Ladies: Whats my bra size now???????????????

Joannie30
Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I am extremely perplexed!!!!!

Before i started my weight loss journey I was over 15 stone and I was wearing a 36H in a bra. This was perfectly comfortable- at the time. Now i've lost 50+ lbs I have no clue what size bra to buy!!!!!! I put my new measurements into an online calculator and it told me i should be wearing a 38C!!!!!!! I'm pretty sure that if a 36 is too big for me now then a 38 will be ridiculous!!!!!! I know i should go to a store and get measured but, i don't wanna. lol.

If anyone can help, my new measurements are:

underbust: 32.5 inches
bust: 39 inches
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Replies

  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    I had the exact same issue last month. The online calculations wanted to put me in a bra with a bigger chest measurement than i was already wearing, they'd fall out the bottom! lol
    I'd go for the 34H or 34G tightest hook or 32I (?) 32H mid hook - depends on style too though. No escaping going there and trying loads i think tho. Bear in mind bra get looser, lose elastic, as they get older so dont buy to fit the last hook. Good luck.
  • millyvanilli321
    millyvanilli321 Posts: 236 Member
    I'm in the UK, so not too sure how helpful I might be, but I know over here your back size (the 34 or 36) is your underbust, so I'd say get a 32 as it will stretch a little as you wear it.

    Your cup size is generally the number of inches larger your bust is than your back. So yours would be G by my calculations.

    Does 32G make more sense?
  • kpnuts23
    kpnuts23 Posts: 960 Member
    Sorry... But you gotta get measured in store... otherwise you will do more harm than good.
  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    Yeh, they say if u go down on the chest measurement then the cup stays the same generally. If you go down 2 then you should go down a cup. It's real confusing!

    Edited- But the stores told me to go up on rib size, it would have been too large and ridden up the back, no support! OP will have same problem.
  • Joannie30
    Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
    I'm in the UK, so not too sure how helpful I might be, but I know over here your back size (the 34 or 36) is your underbust, so I'd say get a 32 as it will stretch a little as you wear it.

    Your cup size is generally the number of inches larger your bust is than your back. So yours would be G by my calculations.

    Does 32G make more sense?

    I'm in the UK too, so i understand you perfectly.

    Its just so confusing!!!!! I bought a 34G last week- just a cheap one to try and see if it felt ok. It feels fine around the back (when fastened on the tightest hook) but the cups feel like they wanna be a size up, but then i think that might be a bit too big?!
  • humidex8
    humidex8 Posts: 24 Member
    I got measured the other day and they told me I'd gone down a back size (woo) but up a cup size, to an E. That's ridiculous for me, lol.

    The best way you'll know is to try them on! and bend over when it's on, and see if there are any gaps between you and the bra. Usually means the cup size is too big. Oh, and that the bra will always give a bit after wear :)
  • chiquitatwist
    chiquitatwist Posts: 54 Member
    I used to work at a lingerie store so I've measured a lot of women for bras. I found the easiest way was not to measure under the bust, but to measure above the bust. Bring the take measure around your back like normal but bring it up under your armpits instead and right above your cleavage. The number you get is your band size. Then measure over the fullest part of your bust. For however many inches you are above the band size you add a cup. For instance, if you measure 35 band and your breast measurement is a 39 then your bra size would be 36C (3 inch difference). If you're more comfortable going to a 34 since you're right in the middle in band size, then you would want to go 34D. When you go up in band size the size of the cup goes up a little as well. When you go down in band size the cup size goes down a little. Hope this helps. :smile:
  • tryclyn
    tryclyn Posts: 2,414 Member
    I'm in the UK, so not too sure how helpful I might be, but I know over here your back size (the 34 or 36) is your underbust, so I'd say get a 32 as it will stretch a little as you wear it.

    Your cup size is generally the number of inches larger your bust is than your back. So yours would be G by my calculations.

    Does 32G make more sense?

    32G is what the measurements work out to, but you might be able to get by with a 34DDD depending on the cut. Still going to have to try them on to figure it out, though.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Online calculators are rubbish. One told me I needed a 42B, a size that most brands don't make, but when I went to be fitted I left with a 36DD!

