Buzz
If you want to purchase a well-fitted shirt or suit, knowing your bust measurement is crucial. To measure your bust, you’ll need a flexible tape measure and a pencil to record the measurements. Simply wrap the tape around the fullest part of your upper body. Follow the guide below to learn how to measure your bust for both men and women.
Steps
Measuring the Bust for Women
Position the tape measure. This type of tape measure can easily wrap around your body and accurately measure curves. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string, wrap it around your body, and then measure the length of the string with a ruler.
Ask someone to assist you with the measurement. Measuring your bust by yourself can be a bit tricky; therefore, if possible, seek help from another person. Otherwise, you’ll need to be extra careful to ensure the tape measure stays level at the back.
Remove your shirt but keep your undergarments on. Wearing additional layers can add a few centimeters to the measurement. Since you’ll likely wear undergarments beneath your outfit, it’s best to measure your bust while wearing them.
Wrap the tape measure around your bust. Position the tape so it’s parallel to the ground and just below your underarms. Bring the tape around your back and pull both ends to the front, wrapping it around the fullest part of your chest.
- Avoid puffing out your chest or holding your breath; simply stand naturally.
- Ensure the tape measure isn’t twisted.
Check your measurement in the mirror. Locate the point where one end of the tape meets the rest of the tape and read the number there, as this is your bust measurement.
Measuring the Bust for Men
Find a flexible tape measure. This type of tape is made from soft material, making it easy to wrap around your body. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string to wrap around your chest and then measure the length of the string with a straight ruler.
Consider asking someone to help you measure your bust. You’ll get the most accurate measurement if someone assists you in holding the tape, as they can ensure it stays level across your back. However, you can still achieve an accurate measurement if you prefer to do it alone.
- If measuring yourself, stand in front of a mirror to check that the tape is parallel to the ground when wrapped around your chest.
Remove your shirt. Wearing extra clothing can add to the measurement; therefore, it’s best to measure your bust without a shirt on.
Wrap the tape measure around your chest. Adjust the tape so it wraps around your chest just below your underarms. Secure the tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically above or at the nipple line. If measuring yourself, ensure the numbers on the tape face outward so you can read them in the mirror.
- Hold both ends of the tape with your hands in front of your chest for clear visibility.
- Check in the mirror to ensure the tape isn’t twisted.
- Make sure the tape is wrapped around your chest at the same height and parallel to the ground.
Stand naturally. Avoid puffing out your chest or flexing your muscles. This can add extra centimeters to the measurement and reduce accuracy.
Record your measurement. Look into the mirror and note the point where one end of the tape meets the rest of the tape at the front of your chest. The number at that point is your bust measurement.
- Avoid looking down to read the measurement, as this might cause the tape to slip out of place. Instead, use the mirror for accuracy.
- Add 5cm to the measurement if you want the garment to have a slightly looser fit, such as for shirts. Always round up the measurement when purchasing clothing.
What You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Mirror
- An assistant
