ladies - bra size measurements ?

Leesel66

Definitely go to a specialised shop for bra fitting, most dept stores aren't correctly trained. Mom9198 is right in describing how to fit into your bra. I was wearing a 36E but was fitted recently and am a 36GG, I am just praying that when I lose my weight, it is lost from my bust. From a young adult who had a sunken chest a pirates dream, as I was teased to carrying around a large bust, mainly due to my weight I want to be able to buy bras from normal dept shops and not pay $80Aus for my bras.

BinaryPulsar

You should do an accurate measurement (as the other ladies explained), but then also go to the bra shop (that sells a wider range of sizes, this may take some research to find), and try on bras to find what works best for you. I am a 26 band size, but the smallest size available is a 28, and that usually works fine for me, but going up to a 30 or 32 (the smallest size available in mainstream stores just does not work for me). I was also amazed to get bras that fit, and still trying to explore my options (it's challenging to find availability). You can also order from an online shop that allows returns. You may find certain brands and styles that work best for you. I purchase from companies for small framed women that understand the fit needed for a very small rib cage and make them smaller (I have 28 bands, but they actually measure smaller than that when I measured them). Make sure it fits you on the largest setting, so you can tighten it, if it stretches. I thought I couldn't wear under wire, but it was only because the band was too big, so the under wire would not rest against my body properly.

WaterBunnie

I've been measured a few times in the past but it never translates to a bra that properly fits. Best bet is to work down from your current size trying on lots in different styles and sizes until you find one that adequately cups you but supports properly from the band rather than from the straps. Try leaning forward, back, side to side and if nothing moves too much and you're comfortable you'll be fine!

SpecialSundae

I'm so glad to see good advice here!

I'm 31.5" underbust and 40" overbust and wear a 32FF. So glad my boobs haven't shrunk (I was a 34F or 36E before losing weight).

Lyadeia

ladies, how do you measure for bra size? I've tried all sorts of online calculators and so far I have been a 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E and a 38C .... i'm not convinced they work lol .... but my 38C it literally hanging off me ... it may be due to its age (its an oldy) any help is much appreciated

I measure myself.

I wrap the tape measure snugly around the underbust where the band would go. That number is your band size. If you measure an odd number, try on both size band at the store just to be sure.

Then I measure across the fullest part of my chest with the tape measure straight across the back. I subtract the number for the band from this number to find the corresponding cup size (A-1, B-2, C-3, etc).

Then I go to the store and try them on. I never trust store employees, especially those at Victoria's Secret or any other store that does this weird "add 4" thing to your band size or that stupid "hold the measuring tape around the top of the bust" thing to find a band size. Those are wrong and VS employees use those measurements.

Most women are wearing too large a band and too small a cup, and many women do not realize that cup sizes vary with band sizes...meaning, an A cup on a 32 band is much different than an A cup on a 38 band! The 38A is a huge cup compared to the 32A cup.

That being said, I just wanted to reiterate to try them on in the store! I can wear 30FF, 32F (DDD), or 34E (DD) bras depending on the style and brand. I have a couple of 34DD bras that give the same support and shape as the smaller bands, but I am about to retire one of my 34DD bras because on the tightest hooks, it is loose. And, go figure, these bras were all bought on the same day. So, measure yourself and try on that size as well as a couple of sister sizes just in case. It is VERY common for women to have different sized bras that fit the same! Just like I have size 5 jeans that feel no different than a pair of size 9's that I wore yesterday. If I bought that particular style in size 5, I would have assumed I gained weight.

mazdauk

When I reach my goal I'm going to Rigby and Peller- if they're good enough for the Queen..... But £200 for a bra means I won't be getting many:ohwell:

I ordered a load from M&S the other day but only 1 fitted - and that was a sports bra. In the past, when we had a specialist shop, the staff said" fashion bras fit differently to "normal" bras so you'll be different sizes in differnt ranges." :grumble: How useful:noway:

Lyadeia

This is the calculator I prefer http://www.butterflycollection.ca/bra-size-calculator/ . When I put in my measurements it came back with 44HH...which I found out once I went into a proper lingerie store, was right on the money.

This calculator was pretty accurate for me as well. I just used it, and it said that my best size to start with was 30FF, but I might also feel comfortable in a 32F. (It also said something about trying a 28H, but I think I need to lose a little more weight before a 28 band would fit me at all, lol).

BerryH

Yeah, those online calculators are way off. One told me I was 40B, a size that's impossible to find, but under the tutelage of a trained bra fitter, I discovered I'm 36DD or 38D depending on the make and model.

BerryH

When I reach my goal I'm going to Rigby and Peller- if they're good enough for the Queen..... But £200 for a bra means I won't be getting many:ohwell:

They don't just do custom bras, I went there and ended up with a couple of off-the shelf ones for £80 total. Well worth it! They fit you by eye, but there's some man-handling involved. Who knew I didn't know how to put my own bra on? Turns out all that back fat was just misplaced boob :laugh:

donna_glasgow

thanks for all the advice ladies I don't think theres a Nordstorms here in Glasgow .. and I have been measured by a "professional" in M&S and debenhams both wasted hours of my time and I still didn't find a bra that fit, G and HH cups which both boobs could have fitted in the one cup lol. I'll check out a lingerie specialist shop thou .. any good ones for Glasgow Scotland?

