How to Choose the Right Posture Bra Size: A Complete Guide

The old adage remains true: not all bras are created equal. Even when it comes down to something as seemingly standardized as sizes, you will find vast variances. A 38D in one style will likely feel different from a 38D in another style — even from the same brand.

If you’ve been wearing the same size bra for most of your life, there’s a good chance your lingerie drawer is filled with ill-fitting undergarments. In a New York Times article, bra researcher and sports biomechanist Jenny Burbage said it’s not about simply wearing the wrong size but that many women simply don’t know how to check for the best fit. Meanwhile, a bra fitter in Manhattan recommends rechecking your bra size at least every six months — sound advice given that a woman’s body rarely stays the same (1).

Choosing posture bras can be just as much of an ordeal — as it should be. For a posture bra to provide ample support and do its job in correcting your posture, it should fit your body well.

Here are some posture bra fitting tips and other recommendations on how to pick the best posture bra for your unique needs.

How a Good Posture Bra Can Impact Your Health

A good posture bra can have a fairly immediate effect on your posture. It may feel a little weird at first, but when slipping into a well-fitted posture corrector, you should feel it gently guiding the shoulder blades toward their optimal position, which will help you open your chest and stabilize your spine. 

Wearing a posture bra regularly will help you build and train the muscles around your neck, shoulders, and upper back to get you used to the feeling of sitting and standing with good posture. Over time, a posture bra can help relieve neck and back pain caused by too much slouching.

With the help of an effective posture bra, there are many other advantages of maintaining good posture, including enhanced musculoskeletal health, increased confidence, boosted mood and energy levels, and even better cognitive function.

How To Find the Right Posture Bra Size

Finding the perfect posture bra may take some trial and error, but it’s worth the extra effort. (Just see some of the posture bra benefits above!) Posture bras for back support and other protective purposes come in many different shapes and sizes. Your aim is to find a posture bra that targets your weak areas, offers good support, and feels comfortable to wear for several hours at a time.

The underband (which provides the main support) should comfortably rest against your sternum and stay put. It shouldn’t ride up (meaning it’s too big) or dig into your skin (meaning it’s too small). Meanwhile, the cups should fully cover your breasts without excess fabric getting in the way. 

Ideally, a well-fitted posture bra should fit like a snug yet comfortable glove. There shouldn’t be any bulging, chafing, or discomfort. It should:

• Feel comfortable
• Evenly distribute the weight of the breasts and keep the breasts in place
• Provide support from the bra — not just the straps
• Guide your shoulder blades into an optimal position
• NOT be too tight or too loose
• NOT leave deep indentations in your skin
• NOT cause skin irritation

When determining your posture bra size, you’ll first want to accurately measure yourself. Here’s how.

How To Accurately Measure Yourself for Choosing a Posture Bra

For correct posture bra measurements, check to see if the brand you’re interested in offers a posture bra sizing guide. That’s a good first sign. If provided, follow their fitting instructions. If not, there’s a few steps to take to accurately measure your rib cage and bust to choose the right posture bra size.

Below are some measurement tips and sizing advice we use for our posture bras. All you need is a measuring tape. 

Measure Your Rib Cage & Measure Your Bust

For the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0, wrap the measuring tape around the top of your rib cage, just above your breasts and under your armpits. Inhale, exhale, bend, and rotate your torso. While doing so, tighten or loosen the measuring tape until it’s in a comfortable position. Note the measurement.

Next, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Note the measurement.

Calculate to Find Your Right Cup Size

Subtract your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement and follow the below size selection guide to find your correct cup size.

• 1 inch = A cup
• 2 inches = B cup
• 3 inches = C cup
• 4 inches = D cup
• 5 inches = E cup
• 6 inches = F cup
• 7 inches = G cup
• 8 inches = H cup

It’s that simple! Keep in mind that these correspond with sizes for the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0.

Posture Corrector Bra Size Chart

When it comes to determining your bra size, the number reflects your rib cage measurement and the letter your cup size. So if you have a 32” rib cage circumference and a G cup, you will likely fit best in the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0 Busty in size small. See our complete bra size chart here. 

Important Features in Posture Support Bras

The best type of posture bra will have a few key features, including: high-quality material that provides ample support, customizable straps that allow for a personalized fit, and a design that properly promotes good posture.

Supportive, High-Quality Material

A posture bra should be able to withstand the stress and sweat of daily life, from long work days to intense workout sessions. Look for bras made with natural fibers and breathable fabrics that are durable enough to maintain the bra’s shape and support while remaining gentle on your skin.

Adjustable Straps for Custom Fit

The more you’re able to customize your bra, the better. Adjustable straps are ideal to allow for variations in size, support, and comfort. The straps should help evenly distribute the weight of the breasts without digging into your shoulders or back (see: bra strap syndrome).

Back Support Design

The best type of posture bra is crafted for both ultimate support and comfort. Take a look at the overall design. The band should sit firmly against your sternum, the straps should remain firmly in place, and both should work together to guide you into better posture without restricting your range of motion. 

The Best Posture Bra for You

The key to an effective posture bra is making sure you find the right fit. When selecting your posture bra size, first know your measurements. Measure your rib cage and bust and calculate your cup size by subtracting your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement. See the sizing guide for Etalon here. 

The best posture bra for you should be snug but not too tight, comfortable but not too loose. The band should sit comfortably against your sternum and the straps should stay in place without digging into your skin.

The Etalon Posture Bra 2.0 has adjustable straps to allow you to customize the fit to your body. When first wearing the bra, we recommend starting at the first setting and keeping it there for at least three weeks before adjusting it to the next setting. This will help you get used to the feeling of the bra — and the feeling of good posture.

FAQs

1. How to know if your posture bra fits correctly? 

Well-fitting posture bras should feel snug (but not too tight) and comfortable (but not too loose). Make sure the underband lays flat on your sternum, your breasts are fully covered, and that the straps stay in place without causing indentations in your shoulders. At first, you will likely feel the gentle tug of the posture bra guiding your shoulder blades into a better position. You will quickly get used to this extra level of support. 

2. How can I determine the right posture bra size for my body type?

Every manufacturer will have slightly different guidelines for their bra sizes. First, check for a posture bra sizing guide to help you determine the right posture bra size. Typically, you will use a measuring tape to measure your rib cage and bust. For the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0, you will subtract your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement to find your correct cup size.

3. What are the key measurement tips to ensure I pick the perfect posture bra?

Follow the measurement instructions above and align your measurements with the brand’s sizing recommendations. For the best results, try to find a posture bra that has adjustable straps to allow you to customize the fit. Remember that your body is in constant flux, so being able to make slight changes to the size of the bra will get you closer to a perfect fit in all situations.  

4. What should I do if I experience discomfort while wearing a posture bra?

First determine the source of your discomfort. Is it the material? Is it irritating your skin? If so, you may want to try a different design that uses more breathable fabrics. Is it the fit? Are your breasts bulging out? Your cup size may be too small. Do the straps leave marks? Double check your rib cage measurement; you may need a bigger size. Are the straps constantly falling off your shoulders? Your bra may be too big; see if you can adjust the straps to a tighter setting.

5. Are there posture bras available for larger bust sizes?

Absolutely! Check out the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0, which comes in sizes from XS to 3X with cup sizes from A-H. You can adjust the straps to fit your body and increase or decrease the support. 

SOURCES: