This post has been updated January, 27, 2020.
Note, I purchased all these bras myself, but this post does contain Amazon affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
All women know the look.
One second, everything is fine.
Then maybe it’s a boisterous laugh, bending over to grab something, or you know, literally any movement at all.
*snap*
Time stops.
You know those medical miracle news stories where they show x-rays of dudes with nails in their heads that somehow missed every vital area, one day, that will be me.
Except instead of a nail to the face, you’ll see an x-ray of my chest cavity on the screen with half a u-shaped bra wire narrowly missing my beating human heart.
Wire snaps happen to the best of us, even more so when our bras are cheap, old, or ill fitting.
From 1989 to 2014, I was in an abusive relationship with my breasts.
At 8 bound them down with bandages, at 17 they hung below the table during strip poker, and at 28 they began to rest adorably in my arm pits when I lay down. I’ve spent over two decades hating them, cursing them, and stuffing them into ill-fitting pretty things.
I have really big, heavy, and saggy boobs.
Halter tops and tube tops were never an option. Thin strapped tank tops weren’t really doable. Heck, walking into a store and leaving with a bra that actually fit me just wasn’t a thing that ever happened.
My life has been full of a lot of fashion scenarios that just didn’t work out.
I’ve been measured in brick and mortar stores numerous times, always getting a different number but the same result: me stuffing my boobs into bras that didn’t fit.
Spilling over, oozing out the side, snapping wires; I was a mess.
All of this changed when I learned how to properly measure my breasts and invest in properly sized bras, and the perks of this include that I end up spending less money on pricier, well constructed bras that actually fit and last, and I could DIY this whole entire thing myself, in my own house.
That’s right, not in a small, poorly lit dressing room over the stupid bra I walked in wearing while the instrumental version of Good As Hell serenaded the frustrated girl with a measuring tape trying to pressure me into an infinity D sized bra.
I measured myself in 5 minutes while eating pie and watching Riverdale, and then ordered my bras from the internet, the way God intended.
How-To
A few years ago, I shared a really great how-to video disputing everything you thought you knew about bra sizing, and I’m standing here years later confidently saying, it was totally right.
You can watch the video in length for great discussion about how to properly fit yourself for a bra, but I’m going to break it down real quick below in three easy steps.
Okay, take your bra off and throw it in the fire.
(Just kidding, wait until your new bras come, then burn them in a fire surrounded by your best friends while you curse all men and howl at the moon.)
- Take a fabric measuring tape, put it around your rib cage where your bra band would sit, and exhale. Write down that number, it’s your band size. Mine is 38.
- Bend over at a 90 degree angle. Yup, your boobs should be dangling and you suddenly remember why you always wear a bra during doggy style. Wrap the measuring tape loosely around your back and dangling bust, and write that number down. Mine is 49.
- Now it’s time for some math. Take those two numbers and subtract them. (i.e. 49-38 = 11) Now take that number and check out the chart to determine your cup size.
Tip: Most online ordering is done using UK Sizing, which is way more consistent than US Sizing, if you can believe it.
*stares at you in womens jean*
All reputable bra sellers should stipulate whether they use US or UK sizing on their websites, so you may need to look around for it to be sure.
I am a 38H. AAAAAAAAAAA-CH.
Your first time ordering your correct bra size is terrifying. I mean, the size sounds cartoonishly huge, and goes against everything we have all been told about normal boob sizes.
I’m a 38 year old mom in Ohio, not a fetish porn category, amirite?
Narrator: She was not right.
Finding bras and figuring out my size and breast type has been a journey, and it’s easy to get discouraged when the first one you order doesn’t fit. Return it and keep trying.
This is something you wear everyday. It should be comfortable and supportive, and this is me giving you the permission you need to prioritize this care and purchase.
Now I’m going to show you some of my absolutely favorite bras, one that’s a big hot mess, and leave you with some must-have tips to start you on this journey. I may not have the perfect answers for you, but this is a great place to start.
Everyday Bras
Freya Women’s Starlight Side Support
This is my current fave. I wear it with almost everything right now, because it provides enough coverage that I’m never spilling out of it, and you don’t see the outline of it in any of my shirts.
Also, If you find yourself spilling out of the sides of a bra, lean forward and scoop all of that “armpit fat” forward into the cup, because chances are, it’s not just fat, it’s breast tissue.
This is a UK sized bra, I am wearing a 38H.
Curvy Kate Victory Balcony Bra
Curvy Kate was the first big-girl bra brand that I fell in love with, because it just got me. The cups fit great, the wire didn’t come up so high it dug into my armpits, and it was cute as hell.
I get a lot of lift from this bra, and absolutely no spillage. Sexy full-coverage bra say what?
I also highly recommend their swimwear. The bikini tops are sized like bras, this the the smartest brand ever created, everyone else can just go home.
This is a UK sized bra, I am wearing a 38H.
Glamorise Women’s Plus Size Front Close T-Back
Alright, two amazing things are happening here. First, front clasp bras are the tits. I love them, they are so easy to put on, and actually really hot to undo during sex, so there’s that.