The add 4/5 inch measurment gives me a 40A bra, and my boobs don't even fit in the cup so I know thats not working Im 36 underbust and 41 round the fullest part.

The butterfly page gives me a starting point of 36E, where do you ladies that use this measuring method shop? I don't want to buy online yet as I need to try for my size first and make sure its correct

emmawantstoloseweight

http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm

the sizes which I have gotten off there have been what I've been professionally measured at. I should mention I've been measured in bravissimo and not somewhere half arsed.

tabbykat6802

i agree w/ not going to VS. Went there on a whim by my hubby. Salesgirl(a young one) measured me and said I was a 38B. I laughed so hard b/c at that time I was wearing a 40E nursing bra and engorged.

I did find out that I was wearing the wrong size bra at my wedding. I hadn't been measured in a while and was still wearing my 38B. Turns out I was a 38D, so my hubby got a huge cleavage show due to the neckline of my dress and the fact that he's 11 inches taller than me( I'm only 5ft).

When I was trying on some clothes from a friend about 2 months ago, I mentioned that fact that I felt like I was sliding out of my bra from underneath the cups. She agreed and had me try on one of her smaller bras. I was wearing a 36D at the time. Her 34DD fit so much better. no slippage and no underwire poking me on the side of my boobs. I had been worried b/c I had recently moved from nursing bra(40E) back into my normal bras and was feeling kinda down b/c I liked being a DD/E, but was wearing the D cup. Gonna get measured again b/c I've lost another 15 lbs or so since last time.

ahviendha

stores sell slightly different bra sizes/cups.

for example your size at a VS will be totally different than from a department store.

just think of the sizing like you would with jeans, changes depending on the store.

i like VS, but i also have small boobies.

majope

I've found the most accurate way is to measure the ribcage directly beneath the breasts. The tape should be parallel and snug, but not cutting into you. Then, while wearing your best fitting bra measure around the fullest part of the bust.

This is the calculator I prefer http://www.butterflycollection.ca/bra-size-calculator/ . When I put in my measurements it came back with 44HH...which I found out once I went into a proper lingerie store, was right on the money.

Edit: The old measure and add inches to the band size left me with a bra that had no bust support and road up in the back.

Holy cow--by that calculator I'm a 30G or 32DDD. I'm wearing a 36C right now, admittedly on the tightest hooks, but the band feels snug enough, it's just the cups that I'm not filling out. I did try bra shopping the other day, and couldn't find anything that fit, but didn't expect the measurement to be that far off!

36 C to a 30 G sounds about right. For every band size you go down you go up a cup size or so. The best thing to do, if you're able, is try on a couple sizes. Depending on the shape of the bust and whether they're fuller on top or bottom your cup size may vary a bit and different companies fit slightly different, but you have a starting point.

I was shocked when I realized that yes, ALL of my breast was supposed to be encased in the cup/underwire. heh

Went to Nordstrom's today, and the lingerie clerk tried a few on me and ended up putting me in a 32DDD. So the calculator was right! The girls are sitting up higher than they have in ages, and that little piece of fabric between the cups is lying flat for perhaps the first time ever.

Because she said some sizes run small and also tried me in a couple of 34 bands, once I bought a high-end bra from her I snuck over to Marshall's and found a 34D that fits nearly the same for $6. That reduces the average price per bra quite a bit.

Thanks again for the help!

I_Will_End_You

thanks for all the advice ladies I don't think theres a Nordstorms here in Glasgow .. and I have been measured by a "professional" in M&S and debenhams both wasted hours of my time and I still didn't find a bra that fit, G and HH cups which both boobs could have fitted in the one cup lol. I'll check out a lingerie specialist shop thou .. any good ones for Glasgow Scotland?

The add 4/5 inch measurment gives me a 40A bra, and my boobs don't even fit in the cup so I know thats not working Im 36 underbust and 41 round the fullest part.

The butterfly page gives me a starting point of 36E, where do you ladies that use this measuring method shop? I don't want to buy online yet as I need to try for my size first and make sure its correct

I have a hard time finding bras in my size. So now...I just order them online and send them back and forth until they fit. It's a pain in the *kitten*, but I don't have much of a choice! I have my standard Freya bra that I always know what size to order, and then do the back and forth when I want to try something new. I've actually received and sent back 2 bras in the past two weeks (same order) trying to get the fit correct! Wish they would carry a larger range of sizes around here. :grumble:

amyk0202

thanks for all the advice ladies I don't think theres a Nordstorms here in Glasgow .. and I have been measured by a "professional" in M&S and debenhams both wasted hours of my time and I still didn't find a bra that fit, G and HH cups which both boobs could have fitted in the one cup lol. I'll check out a lingerie specialist shop thou .. any good ones for Glasgow Scotland?

