The band size in a bra refers to the measurement around your ribcage, where the bra underband sits, and is a number (like 34 or 36) . To determine your band size, measure snugly around your ribcage, directly under your breasts, and add 3 inches to this measurement. If your result is an odd number, go up to the next band size. The band size is the first number in your bra size, followed by the cup size, which is determined by the size of the breast itself.