizes like a 28C or 26D.
MYTH 4
BRA SUPPORT IS ALL IN THE STRAPS:
Incorrect. Your straps are only there to fine-tune the fit. In reality, 70% of your support should come from the underbust band, gore, and cradle. Most women with smaller frames mistakenly wear a 32 band (the equivalent of a Size M dress) when they actually need an XXS or XS. A band that is too loose is the primary cause of discomfort and slipping.
MYTH 5
IF THE CUP GAPES, IT MEANS IT'S TOO BIG:
Not necessarily. Gapping is often a sign that a cup is too small, causing your breast tissue to push the cup away from your body rather than filling it. Rigid, moulded cups are also prone to gapping because they can't move with you. A gap doesn't always mean you need to size down; it often means you need a better shape or a larger cup.
How do I find my perfect bra size?
It's 3 simple steps:
1. Find your underbust measurement in inches = band size
2. Find your leaning bust measurement in inches
3. Leaning bust - band = cup size
How to measure
1. Measure your underbust
Find your underbust measurement in inches. E.g. if you measured 30", you are a 30 band. If you measured 28" you are a 28 band. If you measured 29", round up to a 30 band. Always round up if your underbust is an odd number.
2. Measure your leaning underbust
Lean over 90 degrees so that gravity will mimic the support a bra would provide your breasts. Firmly wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust (usually around the nipples). This number is your leaning bust measurement.
3. Cup = leaning bust - band
Each letter up in a cup size represents one additional inch difference between your leaning bust and band. 1" difference = A, 2" difference = B, 3" difference = C, 4" difference = D, 5" difference = DD, 6" difference = E, and so forth.
Example
If you measured 29 inches for your underbust, then your band size is 30. And if your leaning bust is 33 inches then 33 - 30 = 3. The 3rd letter in the alphabet is C, your bra size is a 30C.
Important
For your bust measurement, make sure you are leaning over 90 degrees when you take this measurement. This will mimic the support your chest will receive in a bra. If you measure while standing up, gravity is pulling your bust down and your measurement will be smaller than what it should be.
To discover your most accurate bra size we recommend using 'A Bra That Fits Calculator'.
