Bra Sizing: is a third measurement needed??

[valerie123]

So I measure my band, 38", say. Then I lean forward 90 degrees with no bra and measure across the flop of my boobs. That gives 42", and, I think, a D cup.

But a 38 D has cups which are far too close together for me. Surely the cup centres should align with my nipple spacing (imagine a bullet bra).

I can see that a pushup bra would attempt to press the boobs together, but is there also a relationship between band size, cup size and cup spacing?

Not really... Some bras have wider centre gores than others though

When you say too close together, is it a moulded bra you are trying? And which bit is too close? I'm trying to visualise to get what is going on!

A modest tee shirt bra with a molded cup. But my nipples are down somewhere in the underwires!

To re-iterate, the bra cup centres are about 2" too close together for me.

Different styles and brands of bras have different shaping. Some are too far forward for me, and the underwires don't extend far enough under my armpit, with the result that, even if the bra technically fits, it's uncomfortable and does nothing for my shape. Others are wider set, though, with wires that extend further back. Freya are good for this, as are Curvy Kate. There's definitely no push together in any of the balconette styles that I've tried in those brands.

Is that 38" what you actually measured underneath your boobs, btw?

Yes, 38" band and 42" boob.

The 42" is under the nipple. Over the nipple I would be 44" but I don't think that counts!

Ok. Moulded cups are v v hard to fit. So your breasts, if you look at them, they appear wide set? Are you more full on top or on the bottom?

I am really quite pointy, with big heavy nipples for my modest boob volume.

That's why I need good cup location.

I think I am made for the bullet bra!

This might help
Click on the link that's closest to your shape and it lists bra types that work
www.bratabase.com/help/shapes/

Yeah that's less size and more shape -some bras have very narrow gores, or narrow wires, or loads of projection
Others have wider gores, shallower cups etc. T shirt bras are always difficult to fit but you might like the Cleo maddie