how much does breast size affect body fat %?

LarryDUk

Surely Breasts are what we would all consider the 'good' fat?

elvensnow

I think you ladies need to be professionally measured. Swedishwillow, if you had a 29 inch waist & you were wearing a 36 inch band, it sounds like you are sizing up in the band to get a cup volume that will actually fit your breasts. This is a hugely common mistake that women make because most stores don't carry bras over DD. The method of adding 4" to your underbust measurement (or measuring over your breasts like Victoria's Secret) will give you an ill fitting bra. Your band size should be really close to the actual underbust measurement.

I encourage everyone to get measured professionally at a specialty bra shop or a store like Nordstrom's. If the store you are in doesn't carry a cup over DDD, than they more likely to fit you in the incorrect bra so that they can sell you something. If there isn't a bra shop close to you, the online calculator at http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm is very accurate.

This is great information! I always felt picking out bras for myself was a crapshoot at best. And the various ways people say to measure.... The way Victorias Secret did it (over the chest) never made sense to me! Glad to see I was right in my assumption that the band size should be closely equal to your chest measurement. That's how I was always told.

Since I was never sure if I was wearing the right size, I can't say 100% positive but I believe my chest has stayed relatively the same. I was usually wearing a 40DD-42D, and now I wear somewhere around a 36D-38D. But I certainly feel my breasts seem bigger just because of the better body shape I have, relatively speaking. And from what I hear, doing chest exercises like presses or pushups really help to shape the breasts. Basically, the better your pec muscles are, the firmer and "perkier" your breasts will look!

BunkyBumBum

I tried weighing my boobs once on my kitchen scale, because I'm all mad-scientific like that.

I get an F for accuracy, but I did my best. They weigh just over 2 pounds each.

I went from a 38-40 H to (minus 65 pounds) a 34 G. My boob progress is slow, I'd love to be a D cup someday and walk in and buy a bra that wasn't stored in the bottom of some drawer at the lingerie shop sitting on a $100 price tag, I've got 20 pounds to goal and I fight with it like crazy, I suspect my boobs will be the last thing to go.

brower47

I just had this flash of trying to get the girls on a body mass scale all by themselves.




On another topic, I wonder how much fat is in my head....?

I once dunked mine in a full bowl of water and then saw how much water I displaced but I was more concerned with volume rather than weight. If I could know both, then it would be density city, baby!

It was that day I learned that one truly is larger than the other... by about 15 ml.

DrMAvDPhD

I'd say you gotta find out how much of your breasts are breast tissue vs. fat.

This. Most woman who have large breasts when they are not overweight just have more breast tissue instead of fat stores. I was a 32DD at my lowest BF% of around 18%.

k8blujay2

I just had this flash of trying to get the girls on a body mass scale all by themselves.

On another topic, I wonder how much fat is in my head....?

i'd love to know what my boobs weigh lol, then I could subtract it from my weigh ins :P

Haha, I was thinking the same thing yesterday! ^

I'm currently a D cup, desperate to get back to a B cup. I really REALLY dislike big boobs.

this line of thought should be banned from MFP and forums everywhere....

You would think differently if you had to lug these things around trying to fit them into tops properly... They are a major pain


in regards to the OP... I have been wondering the same thing.

ndj1979

on a serious note ..you could do pushups, barbell chest press, incline press, etc etc...to remove a little fat from the breast area...but I still stand my original assertion that reducing breast size is heresy...

]

I can't do push ups and i play a lot of netball so my chest is reasonably toned lol

would you like a free assessment of how toned??

mommabenefield

Every woman is different in how much actual fat is in their breasts and how much is other breast tissue. So there is no one answer. Some women lose weight and body fat and their breasts also get much smaller as the fat diminishes. Some women have more tissue in their makeup and that doesn't shrink like the fat does.

