Can someone explain bra sizes to me? I’m lost.

[Nonplusultra]

I’ve googled this and there seems to be two methods that give widely differing results.

I measure 32” around my chest, and 36” at the widest part.

Some sources say 36”-32”= 4 and gives 32D
Others say 36”- (32”+4”)= 0 and gives a 36AA

What am I missing?

Try the boob and bust website they have videos to explain

You can be different sizes depending on how you like the fit. For e.g if I was a 32C I may also fit in a 30D and 34C depending on whether I’d like a looser band or tighter. So if you go down a band you go up a cup and vice versa.

the first way gives you a decent starting point and then you can move a bit with both cup and band depending on style and brand. Second method is a hangover from the days before Lycra and will give you a terrible fit. (Although M&S often still use it)

Bra sizing is based on two things: the band size and the cup size. Band size is the number, cup size is the letter.

The measurement under your bust is the band size - so that's the 32", 34" etc.

Then you need to measure around your full bust - usually at the level of your nipple. It can be easier to do this leaning forward.

Generally each 1 inch difference from your band size is a cup size. 1" is A, 2" is B and so on.

This is a good calculator which should help

www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php

32D sounds right to me, though when you first put it on it might feel tight at first- just because you're maybe not used to wearing a band that size.

The +4 is a very old way of measuring, that will leave you with no support. These pictures below are from a lady who does measuring online, both went down 2 back sizes, my guess is they used the original + 4 method to start with. You can clearly see which side looks better in each!

Thank you! That’s a great help.

Just go into a shop and try on a variety of sizes and see what works for you. I found that way better than measuring

Lots of sizes around what you've posted

A 4 inch difference in boob above your ribcage is definitely NOT a double a!

I'd say the first method. The ribcage size of inches, then try a D, DD in a few styles.

Different styles can fit very differently, depends on your chest. Eg I cannot wear underwires that go high under my armpits, and high in the middle. Plunge is best for me. Others are the complete opposite