ok, I found this info on the Victoria's Secret Web site, and got to measuring at home...

"Step One: Band Size
Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. The tape should rest on the lower band of your bra. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front.
Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. For example, if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size. If the resulting band size is an odd number like 33", you can usually go to the next even band size (34"), but you may also want to try the next lower band size (32")."


• So I measured for band size and came out with 32.5. So with the 5 added, that's 37.5, or a 38. Which is what I am now. Weird how every other part of my body is different, OTHER than that number.

"Step Two: Cup Size
Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. The difference between this measurement and your BAND size is your cup size. Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size. For example, if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.
if the difference is:
less than 1 inch =AA
1 inch =A
2 inches =B
3 inches =C
4 inches =D
5 inches = DD"

• My measurement was a 36.5...so if I'm doing this correctly, that'd make me an A cup? or an A 1/2....almost B?


Another site put me at a 36AA!!!!


I might cry...

That is the correct info. I work with bra fittings everyday. I would try both the A & AA and see what fits you better. Every bra style is going to fit a bit different. Due to the cut and material used.
Good luck
Kellsua

I've been wearing the same 38D bras I've worn for years (waiting for cash to get good new ones), and I would've SWORN I wasn't any smaller than a C, or at worst a B, the way they fit. maybe my bras have shrunk...

You might want to get fitted/measured by someone else. It's hard to measure yourself correctly.

Also, since your measurements are in half inches, you might be able to go down to a 36 inch band size which would bump up your cup size. You want to make sure the band is snug enough since most of a bras support comes from the band. Whenever I've been measured, they measure not just the band area, but also over and above the breasts to get a better feel for size.

Most women wear the wrong bra size (and probably have been for a long time), so it's always good to get fitted at a reputable store.

You're probably right, Zenor...I'll get measured by someone who knows what they're doing before I continue to spaz out.

??? But - the last time I measured myself around - I was 37. If I add 5 - that is 42. I curently wear a 36D and the bras I have fit me nicely - they are snug, but don't really leave marks - and my boobs do not spill out of the cups. I tried a 38 once, and it was too loose... so a 42 would be WAY too loose.

Anyone want some of my 36Fs? There's enough to around, sadly, lol.
I can't even shop at Victoria Secret. The most they go up to is 36D, and it's not even a real 36D. I hope when I lose weight I will also lose some of the 'girls', cause I don't what I'll do if I'm a 32 or 34 and still have F's.

Hi! I have another observation about the measurment thingy which might make going to a bra fitter even more attractive.

Think about the fullest part of the bust being measured on two women with the exact same amount of breast tissue. Woman A is nice and perky and was blessed with strong skin. Woman B was not so genetically gifted, and her girls like to just hang loose. So, Woman B's tissue is distributed over a larger vertical plane. Even though they have the exact same size breasts, Woman A would get a larger cup size from her measure than Woman B would.

So, don't spaz! Go find a qualified fitter and let her help you out!

Yeah, time for a fitter. I had the husband help me last night, and we came out with a 36C. So who knows? I was hoping to get out of paying $50 or more for a bra I may or may not be able to wear for too long, but maybe that part of my body is done shrinking.... Thanks y'all!!!

Stupid ? probably - you do measure cup size with a bra on, right?

You need to be properly fitted by a "professional" someone who knows what they are doing.

I thought that I was a 36D but like most women, I got fitted and lo, my band size was too big and the cup too small.

I have been properly fitted as a 34DD.

My jaw dropped to the floor. I am a bigger girl than I thought. It is a wonder I don't topple over.

VS actually go up to 38DD these days. Though finding a 34DD with a wide enough band to handle the extra skin under my arms/on my side was a challenge...... sometimes they can be all style and no substance. But sometimes a girl just wants to wear something frilly and to **** with anything else.

The ladies at Victoria Secret and not the best to fit you for a bra. Go to a big department store and get fitted. If you are on a budget, Penny's has bra fittings periodically.

You do not wear a bra when measuring. That would not be accurate.

For me, there's a 10 inch difference. I guess my breasts are OFF the CHARTS in a BIG way!

That's funny because in my mind it seemed like it would be more accurate, and then after I posted the question, I saw on VS site that you should measure yourself wearing an unlined or lightly lined bra. For me, at least after having 2 babies, it's kinda hard to measure them in their natural positions sans bra!