Bra sizing - seems unrealistic?

[ImagineKate]

So despite not being on HRT right now, but with plans to restart, I do like to dress up and I kind of do have some development from previous HRT and also naturally (gynecomastia). They are noticeable and have a bit of heft to them but they are not what I'd call big.

But I was trying the bra sizing calculator from 85b.org and it seems rather odd. It's saying that my size is 38C?

Here are my measurements:
Below: 34
Bust (over nipples, parallel to floor): 40
Above: 37

This was measured using their instructions, wearing a Barely There Customflex Fit bra.

Is this even realistic? I doubt that I am a C anything, or is my chest screwing up the calculator?

Any other calculators you'd recommend?

[Leila]

You could try http://www.brasizecalculator.tk/ It suggested that I was 32E, but in all honesty I think I am better off wearing a looser band and suit a 34D in certain styles. However I fit better in 34C with the balconette styles I prefer wearing.

Take the advice of most online calculators as a guide and try on the style you like the look of either side of the suggested size.

[Agent_J]

Unfortunately, I have found that the formulas for bra sizing is only a very rough guide for starting sizing and there is no replacement for actually trying them on. Each manufacturer and model has differences in the fit (and there was research some years ago that found there were 19 unique measurements that actually affected bra fit - the various manufacturers use and models are made by certain assumptions of those other measurements.) My wife, for example, has had bras fit that were labeled everything from 36E to 36H (and had at least one in that range not fit, as well.)

[ImagineKate]

My wife is a 36D. I tried one of hers and it almost fits. It was loose though.

[Cindy]

This may sound silly but - go to a bra shop and get measured. Save you a lot of money and discomfort in the long run

[ImagineKate]

This may sound silly but - go to a bra shop and get measured. Save you a lot of money and discomfort in the long run

Slowly but surely building up the courage to do so...

[DarkFrost]

The best way to get the right measurements and bra that fits properly is to go to a bra store (is that a correct English term?)

[JoanneB]

I think every size calculator is whacked. Or perhaps it my whacked body shape. Just moving the tape measure on my chest an inch or two will give a 3-4 inch change in diameter.

To make things even more exciting, just like all things clothing all sizes are not created equal. The fit varies by brand and styles. A big part of the reason why most women find something that works and sticks with it.

[bibilinda]

I used to rely on those online bra size calculators. Then never worked for me because their formulas can either totally be correct or totally be off, even by a small variation of what you write in the fields, so bottom line, they all seem to be "hit or miss" calculators.

NOTE: I just tried the bra size calculator you mentioned, at http://www.85b.org/ and IT DID WORK FINE for me, and for what I think is your size. The trick is NOT TO write anything in the "above" field and MEASURE CORRECTLY, which you may achieve if you continue reading my message. --Measuring the way I suggest, does work fine for me--.

I measure both underbust and breasts with the tape under my back, at the same position where I actually place the bra band, which is rather lower than parallel to the floor.  So the tape measure circumference around my ribcage and breasts is not a straight line; it is rather an ascending line, from a lower point in the back to a higher point underbust and over the nipples.

I use a sizing guide that most bra manfacturers use as well (shown below), and It did finally help me get my CORRECT bra size, which is 40B. If you measured correctly --only underbust and over-nipple measurements are needed, not above breasts-- then IMO you are a 38B.

NOTE: I DO NOT measure my breasts with a bra on, as they suggest. I do it topless. That way I get the correct size.

****HERE IS THE BRA MEASURING TABLE FROM HANES, TAKEN FROM AMAZON.COM:****

Hanes Women's Bra Sizing Chart
Difference
(in inches)   Cup Size
1   A
2   B
3   C
4   D
5   DD (or E)
6   F
7   G
8   H

Bra Measuring Instructions and Sizing
Use a standard dressmaker's tape measure. For best results, have someone else measure you. If between sizes, buy the larger size.

1. Band Measurement:
* Take a snug measurement around your rib cage, under your bust and shoulder
    blades.
* If you get an even number, add 4 inches.
    Example: 30" + 4" = 34"
* If you get an odd number, add 5 inches.
    Example: 31" + 5" = 36"
* This is your band size.

2. Bust Measurement:
* With bra on and clothes off, take a loose measurement around the fullest part of your
    bust.
    Example: 36"

3. Determine Cup Size:
* Subtract Band Measurement (from Step 1) from Bust Measurement (from Step 2)
    Example: 36" - 34" = 2"
* Use the chart below to determine your Cup Size:
    Example: 2" = B Cup

Cheers and good luck!!!

Bibi B.

So despite not being on HRT right now, but with plans to restart, I do like to dress up and I kind of do have some development from previous HRT and also naturally (gynecomastia). They are noticeable and have a bit of heft to them but they are not what I'd call big.

But I was trying the bra sizing calculator from 85b.org and it seems rather odd. It's saying that my size is 38C?

Here are my measurements:
Below: 34
Bust (over nipples, parallel to floor): 40
Above: 37

This was measured using their instructions, wearing a Barely There Customflex Fit bra.

Is this even realistic? I doubt that I am a C anything, or is my chest screwing up the calculator?

Any other calculators you'd recommend?

[ImagineKate]

Thanks. 38B does seem more realistic. This is me with a lightly padded 38B. Apologies for the quality but my phone has a lot of dust in the camera lens. LOL yes I am fat, looking to lose some of the tummy as part of my transition plan.

[Eris]

This may be a silly question, but I'm assuming that when you're taking your measurements that you inhale?

[Ms Grace]

The chest/rib cage we are lumbered with is generally different for cis women. The same measurements are likely to result in quite a different overall breast/chest shape and size.

[ImagineKate]

This may be a silly question, but I'm assuming that when you're taking your measurements that you inhale?

I don't do anything. I just take them. Are you supposed to?

[ImagineKate]

The chest/rib cage we are lumbered with is generally different for cis women. The same measurements are likely to result in quite a different overall breast/chest shape and size.

I am realizing that

The good news though is that I'm not terribly tall or big. 5'8" and not that muscular.

[Eris]

I don't do anything. I just take them. Are you supposed to?

I'm just thinking that your chest will expand when you fill your lungs.
Would your bra be a little tight if you measured when your lungs were empty and then took a deep breath.
I've yet to buy one but I imagine that they have a little give in them.
I'm probably overthinking this XD

[ImagineKate]

 Turns out the measurement is 0.5" less when I'm relaxed. Apparently the previous measurement was when I breathed in.