How to Calculate for Your Bra Size

Do ya boobs hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Does your band ride up your back? Do your shoulders drop the straps? If so you need a better bra and thankfully there's a simple way to find out just what you need! This blog will cover everything from how your bras should fit to how to calculate your bra size and so much more.

So what does a properly fitted bra look like? The band should not pull out more than an inch from your body and your cups shouldn't have gaps or breast tissue bulging out of the tops or sides. When using wearable pumps, cups, or pump flanges your parts should be completely sealed at the breast without anything pulling away from the breasts or sliding around inside of the bra.

Well Lisa my bras used to look like that before pregnancy but now they don't fit - does bra size change? The short answer is YES. Our bodies change multiple times in our lifetime and big changes in our hormones and health can significantly impact our bra size. For example, pregnancy typically comes with expanding rib cages (band size) and the breasts encountering growth and development of the mammary tissue (cup size) which is the critical milk-making part of the breast. Yet once you are 12 months postpartum your rib cage will typically be a bit smaller than it was during pregnancy and weaning will cause a temporary shrinkage of the breast size as the mammary tissue is involuted and replaced with fatty tissue. It's important to monitor for bra size changes at a minimum every 6 months, but even more frequently while breastfeeding and pumping.

So how does bra sizing work and how is it calculated? Everyone is aware of the original method of measuring just below the bust on the rib cage and then measuring the bust at the fullest point, but there's an even more thorough way to measure now. The Boob or Bust calculator takes 4 measurements, 2 for the band and 2 for the bust to help determine the best fit for women. I love this method because it actually helps capture the migrated breast tissue from poor bra sizes and understands common bra designs currently manufactured. When cup sizes are calculated it is simply the bust measurements subtracted by the band measurements. This means that while a triple D sounds huge, when properly sized it is only a 6" difference from band to bust. The calculator linked will provide your UK bra size which is not the same as the US, so be sure to use the information below to help convert before buying bras.

Bra sizes can range from AA to P but unfortunately, a lot of bra manufacturers have not caught onto the fact that the majority of women do not fit their outdated standardized sizing. This can be especially challenging for lactating moms as there can be a significant sizing difference between their band and bust that limits the ability to find a supportive band. All hope is not lost though as we do have a few brands that have stepped up and made impactful changes for moms. The following brands have bras that can work for nursing and pumping and have proven to be worth the investment for many moms. Be sure to always check the company's sizing chart and range for each style and keep in mind that some colors in the same style may fit larger or smaller than others. When in doubt, always reach out to the company before buying, and do a fit check before removing and using any new bra.

Davin & Adley:

The Amelia Cami is a favorite among many as it provides the support needed while being a relaxed PJ feel in a bra. The Amelia tank is also a great option for a full-length option. The Ella is a more structured option and is great for nursing or wearable pumping. The Riley is a pumping bra option for many that can fit into the size range.

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Cake Maternity:

The Pumpkin is a pumping bra with a good size range to choose from and has a zipper closure for a more discreet and customizable pumping slit. Popping candy, rock candy, cotton candy, and ribbon candy are all styles that are great for nursing and some are supportive enough for wearable pumping too.

You can use my referral code LIONESS to save. The brand or photos have affiliated links to open the website. If you need the EU shop click here.

Kindred Bravely:

The original Sublime Hands-free pumping & nursing bra has branched out in sizing but is commonly known for how much fabric is involved. The Sublime Sports bra is another heavily favored pick from this brand, especially for wearables. The sublime lounge pumping bra is another option for a sleep bra for pumpers.

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The Dairy Fairy:

These styles are all great for pumping, Pippa, Ayla, & Sydney 2.0. The big difference in these styles is how they will support different bust needs in the cup area.

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Sarah Wells:

The Journey bra can be a great all in one option for those that fit this bra. The pumping slits provide a strong flange hold, the thicker band can support wearables well, and the Velcro straps allow for easy access for nursing. Unfortunately the sizing chart is not an accurate representation of the sizes it can accommodate.

You can use my referral code LIONESS15 to save. The brand or photos have affiliated links to open the website.

Shefit:

This brand is for those who need a heavy-duty sports bra for their wearable pumps/cups. The Low-impact style is the one we see the best results without crushing pumps into the breast.

Referral Link provides $10 off.