ladies - bra size measurements ?

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Replies

  • emmawantstoloseweight
    emmawantstoloseweight Posts: 4
    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
    tabbykat6802 Posts: 233 Member
    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
    ahviendha Posts: 1,291 Member
    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
    majope Posts: 1,325 Member
    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
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    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
    amyk0202 Posts: 666 Member
    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
    SpecialSundae Posts: 795 Member
    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
    crazy4fids Posts: 173
    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
    KettleTO Posts: 144 Member
    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
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    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.
  • donna_glasgow
    donna_glasgow Posts: 869 Member
    thanks again ladies, I'll deffo try bravvisimo, I'm currently wearing sports bras. however with a night out with hubby and a weekend away to alton towers with the family fast approaching I need to feel a bit more comfortable and sports bras don't have that effect :)
  • skinny2be2013
    skinny2be2013 Posts: 9
    I measure around the bra line then add two inches so 30 becomes 32 then with non padded bra on measure around the bust line at nipple height each inch difference to the band size equals a cup size it's always worked for me so I'm 30 inch on band size that makes me 32 band and39inch around the breast so that measures at a uk 32 f cup. Hope this helps.
  • drchimpanzee
    drchimpanzee Posts: 892 Member
    I feel like I've wandered into the wrong section the department store...but I don't' want to leave :)
  • DivaMoe40
    DivaMoe40 Posts: 159 Member
    Whenever I need to be measured, I go to Victoria's Secret. They specialize in bras, so the ladies there are very knowledgeable and know what they are doing and how to measure. By looking at the sizes that you mentioned, you may need a double letter cup and the measurement system that you are using online is not accounting for that. I used to buy and (uncomfortably) wear a 38D. It turns out that I needed a 36DDD and it felt great! Now, with working out and losing weight, I went to get measured again and am down to a 34DDD. Can't seem to lose those letters :laugh: , but it definitely makes a big difference when you have the right size bra. And the good part is, they don't try to make you buy one of their bras. They make suggestions, if they have it in stock, but they are not pushy about it and I really like that.
  • kimmymayhall
    kimmymayhall Posts: 419 Member
    Congrats Majope! It feels so good, doesn't it? And it's great that your wear a size that can be found in a lot of stores, $6!

    Donna, I can't give you any advice about bra shops in Glasgow, but I've heard that figleaves.com is a really good UK based lingerie website. They have a wide selection of sizes and styles and seem to have good shipping and return policies.
    I use a different website with a distribution center near me, herroom.com. I'll find a bra I like and order it in a few different sizes then return the ones that don't fit, sometimes none of them fit :( It's kind of a hassle but it's good if there aren't a lot of stores near you or you wear a size that is difficult to find. Best of luck!
  • donna_glasgow
    donna_glasgow Posts: 869 Member
    I feel like I've wandered into the wrong section the department store...but I don't' want to leave :)
    lol :)
  • amyk0202
    amyk0202 Posts: 666 Member
    Whenever I need to be measured, I go to Victoria's Secret. They specialize in bras, so the ladies there are very knowledgeable and know what they are doing and how to measure. By looking at the sizes that you mentioned, you may need a double letter cup and the measurement system that you are using online is not accounting for that. I used to buy and (uncomfortably) wear a 38D. It turns out that I needed a 36DDD and it felt great! Now, with working out and losing weight, I went to get measured again and am down to a 34DDD. Can't seem to lose those letters :laugh: , but it definitely makes a big difference when you have the right size bra. And the good part is, they don't try to make you buy one of their bras. They make suggestions, if they have it in stock, but they are not pushy about it and I really like that.

    My problem with Victoria's Secret is how they measure for bra fitting. For the band size, they are measuring above the breasts right under your arms. That is just adding in those extra inches that you really shouldn't have in the band size to get the proper support. When I use their method, I measure 37" for my band size--that puts me in a 36 for them. My actual underbust measurement is 33.5". If I wear a 36 band, the cup wire starts to creep up when I lift my arms---so irritating. When I enter my actual measurements into their calculator, it tells me they are having trouble finding my size & to try again or visit the nearest store. What that actually means is that they don't carry my correct size & the salesperson at the store will give me bras with a too large band so that the cups will be large enough for my breasts. I will have an ill fitting bra at the end of it. I would be constantly fiddling with it to put things right. I feel like they are doing a huge disservice to women by putting them into incorrectly sized bras.
  • amyjax
    amyjax Posts: 102
    This link will give you all the info you need:

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

    Don't go to a department store or VS or whatever- trust me, I've worked in that environment and I know how poor the training really is. Either a good specialty shop or try this method. It put me in a 28G, and my bras fit perfectly. I've never been so comfortable in my life.

