Self-measurements seem too big?
When I measure myself with a tape measure it seems to suggest I need around a size 32GG, but I can barely fill an unpadded 32G bra in all brands I've tried except Bravissimo half-cups. Am I measuring wrong or does anyone else experience this?
Measurements (inches):
Comfortable underbust: 32
Tight underbust: 31
Standing overbust: 41
Leaning overbust: 42
Filed under Bra sizing and fit
11 comments
The abtf calculator is way off for me as well. It suggests a 30G or so, and I typically wear 30F. In halfcups I can wear a 30ff (but the wires are far too wide).
It has to do with boob shape. Any calculator is a good starting point, but they aren't perfect.
What is your laying overbust? I find that to be my most accurate measurement (other people find the leaning to be best)
Measuring the difference between the full and under bust is an attempt to find how much breast tissue you have in order to calculate the cup size - but it isn't a perfect tool for a number of reasons. We aren't generally perfect cylinders. My ribcage narrows quite a bit between where my full bust sits and my under bust, and I often take a cup size smaller than what I measure, as my full/under difference isn't just breast tissue - it's breast and additional ribcage width. You also have to think about asymmetry (a friend has a two cup size difference between breasts - she has to go up from what her measurements indicate to fit the larger side), the shape of the bust (someone who's very full on the bottom may end up taking a cup or two larger in a bra designed for more shallow breasts), how closely set the cups are, wire width, etc.
Lastly, if you're calculating yourself, remember to figure the cup size difference from the band size you choose and not just the under bust. If you're going with a 32 band and your have a 41 full bust, that's a 9" difference. Both Sophisticated Pair and Breakout Bras suggests trying a 32G. If that fits you well in a Bravissimo half cup, you may just be a half cup girl - they tend to run a little more shallow in the bottom of the cup. You might also try a Freya half cup (some in a 32G and some in a 30GG - the bands are hit and miss, and may stretch like crazy) and see how they compare - the Patsy might be a good place to start.
Caveat to everything I just wrote: I haven't had coffee yet this morning. Good luck!
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