Female body measurement
Start with a soft, flexible measuring tape- the kind you would use for a sewing project, NOT the sturdy kind that your dad would use for a house project.
It is preferable (and easier) to have somebody else take your measurements, but not a requirement.
BUST: Place the measuring tape under your armpits; arms should rest at your sides. Next, measure around the shoulder blades and the fullest part of your breast. The number showing is your “bust measurement.”
WAIST: Locate the slimmest part of your natural waistline, and measure. The number showing is your “waist measurement.”
HIPS: DO NOT measure your hip bone. Instead, locate the fullest part of your butt and measure around this. This measurement will serve as your “hip measurement.”
(Again, basic measurements are written as a series of 3 numbers, separated by hyphens. The accepted format requires the following info: Bust-Waist-Hips, IN THAT ORDER. So if a model lists her stats as “34-24-35”, that indicates her Bust is a 34, her Waist is a 24, and her Hips are a 35.)
CUP SIZE/BRA SIZE: Unless specifically asked to include cup size in your Bust-Waist-Hip measurement, it should be left out; it generally serves as its own separate ‘measurement’. To determine your cup size, wear a comfortable bra and follow these steps:
1) Measure around your rib cage, just below your breasts. If the number is less than 33”, add “5” to your number, then record this figure. If your number is more than 33”, you will need to add “3” to your number. Record this figure. (This is your band size)
2) Measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Record this number. (This is your cup size)
3) Subtract the number from “Step 2 (Cup Size)” by the number you recorded from “Step 1 (Band Size)”. Now, record this new number.
4) Finally, you can determine your bra size by using the following chart:
If the number you determined during step 3 is:
Less than 1/2″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “AA”.
1″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “A”.
2″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “B”.
3″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “C”.
4″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “D”.
5″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “DD” or “E”.
6″ larger than measurement #2, then your bra size is “DDD” or “F”.
