How To Take Bust Measurement

How to Take Accurate Bust Measurements: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing your accurate bust measurement is crucial for various reasons, from buying well-fitting bras and clothes to tailoring garments and even monitoring your health. Whether you're a seasoned sewer, a fashion enthusiast, or simply want to ensure your clothes fit perfectly, understanding how to accurately measure your bust is a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing tips and tricks to guarantee precise and reliable measurements every time. We'll cover everything from the necessary tools to common mistakes and offer insights into understanding the different types of bust measurements.

Understanding Bust Measurement Types

Before we delve into the measurement process, it's important to clarify that "bust measurement" isn't a single, monolithic figure. There are different types of bust measurements, each serving a specific purpose:

Underbust Measurement: This measures the circumference of your ribcage, just below your breasts. It's crucial for determining bra band size.
Bust Measurement (Full Bust): This is the measurement around the fullest part of your breasts. This is the key measurement for determining bra cup size and the sizing of tops and dresses.
High Bust Measurement: This measurement is taken around your ribcage, just above your breasts. It's often used in conjunction with the full bust measurement to calculate bra cup size more precisely and is especially important for women with a significant difference between their high bust and full bust measurements.

Tools You'll Need

To take accurate measurements, you'll need just a few simple tools:

A soft measuring tape: Avoid using a rigid metal tape measure, as it can distort the measurement and cause discomfort. A flexible cloth or plastic tape measure is ideal.
A mirror: A full-length mirror will help you ensure the tape measure is positioned correctly and evenly.
A friend (optional): While it’s possible to measure yourself, having a friend assist can ensure greater accuracy and eliminate the possibility of incorrect posture affecting your results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Bust Measurements

1. Preparing for Measurement:

Wear the right clothing: Wear a well-fitting, non-padded bra. A smooth, seamless bra is best, as extra fabric or padding can affect the accuracy of your measurements. Avoid wearing anything bulky or layered that might interfere with the measurement.
Stand tall: Maintain good posture. Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slouching or hunching will significantly alter your measurements.
Relax your muscles: Don't tense up your chest or shoulders. Let your body be in its natural position. Tension will affect the accuracy of your measurements.

2. Taking the Underbust Measurement:

Position the tape: Place the measuring tape around your ribcage, directly below your breasts. Make sure it sits comfortably and evenly around your body.
Ensure proper fit: The tape should be snug but not tight. You should be able to comfortably breathe without the tape feeling too constricting.
Read the measurement: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. This is your underbust measurement.

3. Taking the Full Bust Measurement:

Find the fullest point: Locate the fullest part of your breasts. This is usually around the nipples, but it can vary slightly depending on your breast shape.
Position the tape: Wrap the measuring tape around your back, ensuring it passes horizontally across the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be parallel to the floor.
Ensure proper fit: The tape should be snug but not so tight that it compresses your breasts. Again, comfort is key.
Read the measurement: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. This is your full bust measurement.

4. Taking the High Bust Measurement:

Position the tape: Place the measuring tape around your ribcage, just above your breasts. The tape should sit horizontally, parallel to the floor, at the level just above the breast tissue.
Ensure proper fit: The tape should be snug but not too tight.
Read the measurement: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters. This is your high bust measurement.

Understanding Your Measurements & Common Mistakes

Once you have all three measurements (underbust, full bust, and high bust), you can use them to determine your bra size and ensure your clothing fits properly. Many online bra size calculators use these measurements to help determine your ideal bra size. Remember that bra sizing can vary between brands, so it's always advisable to try on bras before purchasing them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Using a rigid tape measure: A rigid tape measure will not conform to your body shape and will provide inaccurate results.
Pulling the tape too tight or too loose: The tape should be snug but not constricting or overly loose. Aim for a comfortable fit that allows for natural breathing.
Not standing straight: Poor posture will significantly affect the accuracy of your measurements.
Ignoring the fullest point: Make sure the tape measure is positioned across the fullest part of your breasts for an accurate full bust measurement.
Measuring over clothing: Measure your body directly, not over layers of clothing, which can significantly impact your measurements.
Not repeating the measurement: Take each measurement multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency. Average the results if there is a slight difference between measurements.

The Importance of Accurate Measurements Beyond Clothing

Accurate bust measurements are essential not only for finding the perfect-fitting clothes and bras but also for:

Health monitoring: Tracking changes in your bust measurements over time can be beneficial for monitoring your health and identifying any potential issues. Significant changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Medical procedures: Accurate measurements are crucial for medical procedures such as breast surgery or radiation therapy.
Tailoring and sewing: Accurate measurements are the foundation of successful sewing projects. Inaccurate measurements can lead to poorly fitting garments that require significant alterations or even need to be remade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often should I re-measure my bust?

A: It's a good idea to re-measure your bust every few months, or whenever you notice significant changes in your body weight or shape. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes can all impact your bust size.

Q: My measurements don't match the bra size I've always worn. What should I do?

A: This is quite common. Bra sizing can vary between brands, and it's possible your previous bra size wasn't entirely accurate. Use your new measurements to find a bra that fits well. Consider visiting a lingerie specialist for a professional bra fitting.

Q: What if I have difficulty measuring myself?

A: Ask a friend or family member for assistance. Having someone else take your measurements can ensure greater accuracy and eliminate potential errors.

Q: Are there different ways to measure a bust other than the methods described above?

A: While the methods described above are the most common and generally considered the most accurate, some people may find slight variations in technique helpful. However, the principles of ensuring proper posture, using a flexible measuring tape, and finding the fullest point remain crucial for accurate results.

Conclusion

Taking accurate bust measurements is a simple yet valuable skill. By following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure you obtain precise measurements that are crucial for achieving a perfect fit with your clothing and bras. Remember that accuracy is key, so take your time, relax, and don't hesitate to re-measure if you're unsure. Accurate bust measurements empower you to make informed choices about your clothing and contribute to your overall well-being. Mastering this skill will not only enhance your shopping experience but also provide valuable insights into your body and health.