Confused about bra sizes

[dollybird]

My DD has just turned 14, and I noticed her bras were looking a little on the snug side, so measured her to see if her size had changed. She's currently wearing a 34b and I've now measured her as a 36a which is the same size as me. I consider myself to be fairly small in the boob department, but DD appears to me to be bigger than me and has a pretty impressive cleavage (which I think she tends to be embarrassed about as she's not really a girly girl). Just a bit confused at how we can apparently be the same size but look totally different. I got her to try on one of my new bras which looked a pretty good fit except she didn't like the underwires.

rainbow put your bra on back to front and check if it still feels just as tight. If yes, you need bigger band. If no, you need bigger cup.

Ooh brilliant, will try later thank you!

I think often people find the correct size band uncomfortable at first because they have always worn a bra that is too loose and doesn't offer any support. The band is supposed to be fairly tight in order to support the breasts, but it takes a bit of getting used to. Also, some bras are just hellishly uncomfortable even in the correct size. glares at Figleaves own brand balconette from hell

I definitely agree with the suggestions to try Boob or Bust. I was a 42DD for years (Or thought I was) but measured the BoB way last week at a 38GG or 40H - seconded by the lovely lady at Bravissimo. I now feel supported and comfy in my new bra, and DH remarked that I looked unusually perky when he came home from work and I had the new one on. It has definitely improved my shape.

I'm a size 8 and was told I was a 34A

I'm actually a 28D

The old way of measuring bra sizes is ludicrous

I'm a size 12-14 and wear a 32dd or e thanks to reading this on mumsnet years ago. I was previously in a 36b which rode up, straps slipped off, gap between bra and boobs. All kinds of wrong. When it felt uncomfy I assumed it was too tight. I was wrong. The 32dd fits like a dream. It never slides or moves around and is so comfortable I could sleep in it.

It doesnt take long to adjust to the smaller back size. I used the BOB method and came out a 30e. I actually wear a 32dd as its easier to find in the shops. It only took about a week and it felt normal.

I'm a size 20. I'm a 34H. I have a tiny back and big norks ...

You definitely need a bra intervention.

I need to diet

Was in h&m this week tried a 34 D the back was way too tight, the cups too small so tried 36D the back on the tightest clip too big, cups ok, what size should i try. i am 5ft 3 tall and 9 stone. I wear 10 or sometimes a twelve.

34D doesn't have the same cup volume as 36D. To have the same cup volume you would go down in the cup if you go up in back e.g. 34D = 36C for cup volume. I would try larger cup sizes in the 34 back If 36 was too big

Lindyloo57 if you are a size 10 it is extremely unlikely that you need a 34 anything bra. Try a 30 for starters.

Ok, so I've done the boob or bust method and I'm coming out as 30E and DD is 30E or F so still pretty similar. Think we'll still pay the shop a visit to get measured properly and maybe buy one bra then get a few more from m&s. DD also likes to wear one at night

I'm a size 16 - 5'5'' and wear either a 34G or 36FF - my DD1 is an 8/10 and 5'11'' and a 30H. I agree with other posters at a size 8 clothes you'd be a 30 back at most.
Go to a decent bra fitter - a good fitting bra will help your daughter feel good about her shap

Orangebird

Great pic, my DH just can't get his head round why my 34G/36FF are the same and look the same as DD's 30H's lol he thinks the H cups should be huge

Op, Bravissimo does a sleep bra and supported nightwear - probably more comfortable than a regular bra

OP Once you know your true sizes, be careful buying from M&S. They often don't fit well in the larger sizes, I think because they just make the bra bigger and don't make it cater for larger boobs. I'd suggest eBay, Amazon, figleaves etc for cheap bras in the size and brand that you find fits. You'll often find last year's colours for less than half price. Or the Bravissimo online sale is also good, if you keep an eye out for that.

M+Sdoesnt follow the standard sizing convention.

I've just come out at 30DD and am wearing a 34D. I'm size 12 but noticed the bras gale at the top so I'm off to try new ones at Debenhams again - only because they have a good variety and I can't afford Bravissimo

If you find a size and style of bra that works in Bravissimo, then you can look for similar from somewhere like Brastop, which does free returns and has a lot of discounted stock, in last season's colours. Even Amazon can come up trumps, if you find a particular brand that you like.

I'm a 12-14 and a 30H/32GG - the 32 band is often a bit too big. Not all 30Hs are made equal. I can try one on in one brand that's great, then another in a different brand that just doesn't have the right shape, then another brand that I can't even fasten. There's a lot of trial and error involved, just like with shoes.

I know that Freya bras come out very small, when I used to wear them I was often a size up in both band and cup.

This is so confusing, I've just been measured at Debenhams at a 34d , had previously been wearing a 34b/c. They had been so uncomfortable with wire digging in at the side so bad I ended up attacking them unsuccessfully with pliers trying to bend the wire
The new one is better but still not amazing but I'm a size 10 so does it sound right?

I have read these post and have gone on to two different websites to get measure. the 1st site states i am 44hh and the other 44 ff or G.

I am still unsure what size i need.

qwerty, you could possibly be all 3 depending on brand/style etc! I'm a 32JJ sometimes, a 34H at other times.

You can do it yourself.

Take the actual underbust measurement. If it's 30, she's a 30. If 31 then will depend on bra but could either be 30 or 32.

Then measure round fullest part of bust. If it's 34 inches (and underbust is 30) then is she 30D, 33 would be 30C and so on.

Each cup size is 1 inch above underbust measurement