Some of you girls might know this...I need to find out what my size is for my chest surgery and I am at a complete loss. I have never worn a bra before, so I have no idea! I googled it and every time I try to do the calculations I end up with a negative number...that can't be right.
More specifically I need to know my cup size (to determine if I can have a peri or need the regular bilateral).
Help? I keep getting all this stuff about take measurement here, add four (or five, depends on the site) round up if it's odd, subtract certain number from certain number...ARGH.
How do you REALLY do it??
Once you learn how to do it, it should be pretty simple. I must admit, however, that the first time can be a real headache.
Follow this link (http://www.sportsauthority.com/sm-determine-your-cup-size--bg-222864.html). ;)
I believe this is clearer:
QuoteUsing a measuring tape, take a snug measurement around the rib cage, directly under the bust. If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches to determine band size.
Cup Measurement Using a measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of the bust (do not stretch tape tightly). Then, take the difference between this measurement and the band size measurement to determine the cup size.
If the difference is:
* 1 inch ... you are a cup size A
* 2 inches ... you are a cup size B
* 3 inches ... you are a cup size C
* 4 inches ... you are a cup size D
* 5 inches ... you are a cup size DD
* 6 inches ... you are a cup size DDD
tinkerbell :icon_chick:
Easy, Lane, easy.
Just measure just below your bust. That is your band size. Band sizes are usually sized by even numbers (36, 38, 40...)
Then measure around the fullest part of your bust. That number should be bigger than your band size. Subtract the two. The number of inches difference determines your cup size. Adding additional numbers to the band size is usually done to accommodate expansion of the band size so you have a wide range of adjustments of your bra so it will fit comfortably. I have ignored that and found bras that fit comfortably, but then again my cup size is small.
Anyway, the difference between the two numbers determines your cup size.
Less than 1 = aa
1 inch = a
2 inch = b
3 inch = c
And so on.
That's really all there is to it.
Ask back if you have any other questions!
-Sandy (I can't believe I just did that!)
I've always wondered why you measure the ribcage below the breasts -- and then add 5 inches (or 3 inches if the measurement is more than 33 inches) to arrive at the band size.
Then there's the method where you measure above the breasts just under the armpits and arrive at the band size directly, i.e., a measurement of 38 inches equals a band size of 38 inches. But some say it isn't as accurate as the first method...
I found the Bra Size Calculator (http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php), but that only gets you closer to the ballpark -- kinda' like the way my foot fits some 10N shoes but on others only an 11W will do, with other shoes that fit my feet just fine being "10W" or "11N".
Of course there are the rack stores where you grab several sizes and try them on, or the boutiques with experienced fitters who also know the lines' size variations and can suggest several different styles that should suit your frame and figure.
Then there's the crapshoot of the internet... :embarrassed:
Karen
Quote from: Tinkerbell on March 05, 2007, 08:26:58 PM
Once you learn how to do it, it should be pretty simple. I must admit, however, that the first time can be a real headache.
Follow this link (http://www.sportsauthority.com/sm-determine-your-cup-size--bg-222864.html). ;)
I believe this is clearer:
QuoteUsing a measuring tape, take a snug measurement around the rib cage, directly under the bust. If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches to determine band size.
Cup Measurement Using a measuring tape, measure around the fullest part of the bust (do not stretch tape tightly). Then, take the difference between this measurement and the band size measurement to determine the cup size.
If the difference is:
* 1 inch ... you are a cup size A
* 2 inches ... you are a cup size B
* 3 inches ... you are a cup size C
* 4 inches ... you are a cup size D
* 5 inches ... you are a cup size DD
* 6 inches ... you are a cup size DDD
tinkerbell :icon_chick:
but...but...agh! If I have an even number I don't add five, and I have an odd number I add five? Wouldn't that make for a very large bra if I were going to be wearing one?? And if I add five to it, that makes it larger than the amt of the fullest part. LOL. So then I get a negative number, and, much as I'd prefer it, I don't have inverted boobs.
*sigh*
Ok. How about this. I'm 32" underneath, 36" on the fullest part, and 33" above (if I put the tape measure around and under my armpits). What cup size do I tell the surgeon?
