Measuring & maternity bra Q

[kbx201]

Hey,

I'm 24 weeks pregnant & need a bra. I've not worn one for years so no idea what size I am. What's the best way to measure myself? Just with a measuring tape? And how do you do it? As I don't think shops are doing fittings the now and wouldn't really feel comfortable going in the now even if they are.

Also if anyone has any recommendations for good bras once I figure out my size.

Cheers

Anyone?

Google boob or bust and follow the instructions on there

There are two components to bra sizes the "back" size 32 etc and cup size A/B/C etc.

The back size refers to your under bust measurement in inches (even numbers only - round up if it is odd). Old methods involve adding 4 inches I think this hark back to days before elastic...
The cup size refers to the breast size and is determined by the difference between your under bust measurement and the measurement around the fullest part of your breast. If there is 1 inch difference you are an A cup or 4 inch difference a D cup. There are lots of sites that let you put in your measurements and then gives you your bra size.
These give you a rough starting point, as with all clothing you can't guarantee all bras of the same size will fit the same way. A good bra shop will be able to size you up by eye and tell you what size you need in each range. General point do not go to m and s to be measured whilst they have a fairly good range of bras they do not typically do a good job of measuring.

For convenience in this covid world you might want to consider bralets or maternity /nursing bras that come in S/M/L they offer a bit more flexibility in sizing and will also give you scope to change size a little during the rest of pregnancy.
I switched to bralets at about 20 weeks pregnant (M&S - it came in the usual women's dress sizes e.g. 8/10/12...) these lasted me until about 34-36 weeks when I moved to a nursing bra that came in s/m/l which saw me through the end of my pregnancy and first few weeks post partum where my breast size has changed quite a bit especially when my milk first came in. I'm ~3weeks post partum now and ordered some bras in my new size.

Thank you both