Help with Bra Sizing

Skyllo

Nikkisun wrote: »

I'm struggling with bra's at the moment - I'm currently wearing a 34b or 34c which due to weight loss is definitely too big as the cups are gaping!

Have looked at loads of online guides and they come with such differing sizes I don't know where to start.

My underneath measurement is 29" and my fullest measurement is 33" - one website says I need a 30D and another website says 34AA!!

Help!

Sounds like you're a 30 (or maybe a large-fitting 28 but 28 backs are much harder to find! I'm 28 inches and wear a 28) so if you don't live near somewhere with decent fittings, try on a variety of cup sizes in a 30 back and see which one fits best. It's likely to vary with different brands! Debenhams stocks 30s in their own brand range and M&S has some too.

In terms of changing back size when you change weight, I imagine it depends on where you "carry" your weight. Some people gain it all on their bottom half so their back size is unlikely to change whereas others gain it more in the middle.

SmallL

Please PLEASE use your raw underbust measurement for the band size!!!!!!! NEVER +4 like many companies use for fitting!!!!
For example my underbust is 29, so for the band size i go for a 30'
My overbust measurement is 38/9
Therefore im a 30FF/G

A difference of 7 inches would be a F cup
6-E
5-DD
4-D
etc

Also remember cup sizes are RELATIVE to the band size, a 30G breast is not as large as you might think, the volume is equivalent to a 34F. Whilst a 34B is equivalent to a 30D.

Nikkisun

SmallL wrote: »

Please PLEASE use your raw underbust measurement for the band size!!!!!!! NEVER +4 like many companies use for fitting!!!!
For example my underbust is 29, so for the band size i go for a 30'
My overbust measurement is 38/9
Therefore im a 30FF/G

A difference of 7 inches would be a F cup
6-E
5-DD
4-D
etc

Also remember cup sizes are RELATIVE to the band size, a 30G breast is not as large as you might think, the volume is equivalent to a 34F. Whilst a 34B is equivalent to a 30D.

so my 29 under and 33 over really does make me a 30D?

j.e.j.

I would say you're a 30 or possibly a 28, Nikkisun. I measure 28 and a half around my ribcage and a 30 is actually too big for me, I need the 28. You're definitely not a 34!

Jacks_xxx

Nikkisun wrote: »

so my 29 under and 33 over really does make me a 30D?

I'd say it's definitely somewhere to start. With different brands and different styles you might find a 28 D, DD, or E feels better or looks better.

I tried on four bras this morning and whilst they all fitted me, they all fitted slightly differently because of the design and the brand.


One thing I'm absolutely sure of my lovely - with those measurements nothing labelled 34 anything is going to fit you properly, support you adequately, or make you look as good as you could.


I'm losing weight as well. I find I'm having to buy new bras every few months or so. I am finding that both my cup size and my band size are getting smaller - but not at the same rate! :eek::o

Nikkisun

Thanks all - now I'm on a mission to find the right size!!

lushplus4

I had that problem of falling out after leaning over, and then having to poke them back in. The advisor in M&S said it's the style thats the problem and that I should go for a balcony bra. Sure enough it worked.

foreign_correspondent

Mrs_Arcanum wrote: »

If you get properly fitted the only thing that should change as you lose weight is the cup size. Your bra size will remain fairly constant. Sounds like you may need an even smaller chest size and bigger cup. The centre part of the under-wires should lay flat on your chest between your boobs. Anything else is a recipe for back problems.

I actually measure 37" under the bust and wear a 38F but this can vary by manufacturer & style (M&S T-Shirt Bras I need a 36G). Based on the old way of measuring (with all the adding 4 or 5 inches & then working out the difference to the full bust measurement I would be a 42A :eek:

shegirl wrote: »

I disagree with that,as you lose weight your back size can change too (and often does) so can end up needing a smaller size.

Yes, everyone is different - I lost weight and went down from a 40-42 band to a 36" band, but went up from a D to a GG cup - I think I lost fat from my ribs and back, whilst my boobs stayed the same! (hence a bigger cup size, as it's relative to the band size!)

I would second the advice to chat to blue_monkey, personally I think you need a smaller band and bigger cup!

outtawork

I have trouble getting bras and usually resort to ordering a few sizes from a catalogue, to get a good fit. I was 48C but as I have lost weight I will have to look again. I got measured originally at M & S and was told I was this size, but they dont stock anything close to my size.I have a very broad back and when I am not overweight I measure 40 chest.

Queries

M & S measured me (rubbish) they sold me an under-wired bra, which sliced my boobs. I found an on-line service for the 'bigger woman', my boyfriend measured my boobs according to their directions, but they did not stock a 36ff size, yet they were the closest that I could buy i.e. 36f. Their bras are still a touch too small, but afer 25 years of not daring to bend down it's heaven!