Bra sizing - I don't get it

[Moosy]

I measure 31" round my ribs and 34" round my (pregnant) boobs. I'm currently wearing a 32B which still fits round the ribs but I'm overflowing out the top. According to the sizing charts on Next and M&S websites I should be a 36A, but surely that would be too big round the ribs?

I DON'T UNDERSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAND!!!!!

I measure 35" under and 40" over.

Was fit by Bravissimo (who don't measure btw...they just look at your size/shaoe and try lots of bras on you in roughly the right size til they find the right fit) a few weeks ago and am a 34G (am also pregnant) - though admittedly I now have the bit round the ribs on the loosest setting.

Do not add inches onto the rib measurement ever.

I'd guess you're more like a 32D. When I was fit at Bravissimo they advised that cos I'm pregnant to get the bra to fit so the back fits on the tightest setting so you can expand it as your bump expands and have a the cup a little on the large size as they're likely to grow as pregnancy progresses.

See that makes more sense, so why do all the sizing guides add 4/5 inches?

I bought a 32C last week and that fitted but I've grown another inch since then, this is going to get expensive!

"See that makes more sense, so why do all the sizing guides add 4/5 inches?"

No idea...but it's why my sister wore a 36A for 20 odd years before finding out she was a 32DD

I've never understood why bras are sized the way they are. Who thought of that? Why measure under the bust and then add four inches? Why? Why not measure under the bust, use that measurement and add inches for the cup size? I don't know why womens' sizing is so ridiculous. Why do we have to buy in 12, 14 or whatever when men can just buy by the ACTUAL measurement of their waist or chest. You would get a better fit then surely.

Moosy- try a 32C or 32D.

I have always worn a 34A- then I grew and went into a 34B- but my rib cage only measures 30 inches. I am a size 8-10 overall.

I am now wearing 32Cs and have 1 34C which I admit is a bit baggy on the cup.

It all depends on the bra as well- some M&S 32" won't even fasten across my back, whereas most 34" are too loose.

I find I am getting a better "look" by wearing a smaller back size and a bigger cup.

Crafty - I measure the same as you and have been wearing 38 B/C forever

I've always thought I'm too "big" to be 34 anything!

Bravissimo you say?.........

my friend told me today that I was at least a C cup! Have always bought 36 B but today I tried on a 34 B and it fit so much better!

I don't understand either. like mrsmerryweather I'm an 8-10 (and would say the 8 mainly the top half!) and yet I often find that 32Bs cut into my ribs and - worse - leave protruding flabby bits at the side. So I go for the 34B and find it's just a little bit too big all over...sigh...

bellis- you need a 32C I'd say- and you will get used to the tighter band- I have.