Nursing Bra Guide

How to Measure Your Nursing Bra Size

The definitive maternity and nursing bra size guide
How to Measure Your Nursing Bra Size

Figuring out your nursing bra size is tricky - but before we get to that, it's important to first cover the essentials of determining and measuring your bra size accurately.

Bra sizes often vary between brands, with an A-cup in one store potentially fitting like a B-cup in another. Plus, many bras have adjustable backs that allow flexibility in band size, so many women don’t know their exact band measurement.

This is why we always recommend confirming your bra size by measuring yourself with these simple steps:

STEP 1: Determine your underbust measurement

Wrap a measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, right under your breasts where the underband sits. Ensure the tape is level all the way round for an accurate reading. This can be done without wearing a bra.

STEP 2: Determine your bust measurement

While wearing a non-padded bra, measure around the fullest part of your breasts (usually nipple level) with a loose fit. Avoid padded bras to get an accurate measurement that accounts for natural breast shape.

STEP 3: Determine your bra size

Using our bra measurement chart below, match your underbust and bust measurements to find your size. For example, if your underbust measures 70cm and your bust 86cm, your size would be a 32C.

I am currently pregnant, what maternity bra size should I buy?

We recommend measuring yourself to confirm your current size. However, if you don’t have a measuring tape, a good rule of thumb is to add one cup size and one band size to your usual pre-pregnancy size. So, if you typically wear a 32C, try a 34D.

How to determine your bra size if you are breastfeeding

If you’re already breastfeeding, you will realize that your breast size changes throughout the day. Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding your bra size when your cups are constantly changing.

  1. Ensure the Nursing Bra's Size Range Covers Your Average Cup Size: Unlike regular bras, a good nursing bra is designed to adapt to a range of cup sizes because (every breastfeeding mother knows this) your cup size fluctuates throughout the day. Most nursing bras accommodate cups A - D, while others are designed to accommodate larger cups.  For instance, our nursing bras are designed to accommodate cups A - E, while our nursing tanks with a built-in bra are designed to accommodate cups A - G!

  2. Focus on Band Size: Because nursing bras fit a range of cups, the key to determining your size is your band, which is based solely on your underbust measurement. 

  3. Measure Midday for Your Average Cup Size: Since breast size fluctuates, measuring around midday should give you an “average” size for most comfortable fit. 

One more thing -

If you are in a market for a nursing bra, our advice is: invest in *quality*.

Many mothers opt for inexpensive nursing bras, thinking they’ll only use them during breastfeeding (not true!). However, low-quality nursing bras often lack the comfort needed during the postpartum period—and can even increase the risk of clogged ducts and mastitis.  

Instead, invest in a high quality nursing bra crafted from natural, breathable fabrics. The bra should provide gentle support without compressing your breasts, which is why a fabric with some stretch is essential. 

As they say, buy nice or buy twice.

 

    About the author: Claire is a nursing bra specialist and founder of Canadian maternity brand Embrace. She is a mother of two and has spent four years breastfeeding her babies. Understanding firsthand the unique needs (and woes) of breastfeeding mothers, Claire has made it her life's mission to help make mothers' breastfeeding journey a little more comfortable.