Skims Bra Calculator
Your essential tool for discovering the perfect SKIMS bra size.
Your Estimated Skims Bra Size
Calculated Band Size
Bust-Band Difference
Suggested Cup Letter
Visual Comparison of Your Measurements
What is a Skims Bra Calculator?
A skims bra calculator is a specialized tool designed to help you find your most accurate bra size based on the unique sizing standards of the SKIMS brand. While general bra sizing rules apply, brands often have their own fit nuances. This calculator simplifies the process by taking your raw underbust and bust measurements and converting them into a suggested SKIMS bra size, including both the band and cup dimensions.
Anyone who wants to purchase a SKIMS bra but is unsure of their size should use this tool. Getting the right fit is crucial for comfort, support, and appearance. A common misunderstanding is that your size in one brand will directly translate to another; using a brand-specific tool like this helps avoid costly and inconvenient returns.
Skims Bra Calculator Formula and Explanation
The calculator uses a two-step process to determine your size. First, it establishes your band size from your underbust measurement. Second, it calculates your cup size by finding the difference between your bust measurement and your newly calculated band size.
1. Band Size Calculation:
The band size is your underbust measurement rounded to the nearest even number. For example, if you measure 31.5 inches, your band size is 32. If you measure 32.8 inches, your band size is still 32 until it’s closer to 34 (e.g., 33 inches or more).
Band Size = RoundToNearestEven(Underbust Measurement)
2. Cup Size Calculation:
The cup size is determined by the difference between your fullest bust measurement and your calculated band size.
Difference = Fullest Bust Measurement - Band Size
This difference then corresponds to a letter. For an accurate bra fitting guide, refer to the table below.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Auto-Inferred) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underbust | The measurement around your rib cage directly under your bust. | Inches or Centimeters | 26 – 48 inches (66 – 122 cm) |
| Bust | The measurement around the fullest part of your bust. | Inches or Centimeters | 28 – 55 inches (71 – 140 cm) |
| Difference | The result of Bust minus Band Size, used to find the cup letter. | Inches or Centimeters | 0 – 10 inches (0 – 25 cm) |
Cup Size Chart
| Difference (inches) | Cup Letter |
|---|---|
| < 1″ | AA |
| 1″ | A |
| 2″ | B |
| 3″ | C |
| 4″ | D |
| 5″ | DD (E) |
| 6″ | DDD (F) |
| 7″ | G |
| 8″ | H |
| 9″ | I |
| 10″ | J |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Average Measurements
- Inputs: Underbust = 31 inches, Bust = 35 inches
- Units: Inches
- Band Calculation: 31 inches is rounded up to the nearest even number, which is 32.
- Cup Calculation: 35 inches (Bust) – 32 (Band) = 3 inches difference. A 3-inch difference corresponds to a C cup.
- Result: 32C
Example 2: Using Centimeters
- Inputs: Underbust = 85 cm, Bust = 102 cm
- Units: Centimeters
- Conversion: 85 cm ≈ 33.46 inches (Underbust), 102 cm ≈ 40.16 inches (Bust). The calculator converts these internally to provide the most reliable result. For more on this, check out our guide on how to find your perfect fit.
- Band Calculation: 33.46 inches is rounded down to the nearest even number, which is 34.
- Cup Calculation: 40.16 inches (Bust) – 34 (Band) = 6.16 inches difference. This corresponds to a DDD (F) cup.
- Result: 34DDD (or 34F)
How to Use This Skims Bra Calculator
Follow these simple steps to find your estimated size:
- Select Your Unit: Choose between ‘Inches’ or ‘Centimeters’ from the dropdown menu. Ensure this matches the unit you used for your measurements.
- Enter Underbust Measurement: Type your rib cage measurement into the first field. For the best result, the tape measure should be snug and parallel to the floor.
- Enter Bust Measurement: Type your fullest bust measurement into the second field. Wear a non-padded bra for this measurement to ensure accuracy.
- Review Your Results: The calculator will automatically update to show your estimated size, including your calculated band, cup letter, and final bra size. The bar chart will also update to visualize your measurements. Exploring the Skims bras collection with this size in mind will be much easier.
- Reset or Copy: Use the ‘Reset’ button to clear the fields or ‘Copy Results’ to save the information for your reference.
Key Factors That Affect Skims Bra Size
Your bra size isn’t static. Several factors can influence the fit, and knowing them can help you understand why your size may change. Getting the correct bra size is a journey.
- Weight Fluctuations: Even a small change in body weight can alter both your band and cup size.
- Hormonal Changes: Monthly cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can cause breast size to change temporarily or permanently.
- Breast Shape: Shape (e.g., round, teardrop, wide-set) affects how you fill out a cup, even if your measurements suggest a certain size.
- Band Stretch: Over time, the elastic in a bra band will stretch out. A bra that fit perfectly a year ago might be too loose now.
- Bra Style: A plunge bra, a t-shirt bra like the popular Skims t-shirt bra, and a full-coverage bra will all fit differently due to their construction.
- Measurement Accuracy: Human error is common. Measuring too tightly or too loosely, or with a tape that isn’t level, can skew results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I measure myself for a bra?
It’s a good idea to measure yourself every 6-12 months, or after any significant life changes like pregnancy or weight change.
2. What if my measurements are between sizes?
If you’re between sizes, consider trying “sister sizes”. A sister size maintains the same cup volume on a different band. For example, if a 34C is too tight in the band, try a 36B. For help, use our guide to sister sizes explained.
3. Does this calculator work for all SKIMS bra styles?
This provides a strong baseline size. However, some styles (like bralettes or plunge bras) may fit differently. Always check the specific product page for fit notes.
4. Why does the calculator round my band measurement?
Bra bands are manufactured in even-numbered sizes (30, 32, 34, etc.). Rounding your raw measurement to the nearest even number gives you the correct manufactured band size to start with.
5. Can I use this calculator for other brands?
This calculator is optimized for the typical fit profile of SKIMS products. While it will give you a good general US size, other brands may have different sizing standards. It’s best to use brand-specific calculators when available.
6. My calculated size feels wrong. What should I do?
A calculator is a starting point. The best way to confirm your size is a fit check. The band should be snug and level, the cups should be filled without spilling or gaping, and the straps shouldn’t dig in.
7. What’s more important, the band or cup size?
The band provides 80% of the bra’s support, so getting the band size right is critical. If the band is too loose, the bra cannot function properly, regardless of cup size.
8. The calculator gave me a DD/DDD size. What does that mean?
DD and DDD are standard US cup sizes that come after D. They are not necessarily “large” sizes but simply indicate a 5-inch (DD) or 6-inch (DDD) difference between the bust and band. The Skims sizing chart is very inclusive.