
Have you ever wondered, how do you measure for a nursing bra if your body keeps changing through pregnancy and breastfeeding? Many women become confused with their sizes when their breasts change shape and the amount of milk that they have. The right way of measuring is the door to the perfect bra which is comfortable and gives the necessary support.
This article will guide you on the basic steps for quickly and correctly finding your size and choosing the styles that suit your needs the most. While doing this, we are also sharing the list of the top nursing bras which are the perfect combination of ease, adjustability, and support that are giving you the feeling of being steady during the change of the stage of motherhood.
Why Getting the Right Fit Matters for Nursing Bras
One of the most frequently asked questions related to nursing is how do you measure for a nursing bra. The answer often comes down to why the right fit is so important.
Correct sizing not merely provides the needed support to the breasts but also helps the shoulders and back area, which are generally affected by the carrying of the load, to be released.
Besides that, the proper fitting of an excellent will definitely prevent the occurrence of medical problems of the breast ducts blockage as well as make the feeding procedure easier and more comfortable. Mothers can achieve a great feeling of both comfort and self-assurance during their nursing period if they pay attention to correct sizing.
When to Measure for a Nursing Bra (Before or After Birth?)
Several mothers frequently ask the question how do you measure for a nursing bra and when is the best time? Since your body changes rapidly in pregnancy and breastfeeding, a difference of several inches in the right support can be made by measuring more than once.
- During the last trimester – helps you get a good starting size so you’re ready with a bra before your baby arrives.
- A few weeks after birth – lets you adjust for changes once your milk supply evens out and your breasts feel more stable.
- As your body changes – recheck sizing if your bra starts to feel tight, loose, or causes any discomfort.
Tools You’ll Need to Measure at Home
In case you might still be asking “how do you measure for a nursing bra at home without going to the store?”, the nice thing is you just need a few simple tools. Home measuring can be done in no time and it assures you to pick up the one that really fits. Here’s what you need in measuring your size accurately:
- Soft measuring tape – the key tool for taking accurate bust and band measurements
- Well-fitted, non-padded bra – helps show your natural shape for more precise results
- Mirror – ensures the tape stays level and not too loose or tight
- Notebook or phone – to record your numbers before shopping
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Band Size
Learning how to measure for a nursing bra, the primary step of the process is determining the correct band size. As the band is the main source of support, a proper measurement will guarantee that a mother is comfortable and secure while feeding. A simple method to follow at home is:
- Put on a non-padded bra that will keep your breasts in their natural form.
- While measuring, you need to check the position of the tape in front of a mirror.
- Measure under your bust with the tape so it wraps around your ribcage.
- Make sure that the tape is level across your back so that you don’t get an uneven measurement.
- Pull the tape close but not so tight without digging in.
- Note down the number in inches and round off it to the nearest whole number.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Cup Size
After you determine your band size, the next part of learning how do you measure for a nursing bra is selecting your cup size. This is the best way to let the bra give the right support to your breasts. Steps to do this are:
- First, put on a comfortable bra that is not padded.
- Measure the fullest part of your bust with the measuring tape and usually, this is done across the nipples.
- Check the level of the tape by standing before the mirror.
- Make sure the tape is loose so it doesn’t flatten your breasts.
- Write down the number in inches as your bust measurement.
- Calculate the difference between the bust and band size to get the cup size (one inch difference equals one cup letter).
Tips for Trying On Nursing Bras for Comfort and Access

Understanding how to measure for a nursing bra is just the beginning—the proper fitting of the bras is the only way to guarantee that the size is accurate and the easy access for feeding. The following are some important tips to remember:
Check the Band
For the best support, the band should be around your ribcage, and it should be snug without any digging in.
Test the Cups
The bra should be a complete cover of your breasts, and there should be no voids or spilling, even if it is necessary to adjust the volume of the breasts.
Try the Clasps
Top nursing bras with simple clasps that allow for quick and easy feeding while still giving you support are what you should be looking for.
Move Around
Try the bra by raising your arms and slightly bending forward to check if it is comfortably staying in place.
Signs Your Nursing Bra Fits (or Doesn’t)
Knowing how to measure for a nursing bra is definitely a good thing to know, but the real criteria is how a bra feels when it is on you. If a bra is fitting right, it will be the support of your breasts, it will be easy for you to feed, and it will keep you comfortable all through your day.
Signs Your Nursing Bra Fits
- Band: Sits snugly around your ribcage without riding up
- Cups: Fully cover your breasts with no gaps or spillage
- Straps: Stay in place comfortably without digging in
- Comfort for Nursing: Clasps open easily and feeding is comfortable
Signs Your Nursing Bra Doesn’t Fit
- Band: Feels too tight or rides up your back
- Cups: Gape, spill, or leave empty space
- Straps: Slip off shoulders or dig in
- Movement Issues: Bra shifts or twists when you lift your arms
Conclusion
Knowing the correct way on how do you measure for a nursing bra is a must have skill for every breastfeeding mother. A bra that fits just right not only gives a good support to the breasts but also takes away the pressure from your shoulders and back, reduces pain, and makes feeding a breeze all day long.
The women who are still struggling with the changes after delivery, should think about using the top nursing bras, which provide comfort, support, easy access as well as the feeling of confidence and calmness in your new body shape.