Quote from: Lane on March 05, 2007, 10:58:20 PM
but...but...agh! If I have an even number I don't add five, and I have an odd number I add five? Wouldn't that make for a very large bra if I were going to be wearing one?? And if I add five to it, that makes it larger than the amt of the fullest part. LOL. So then I get a negative number, and, much as I'd prefer it, I don't have inverted boobs.
*sigh*
I noticed this was omitted too. If it's even you only add 4.
Melissa
Quote from: Lane on March 05, 2007, 10:58:20 PM
but...but...agh! If I have an even number I don't add five, and I have an odd number I add five? Wouldn't that make for a very large bra if I were going to be wearing one?? And if I add five to it, that makes it larger than the amt of the fullest part. LOL. So then I get a negative number, and, much as I'd prefer it, I don't have inverted boobs.
*sigh*
Ok. How about this. I'm 32" underneath, 36" on the fullest part, and 33" above (if I put the tape measure around and under my armpits). What cup size do I tell the surgeon?
Lane it sounds like you are between a "C" and "D" cup. The increase in band size (3,4,5 inches) allows for a comfortable fit. If you ordered a 32D, the band clasps in back would be on the last most hooks. If you went in any tighter it could be uncomfortable. By adding a couple of inches to the band size, you allow yourself to clasp the bra on the middle hooks. Also it allows the cups to naturally hang more directly over your breasts.
Regardless, tell the surgeon that you a re 42 regular long. Sorry! Sorry! Just messing with you!
If you tell the surgeon that you are a 32D you will be thanked for the information then you will be measured again at you next visit. He isn't going to base the entire operation on your simple measurements! He probably just wants a ball park figure so he can start planning the surgery. He'll want specific information taken personally by himself.
BTW: Good luck on the surgery! Keep us posted on how it goes, OK?
-Sandy (42 days and counting)
Seriously?? I thought I was closer to a B based on the looks of other peoples' chests in comparison. :o I wear a "small" or "x-small" in an underworks binder, and small sports bras, and I guess I always assumed D's would be a bit uh...larger? God I hope I'm not a D, that means I can't have the type of surgery I was hoping for (you have to be an A or a B for it).
*pulls out hair*
I am so ready to get rid of these things...
Quote from: Kassandra on March 06, 2007, 12:14:35 AM
Lane it sounds like you are between a "C" and "D" cup.
Somehow I doubt this is correct. The difference between my 2 measurements is about 5 inches, but I'm only a b cup.
Melissa
Seconded, I'm about 34 under and 40 over and I wear 34A's, I need to go replace them with 34B's when I have some cash but I don't mind them being a little tight.
To work out the cup size you do have to add 4-5 inches then follow the guide, if it was the straight up difference then I would have started with a C cup :o.
Unfortunately it's really best to go try on a few which I take it would be your idea of hell, these measures are wildly inaccurate at best, I'd just send your surgeon measures and let him just work it out himself.
*sighs* I guess I could do that. 'Cause if I add 4 or 5 inches to the first measurement (underneath) then subtract that from the top measurement I either get 0 or -1...depending on how much I add. I guess I'm just disproportionate?
Part of it too is the, um, perkiness, as far as going Peri or double incision. You can get away with a larger cup size for peri with less saggy man-boobs.
As a straight guy, I usually do a visual guess. AA is too small to see. A you can see with a tight shirt, but not too well with a baggy one. B is a comfortable handful (ok that's not visual, but whatever), C is an overflowing handful, etc. D is pretty big. I can't see from what I see of your build that you'd be a D unless you're a bit disproportionate.
If you can handle it, the easiest way to figure this out is just to go to a department store, grab a bunch that you think might be close and try 'em on. Not sports bras, but regular ones. Then just walk out without buying anything. At least you'll have your size. Size varies somewhat within brands, but it'll be close enough to tell the surgeon. Otherwise, measuring for yourself is going to get confusing. People do this stuff professionally - fit measurements to bra sizes.
Or, steal one of your mother's for a minute and check the cup size. Guesstimate based on that. Unless your mother and you are totally different. The band size obviously won't matter if you're different there.
Dennis
I might be able to convince my mother into getting into this little endeavor. I think I'd get some REALLY weird looks going into a department store changing room with a bunch of bras since I pretty much pass as a guy all the time now! :D It's weird to think of a situation now where I would WANT to be perceived as a girl...heh. Anyway. I will ask my mom.