to think bra sizes are very confusing?

[Juells]

I've been having trouble buying bras recently - when I buy one that I think is my right size (38b) it's way too tight around my ribcage, with some I can't even close the clasps at the back, they don't meet.

Just went online to try ordering some from Amazon, and glanced at the Amazon size chart and I'm now

38b, according to their size chart, measures 33.5 inches underbust, 36 inches overbust.

I always thought the 38 inches referred to the measurement around your ribcage, under the breasts, and the cup size was according to how many inches above that measurement 'around the bust' was.

No wonder I can't get a bra to fit, apart from old worn-out ones :(

Go onto boob or bust and use their online calculator ......

I highly doubt you are a 38b x

The band size - 32,34 etc is the underboob / rib cage measurement.

The b, c, d size is the overboob measurement.
But you also need the standing & leaning measurements

Was also coming on to say measure the boob or bust way.

A lot of British manufacturers still use the old method of sizing where you add 4/5 inches to your rib measurement. An online site should have instructions of how to measure - go by that.

Just go and get fitted for free, it's important to wear the correct size.

Try Boob Or Bust! Or go to Bravissimo to get measured (not Debenhams or M&S, they still use the 'old' way).

Boob or Bust website.

not Debenhams or M&S, they still use the old way
But so do many other shops. It may be the 'new' measurements that are confusing the issue.

*FinallyFree1234567898

I highly doubt you are a 38b x

I'm interested to know why you say that - and you're obviously right, since a 38b bra goes nowhere near closing over my mighty ribcage

I've bought 38b bras from M&S in the past, which fit perfectly, but the latest one I bought there was about 3 inches short of closing. Will check the boob or bust website do some measurements.

You may need a larger cup size to make the bra fit. Depends on your measurements tbh

OK, must have been using a stretchy tape measure in the past 😂
Measured again and got 34.5 inches underbust and 39.5 inches overbust. The nearest on the Amazon size chart is a 40c 😯

Will have to wait 'til I can strip off to use the Boob or Bust method.

What clothing size are you? This can give a good indication of whether you are a 38b without measuring, although it won't give you the correct size.

You need a 34 under bust not 40. Maybe 34DD

38B=36C=34D with regards to cup volume. 34DD has a bigger cup volume than 38B so a 38B bra will feel tight due to a too small cup

@Juells try a 34DD and 34E

My problem is the underbust section not meeting at the back, though, not the cup size. I'll measure when going to bed tonight.

The cup size being too small does make a difference to it being able to fasten though as the extra breast tissue steals inches from the back and makes it feel too tight

@Juells when you try a bra, then it round so the clasp is at the front and try the band on its own. The cup size being too small can steal from the band

Agree, that sizing makes no sense at all OP.

I've been measured for bras in various shops at different times and they rarely agree with one another.

For years I couldn't wear M&S bras as the cups were way too pointy for my small breasts.

Some time ago I thought I'd give them another try and for a number of years have been a 32B in their bras.

Went shopping for some new ones a few months ago, because old bras need replacing as they were getting loose on the backs and suddenly, at the age of 70, I've gone up to a 32C; not just in the bras I ended up buying but in every bra I tried on.

My body shape hasn't changed overnight and I'm petty certain my boobs haven't miraculously got fuller. The sizing of clothes makes no sense to anyone except the manufacturers imo.