Band Size Explained

There are two components of a bra size: the number, and the letter. Band size is the numerical part. It corresponds to the tightness of the bra band.

A brief explanation of the role of the bra band

The bra band does the heavy lifting when it comes to support. The straps are mostly there to keep things in place. Bras are designed this way because our back is a lot stronger than our shoulders. Think of it like wearing a backpack in front – you wouldn’t want it to hang off your shoulders (especially with thin straps). It’ll be a lot easier to carry with a thick strap tied around your back that anchored the backpack to you. See Fig. 1
If lift is what you want your bra to do, most of the work will be done by the band. To do this, the band needs to be somewhat tight. Otherwise, the burden will fall on your shoulders. This can cause shoulder, back, even neck pain. See Fig. 2

If you don’t need or want much lift, the bra band can be looser. For people whose breasts are self-supporting, or with smaller breasts that don’t need lift, a firm band can be unnecessary – a relaxed band will feel less binding. See Fig. 3

If lift is what you want your bra to do, most of the work will be done by the band. To do this, the band needs to be somewhat tight. Otherwise, the burden will fall on your shoulders. This can cause shoulder, back, even neck pain. See Fig. 2

If you don’t need or want much lift, the bra band can be looser. For people whose breasts are self-supporting, or with smaller breasts that don’t need lift, a firm band can be unnecessary – a relaxed band will feel less binding. See Fig. 3

Fit Check

No matter your preference for lift or no lift, tight or loose, your bra band should always stay put. It should lie parallel to the floor, never riding up in the back.
If your bra band rides up in the back, it means the band is not supportive enough. Assuming the bra band is well-designed for your needs (and simply too big), switching to a smaller band size will solve the problem. However, if the band is too thin, or too weak (too stretchy, or has little stretch recovery), you may need to switch to a different style. See Fig. 4

Choosing your band size

Your band size in bra will depend on your preference for a firm or relaxed fit.

If you prefer a firm, lifting fit that minimizes the stress on your shoulders and neck, your band size is the same as your band measurement. If you measure 40’’, choose a 40 band.*

If you prefer a relaxed, non-binding fit that minimizes the discomfort around your ribcage, take your band measurement, and add 2-ish to it to get your band size. If you measure 32’’, choose a 34 band.*

*How to measure band size? Wrap the measuring tape around your back, at the level where your bra band sits. Pull the tape as tightly as you want your bra to fit.

Comfort means different things to different people. If you are not sure which band size suits you, order a pair of sister sizes (e.g. 36DD and 38D), and see which one feels more comfortable. Your comfort is always your best guide.

3 thoughts on “Band Size Explained”

  1. Harriet

    So happy to have found this site. I am looking for comfort and support without a tight band, because I recently had gallbladder surgery. I measure 34 inches and have been wearing 34D. But I have noticed that a 34 bra band can be as short as 27 inches – which means the band has to stretch 7 inches to close. That is a lot of pressure when the band is strong. Also, I have found that most straps are too short – I am long torsoed. I prefer a demi style, since I am not full on top. Any suggestions? Your previous dialogue suggests I try a 36C. What about cup style and different bands? Brand suggestions?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Understance

      Hi there, we suggest Symmetry Wireless in 36C, or Soft Sculpt in 36B/C. Both bras have wider bands, which distribute the pressure around the ribcage more evenly, reducing the “binding” feeling.

      Reply
  2. Laura

    Please tell or research companies that have a band size 56 inches and above. I weigh 240 pounds so yes I am big my weight is evenly distributed on my body. So my band size is 56 C. My Question is what does a person who is 280 and above supposed to do. If you are 300 pounds what you go braless. Why in heavens name does all,or most of these companies think that people are never any larger than a 48 band size. So so extremely tremly annoying I just want a cotton pull over bra in a choice of colors,or in a 3 pack that are 56 B,C,D ,or 56c that doesn’t cost me 50 dollars and above. I am 65 years old there is no such thing as a 56 C Bra for senior citizens on a fixed income. Womanwithin is the only company that sells the cotton Leading Lady sport bra 56C brand. I absolutely hate the way they ,now do business. The Quality of there clothes has gone way down. I take medications that make me sweat so I need to change my Bra Every day.

    Reply

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