This is a question you often have trouble answering: what is your chest circumference size? So much so that many times you are forced to try several bra models in stores before finding the one that fits you perfectly. But that was before. Thanks to our little tips, you will finally be able to do this calculation quickly and accurately. What a time saver and all sorts of hassle!

Bust circumference calculation – Source: spm
When was the last time you measured your breast size? If it was more than six months or more than a year ago, the combination of numbers and letters that she has in mind is most likely no longer relevant. If you are one of those women who love bras and cannot leave the house without one, then you should definitely follow this smart guide to get an accurate idea of your size.
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Why should you wear the right size bra?
According to a study carried out a few years ago by the University of Barcelona, we know that 70% of women do not really know their chest circumference measurement. Regardless of age, many of them buy their underwear at random, not knowing the exact size of their bras. However, each silhouette is different, so it is important to have models that perfectly fit your shape and, above all, to maintain your chest well. A flagship piece of women’s lingerie, the bra fulfills a very specific function: to support, shape and protect the breasts thanks to adequate pressure. Therefore, if the appropriate measures are not taken, the consequences can be more or less serious: an inappropriate model can cause chafing, redness and other undesirable effects such as sagging breasts due to excess pressure, discomfort in the shoulders due to poor support or , what is worse, the appearance of encystments in the tissues preventing the blood flow from circulating freely. Fortunately, it is possible to calculate your bra size yourself to choose the one that best suits your measurements.
Also read: Don’t Throw Out Your Old Bras – Here’s An Awesome Way To Repurpose Them
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How to correctly measure your bra size?
Knowing how to calculate your bra size is important both to avoid all these potential health problems and to adapt to different brands that sometimes vary slightly. Not to mention certain external factors that cause size fluctuations, including weight gain or loss, but also hormonal changes. The nomenclature on which the size of this underwear is based is also essential: it consists of a number (80, 85, 90, 95 or 100) that gives the width of the bust and a letter (A, B, C, D, E and F) which refers to the depth of the cup.
To make this calculation, approximately, it is enough with:
- Measure the diameter with a tape measure that goes down the back under the chest, right in the area where the bra ring is placed, that is, around the chest. Write down the number obtained.
- The second step is to measure the contour at the height of the nipple. You need to press the tape to the chest and go around the back again. This data corresponds to the letter of the cap.
- Once the operation is done, all you have to do is consult the measurement table provided by each brand (before entering the fitting room). This is made up of several centimeter intervals that correspond to the different sizes. Keep in mind that the French size system includes almost all types of breasts, although it is always a good idea to find out in the store so as not to be mistaken.
The bra size chart:

The bra size chart. source: spm
If your chest measurement and headband measurement are the same, you are cup AA. If they are 2 cm apart, then you are an A cup. A difference of 2 cm corresponds to a B cup, 3 cm to a C cup, 4 cm to a D cup and so on.

Bra too tight – Source: spm
What bra cup to choose?
Once you know your bra size, to avoid the health problems described above, it’s also essential to consider some equally important factors. For example, suspenders must also meet a series of requirements. First of all, they must be straight to support the chest correctly. Also, it is recommended that they be at least two fingers wide. Something that is not always easy to find, since aesthetics often takes precedence over its real utility.
On the other hand, the ring should be adjusted to the height of the chest, without sacrificing comfort. If you feel it digging into your skin, you may need to change your bra or choose another size. In this sense, it is even possible to intertwine the use of these models with others that do not have a ring and are just as comfortable. Another aspect to take into account: the entire chest must be well contained in the cup of the bra so that it does not overflow. As for the back strip, where the hooks are located, it must be perfectly horizontal. If not, then this model is too tight and may not be the right size.
What is the ideal breast size?
According to an international survey conducted by Zava, a medical teleconsultation site, the C cup is considered the ideal bust size for both men and women.
What is the ideal size for a woman?
According to a British survey conducted in February 2014, the ideal height for a woman in the eyes of men is 165 cm.
To find out your bra cup size, you must measure the bust circumference and the chest circumference at the tip of the breasts, under the armpits and horizontally. The difference between these two measurements determines the cup size.
What is the difference between a B cup and a C cup?
For a B cup, the difference between the bust circumference and the chest circumference is 15 cm, while for a C cup it is 17 cm. Each increase of 2 cm of difference corresponds to an additional cup size.
What are the perfect body measurements for a woman?
Contrary to the famous 90-60-90 formula, women in France have on average a chest circumference of 93 cm, a waist circumference of 75 cm and a hip circumference of 100 cm.
Taking care of the skin and muscles that surround the chest, especially the pectorals, helps to maintain a beautiful chest. Muscle-strengthening exercises and regular hydration can prevent the need for surgery.
Also read: Why is it smart to put your bras in the freezer?
What is the average breast size in France?
On average, the size of the breasts of women in France is 93.7 cm, considered generous. The most commonly worn clothing size by French women is 38.
To choose the right bra size, you must measure your bust measurement and your chest measurement at the tip of the breasts and under the armpits, horizontally. The difference between these two measurements determines the cup size, while the bust measurement determines the back size.
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