The add 4/5 inch measurment gives me a 40A bra, and my boobs don't even fit in the cup so I know thats not working Im 36 underbust and 41 round the fullest part.

The butterfly page gives me a starting point of 36E, where do you ladies that use this measuring method shop? I don't want to buy online yet as I need to try for my size first and make sure its correct

The calculator at http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm gives you a size UK 36DD or US 36DD/E with a very snug band, and a 38D in both UK & US for a slightly snug band. I don't know about Glasgow (I'm in the US), but here a DD is not too hard to find in the stores. I looked & there is a Bravissimo store in Glasgow. I haven't tried their bras, but they do carry larger cup sizes & it would probably be worth it to go in & try some on to see what you like.

SpecialSundae

thanks for all the advice ladies I don't think theres a Nordstorms here in Glasgow .. and I have been measured by a "professional" in M&S and debenhams both wasted hours of my time and I still didn't find a bra that fit, G and HH cups which both boobs could have fitted in the one cup lol. I'll check out a lingerie specialist shop thou .. any good ones for Glasgow Scotland?

The add 4/5 inch measurment gives me a 40A bra, and my boobs don't even fit in the cup so I know thats not working Im 36 underbust and 41 round the fullest part.

The butterfly page gives me a starting point of 36E, where do you ladies that use this measuring method shop? I don't want to buy online yet as I need to try for my size first and make sure its correct

Bravissimo. Go to Bravissimo. I've been fitted there and they get it right.

crazy4fids

http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/comments/rh26h/is_getting_fitted_for_a_bra_as_humiliating_as_it/c469bi0

Awesome article!!!

The problems I have is I am a 34DD. This is not a size you can easily find. I had a breast reduction several years ago and have gained and am now loosing cup size. I used to be like a 34H, before reduction (wearing an ill fitting 38DDD).

I have to wear a full coverage cup because my nipples ride high on my breasts and like to pop out of the top of the bra.

KettleTO

I've found the most accurate way is to measure the ribcage directly beneath the breasts. The tape should be parallel and snug, but not cutting into you. Then, while wearing your best fitting bra measure around the fullest part of the bust.

This is the calculator I prefer http://www.butterflycollection.ca/bra-size-calculator/ . When I put in my measurements it came back with 44HH...which I found out once I went into a proper lingerie store, was right on the money.

Edit: The old measure and add inches to the band size left me with a bra that had no bust support and road up in the back.

Holy cow--by that calculator I'm a 30G or 32DDD. I'm wearing a 36C right now, admittedly on the tightest hooks, but the band feels snug enough, it's just the cups that I'm not filling out. I did try bra shopping the other day, and couldn't find anything that fit, but didn't expect the measurement to be that far off!

My advice was going to be fit the band tighter than most calculators out there -- they add five inches or something--it is especially important if you have larger breasts. I get fitted at a store that fits on the tight size and am currently a 36 F to 34 G depending on the brand.

That calculator says I should start with 32GG or try a 34G if I want a looser fit. That calculator might fit overly tight.

herblackwings39

I've found the most accurate way is to measure the ribcage directly beneath the breasts. The tape should be parallel and snug, but not cutting into you. Then, while wearing your best fitting bra measure around the fullest part of the bust.

This is the calculator I prefer http://www.butterflycollection.ca/bra-size-calculator/ . When I put in my measurements it came back with 44HH...which I found out once I went into a proper lingerie store, was right on the money.

Edit: The old measure and add inches to the band size left me with a bra that had no bust support and road up in the back.

Holy cow--by that calculator I'm a 30G or 32DDD. I'm wearing a 36C right now, admittedly on the tightest hooks, but the band feels snug enough, it's just the cups that I'm not filling out. I did try bra shopping the other day, and couldn't find anything that fit, but didn't expect the measurement to be that far off!

36 C to a 30 G sounds about right. For every band size you go down you go up a cup size or so. The best thing to do, if you're able, is try on a couple sizes. Depending on the shape of the bust and whether they're fuller on top or bottom your cup size may vary a bit and different companies fit slightly different, but you have a starting point.

I was shocked when I realized that yes, ALL of my breast was supposed to be encased in the cup/underwire. heh

Went to Nordstrom's today, and the lingerie clerk tried a few on me and ended up putting me in a 32DDD. So the calculator was right! The girls are sitting up higher than they have in ages, and that little piece of fabric between the cups is lying flat for perhaps the first time ever.

Because she said some sizes run small and also tried me in a couple of 34 bands, once I bought a high-end bra from her I snuck over to Marshall's and found a 34D that fits nearly the same for $6. That reduces the average price per bra quite a bit.

Thanks again for the help!

It's always an amazing feeling to get a well fitted bra.....and $6 makes it even sweeter! Congrats.