In case the first round of measurements went awry, try this alternate. (It works particularly well for narrow torsos). Remember measurements are just a starting point. If your eggs are cracking over the sides of your diagnosed selection, or cradled in a wrinkly deflated nest, adjust your prescription. And pay attention to fit over numbers.

First remove any fluffing or flattening agents, and collect a 30 second favor from a close lady friend. Of if you choose, offer your husband a favor and let him help.

STEP 1: Band Size
Exhale and measure around your torso, start just under your arms then lead the measuring tape to meet at the top of your nest. Go like Goldilocks, not too tight, not too loose, just right. If the number is even, then that is your band size (i.e. 34″). If your measurement is an odd number then add 1″. For example, if you measured 31″ then round up to 32″.

STEP 2: Determining Cup Size
Using a measuring tape, measure around your body across the fullest part of your bust. Again, not too tight, not too loose. To calculate your cup size, subtract your band size from Step 1 from your cup measurement.

The following chart provides sizing details.

Most manufacturers assume a 1″ difference between cup sizes but some use 1½” or even 2″, in other words, try it on.

If you haven’t measured yet, for shame. I’m serious – I won’t divulge the secret code of unmentionables until you have fresh measurements.

You might believe that your bra is a completely private matter.  If it is left to stain, stretch, and literally decompose on your body, so be it.

Consider that your bra cradles you at your most vulnerable sectors. Although only a few will view your bra directly, everyone can perceive the effect. The foundation of fashion must be approached earnestly and accurately.

Here’s the beastly truth: there is an 80% chance that you’re wearing the wrong bra size. Your band is likely too big and/or your cup size is presumably too small. Even if you were wearing the right bra size last Valentines day, weight shifts, pregnancy, nursing, and age may have transformed your needs.

At this point, I must endorse measuring. (And if you haven’t measured your body type yet, proceed while you’re disrobed and in possession of soft measuring tape)

1. Preparation
Don your best fitting, unpadded bra. Minimizers and sports bras are not proper candidates. This bra should nest your lady eggs approximately half way between your shoulder and elbow. If possible find a confidential friend (mother, sister, daughter, husband, levelheaded lingerie associate) to assist you.

2. Band Size
Exhale all the air from your lungs and measure carefully around your ribcage, directly under your bust (too high and it will be too big, too low and it will be too small). This measurement should be taken as small as possible, with the tape parallel to the floor.

Take this number and round up or down to the nearest whole “even” inch (i/e divisible by 2).

Example: 33 3/8″, round up to 34.

3. Cup Size
Standing straight, with your arms at your side, wrap the circumference of the fullest part of your bust while keeping the tape measure parallel with the floor.

The tape measure should be just touching, not binding. If one of your mademoiselles is significantly larger, pad the smaller counterpart to make it even before taking your measurement.

Round up or down to the nearest inch. Then subtract your band size measurement from this second measurement. The difference can be translated using the chart below to a cup size.

Ta-da: band size, cup size, abracada…bra size. True, it is only a starting point, but stay with us. the magic continues this week as we diagnose the right intimate for your unique intimates. 

And remember when you try on the bra, try it on by snapping together the widest set hook and eyes.  This will ensure that you will have room to make your bra smaller as your bra stretches with time.