Bra interventionists... I have a question about vital statistics

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

I've been struggling to buy a dress that fits me nicely, so I actually bothered to measure myself, and it got me thinking.

When we read that Marilyn Monroe was 36-24-34 (give or take, I'm not sure that's exactly right), were they talking about her size over the bust or under the bust?

I thought the first measurement was under the bust, but I've seen enough of your threads to know that anybody with a 24 inch waist is very unlikely to need a 36" band size, but I'm sure I've read somewhere her bust was a 36D. But if they were adding the four inches on (I don't know when sizing changed), wouldn't that make her 32-24-34?

When people give vital statistics, the bust measurement is across the bust at the fullest point. For example, mine are 38 -28 -41. I wear a 30GG. Marilyn would probably have been around a 30 band but materials were less stretchy then so bra sizes needed the 4" added on.

Ah, thank you, that makes sense

So if you have a large-ish bust, 10" between your first and second measurement isn't that unusual then? Mine comes out as 38-25-37.

Actually, thinking about it, to have a 10" difference between your under bust and waist measurement your waist would have to be tiny.

With vital statistics,the difference between bust and waist will vary due to body shape.

Not all with a large bust will have a comparatively small waist,most tbh have less of a difference.