This. I've lost about 9" in my bust, but my ribcage has lost more, so I've actually gone up in cup size (up to an H from D before) even though my breasts are much smaller than they were. Cup size is all relative to your band size.

at my heighest 215lbs (at 5'1) I was a 44DDD
at my lowest 160lbs I was a 38DD
now Im somewhere probably closer to a 40DD (I gained back 13lbs)

my goal is to be a 36DD again that's what I was 24 and I had a 29 inch waist and 132lbs, but I am quite a few years older now so I don't expect that I'll ever get back there but one can always hope & train likea beast to get to that point again

ONWARD

Phrick I'm with you - I had lost 54 lbs last year (gained a bit back with some health issues but on my way again). I went from a 44DDD to a 36G which is where I'm still at. Even when I weighed 104, I was still a 36DD. It's different for everybody.

I think you ladies need to be professionally measured. Swedishwillow, if you had a 29 inch waist & you were wearing a 36 inch band, it sounds like you are sizing up in the band to get a cup volume that will actually fit your breasts. This is a hugely common mistake that women make because most stores don't carry bras over DD. The method of adding 4" to your underbust measurement (or measuring over your breasts like Victoria's Secret) will give you an ill fitting bra. Your band size should be really close to the actual underbust measurement.

I encourage everyone to get measured professionally at a specialty bra shop or a store like Nordstrom's. If the store you are in doesn't carry a cup over DDD, than they more likely to fit you in the incorrect bra so that they can sell you something. If there isn't a bra shop close to you, the online calculator at http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm is very accurate.

thanks for sharing the info!!

I dont think i have ever worn a properly fitted bra :grumble: .... Stores NEVER have my size and it drives me nuts :brokenheart: My band is either too big or the cups arent properly fitted :grumble: My best guess is that i should be in a 36 band but they always fit me to a 38 because its super hard to find a 36 DDD/E
Its really hard to buy them online because you dont really know how the comfort and feel will be
So i will be checking this out... Hopefully with a little weight loss this bra shopping business will be easier

lol another poster mentioned 20lbs for the weight of hers... (lol i secretly blame mine for at least 10lbs of my extra weight...15 on bad days lolololol )



(cause i cant hardly leave a thread without a gif attached *shrugs*)

jwdieter

I'm guessing breast size differential is part of the relatively wider range in essential body fats for women (9-12%). So something like 1-3%.

AEMW8

Good question since I just recently found out that I was getting the wrong size. I went from a 44 F to a 44 G/H. I get my bras at Lane Bryant and they are most certainly NOT cheap. It's a hit or miss if I can find them in the actual store, especially around sale time. It's like the really big boobied girls come in and raid them before I can get enough money to buy 2.

In my early years of boob-hood I was always a C or D. It literally was like go to bed and next morning 'BOOM', I had boobs. I started wearing bras in 4/5th grade and had been a D cup for the longest time until my junior year in high school. I got put on anti-depressants and suddenly I was DD/E overnight. Then it gradually got up to F and now to their current size. I'd love to get back to a D without losing too much ratio overall if that makes any sense.

leahgoldgirl

I'm a true D. I don't lose or gain breast size when I lose or gain weight/body fat, because my breasts are entirely comprised of breast tissue. The only way I can see it really affecting that much from woman to woman, is if your breasts are the result of excess weight/fat and not a true size.

birdiecs

It would depend on how much breast tissue vs fat. I'm about 22% BF and wear a 28GG/H. Seeing as I'm close to goal it's not likely they will shrink much if at all from this point. At my heaviest I was wearing a 32GG, which is a full cup size in volume less than now. Overall I doubt it makes that big of a difference in my total BF%

Seeing as cup is not static...cup is the differential between your underbust and your bust at its fullest point. So there is no such thing as a set A, B, C D cup etc ...the volume is relative to band size.

I'm surprised at how many women aren't educated as to proper bra sizing...as I see I was a 38D and now my cup stayed the same because I'm a 34D. When in fact a 34D is a full two cups sizes smaller. Being the equivalent of a 38B. A 34D is approx 590cc whereas a 38D is 850cc's

david_swinstead

lol well i'm a DD/E

Cue all the friend requests

birdiecs

Me at the start of MFP:
137lbs
33.5% body fat
E cup bra with a 34 inch back.


