It’s impossible not to feel totally girly in a beautiful bra…
But did you know there’s a good chance you are wearing the WRONG size bra?
Don’t feel bad… 80% of bra wearers are too! This includes crossdressers and transgender women – as well as cisgender (genetic) women.
Wearing the correct bra size is critical. Bras that don’t fit right are uncomfortable and look bad under your clothes.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to find your correct MTF bra size so you can choose the perfect bra for your female transformation.
How to Determine Your Correct Bra Size – Without Breast Forms
Determining your correct bra size begins with a choice: Will you be wearing breast forms with the bra?
In this section, I’ll explain how to find the correct bra size for your ACTUAL breasts (without breast forms). In the section below, I’ll show you how to find the correct bra size if you wear breast forms.
There are several ways to measure your bra size. The method below is simplest way to measure your bra size. This method is used by Victoria’s Secret and most modern bra manufacturers:
Step 1: Measure your band size
Place a tape measure under your arms and measure your chest circumference just above the breasts. The tape measure should be about the level where your bra straps meet the bra.
This measurement is your BAND SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number.)
Step 2: Measure your bust size
Stand up tall and measure across the fullest part of your bust. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
This is your BUST SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is between inches, round up to the nearest inch.)
Step 3: Calculate your cup size
Subtract your band size (from Step 1) from your bust size (from Step 2) and check the chart below to determine your cup size:
| If The Difference Is: | Your Cup Size Is: |
| 0″-1/2″ (1.3 cm) | AA |
| 1/2″- 1″ (2.6 cm) | A |
| 2″ (5.1 cm) | B |
| 3″ (7.6 cm) | C |
| 4″ (10.2 cm) | D |
| 5″ (12.7 cm) | DD or E |
| 6″ (15.2 cm) | DDD or F |
| 7″ (17.8 cm) | G |
| 8″ (20.3 cm) | H |
| 9” (22.9 cm) | I |
| 10″ (25.4 cm) | J |
For example, if your band size is 40” and your bust size is 44”, the difference is 4”. That would make you a D cup.
Your bra size is a combination of your band size and your cup size. (Bra size = band size + cup size) In this case, your bra size would be a 40D.
IMPORTANT: This size should be considered a starting point, as sizing varies from bra to bra. If possible, try on the actual bra before you buy.
How to Determine Your Correct Bra Size – With Breast Forms
If you wear breast forms, the process for finding your bra size is a bit different. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Measure your band size
(Note: These instructions are the same as above, but I’ll repeat them here.)
Place a tape measure under your arms and measure your chest circumference just above the breasts. The tape measure should be about the level where your bra straps meet the bra.
This measurement is your BAND SIZE. (Note: If the measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number.)
Step 2: Determine your ideal cup size
The next step is to determine the cup size you want to achieve. This should be a size that’s proportionate to your body: Not too big and not too small.
Generally speaking, the larger your body frame is, the larger your cup size should be.
Here are some guidelines:
- Choose an B or C cup if you have a small frame.
- Choose a C or D cup if you have a medium frame.
- Choose a D cup or larger if you have a large frame.
Once you know your correct band size and desired cup size, you can purchase the proper bra and breast forms.
Easy right? 🙂
Finding A Bra That Fits
Knowing your correct bra size is one thing. Actually FINDING that bra is another.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find bras outside the standard size range.
Here are some sites that carry a large range of bra sizes:
- Barenecessities.com – Bare Necessities offers a huge selection of bras, including plus size bras with smaller cup sizes. (Perfect for girls who don’t wear breast forms.)
- HerRoom.com – Her Room is another large lingerie site that stocks hard to find sizes. They offer band sizes up to 58, so there’s a bra for almost everybody.
- BiggerBras.com – BiggerBras.com specializes in plus size bras and carries a large range of cup sizes.
Another option is to purchase a bra extender. A bra extender is an elasticized piece of fabric that hooks onto the back of your bra. It can add 1-3 inches to the bra band, so it’s a great solution for bras that are too tight.
So there you are, girlfriend! Everything you need to know about finding your correct bra size.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave me your comments below. And if you have any beautiful bra pics, don’t forget to include them!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Looking for a natural way to fill out your bra? Check out The Flat to Femme Program to discover an effective and proven approach to male to female breast enhancement.
Hi, I am trying to learn how to determine my bra size. I have gynocomastia so I have natural breasts. I don’t understand how to measure the bust. It says to measure around the fullest part and it should be parallel to the ground. But if I’m wrapping it around my breasts, that’s horizontal
The tape is horizontal, the ground is horizontal, they are parallel to each other.
I have been to a Torrid store for a bra fitting and they measured my underbust (under my breast tissue) and said that I am a 40. From there I chose a nice C cup and I have been buying 40C bras ever since.
Lately, I have been looking for more bras online and talked to a couple of places. They have said for me to measure my underbust and then add 4 inches to that number. That makes me a 44.
I am wondering when I measure my underarms (from this article) what will be the measurement. That will be one more measurement.
It is my understanding that the add 4 inches is an old way of measuring your band size because of the fabrics used. Is that the only reason why it changed?
So which is correct?
Hi Michelle, that’s interesting! I wonder if Torrid is using a different sizing system for their bras. The method of measuring above the bust is the current method used by Victoria’s Secret and other major brands. But if you find that 40C bras in general fit you better, I’d stick with that.
Perfect timing! For years I have been resisting the urge to have breast enhancing surgery. The reason has been twofold, one I am perfectly happy being an older flat chested female, and two, while I have come out two almost everyone, there are a few relatives who would be very uncomfortable. However, my boyfriend has lately been very insistent that I go ahead with the idea. I think he feels it will enhance our romantic endeavors. In any case I am going ahead but will stay on the small size, A or B cup. So i’m very happy I have your article to guide me to my first bra. Love you all!