Measurements for bra size?

[Furball]

Right, got an e-mail today from Figleaves, Great, I thought - I'll see what they've got. Just thought I'd check which size I am. Normally have either a 36D or 38C depending on make/style and have been measured a few times to confirm this. Put my measurements in as per the instructions, (page is Here if you want to do yours) and it comes up 40AA - What? Can that really be right? Anyone else got another way as I really can't believe I'm a AA - I can at least fill a C cup. No wonder we are all probably wearing the wrong size!!

It gets mine right. What did you put in the first box? 32 or 36? When calculating a bra size, you add four inches to the underbust measurement and then subtract that total from the overbust measurement - the difference indicates the cup size e.g. 4 inches difference is DD cup.

Sorry, missed a bit. Please insert 'to get the band size' after 'underbust measurement'.

If you put in 36 for your underbust it will calculate your band size as 40. I'm guessing your overbust is 39 so the difference is -1 which makes you an AA. However if you put 32 in for your underbust it will come out as 36D (I think).

I'm confused! - I put 35 in the first box and 39 in the second.

OK, what they did is add 5 inches to that to get 40 (I forgot that you add 5 if the underbust is an odd number).

Where did the 35 come from? Is that the measurement you get if you run a tape around directly under your breasts (i.e. on the rib cage where the bottom of the bra sits)?

Yes, and the other is around the bust at the fullest part.

I was under the impression, if you measured 36 round the underneath you were a 36? Is it just me that doesn't know this info?

It sounds to me like you've measured yourself correctly. If I measure myself and input the measurements (28 under, 36 over) into Figleaves I get my correct bra size (32DD), so my conclusions are that either a) Figleaves has a gremlin for your measurements or b) you've been wearing the wrong size!

I'm no expert - just an amateur with an awkward size! It might be worth trying M&S and Bravissimo or any other bra sites to see what they suggest.

Sorry if I've confused things!

Have had a quick look for you.

Bravissimo - no proper guide as they think tape measures are evil. Can see their point but doesn't really help!

M&S - doesn't have the add 4 or 5 bit which makes me a very odd size, but concurs with what you think you are.

Bravellous - has the add 4 or 5 bit which makes me 32DD (phew!), but would make you a 40AA.

Really confused now as the advice given is contradictory. All I know is that Figleaves and Bravellous work for my size. Could it be you've changed shape since you were measured? Sorry if that sounds too personal.

What you could do as Figleaves do free returns is to order the size they suggest and the size you think you are and see which is right. This won't cost you anything. Or ring them up as I'm sure they'll be able to provide advice on the phone.

Thanks soo much for your time Schmozer, very grateful. I can understand if you think I am wearing the wrong size, but how if I'm supposed to be a AA can I fill a C and sometimes a D cup? I thought AA was virtually flat. (sorry if that offends anyone who is a AA btw!) I think my best bet would be to order the 2 sizes as you suggest -but guess what? AA stops at 36. I know you can't see me, but my shape is not all that bizarre. Maybe the AA stands for AARRRRGGHHH!

how about measuring in cms - that might be a more accurate check as it will be more precise.
also as someone else said order one bra in a few different sizes. the returns service is very good. also items are delivered either next day or the day after.

Hiya Podge babes, Do I look like a 40AA size to you?

no, i would say you were more like your original measurement. 40 is way too big and aa far too small! have you tried the cms? also when you measure underneath your boobs you need to have the tapemeasure pretty tight. order a few, you've got nothing to lose.