    The cup sizes and shapes are completely different with different back sizes, so you may find a 38G would feel better. If you don't want to get measured, go to a shop and try loads of variants

    If you're uncomfortable about getting measured, don't be. Most fitters can eyeball you based on what you're already wearing, so it's not a bare-boob crisis! It's SO worth it though - they'll recommend styles you'd never have considered and you'll come out looking a size slimmer and an inch taller!
  • Joannie30
    Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
    I used to work at a lingerie store so I've measured a lot of women for bras. I found the easiest way was not to measure under the bust, but to measure above the bust. Bring the take measure around your back like normal but bring it up under your armpits instead and right above your cleavage. The number you get is your band size. Then measure over the fullest part of your bust. For however many inches you are above the band size you add a cup. For instance, if you measure 35 band and your breast measurement is a 39 then your bra size would be 36C (3 inch difference). If you're more comfortable going to a 34 since you're right in the middle in band size, then you would want to go 34D. When you go up in band size the size of the cup goes up a little as well. When you go down in band size the cup size goes down a little. Hope this helps. :smile:

    Thanks! I'll try this!

    Why do men never have all these things to consider??? lol
  • NewAngel35
    NewAngel35 Posts: 182 Member
    He is how to do it.Measure under your bust. If it is an even number and 4.if an odd number add 5. So say you were 30inches you would be a 34.Then measure your bust .How ever many more it is than the first number is your cup size.
    So
    30 would beAA
    31 would be A
    32 B
    33 C
    34 D
    35DD
    36 E
    ETc Etc.
    I have 29inch under bust so I am a 34.then I am 36 round bust so I am a 34F.Hope this helps
  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    I just don't understand when your underbust measures let's say in my case 31'' , that i'm then supposed to add on 3''?
    I was wearing a 32 before so didn't want to go up, in the end i stayed at 32 and went down a cup and it fit, but i could have tried a 30 and stayed the same cup i think.
    You're right men have it easy , good luck.
  • annemckee
    annemckee Posts: 170 Member
    I lost over 50lbs and went from 34F to 30G. I went in and got fitted though. I think that's the best way to find out.
  • Joannie30
    Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
    He is how to do it.Measure under your bust. If it is an even number and 4.if an odd number add 5. So say you were 30inches you would be a 34.Then measure your bust .How ever many more it is than the first number is your cup size.
    So
    30 would beAA
    31 would be A
    32 B
    33 C
    34 D
    35DD
    36 E
    ETc Etc.
    I have 29inch under bust so I am a 34.then I am 36 round bust so I am a 34F.Hope this helps

    Can you explain why you add inches to the underbust measurement? wouldn't that make it too big?
  • elka67
    elka67 Posts: 268 Member
    He is how to do it.Measure under your bust. If it is an even number and 4.if an odd number add 5. So say you were 30inches you would be a 34.Then measure your bust .How ever many more it is than the first number is your cup size.
    So
    30 would beAA
    31 would be A
    32 B
    33 C
    34 D
    35DD
    36 E
    ETc Etc.
    I have 29inch under bust so I am a 34.then I am 36 round bust so I am a 34F.Hope this helps

    Can you explain why you add inches to the underbust measurement? wouldn't that make it too big?

    That's what i think, it'll ride up the back and give zero support, no?
  • cally69
    cally69 Posts: 182 Member
    It's definitely worth getting fitted properly. It's not traumatic at all, the fitters seem to know just by looking at you what size you are. Plus the right bra makes you look slimmer as your 'girls' are where they should be, making your waist more defined. Go treat yourself!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Can you explain why you add inches to the underbust measurement? wouldn't that make it too big?

    That's what i think, it'll ride up the back and give zero support, no?
    Historically the size was related to the round-bust measurement which is why it's bigger, but when cup sizes were introduced it changed to underbust plus some. Think of it being a size rather than a measurement, like size 16 isn't 16 of anything, it's just the way sizing for a particular garment works.

