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How to Find Your Nursing Bra Size

Call our store to setup an appointment to be fitted for a Nursing Bra by one of our team or learn to size yourself with this quick and easy guide below. 

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Sizing Yourself:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

  • Have a soft measuring tape or string and ruler or yardstick, pen and paper ready
  • You will also need to be in front of a mirror
  • Wear a non-padded bra that reflects your true shape
  • You’ll need to determine 2 things: your rib band and your cup size. Only 2 measurements!
RIB BAND
Measure your chest (we know this seems odd, but it works!). Place the measuring tape around your back and under your armpits. Check in the mirror to ensure the measuring tape is parallel to the floor along your back (not drooping diagonally) as well as along your breasts. The measuring tape should be placed above your breast tissue. The tape should be snug around your body and make sure that you don't have any fingers underneath the tape. If you are in between sizes, round up or down to the nearest even number. This will be your rib band size (34, 36 etc.). See video below for demonstration.

CHEST SIZE
Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, over your nipple area. This is a looser measurement than the rib band measurement. Hold the end of the measuring tape at the side of your breast. While holding both ends of the tape with one hand, use your free hand to press the measuring tape in between your breasts to your chest. This will provide a more accurate cup size measurement.

Subtract the rib band measurement from the cup size measurement. Each number or inch represents one letter. For example, if your rib band is 34 and your cup measurement is 38; 38-34 = 4, 4 equates to a D (1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5=DD(E), 6=DDD(F)…). You are a D cup. Your nursing bra size is a 34D. See video below for demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions from from Cake Lingerie

When should I fit & buy a nursing bra?

  • At approx. 8 months of pregnancy.
What are the common fit issues to avoid?
  • Back band is too tight or too loose.
  • Straps are loose (slipping off the shoulder) or too tight (cutting in).
  • Cups are small (restricting the breast tissue) or too big (gaping).
How can I tell if my nursing bra is fitted correctly?
  • The back band will sit horizontally across the back and not ride up. It should fit firm but not too tight.
  • Your breasts should be fully incased in the bra cups. The breasts should not be spilling out the top, sides or bottom of the cups, nor should there be any wrinkling in the fabric.
  • The bra cups should be smooth and the wire should sit neatly under and around the breasts. Most importantly the bra should feel comfortable.
How many nursing bras do I need?
  • It is advisable to have at least 3 nursing bras. One to wear, one in the wash and one in the drawer.
What's the best nursing bra for me??
  • This depending on your lifestyle choice & your personal preference.
  • Seamless bras are an ideal sleep bra or transitional bra. They will provide comfort and stretch for a growing or fluctuating breast.
  • Contour bras are ideal for women who wear a lot of T-shirts and want a bra that will provide a smooth profile from under clothing.
  • Sports bras are designed specifically for exercise. They contain more support structures to support breasts during high to low impact exercise.
  • Non-wire bras are ideal for women who are after a structured comfortable fit.
  • Flexible wired bras are ideal for women who are looking for great shape and the extra lift.
Bra Fitting - Maternity & Nursing Bras from from Cake Lingerie

Have more questions? Call us or come in for a personal fitting.
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