How to Measure Yourself for a Bralette That Actually Fits

Quick answer

To measure for a bralette, wear an unpadded bra or go braless, then use a soft tape to measure your underbust snugly and your bust at the fullest point. Write both numbers down and compare them to the brand's size chart. For bralettes, the underbust usually decides the band size while the bust guides cup coverage, so remeasure if either number lands between sizes.

Bralettes are forgiving, but they still fit best when you start with your own measurements. A soft tape and five minutes give you the underbust and bust numbers that most size charts are built around. This guide walks through each step, including the checkpoints that keep you from ordering a size that slips or digs.

You will also see how to translate those numbers into real styles from Clare Bare, like the Oleander Bralette or the Echo Longline Lace Bralette. The goal is simple: find your bralette size without guessing, and know what to do when your measurements fall between two sizes.

What you need before you measure

Grab a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and something to write with. Wear an unpadded bra or no bra at all, because padding adds inches that will throw off your bust measurement. Stand relaxed with your arms down, and keep the tape parallel to the floor around your ribcage. If you do not have a soft tape, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler.

A common mistake is measuring over a padded or push-up bra. That inflates your bust number and can push you into a size that gaps at the cup. If you plan to wear your bralette over a bra, measure in that same bra so the fit stays consistent. Otherwise, measure against your body for the most accurate starting point.

• Use a soft tape, not a stiff ruler, so it follows your curves.
• Keep the tape snug but not tight enough to leave marks.
• Write down both numbers in inches or centimeters, and stay consistent.

Step 1: Measure your underbust

Wrap the tape around your ribcage, directly under your bust where a bra band would sit. Keep the tape level all the way around and exhale normally before you read the number. This is your underbust measurement, and for most bralettes it decides the band size. If the number is odd, round to the nearest whole inch or centimeter and note whether you rounded up or down.

The common mistake here is pulling the tape too tight. A bralette band should feel secure, not compressive. If your underbust measurement is 31 inches but a tight pull gives you 29, use the 31. That number reflects how the band will actually sit when you wear it.

• Checkpoint: the tape should sit level and not ride up in the back.
• If you are between sizes, size up for comfort in styles with less stretch.

Step 2: Measure your bust at the fullest point

Wrap the tape around your back and bring it across the fullest part of your bust, usually over the nipple. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and relaxed against your body. Read the number where the tape meets itself in front. This bust measurement helps you judge cup coverage, especially in styles with seamed or darted cups.

Do not pull the tape tight across your bust. That flattens the tissue and gives you a smaller number than your true size. Stand tall, breathe normally, and let the tape rest against your skin. If your bust measurement changes by more than an inch between breaths, take the larger number.

• Checkpoint: the tape should touch your back at the same height as the front.
• For asymmetric breasts, measure across the fullest side and note the difference.

Step 3: Measure your torso length for longline styles

Some bralettes, like the Echo Longline Lace Bralette, extend below the underbust and sit closer to your natural waist. Measure from the top of your shoulder, over the fullest part of your bust, down to where you want the bottom edge to land. This length measurement helps you decide whether a longline style will sit at your ribcage or ride up.

The common mistake is skipping this step and assuming your usual band size will cover the length. If your torso is short, a longline bralette may reach your waist; if it is long, the same style may sit higher than expected. Use your length number as a guide, not a hard rule, since stretch lace and adjustable straps change where the hem falls.

• Checkpoint: mark the bottom edge with your finger before you read the tape.
• Longline styles often feel best when the bottom edge sits at or above your natural waist.

Step 4: Compare your numbers to the size chart

Most bralette size charts list a range for underbust and bust, not a single number. Find the row where both of your measurements fit. If your underbust points to a small and your bust points to a medium, choose the size that matches your underbust first, because the band does most of the holding. Then check the cup coverage in the product photos to see if the style runs shallow or full.

A common mistake is choosing a size based only on your bust. That can give you a band that is too loose and cups that gap. If you are between sizes, read the product description for stretch and adjustability. Styles with adjustable straps and hook-and-eye closures give you more room to fine-tune the fit.

• Checkpoint: your underbust and bust numbers should both fall within the same size row.
• When in doubt, size up in band and rely on adjustable straps for lift.

Step 5: Use custom sizing when your measurements fall outside the chart

If your measurements do not match any standard row, custom sizing is often the better route. Several Clare Bare styles, including the Cardamine Bralette in Black Silk Charmeuse and the Oleander Bralette in Organic Dyed Rose Pink Silk Charmeuse, offer custom sizing that you can select in the drop-down menu. You then enter your measurements and any other specifications in the note to Clare Bare at checkout.

The common mistake is guessing a standard size when your measurements are far from the chart. Custom sizing exists for exactly this situation. It also helps if you have a short or long torso, broad shoulders, or a bust that sits fuller than the chart assumes. Measure twice, write clearly, and include any fit notes that matter to you.

• Checkpoint: double-check your numbers before you submit a custom order.
• Include your underbust, bust, and length measurements in the note.

Your five-step bralette measuring routine

1. Step 1: Prepare and measure your underbust: Wear an unpadded bra or go braless. Wrap a soft tape under your bust, keep it level, exhale, and read the number. Common mistake: pulling the tape too tight. The band should feel secure, not compressive.
2. Step 2: Measure your bust at the fullest point: Bring the tape across the fullest part of your bust, parallel to the floor, and let it rest against your skin. Common mistake: flattening the tissue by pulling tight. Take the larger number if your measurement changes between breaths.
3. Step 3: Measure your torso length for longline styles: Run the tape from your shoulder, over your bust, down to where you want the bottom edge to sit. Common mistake: skipping this step. Longline bralettes sit lower, so length changes where the hem lands.
4. Step 4: Compare to the size chart: Match both your underbust and bust numbers to a single size row. Choose based on underbust first, then check cup coverage. Common mistake: choosing by bust alone. That often leads to a loose band and gapping cups.
5. Step 5: Choose custom sizing when needed: If your numbers fall outside the chart, select custom sizing and enter your measurements in the note to Clare Bare at checkout. Common mistake: guessing a standard size. Custom sizing is there for measurements that do not fit the standard rows.

How real Clare Bare styles use your measurements

• Oleander Bralette (6 Fabric Options): Our most classic bralette style, first designed in 2008 and made in many vintage fabrics over the years. Now available in our core collection of new sustainable fabrics. Features darted cups, picot elastic, adjustable straps, merrow edges, and a hook and eye closure. Darted cups and adjustable straps mean your underbust and bust measurements do most of the work, and the hook-and-eye closure lets you fine-tune the band.
• Echo Longline Lace Bralette in Deadstock Black Lace: A longline bralette top made from surplus stretch lace featuring seamed triangle cups, recycled mesh lining, adjustable bra straps, and nickel hardware. Longline styles sit lower on the ribcage, so your torso length measurement helps you predict where the bottom edge will land.
• Cardamine Bralette in Black Silk Charmeuse: A bralette made from black silk charmeuse. This style features an easy, stretchy fit, picot edge elastic, lace up front, adjustable straps, and a hook and eye closure. The lace-up front and stretchy fit give you extra adjustability, which is useful if your bust measurement falls between two sizes.

Measuring for a bralette takes a few minutes and saves you from returns and guesswork. Start with your underbust and bust, add your torso length for longline styles, and use custom sizing when your numbers sit outside the chart. With those three numbers, you can find your bralette size and choose a style that actually fits.