Sizing can be tricky but the following information might help you decide. It’s based on our expertise, advice from the manufacturers and feedback from customers. We’re always available to offer our help though so drop us a line or give us a call and we can talk you through the process and find you the perfect fit.

To get your size:

Measure around your rib-cage under your breasts, to get your back band size (The numbers)

Measure around the fullest part of your breasts to calculate your cup size. (The letter)

Calculate the difference between these two measurements. If the fullest part of your breasts measures 1 Inch larger than the back band you are an A cup.
2 Inches larger than the back band = B cup
3 Inches larger than the back band = C cup
4 Inches larger than the back band = D cup
5 Inches larger than the back band = E cup
6 Inches larger than the back band = F cup
7 Inches larger than the back band = G cup
8 Inches larger than the back band = H cup
9 Inches larger than the back band = I or J cup

So that’s the theory… Please bear the following in mind too.

In our experience it’s very hard to measure yourself. You will get a much better result if you can persuade someone to help.

Use a new tape measure, not an old, stretched one.

When measuring make sure the tape is level. If you’re trying to do this yourself try standing in front of a mirror to check it as you measure.

Be guided by the Bra’s you already own which give you a good fit. This is more reliable than any amount of time spent with a tape measure!

Industry wisdom says you should take these measurements when you are nude. This is great advice if you are a skinny teenager with super perky breasts but doesn’t work so well for the rest of us. Take the cup size measurement while wearing a good fitting bra. Use your own judgement and check the fit on the bra’s you already have.

The back band on a new Bra should be snug but comfortable on it’s widest fastener. All Bra's 'give' slightly over time so you may need to start wearing it on a narrower fastener.

If your Bra rides up at the back the band is too large and wont be giving you proper support. A smaller back band should help. Most professional Bra fitters will tell you that the back band should be ‘tight’ and that if you can barely do it up then it’s a good fit. If your body is hard and muscled this is no doubt true but as we specialise in plus sizes our customers tend to have softer and more voluptuous bodies. We agree the back band should be snug - but you still need to be able to breathe!

If your breasts appear to be doubled when you put clothes on then your cup size is too small. Your breast should fit comfortably within the cup without bulging.

If the cup fabric is wrinkled then the cup size is too large.

Cup sizes do not remain the same as the back band sizes change. As the back size gets bigger the cup size decreases. The capacity of a 40D cup will hold the same size breast as a 38E AND a 42C. This takes a bit of getting your head around so here are a few more examples:

• If you try a 44D and the back band is too tight but the cup size is fine you need to try a 46C.
• If you try a 50F and the back band is too loose but the cup size is fine you need to try a 48G.
• If you try a 38F and the back band is fine but the cup is too small you need to try a 38G.
• If you try a 34G and the back band is fine but the cup is too large you need to try a 34F.
• If you try a 42E and the cup is fine but the back band is too loose you need to try a 40F.
• If you try a 54C and the cup is fine but the back band is too tight you need to swap to a 56B.

If you are having problems getting the degree of support you need while getting a smooth line under your clothes do consider wearing a body instead of Bra. If you don’t like the idea of wrestling with the poppers on a body and want the bottom part chopped off so you end up with a waist length, pull on style, underwired bra just ask as we’re more than happy to do this for you. If you carry weight on your back this works really nicely.

Just drop us a line to discuss it further or to see a picture of what we mean.

Breasts can change shape and size depending on what time of the month it is for you. If you suffer from tenderness or water retention it will be much harder to find a Bra that you are comfortable with. We wish we had a solution to this one but I'm afraid all we can suggest is waiting a few days and trying again. Eating chocolate in the meantime may help :)

No-one has two breasts the same size. They’re both beautiful though.

We hope that helps but if you’d like further help do please drop us a line or give us a call. We’ve got years of experience in getting a good and comfortable fit in our beautiful Bra’s. The staff here at BeaBea range from a 34B to a 52G and a 48J so we really do understand!