    ^^^Agree wholeheartedly with this. Also if you're in the UK go to Bravissimo - they use a similar way of fitting for a bra and I've never had better fitting bras from any other store. M&S, John Lewis, Debenhams etc still use the old fashioned tape measure way of fitting and bras NEVER feel right.
  • kerricus
    kerricus Posts: 165 Member
    For women looking for cute size D-K bras at cheaper prices, check out brastop.com. They have a gazillion different sizes. It's UK based, but they ship around the world.

    I also think the reddit thread is a great place to start.
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    Whenever I need to be measured, I go to Victoria's Secret. They specialize in bras, so the ladies there are very knowledgeable and know what they are doing and how to measure. By looking at the sizes that you mentioned, you may need a double letter cup and the measurement system that you are using online is not accounting for that. I used to buy and (uncomfortably) wear a 38D. It turns out that I needed a 36DDD and it felt great! Now, with working out and losing weight, I went to get measured again and am down to a 34DDD. Can't seem to lose those letters :laugh: , but it definitely makes a big difference when you have the right size bra. And the good part is, they don't try to make you buy one of their bras. They make suggestions, if they have it in stock, but they are not pushy about it and I really like that.

    My problem with Victoria's Secret is how they measure for bra fitting. For the band size, they are measuring above the breasts right under your arms. That is just adding in those extra inches that you really shouldn't have in the band size to get the proper support. When I use their method, I measure 37" for my band size--that puts me in a 36 for them. My actual underbust measurement is 33.5". If I wear a 36 band, the cup wire starts to creep up when I lift my arms---so irritating. When I enter my actual measurements into their calculator, it tells me they are having trouble finding my size & to try again or visit the nearest store. What that actually means is that they don't carry my correct size & the salesperson at the store will give me bras with a too large band so that the cups will be large enough for my breasts. I will have an ill fitting bra at the end of it. I would be constantly fiddling with it to put things right. I feel like they are doing a huge disservice to women by putting them into incorrectly sized bras.

    Yup 100% True. Soma intimates does the same thing.

    I go to Nordstroms. OR by online at bravissimo or figleaves which do deliver to the US and most of the world.
  • meglettx
    meglettx Posts: 6 Member
    I haven't read ALL the posts (skimmed first page) so I apologize if you have already got these recommendations....I hear Nordstrom's is a great place to be fitted, also I know in my area there are a couple of bra boutiques I go that are fabulous (I'd have to drive downtown to find Nordstrom's and I don't often go down there). Here are some online places that have been super helpful to me:

    http://my.trueandco.com/x/Fac8e -- they ask you questions about how your bra currently fits and then let you pick out 5 different bras in their size recommendations to try on. I found this place to be more helpful after I already had a goal size I was shooting for but I LOVE that they will send you bras to try on for FREE (no shipping, just a $45 fully refundable deposit) and let you mail back for FREE as well. Nobody else I can find online does this!! It's SUPER HELPFUL for those of us with odd sizes (I'm a 34 DDD/E right now, you can't find that hardly even online). Also right now they are running a deal and you click that link you can get $20 off a bra.

    The rest of these are places I typically find my bras based on who has deals and promos and they have advice for bra fittings. Again I would recommend finding someone good to help you but in case you are unable to go in somewhere these are good places to start.
    http://www.figleaves.com/us/fitting room/fitting_room.asp?show=1&cat=189
    http://www.barenecessities.com/feature.aspx?pagename=fit_sizing&cm_re=Fit-_-4.1-_-fit-sizing
    http://www.herroom.com/know-your-breasts/Questions.aspx
  • DPPCSIBSA
    DPPCSIBSA Posts: 2
    How in the world!? Victoria secret said I am a 32D and I always bought 34A..(which feels loose on the band)..shocking I tell ya
  • Doctorpurple
    Doctorpurple Posts: 507 Member
    I would really invest some time in getting properly fitted. And please don't go to Victoria's Secret. They are not properly trained and they do a horrible job. I would suggest Nordstrom, and any specialty bra place in your area.
  • DPPCSIBSA
    DPPCSIBSA Posts: 2
    ok will go get fitted...because victoria secret measured and told me....will go tomorrow to nordstrom
  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    This link will give you all the info you need:

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

    Don't go to a department store or VS or whatever- trust me, I've worked in that environment and I know how poor the training really is. Either a good specialty shop or try this method. It put me in a 28G, and my bras fit perfectly. I've never been so comfortable in my life.

    I second going to an actual lingerie store, not VS or a department store. My last two visits I saw two different fitters. Each of them took one look at me in my old bra and brought in the size I needed first try.
  • tawanda6329
    tawanda6329 Posts: 139 Member
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