Me now:
121lbs
28% body fat
I have a 30.5 inch back and I am 35.5 inches at the widest part of my bust. (Which would make me roughly a 30E bra, but I havent been shopping yet! ;D )

So, although I am smaller, lighter and my BF is really reduced, my ratios havent changed! Interesting!

Actually a 34E has the same volume as a 30FF, so you lost 2 cups sizes or about 260cc's of breast.

dedication6

If you went from A to AA you'd feel slightly differently! The only plus I can see is that I can go out jogging in any old bra!

I second this!

jwdieter

It would depend on how much breast tissue vs fat. I'm about 22% BF and wear a 28GG/H. Seeing as I'm close to goal it's not likely they will shrink much if at all from this point. At my heaviest I was wearing a 32GG, which is a full cup size in volume less than now. Overall I doubt it makes that big of a difference in my total BF%

Seeing as cup is not static...cup is the differential between your underbust and your bust at its fullest point. So there is no such thing as a set A, B, C D cup etc ...the volume is relative to band size.

I'm surprised at how many women aren't educated as to proper bra sizing...as I see I was a 38D and now my cup stayed the same because I'm a 34D. When in fact a 34D is a full two cups sizes smaller. Being the equivalent of a 38B. A 34D is approx 590cc whereas a 38D is 850cc's

That's kinda fascinating. All sorts of numbers and letters going on in this thread. Saw this too: http://www.upliftstl.com/1/post/2012/10/d-is-not-a-bra-size.html

26D is 1/4 the size of a 40D.

Linli_Anne

I've often wondered this too, but, given that my goal is not to get into physique competitions but rather just maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, it quickly left my thoughts.

BUT, speaking of comparing how much of the breast is fat vs. breast tissue is interesting. I have been losing inches from my chest, and have actually lost about 8 inches (measuring around the fullest part of my bust) and about 3 inches from my underbust. (went from a 36G to a 32F) I would say that most of what is left is actual tissue now, and I'm working on building up my pectoral base a bit to keep them lifted.

flitabout

The only thing I have learned about boobs bras tissue versus fat in your boobs is that it changes a lot and all the time! I breastfed all 4 of my kids. I think I have a bra in almost ever freaking size that make ranging from a 32 b to a 40 F. Cup size is relative to your band size. so a 32f is actually a tun smaller than a 42 F. If you are losing weight keep checking your band size at least every 2 months. If you lose band size than your cup size will change even if your actual breast volume didn't budge. That one means your cup size will rise and you need a new bra. If you measure and your band size changes and your volume seems to have gone down, you may still have the same cup size but you still need a new bra. Because the basic equasion is your chest size below the breast +4 for even numbers and +5 for odd number, measure around your chest at the nipple line and the difference in inches is your cup size so somebody with 29in below the breast would be a 34 and the nipple line measurement is 38 the cup size would be a d so you end up with a 34D

amyk0202

The only thing I have learned about boobs bras tissue versus fat in your boobs is that it changes a lot and all the time! I breastfed all 4 of my kids. I think I have a bra in almost ever freaking size that make ranging from a 32 b to a 40 F. Cup size is relative to your band size. so a 32f is actually a tun smaller than a 42 F. If you are losing weight keep checking your band size at least every 2 months. If you lose band size than your cup size will change even if your actual breast volume didn't budge. That one means your cup size will rise and you need a new bra. If you measure and your band size changes and your volume seems to have gone down, you may still have the same cup size but you still need a new bra. Because the basic equasion is your chest size below the breast +4 for even numbers and +5 for odd number, measure around your chest at the nipple line and the difference in inches is your cup size so somebody with 29in below the breast would be a 34 and the nipple line measurement is 38 the cup size would be a d so you end up with a 34D

