Determining Your Size (Bra/Cup) - Nicole's Measuring System
For no apparent reason, finding out your bra size is always a big mystery. It shouldn't be. Although there is no foolproof system, the following set of guidelines should get you most of the way there. (Note: It's best if you knowt what breast implant size you want to obtain.)
Your bra size is determined by both a band size (e.g., 36) and a cup size (e.g., C) to come up with the bra size (e.g., 36-C). There are several ways to measure both elements. We are going to do all of them and use a combination of the results to come up with your best estimate at size.
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1. Measure your "band" size. We are going to arrive at this by using two separate measurements. First, measure around your upper chest, that is, right under your armpits and above your breasts, as shown in Figure 1.
In Figure 1, the measurement is just over 35". According to many bra manufacturers' instructions, you take this measurement and discard any fraction. In our Figure 1 example, 35.25 inches becomes just 35 inches. If the result is an odd number, you will round up to the next even number, in this case a 36. You now have one possible measurement of your band size. |
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2. Alternative Band Size. Alternatively, you can measure your band size by measuring the ribcage just below your breasts, as in Figure 2.
In Figure 2, the measurement is about 31.5 inches. Again, discard any fraction, leaving us with 31". Add 5" to the measurement if your ribcage is odd and 4" if it is an even number. In our example, we are also at a 36" band size. So far so good. |
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3. Measure cup size. Traditionally, you would take one of your measurements above, and subtract it from the measurement of your "bust", as measured in Figure 3.
In Figure 3, the measurement is 37.5". Without discarding any fractions, take 37.5" and subtract the measurement you obtained in step one (35.25"). The resulting number (in this case 2.25"), is supposed to dictate cup size. You round up from any fraction. The number of the difference, rounded up, is your cup size. A cup = 1 inch difference, B cup = 2 inch, C cup = 3 inch, D cup = 4 inch, DD cup = 5 inch and so on. In my Figure 3 example, the 2.25" rounded to 3" results in a C cup. For the record all three steps are completely accurate on the model featured here, so far. |
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4. Alternative cup size measurement. Thanks to Ed Pechter, M.D., author of The Right Bra Measurement system, there is a new way to measure Cup Size. For many women, step three is simply not accurate. Women with very large or very petite frames, "unusual breast shapes, etc. complain that the traditional measurement does not work.
As in Figure 4, measure across the fullest part of the breast (across the nipple), starting at the outside of the breast crease and going to the inside of the crease. Figure 4 shows the measurement of 9 inches. The Right Bra measuring system allocates a cup size to each measurement. 7" = A cup; 8" = B cup; 9" = C cup; 10" = D cup ; 11" = DD cup; 12" = DDD (E cup). |
| It should be noted that the Right Bra cup size measurements in step 4 are most accurate for women with band sizes in the 34 and 36 range.
Because manufacturers make cup sizes smaller for smaller band sizes and larger for larger band sizes, women with a 30 or 32" band measurement should deduct about one inch from these measurements (A cup = 6", B cup = 7" and so on). By the same token, women in the 38-40" band size range will find that bras are upsized in cup size at these band measurements. Women in this size range are more likely to be an A cup at 8", B cup at 9" and so on. See the chart at right for an easy list of sizes . . . |
32" band: 6" = A cup; 6 1/2" = Full A 32" band: 7" = B cup; 7 1/2" = Full B 32" band: 8" = C cup; 8 1/2" = Full C 32" band: 9" = D cup; 9 1/2" = Full D34" band: 6 1/2" = A cup; 7" = Full A 34" band: 7 1/2" = B cup; 8" = Full B 34" band: 8 1/2" = C cup; 9" = Full C 34" band: 9 1/2" = D cup; 10" = Full D36" band: 7" = A cup; 7 1/2" = Full A 36" band: 8" = B cup; 8 1/2" = Full B 36" band: 9" = C cup; 9 1/2" = Full C 36" band: 10" = D cup; 10 1/2" = Full D 38" band: 9 1/2" = C cup |
No system is foolproof. Because bands that are too tight are just not comfortable, use the larger of the two measurements obtained in steps 1 and 2 for band size. Also, use the larger measurement in cup size from steps 3 and 4, depending on manufacturer.
Happy bra shopping!