    But the bottom line is, as explained in my experiences of online size guides, they vary so much between make and model the only way to be sure is to get fitted and try lots on.
  • Witchmoo
    Witchmoo Posts: 261 Member
    I used to work at a lingerie store so I've measured a lot of women for bras. I found the easiest way was not to measure under the bust, but to measure above the bust. Bring the take measure around your back like normal but bring it up under your armpits instead and right above your cleavage. The number you get is your band size. Then measure over the fullest part of your bust. For however many inches you are above the band size you add a cup. For instance, if you measure 35 band and your breast measurement is a 39 then your bra size would be 36C (3 inch difference). If you're more comfortable going to a 34 since you're right in the middle in band size, then you would want to go 34D. When you go up in band size the size of the cup goes up a little as well. When you go down in band size the cup size goes down a little. Hope this helps. :smile:

    What if your boobs when not 'contained' are around by your waist.....how do you measure the fullest part then???
  • duffydog1
    duffydog1 Posts: 76 Member
    HI - don't worry about getting measure in a store - you don't have to take your bra off so it is all discreet and you will end up with a much nicer looking set of assets with the right size bra! Choose a specialist store though with trained fitters ( you don't actually have to buy the bra there - just get the size then go and buy it somewhere less expensive!)

    good luck!
  • martymum
    martymum Posts: 413 Member
    Hi girls

    try this for size :happy:


    http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/

    martyxx
  • jenneal89
    jenneal89 Posts: 243
    What if your boobs when not 'contained' are around by your waist.....how do you measure the fullest part then???

    You're supposed to wear an unpadded bra when you measure. And it's better to have someone measure you
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    Just go to the store lol.

    I am busting out of mine atm.... I'm 36c.... the 36 is ok but the cup isn't! haha.

    xx
  • Graceious1
    Graceious1 Posts: 716 Member
    The only way you will truly know is if you go to a reputable shop.
  • LindseySprake
    LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
    32G!
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    Sorry... But you gotta get measured in store... otherwise you will do more harm than good.

    I recommend going to a lingerie store and getting measured also. You need a professional to match up your cup size and your width. Let the lingerie lady fit you correctly - it might be more expensive the first time, but then you'll know what to buy.
  • Joannie30
    Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
    Hi girls

    try this for size :happy:


    http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/

    martyxx

    Thanks! Have you used this calculator yourself before? I just put my measurements in and it came up with 34F which sounds about right or at least a lot closer to the others i've used.
  • kimmianne89
    kimmianne89 Posts: 428 Member
    i'm 27inches underbust and 36inches and I fit a 32DD.

    I'm never sure with the cups but if you underbust is an even number you add 4 and if it's odd you add 5. So you would be 34...something ^_^ I'm soo helpful lol
  • AnneC77
    AnneC77 Posts: 284
    I would recommend getting measured in a store, though saying that, we have 2 stores in town that give measurements and I was given 2 different sizes!

    Someone on MFP gave this url out for an online measurer and it has worked for me really well.

    http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/

    I added your measurements and it says you need a 34E, maybe you could try that out? Good Luck!

    I don't know about you guys but I am fed up with needing new bras already. Just yesterday I threw 3 bars out! But I have only lost about 13lbs and this is in 12 weeks and already I have needed 2 different bra sizes! This is going to cost a bomb!
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    If you go into M&S with a general idea of a couple of sizes, and just try some on... different bras can fit differently anyway, so it can be a nightmare. The sales assistants should be able to help you. Last time I went in, they were a bit funny about measuring me - not sure they even do that any more, but they were helpful in just looking at me in a bra and suggesting whether I needed a bigger cup, or smaller band or whatever, and they ran out to get me more so I didn't have to. Then it's just a bit of trial an error. And, like I say, different styles and brands of bras fit me at different sizes anyway.
  • Erisad
    Erisad Posts: 1,580
    I don't know. My overbust is 38, underbust is 36 and bust is 42. Some sites tell me 40C, others say 38DD, one said 36E. Soooo I have no idea what mine is either and the lady who measured me at sears said 40C/D depending on the brand. Some of my 40Cs fit wonderfully, some don't. It's really a pain. They need a universal measuring method to put all this confusion to rest. I'm waiting til I hit my goal weight to buy new bras. Hopefully it'll become clearer as to what size I need. >.<

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