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Original poster

those who know about calculating bra sizes....

51 replies

popsycal · 05/04/2009 08:24

www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A4455272

is that right?

i have never heard of the addiing 4 or 5 to the underbust measurement then comparing that to the boob measurement

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 11:59

there is no way in this world that I am an a cup
not a chance in hell..

Trillian - I HADheard of the add 4 inch thing but not in the way that the link i posted described....

OP posts:
mileniwmffalcon · 05/04/2009 11:59

i'm a trained bra fitter (indie, not chain). i can usually guestimate sizes pretty well from looking, but the best way to do it is by trying on. you can go from an existing bra, although usually they'll have stretched from washing and wearing. different brands vary, different styles suit some shapes and not others. measuring is notoriously inaccurate, but sometimes we do it because that's what women expect us to do when they come to get fitted

so look at your existing bras, look at how the back and cups fit - figleaves have a good section showing what right/wrong fitting bras look like - if the cups fit fine but the back is too big (usual scenario) then you need to go up a cup size for every band size. e.g. 36A = 34B = 32C = all the same cup size.

mileniwmffalcon · 05/04/2009 12:00

laurie - there should be no space in the middle - the band should fit firmly against your chest inbetween the boobs. if there's a gap the cup is probably too small, possibly band too large also.

mrspnut · 05/04/2009 12:01

I would try on a 36J if you can get hold of one - Bravissimo do them and this is a good style

If that doesn't fit then I have been wearing the bra in front of a mirror whilst on the phone to their fitters discussing how it doesn't fit and whether to try a back or cup difference.

The boobs falling out of the bottom and the wires not sitting flat are both indications that the cup size isn't big enough, so you may find that 36J or 38J fits much better.

LauriefairycakeeatsCupid · 05/04/2009 12:02

sorry, that's what I meant - at no point has the band ever touched the middle of my chest - the force of my giant breasts have always pushed the band out

LauriefairycakeeatsCupid · 05/04/2009 12:06

ooh, I like that Tango bra Mrspnut

Thanks!

Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 13:53

i am back with a 34DD bra and a pair of matching knickers

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 13:54

just to add, I tried the 3bA on for a laugh that was recommended and I am so not a 38A

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BitOfFunnyBunny · 05/04/2009 14:39

Hurrah!

Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 19:12

I really cant believe it
so why do people calculate the number bit from the ovr boob size rather than under, and then do the maths?

Everyone i have mentioned it to today (mum, sisters, friends - yes, I have been spreading the gospel ) say measure under and over but the over ~ bit gives you the number.....

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 19:51

this: www.bellissimalingerie.com/catalogue/brasize.asp says I am a 38a

what is going on?

how can I be?

I am wearing a 34dd very comfortably

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 19:52

oh and another site says I am a 38aa!!!!!!

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mileniwmffalcon · 05/04/2009 20:36

popsy - what's your dress size?

Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 20:53

well I think i am a 12 at the minute - though bottom half 12 is a bit big and top half 12 is sometimes a little snug in certain styles due to feeding ds3

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 20:54

y measurements ar

OP posts:
Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 20:57

oh gosh - i have three threads going about my boobs and lack of style

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mileniwmffalcon · 05/04/2009 20:57

at a 12 i would start you in a 34 and go from there. unless you have a very broad back/shoulders you are unlikely to be a 38

Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 20:58

i dont have a very broad back
thanks mileniamflacon

how can 'bra measurers' get it so wrong though

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BitOfFunnyBunny · 05/04/2009 20:58

The old way of adding inches to your back is just wrong. I am not surprised that a 34DD fits well, because that is correct! If you were to wear a 38A you would be getting no support whatsoever and pretty soon your boobs would be grazing your knees.

Original poster
popsycal · 05/04/2009 20:59

lol

so how can it al be so wrong

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mileniwmffalcon · 05/04/2009 20:59

the clue is when you say you're wearing a 34dd very comfortably - if it's giving you enough support under the boobs, not riding up, not diggin in excessively (at a 12 you're likelt to still see a little indentation but that's as it should be) and the fit on the cup is right then that's your size well, that's your size in that brand in that style lol.

Original poster
popsycal · 07/04/2009 20:26

oooh i hae bought 2 more 34 dd
i am loving beinh slimmer than I thought and]more buxom than i thought [wink[

OP posts:
Alibabaandthe40bunnies · 07/04/2009 23:26

oh my - I've just measured and using the new rules I am an H cup!! !!!

paddingtonbear1 · 07/04/2009 23:28

i went in john lewis today, wearing a 34b. Measuring lady takes one look, says nooo cup size too small. Came out with a 34d! In some makes I was a 32d!

RustyBunny · 08/04/2009 12:23

Thanks for this thread popsycal - I'm the same measurements as you, having lost a bit of weight recently, & I've been meaning to check my bra size for a while.

I put this thread & a couple of others as bookmarks on my iPhone so I could check up on the advice while I was trying on & have just come home with a couple of 34DDs - great fit, very comfortable.