Determining Your Bra /Cup Size : Some
guidelines
For
no apparent reason, finding out your bra size is always difficult. Both the
breast may not be of identical size. Hormonal and Emotional changes during the
month, changes the size of breasts. Although there is no foolproof system, the
following set of guidelines should get you most of the way there. 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). We are going to do all of them and use a combination of the
results to come up with your best estimate at size.
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. If 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.
2.
Alternative Band Size. Alternatively, you can measure your band size by measuring
the ribcage just below your breasts, If 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
3. Measure cup size. Traditionally, you
would take one of your measurements above, and subtract it from the measurement
of your "bust" fuller breast at nipple level. If 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.
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).
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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 |