Bra sizes? Apparently I am three different sizes!

[DollysDrawers]

Having looked on the internet for a new bra (for a speciifc outfit) I am 3 different sizes according to 3 different calculators! (none of them related to a particular shop). I am a 34C (not a chance!), a 36DD and a 38F

I can't get to a shop for a fitting before Thursday, which is when I need it for, so can anyone give me any pointers on how to measure properly please?

[brighthair]

Ignore the calculators
Measure underbust - do not for the love of God add 4
Measure over boobs
Underbust gives you the back size say 34
Overbust gives you the cup size
If you report back someone will work it out for you. Do you have a bra that feels right?
The back should fasten on the loosest hook when new and not ride up. Wires in the centre should lie flat and the whole wire should encase your breasts

[brighthair]

Although if you do want to use a calculator, this link does it for you with no insane adding of inches
www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm

[DollysDrawers]

I can't get on that site, it says there's an error.

I have a couple of bras that are super comfortable but they are so old and been washed so many times, I can't read the label anymore . I also have a large collection of different sizes and styles none of which fit me properly!

Underbust measurement is 34', over boobs 41'. This is all very confusing

[brighthair]

34F - allowing an inch for each cup size

[DollysDrawers]

Yay! How did you do that????

[brighthair]

34 for your underbust then there is 7 inches to your overbust so 1 inch = A then B C D DD E F

[DollysDrawers]

Aw, I get it now. *thick emoticon

[DinahMoHum]

id say 34F too, but take the sizes either side of that size into the changing room with you too, as it can vary according to the bra and the shop

[DollysDrawers]

I wash thinking of ordering from good old M & S but I'm not sure what their sizing is like?

[IDontWantToBeFatAnymore]

I was fitted in Bravissimo and have bought bras in 36F, 36G and 36GG. Yesterday I tried bras in those sizes in M & S and none fit. I really want another bra but it appears impossible.

[ForkInTheForeheid]

I have a question, if you get an odd number in your underbust measurement do you add 1 (mine is 31 so would I add 1 to be a 32?) My bust measurement is 36 so is my measurement 32d?

[DollysDrawers]

Ah, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one having trouble with this!

[ForkInTheForeheid]

Yup, doesn't help that the actual size of my boobs has fluctuated hugely I the past 4 years, think have everything from 34b up to 36d in my drawers (I've chucked out the 38e nursing bras)!!

[DollysDrawers]

I'm nodding to myself here, I'm exactly the same I think I've got about 5 different sizes in my drawer.

[Dollydowser]

With bras it is a case a lots of trying on, and even when you find one that is the perfect fit, it doesn't mean that size in another brand will fit the same. Curvy Kitten's Blog gives one girls attempt at finding a great fitting bra.

[foxinsocks]

I'm also a 31 underneath and if I wore any 32 it would cut off my circulation!

Why don't you add on 4 or 5 or whatever it is?

[foxinsocks]

(just wondering if I'm missing a trick here)

[Dollydowser]

Its the band underneath that does the supporting, the bigger the bust, the firmer the band underneath needs to be. When I buy a new bra I tend to break it in like a pair of shoes! If you are under a D cup then I don't suppose it really matters if you wear the band a little lose, so long as it offers support and doesn't ride up your back, the band should remain horizontal.
The adding 4 inches is the instructions given in the dark ages, we have moved on since then.

[ragged]

34s are much too tight (I know, I've tried 34s, they give me backache & indigestion) & according to this thread I should be wearing a 30.(?)
Everything I've read about what is supposed to happen if you wear the wrong (too big) size hasn't happened. Will I see these effects in another 32 years? [buwink]