Quote:
Originally Posted by Alyssa Autopsy
how do i measure? i've never done it before.
To do your band size you measure your ribcage directly under your breasts tightly. I achieve this by measuring on an exhale instead of pulling the tape measure tight., it's not supposed to be TIGHT-tight. This is your band size. Do not add 4 inches like most directions will tell you. If you are wearing the wrong band size then wearing the correct one can be an adjustment. You are supposed to wear your bra on the last hook and as it stretches out over time you can move inward on the hooks.
To determine your cup size you measure your bust around the fullest part of your breasts. Personally, my boobs sag a bit so I bend at the waist, parallel to the floor, and measure across my nipples bent over so all of my breast tissue gets accounted for.
After you have these two measurements you subtract your underbust (band) from your bust and that number gives you your cup size.
For American sizing:
1" = A
2" = B
3" = C
4" = D
5" = DD
6" = DDD (In some brands like Freya and Panache this is an E cup)
7" = G (F cup in Freya and Panache)
8" = H (FF in Freya and Panache)
9" = I (G in Freya and Panache)
10" = J (GG in Freya and Panache)
11" = K (H in Freya and Panache)
12" = L (HH in Freya and Panache)
So for example. My underbust is 38" and my bust is 43" which leaves me with a 6" difference. So my band is a 38 and my cup is an E (I'm wearing a Freya bra).
Tip: Read reviews on a certain bra before you buy it if you are buying online (Which I could never do until I measured myself and found my real size). I also buy bras on eBay. You can find discontinued styles for $20. I've bought several $60 bras for $20 shipped with tags still on them. It's almost impossible for me to find a bra in my size in a store and not have it swallow me whole. I need a very specific cut of bra that doesn't usually get carried in my size in stores.
Sorry this was so lengthy. I like to be as clear as possible.