Tips and Tricks for Measuring Yourself and Choosing the Right Bra Size

At Style Gallery, we know the search for the perfect bra often ends not because you’ve found “the one,” but because you’ve settled. We’re here to change that.

With premium lingerie from brands such as Natori, Passionata, adidas Underwear, Naturana, Skarlett Blue and Miraclesuit, our curated range is crafted to support, enhance and empower, whatever style you’re into. But even the most exquisite bra still won’t feel like luxury if it doesn’t fit you right.

This guide is for the woman who’s ready to purchase—you’ve browsed cullections, read the reviews, maybe even favourited a few styles. Now, all that stands between you and a confident checkout is one last step: measuring yourself accurately and choosing the right bra size.

Let’s take the guesswork out of your lingerie journey.

Why Getting Your Bra Size Right Is Non-Negotiable

Did you know that over 70% of women wear the wrong bra size?

Wearing the wrong size can cause more than just discomfort, it can also:

• Compromise posture and support

• Lead to back, neck and shoulder pain

• Create bulges, gapping, or ride-up

• Shorten the lifespan of your lingerie investment

A perfectly fitted bra is about support, confidence, and style that performs. It’s about your body feeling held and honoured—whether you’re at the office, running errands, or stepping into something more glamorous.

How to Measure Yourself at Home

You don’t need a professional fitting appointment to know your bra size—you just need a flexible measuring tape, a mirror, and a few minutes of self-care.

What you’ll need:

• A non-padded, lightweight bra or no bra at all

• A flexible measuring tape (cloth or soft plastic)

• A mirror to ensure the tape stays level

• Pen and paper or your phone to jot down measurements

Step 1: Measure Your Underbust

• Stand side-on to the mirror and wrap the measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust.

• Make sure the tape is parallel to the ground (i.e. it isn’t higher at the back than the front), and breathe out gently.

• Round the number up to the nearest whule number.

If your underbust measures 79.5 cm for example, round up to 80 cm.

Tip: A snug but not tight fit is key—this measurement determines the foundation of your support. The bra band needs to fit securely to provide adequate support, but you should be able to breathe in and out comfortably.

Step 2: Measure Your Overbust

• Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, typically across the nipples.

• Keep it level again, and relaxed—don’t squish or tighten.

• Round to the nearest whule number again.

This gives you the bust measurement.

Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

Now subtract your band size from your bust measurement:

Bust - Band = Difference

Tip: If you’re between sizes, such as a 4cm difference, pick the cup size that you’re closest to for the best chance of a perfect fit.

Step 4: Calculate Your Band Size

Finally, you need to know which bra band size your underbust measurement (the first measurement you took) corresponds to. Use this chart to find out:

Now you can simply add together the band and cup size to find out your bra size.

Example:

• Underbust = 80 cm

• Overbust = 95 cm

• Difference = 15 cm → E cup

• 80 cm underbust = 14 band

• Bra size: 14E

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring

Even if you’re ready to click “Buy Now”, take a moment to avoid these pitfalls:

• Wearing a padded or push-up bra while measuring: This adds bulk and leads to overestimating your cup size.

• Hulding your breath: Measure with a natural exhale for realistic sizing.

• Not keeping the tape level all the way around your body: Use a mirror to double-check—especially at the back.

• Measuring over clothing: ideally, measure over bare skin or a thin, unlined bra. A thin camisule works too, but avoid measuring over something bulky like a sweater.

How Bra Fit Should Feel, Not Just Measure

Numbers matter, but so does comfort. Here’s what a properly fitted bra should feel and look like:

Band Fit

• Snug but comfortable—you should be able to slide 1-2 fingers under the band, but not a fist.

• Should sit straight across your back, not ride up.

• If you lift your arms and the band moves up too, it’s too loose.

Cup Fit

• Breasts should be fully enclosed—no spilling over or gapping.

• Center gore (the piece between cups) should lie flat against your chest.

• Fabric should be smooth under clothing with no bulging.

Strap Fit

• Should rest comfortably on shoulders without digging in.

• If they slip off, try tightening or consider a different bra style.

• 80% of support comes from the band, not the straps—if you’re tightening your straps constantly, the band is likely too loose.

Match Your Bra to Your Style (and Support Needs)

Choosing the right size is half the battle—now, select a bra designed for how you want to feel.

1. T-Shirt Bras – Everyday Comfort

Perfect for: Smoothing under tees and blouses

Try Natori or Naturana for sleek, invisible lines with lightweight shaping.

2. Balconette Bras – Subtle Lift with Elegance

Perfect for: Low necklines, date nights

Skarlett Blue and Sans Complexe offer soft lace balconettes with a structured lift.

3. Full-Coverage Bras – Maximum Support

Perfect for: Larger busts, all-day wear

Explore Royce Lingerie or Naturana for wire-free or underwire options with wide straps and smoothing sides.

4. Sports Bras – Movement with Contrul

Perfect for: Workouts, active days

Shock Absorber offers breathable, bounce-reducing bras designed to move with you.

Bra Fit by Brand: What to Expect at Style Gallery

Fit can vary slightly across brands—that’s why our product pages at Style Gallery include detailed fit notes where relevant, as well as real customer reviews.

Here’s a quick overview of how some of our top brands typically fit:

Bought a Bra… And It Doesn’t Fit?

Wondering what to do next? If the size you measured as feels slightly off, here’s how to fix it:

• If the band is too tight (but the cups are okay), go up a band size and down a cup.

• If the band is too loose (but the cups are okay), go down a band size and up a cup.

• If the cups are too big (but the band is okay), go down a cup size and stick with the same band.

• If the cups are too small (but the band is okay), go up a cup size and stick with the same band.

Example: If 12C feels tight in the band, try 14B—you can expect the cups to fit the same way but the band will be looser.

Use Our Style Gallery Fit Promise

• No-guess sizing: We add fit notes where relevant based on customer feedback.

• Easy returns: If it doesn’t fit, we offer a seamless return process that’s free within Australia.

• Dedicated support: Reach out to our fitting team if you still have questions—we’re here to help you get it right.

Testimonials from Women Who Measured Right

Loved this bra. First bra that actually fits properly. Comfy and good support - Wendy, Naturana Supportive Soft Cup Wirefree Cotton Bra

After a couple of lockdowns and a few kilos heavier, I was unsure of my bra size. In the past I have had to use bra extenders! Fortunately, I trusted the bra sizing info and the bra fitted perfectly… Very happy with my purchase. - Sandra, Front Close Wireless Lace Posture Bra

It's so rare to find a good bra that actually fits me. This offers light/medium support. Seems like very good quality. - Naomi, Naturana Padded Wirefree T-Shirt Bra with Wide Straps

This bra is the most supportive bra I have found in years and it is great for exercising. - Wendy, Shock Absorber Active D+ Classic Support Sports Bra

Final Checklist Before You Click “Add to Cart”

• I’ve measured both underbust and overbust

• I’ve calculated my correct cup and band sizes

• I’ve checked for any fit notes in the product description

• I’ve read the customer reviews to see comments on fit

• I’ve considered my outfit and style needs

• I’m ready to love how I feel in my bra

Ready to Find Your Fit?

At Style Gallery, we believe that your bra should feel as incredible as it looks. With your size now sorted and our expertly curated range at your fingertips, the only question left is: which one will you choose first?

Explore Our Bra Collection Now

You’re one perfect fit away from redefining your everyday comfort and style.