Most retail sizing methods fail relaxed breasts because they rely exclusively on standing measurements. When gravity pulls soft tissue downward, measuring across the bust while standing upright can underestimate the true volume by three to five cup sizes.
To determine accurate dimensions, implement the community-developed six-measurement standard:
- Loose Underbust: Measure snugly around the ribcage directly beneath the tissue, keeping the tape level and breathing naturally.
- Snug Underbust: Pull the tape firmly, expelling air to simulate the resting tension of a functional bra band.
- Tight Underbust: Pull the tape as tight as possible without snapping it. This reveals how much natural squish or ribcage padding you have.
- Standing Bust: Measure across the fullest part of the bust while standing straight.
- Leaning Bust: Bend forward at the hips at a 90-degree angle so the tissue hangs perpendicular to the floor. This measurement captures relaxed tissue volume that pools backward or drops low when standing.
- Lying Bust: Lie flat on your back and measure across the tissue. This calculates how tissue disperses laterally.
Averaging the leaning and standing measurements prevents buying cups that cut in at the top. Once you put the bra on, always perform the "swoop and scoop": reach inside the cup, pull all tissue from under the armpits and side torso forward into the cup, and ensure the underwire sits directly within the inframammary fold without resting on any breast tissue.
