How to Find Your Size in a Full Figure Bra
By DitaVonTeeseLingerie USA | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to measure yourself correctly and choose the right full figure bra size for comfort and support. Step-by-step guide with common fitting mistakes.
Quick answer
To find your full figure bra size, measure your band just under your bust and your bust at the fullest part. Subtract the band from the bust to get your cup size.
Why full figure bras need a different approach
Full figure bras are engineered for larger cup sizes and wider bands, so a standard measurement method may not capture the support you need. The key difference is that the band does most of the work – it should be snug, not tight. Many women wear a band too loose and cups too small, which leads to poor support and discomfort.
When to remeasure
Your bra size can change with weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or even the time of month. If your bra leaves red marks, rides up, or the straps dig in, it's time to remeasure. Aim to check your size every six months or whenever you buy a new bra.
Step-by-step bra sizing process
- Measure your band size: Wrap a soft measuring tape snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust. Make sure the tape is level and tight enough that it doesn't slide. Take the measurement in inches. If it's an odd number, round up to the next even number – that's your band size. Common mistake: measuring over clothing or an existing bra. Always measure bare skin.
- Measure your bust size: Stand straight and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. Do not pull tight – allow the tape to sit against the skin without compressing breast tissue. Record this number in inches. Checkpoint: if your bust measurement falls between two numbers, round up to the nearest whole inch.
- Calculate your cup size: Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference equals one cup size: 1 inch = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, 4 = D, 5 = DD, 6 = DDD, and so on. For example, if your band is 38 and your bust is 44, the difference is 6, so you would wear a 38DDD. Common mistake: assuming a D cup is large. In full figure bras, D and above are standard – don't be afraid of the letter.
- Test the band fit: Put on the bra and hook it on the loosest set of eyes. The band should be snug enough that you can slide only two fingers underneath. If the band rides up in the back, it's too loose. If it digs into your skin, try a larger band or a different style. Checkpoint: a new bra should fit on the loosest hook so you can tighten it as the elastic wears.
- Check the cup fit: Lean forward and scoop all breast tissue into the cups. The underwire should lie flat against your ribcage, not on breast tissue. The center gore (the part between cups) should touch your sternum. If there's gaping or spillage, adjust the cup size up or down. Common mistake: straps doing the lifting. If you need to tighten straps to get support, the band is too loose.
Full figure bras that fit well
- Starlift Full Figure Bra - Eden Green: The Starlift Full Figure bra is made from soft stretch satin with lightly padded cups and lace inserts. Light padding smooths shape without adding bulk, making it easier to gauge true fit when trying on.
Starlift Full Figure Bra - Eden Green - Rosewyn Full Figure Bra: The Rosewyn Full Figure Plunge Bra has a plunge underwired sheer cup with floral embroidery and velvet straps. The underwire and structured cup give extra lift and definition, which helps maintain shape in larger cup sizes.
Rosewyn Full Figure Bra