I agree with most of what you said, but the formula for sizing a bra which adds 4" or 5" to your actual measurement is incorrect. The only thing that does is give you an ill fitting bra. Your band is what gives you the most support & it cannot do it's job properly if it is too loose. This causes bras to slip when you raise your arms,bras that ride up your back, or shift around & poke you with wires as you move. If the band is not supporting the weight of your breasts, the straps will dig into your shoulders. The band should be pretty tight. It can be an adjustment for someone who has been wearing a band that is too loose. A great resource for finding a correctly fitting bra is: http://www.bralessinbrasil.com/p/finding-bras-that-fit.html

mmm_drop

I guess when I think about my body fat % and losing it, I don't think about losing my girls. Imho, that is good fat.

etoiles_argentees

Not much. 32c and i'm low in body fat.

BeccaBollons

The only thing I have learned about boobs bras tissue versus fat in your boobs is that it changes a lot and all the time! I breastfed all 4 of my kids. I think I have a bra in almost ever freaking size that make ranging from a 32 b to a 40 F. Cup size is relative to your band size. so a 32f is actually a tun smaller than a 42 F. If you are losing weight keep checking your band size at least every 2 months. If you lose band size than your cup size will change even if your actual breast volume didn't budge. That one means your cup size will rise and you need a new bra. If you measure and your band size changes and your volume seems to have gone down, you may still have the same cup size but you still need a new bra. Because the basic equasion is your chest size below the breast +4 for even numbers and +5 for odd number, measure around your chest at the nipple line and the difference in inches is your cup size so somebody with 29in below the breast would be a 34 and the nipple line measurement is 38 the cup size would be a d so you end up with a 34D

I agree with most of what you said, but the formula for sizing a bra which adds 4" or 5" to your actual measurement is incorrect. The only thing that does is give you an ill fitting bra. Your band is what gives you the most support & it cannot do it's job properly if it is too loose. This causes bras to slip when you raise your arms,bras that ride up your back, or shift around & poke you with wires as you move. If the band is not supporting the weight of your breasts, the straps will dig into your shoulders. The band should be pretty tight. It can be an adjustment for someone who has been wearing a band that is too loose. A great resource for finding a correctly fitting bra is: http://www.bralessinbrasil.com/p/finding-bras-that-fit.html

Just a question, does it make a difference if you are measuring to buy a bra in England or US? Is it a different method and do the sizings work differenty? I have tiny boobs, so I felt a bit ridiculous going to be measured, and I was measured the 'add 4 inches on' way. I am in England btw

MyaPapaya75

I just had this flash of trying to get the girls on a body mass scale all by themselves.

On another topic, I wonder how much fat is in my head....?

i'd love to know what my boobs weigh lol, then I could subtract it from my weigh ins :P

LMAO.......yeah then we may as well start subtracting last nights meals as well

BeccaBollons

I just had this flash of trying to get the girls on a body mass scale all by themselves.

On another topic, I wonder how much fat is in my head....?

i'd love to know what my boobs weigh lol, then I could subtract it from my weigh ins :P

LMAO.......yeah then we may as well start subtracting last nights meals as well

I have disproportionate love handles. Anyone know how to weigh them so I can subtract their weight?

amyk0202

Just a question, does it make a difference if you are measuring to buy a bra in England or US? Is it a different method and do the sizings work differenty? I have tiny boobs, so I felt a bit ridiculous going to be measured, and I was measured the 'add 4 inches on' way. I am in England btw

The method for finding your size should be the same. I know that there are different size charts though. Some bra manufacturers go by UK sizing & some by US sizing. If you use the calculator at http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm it will give you both. That will at least give you a starting point for when you go to try things on. Don't feel bad about getting measured. It's important that you are comfortable no matter what your size.

ndj1979

the best way to measure breasts size is what I call the "Frontal Breast Facial Examination via mouth" you simply find a male, or female, preferably male and put them in said persons face and allow them to examine the breast...