How to Fit Your Maternity Nursing Bra

Pregnancy and breastfeeding bring a lot of changes to your body, and finding the right bra size can feel tricky. The good news? With just a tape measure and a few minutes, you can get an accurate fit that will keep you comfortable and supported. Here’s a simple 5-step guide on how to fit your maternity or nursing bra.

Step 1: Measure Your Band Size

Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust. This will be about half way between your shoulder and your waist (if you can still find it).

• • Keep the tape level all the way around.
  • This number (in centimetres or inches) is your band size.
  • In Australian sizing, band sizes typically run in even numbers – 10, 12, 14, etc., however you may also find them in European sizes 36, 38, 40, etc.

Step 2: Measure Your Bust

Next, measure around the fullest part of your bust.

• • Wear your most comfortable non-padded bra while you measure.
  • The tape should be firm but not tight.
  • Write this measurement down.

See image below showing where to measure your bust line.

Step 3: Use the Size Chart to Find Your Bra Size

Most brands will provide a Bra Size Chart for their bras, and occasionally individual size charts for different bras or styles. Often, the chart will consist of two tables – one for the band size and one for the cup size that you need to cross-check to find your size. Take your two measurements and find them on the both charts to find the recommended size for you. Example: Band measurement = 76cm Bust measurement = 98cm Finding your size on the charts:

1. 1. Go to Chart 1: Underbust Band Chart
   2. Locate 76cm. This fits in Size 12, which shows the measurements 75cm – 79.5cm.
   3. Go to Chart 2: Bust Measurement Chart ensuring to follow along the same column (Size 12).
   4. Locate your bust measurement as you look down the chart. For this example, 98cm is in the fifth row.
   5. Staying on the row, move to the left of the chart (pink area) to find your cup size. For the AUS/NZ size this measurement would equal an ‘E’ cup.

Combining the two measurements means this bra size would be a 12E.

Step 4: Don’t Oversize the Band

It’s a common mistake to buy a bra with a much larger band to “grow into.” But:

• A band that’s too loose won’t give you support and will ride up your back.
• Maternity and nursing bras come with extra rows of hooks to expand with your ribcage, so stick close to your true band measurement.
• Re-measure the band size every so often to get the best fit for your stage of pregnancy and adjust to the correct hook size as your needs change.