Is it fair to say that 36C, 34D, 32E, 30F bras are all pretty much the same size?

[Shinydiscoballs1]

Just that really, I just did a bra calculator and I've put my measurements in. It says I would be a 34D, 32E or 30F
I also have a bra here which is 36C which fits well too.
What actual bra size do I go for?

I knew what bra size I was until I read this.

@Dahliasrule a common misconception but not true. This diagram is very helpful.

Bra fitter here from your measurements 32E, or 34 DD for comfort

@Tabitha888

Bra fitter here from your measurements 32E, or 34 DD for comfort

If OP only measures 30-31" round her under bust, why would she need a 34" band which stretches?

I'm size 10-12 on top and am 30ff. But I'm in my 40s, so my boobs are sliding further down my ribcage. In my 20s I filled a 32f to the brim, so presumably they were higher up and therefore on the wider part of my back.

A 36c would not give me any support at all.

It blew my mind when I first read about it. I have really small boobs and I am a 30D when I’m eating the right size.

I’m a 36C but I did one of those bra sizes quizzes and put in all my measurements and apparently I’m a 32F!!

A 36 band bra just fits me I’d no way get into a 32 so I’m confused too OP!!

I was the same as you op, never really understood the benefit of a properly fitted bra. I was wearing a 40DD as it seemed to fit sort of okay-ish. I then tried the boob or bust method, and it recommended 36H, which I thought absolutely no way is that anywhere near right. I ordered one in that size and it was spot on. It's so much more comfortable, and I no longer get back ache. They also look a lot better in a proper fitting bra! I get all mine from M&S now

They recommend doing it up on the loosest notch to start with, so that as it stretches over time, you can start doing it up a bit tighter to get the same fit/support. Also, you mention armpit fat when it's too tight, but you need to do the 'swoop and scoop'. Sounds weird I know but you basically swoop your hand around and pull all the 'fat' into the cups, as it's usually actually breast tissue and not fat

@Haffiana

36 inch band would fit a clothes size 18 or so. Which you are not, if your actual measurement is 30-31 inches.

You are wearing a bra which feels 'comfortable', but is giving you the same support as a vest.

It would be a good idea to go and get properly fitted at Bravissimo or John Lewis. NOT at M&S, as they fit bras incorrectly.

36 inch band would fit a clothes size 18 or so.

Really? I’m confused now. I’m a 36 band the bra fits perfectly I’m a size 12-14

One other tip is that not all styles are the same, it obvious, but often if you get used to a style you stick with it. Try different styles. I can't wear full cups, even with big boobs, they just don't fit in properly. The cut across the top, giving me a ridge. I only wear balconettes, which just seem to suit my shape better. My boobs sit on them, rather than in them, if that makes sense.

@Tabitha888

Bra fitter here from your measurements 32E, or 34 DD for comfort

I bet you fit for M&S...

If the band is too large then it will move and rub under the breasts and breast tissue will displace and get trapped under the band.

"34 DD for comfort" will be extremely uncomfortable when worn for any length of time, and will almost certainly cause the wearer to become one of the crowd of people who imagine that they cannot wear underwires because they hurt too much, OR paradoxically, insist they need an even looser band and that the right size must 'too tight'. A too large band will feel tighter than the correct size.

Ditto armpit fat - in most cases armpit fat means that the cup is far too small, and the cup is not actually enclosing all the breast.

A correctly fitted bra will be a revelation for many, many people.

I'm a 36 band at size 20/22
Dd is a size 10 and a 28 band

P.s. M&S put me in a 40C but I actually wear 36GG/H

I think what really surprised me, was that the cups should be taking up more space than the band. Suddenly I didn't need to wear size 14 top, because my boobs were properly contained. Yes, it felt a bit tighter initially, but that helped my posture. I know when I bra is losing its magic now, because I'm not aware I'm wearing it.

@Haffiana I find the way that M&S measure the best. I am super comfortable wearing a 32C or 30D. I tried the boob or bust way and who recommended a 26E or F or 28E . I went off and ordered some bras and they were so uncomfortable, they dug into my rib cage. Yeah they looked great but I couldn’t wear them for 5 minutes let alone a whole day.

Why do people keep repeating the "displaced breast tissue" nonsense, which has zero evidence?

@CatJumperTwat

Why do people keep repeating the "displaced breast tissue" nonsense, which has zero evidence?

What 'evidence' do you want? I wore the wrong size bra for years because of crap crap crap M&S advice, and I had red marks on the underside of my breasts where they were catching under the too loose band EVERY DAY.

I went down 3 band sizes after being correctly fitted, and I have never had a mark or any discomfort since. And my breasts - and clothes - look fantastic.

I'd personally try a 30F or 32E

Look up Boob or Bust on fb. Make sure you swoop and scoop...that has a massive effect and fills the cup much more!

I've been taking all MN advice this week, and hopefully I will be in the right size soon.
I have felt uncomfortable,restricted when I move, awkward and unattractive in this department for a few years

I think maybe you can get away with a looser band size if you have small boobs. If you have bigger boobs, you need to start as tight as possible as over time they put major strain on the bra (as the bra does it job of holding them up).

I was wearing a 30C and then discovered I was a 30FF and the difference was amazing in the way the bra raised and actually supported my boobs.

Ive got similar measurements to you and I wear a 30FF or a 32F (up a back size, down a cup). Fitted at Bravissimo.

It takes-a but of getting used to. M and S measured me as a 36C years ago when I was in reality a 30 E. it felt weird at first but you get used to it. I’m a size 16 and am a 34 so 36 is way too big fir you.

I wear 34D and am 31 under and about 37 over, sometimes 32 E is advised but I find that to tight so prefer 34

Haffiana evidence that breast tissue gets displaced. Hint: it doesn't.