Understanding bra sizes.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Can anyone help me work out bra sizes?

For instance: if someone needs a 36ff in a regular plunge bra & a 36f in a balconette, would a 38E fit?

I did get measured a while back, but have forgotten how to work sizes out.

Also, when buying one of those slimming all in ones, do you go for bra size?

j.e.j.

I'm not sure that the measurement method works that well these days. Bravissimo, I know, don't measure, - they see what looks right and what fits.I think there's a link on their website about getting the correct fit. (bravissimo.com)

But generally I think you're right in that if you go up a back size you go down a cup size.

vixarooni

Would a 38E fit in regards to what?

I would always say use your size as a guideline ONLY. I'm a 32c and will always pick that up first, then change as required. I'm lucky that i have small basomas...if you're bigger than that guideline will be a lot less likely to give you a good fit every time.

Katexx

Well, it depends on what style, brand, etc. Bras are really one of those things you usually have to try on. I'm a 30F in some brands/styles but in some I think a 28 would be better, and in a lot of brands no size seems to fit me very well! When you try them on, most of the support should come from the band rather than the straps, and you should start with it fastened on the loosest setting (to allow some room when/if the bra stretches after use).

belfastgirl23

If a 36 fits in anything it's a mistake to buy a 38. Bands naturally loosen as you wash your bra and you will start with a bra that's already a little too loose in the band and it will be unwearable by the time you've washed it a few times (unless you're planning on putting on weight but not many of us do that ). Alas there is no real substitute for trying them on when it comes to bras. Last time I was fitted, I was a different size in different brands varying between an F and an FF but the band size stayed pretty much the same.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I was looking at buying one of those GoK Wan shapewear.

I always wear Freya Retro plunge bra 36ff. However, in a balconette, I'm a 36f. Got measured at Bravissimo a few years ago & Panache & Freya bras suited me better.

Edwardia

I bought a JML Belvia bra - small medium or large, practically no seams, no hooks and eyes or underwires, deeper bottom edge, really comfortable just bought myself some more in ASDA 12.95 each

stormbreaker

I am looking to buy new bras and I put my measurements into one of these online calculators and one says ! sould be an 'A' cup. Had several in my basket and decided to have a look at another site just before purchase and that says I am a 'DD' ???? Looks like I am going to spend some time trying a few on!

Bangton

I'd go with the size you are in a balconette - 36F. However in my experience bra size is only a guide. I never ever buy a bra without trying on first because I vary between 34 and 36 back and anything from an F to a GG!

I was once told upping a band size meant you could drop a cup but it doesn't work for me. I recently went bra shopping and tried a 38E because they stopped at E's in the shop I was in. Disastrous. Boob spillage out of the sides and the band was perched far too high up my back!

Incidentally with Freya bras I'm usually a GG whereas I usually wear a 36F in panache or fantasie. I wonder if Freya in general might be small fitting and that's why your plunge is a FF and not an F

thatlemming

stormbreaker wrote: »

I am looking to buy new bras and I put my measurements into one of these online calculators and one says ! sould be an 'A' cup. Had several in my basket and decided to have a look at another site just before purchase and that says I am a 'DD' ???? Looks like I am going to spend some time trying a few on!

If you let me know your underbust and overbust measurements I can give you an idea of what's likely to be right if you want.

(work at bravissimo part time)

Horseunderwater

To get measured bra /cup size:
I use inches as I am older and understand it better this way.
measure underneath the bust on ribs as you breath out, this gives the back size odd number +5inch even number+ 4inch. Then measure a 2nd time around the fullest part of bust, pref with a bra on if you can. Deduct the smaller from the large band size(+inch result) and the inch difference will give you the cup size. It is fairly accurate way to do it. When my Mother was alive that is how she was taught to measure a womanly bust and it does work. So 1"= A cup and 2" =B cup etc.
http://www.whatsmybrasize.co.uk/ Instructions. You should ideally measure up every time you go out to buy a new bra, as we all change in some way. Weight can go up and down.