Chest Size Chart Female

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How to measure your chest or bust

1. Wear a non-padded bra or the underwear you usually wear under the garment.
2. Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides.
3. Wrap a soft tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, usually across the nipples, and around your back.
4. Keep the tape level all the way round — check in a mirror that it has not dipped at the back.
5. Hold it snug but not tight: you should be able to slide a finger underneath.
6. Read the measurement after breathing out normally.

Measuring over a thick sweater or with the tape tilted can add an inch or more, enough to change the size. If possible, ask someone to help, and measure twice.

Chest versus bust

For women's clothing, “chest” and “bust” are usually used interchangeably to mean the measurement around the fullest part of the bust. Some patterns and brands also list a “high bust” or “upper chest” measurement taken above the bust, under the arms. Sewing patterns often use the high bust to choose a size for the shoulders and neckline, then adjust for the full bust. Bra sizing uses different measurements again — the underbust band and the full bust — so a bra size chart is not the same as a clothing size chart.

Why sizes vary between brands

There is no single legal standard for women's clothing sizes in the United States. Each brand designs to its own fit model and “grade rules”, and sizes have drifted larger over the decades — so-called vanity sizing — which is why a size 8 from one store can fit like a 10 or 12 from another. The chart here reflects typical current ranges for US misses and plus sizes, but the brand's own size chart, usually on the product page, is always the better guide. Measuring yourself and comparing numbers is more reliable than going by the size you usually wear.

Converting between US, UK and EU sizes

UK women's sizes are usually about four numbers higher than US sizes: a US 8 is roughly a UK 12. European (EU) sizes used in France, Spain and much of Europe are often about 32 higher than the US number: a US 8 is roughly an EU 40. Italian sizing runs higher again, and German sizing slightly differs from French. These conversions are approximations; the measurement in inches or centimetres is what really matters.

Choosing between two sizes

• Consider the fabric: stretch knits such as T-shirts and jersey dresses tolerate a closer fit; woven shirts, blazers and dresses need ease across the bust for movement.
• Consider the style: fitted styles are cut close to body measurements; relaxed or oversized styles include several inches of ease.
• Check other measurements: if your bust fits one size and your waist or hips another, choose by the area that is hardest to alter — often the bust and shoulders for tops.
• Read the finished garment measurements when a brand lists them: compare the garment chest width (doubled) with your bust plus the ease you like.

Worked example

Your bust measures 36 inches (about 91 cm). On the chart, 36 inches falls within the M range of 35 to 36½ inches, which corresponds to US 8–10, UK 12–14 and EU 40–42. If a brand's size chart lists M as 36–37 inches and S as 34–35, you would still be an M for that brand. For a structured blazer you might go up a size if your shoulders are broad; for a stretchy fitted top, M should be right.

Plus sizes and petite sizing

US plus sizes are often labelled 1X, 2X, 3X or with a W after the number (18W, 20W), and are cut with a different proportion rather than simply scaled up from misses sizes. Petite sizes (labelled P) are for women around 5 feet 4 inches and under and adjust length, shoulder and armhole placement, not only bust size. Tall sizes lengthen the torso and sleeves. If you are between categories, compare the specific measurements rather than the labels.

Keeping a measurement record

Write down your bust, waist, hip, shoulder and inseam measurements with the date, and update them every few months or after a change in weight, pregnancy or training. Having the numbers ready makes online shopping faster and reduces returns. The paid pack includes a printable measurement card and a size comparison sheet for your favourite brands.