But this bra also has a t-back which makes it perfect for racerback shirts, sure. But it’s also a wide enough t-back that it actually smooths out all my back lumps and it so incredibly comfortable.
Guys, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but sometimes wearing racerback bras turns me into the Hulk. It’s like the pressure between my shoulders hits some nerve that makes me want to crawl out of my skin and murder people. This bra does none of that, so you are welcome, all of humanity, you’re safe for now.
I find the bands of this brand to fit small on me, so with some trial and error, I’ve landed on 40G being my perfect fit.
Curvy Kate Dreamcatcher Balcony Bra
The Dreamcatcher is one of the very first bras I purchased, and it remains a staple in my wardrobe. it’s very light, nude, and you don’t see the lace through my shirt fabric.
This balcony bra is what I wear with all my low-cut shirts because it gives me the best separation and cleavage. These big girls can uniboob like no other and need to be tamed on the regular.
This is a UK sized bra, I am wearing a 38H.
Curvy Kate Lifestyle Plunge https://amzn.to/2RTslsK
Oh girl, you know what this bra is, don’t you?
It’s my Lizzo “baby, I’m the whole damn meal” bra.
This bra is sheer but stretchy. It’s low cut and perfect for my v-neck obsession, but also really, really comfy. And it gives me absolutely zero side boob attitude.
This is a UK sized bra, I am wearing a 38H.
Sports Bras
Glamorise Double Layer Custom Control Sports Bra
I am going to feature these sports bras from highest to lowest impact. This Glamorise Double layer bra is hands-down the most supportive sports bra I’ve ever owned. This bra is wireless, and you can actually adjust how high you want the top cover to fit and lift you.
The pros of the bra are that I get almost no bounce from it, and it’s really easy to adjust. I primarily mountain bike, so I lean forward a lot. I hate spilling out the top of the bra, and that is never an issue here.
The cons are that because it’s wireless, I don’t have much separation, and the pressure of the support cover binds my boobs down kinda low and flat. But again, I gladly accept all of that for the support this thing gives me.
Again, These bands are small on me, I am wearing a 42G.
Livi Active High-Impact Sports Bra
The best part of this bra is that the straps are entirely adjustable, giving me lots of lift, and while I might not be looking for that while biking, I do like it while running on the field while coaching my soccer team. Also, the underwires provide separation, which means no swamp boobs, and that’s a perk for the people who hang out with me after the game.
I found this bra in-store at Lane Bryant, and it’s always an exciting adventure when us big-boobied ladies get to shop in person!
The is a US sized bra, and with some fitting room work, I determined a 42G fits best.
Torrid Lightly Lined Sports Bra
Alright listen, I love Torrid. I find loads of really cute clothes there, and their leggings are life. But lord do I struggle with their bras. I want to include them here because I know lots of people love Torrid bras, and they always recommend them to me, and trust me when I say, I’ve tried tons of them. This sports bra is the only one I haven’t returned.
First, this is a comfortable bra in that it’s light, soft, and doesn’t poke me anywhere or anything. However, I can do zero sports in this bra, because the anti-bounce support just isn’t there for me.
I have very long, heavy boobs, and the majority of the fat sits at the bottom of them. Torrid bras and bathing suits have very shallow cups, so they don’t work as well for me, at all. Things get really jiggling really fast in their bras, and that’s great for sex, but bad for yoga.
However, I do enjoy this bra, and wear it when I need something a little more sturdy than an everyday bra, but not anything that’s going to help me climb a mountain. I love this bra for theme parks, in fact, I call it my Disney bra because it whisks away moisture and keeps me supported hiking around a park, but also gives me great lift and a cute look under my tank top.
This is a US sized bra, but Torrid only fits up to an H cup, so 40H seems to be the best fit I can get there.
Sleep Bras
I know there are millions of women in this world that come home, take their bras off, and exhale. I am not one of them.
As much as I sometimes loath bras, I hate the sweaty, skin on skin stickiness I get from going braless, especially when I sleep.
So, while I don’t ditch my bras the second I get home, I do often change into a way more comfortable version.
The Genie bra is my absolutely favorite sleep bra. Yeah, there is zero shame in my Made-For-TV game, y’all. I grabbed one of these from the shelf while checking out at Walmart, and I’ve kept a drawer full of them ever since.
As far as wireless bras go, I actually get a bit of separation from them, and they are really soft and breathable.
Bonus: These make the perfect starter bras for tweens and teens who don’t need cups or underwires yet, my daughter loves hers!
I am wearing a size XL.
I was completely unaware how fun and soft these Cacique wireless bras were until I came across one on the clearance rack in Lane Bryant. Since then, I always look for them on sale, because they are so nice to slip into when I’m just not having it anymore with my underwires.
Which is, admittedly, often.
Cacique uses US sizing, I am wearing a 40G.
Third Love is so confusing to my soul. Hands down, they make the most comfortable bras I’ve ever, ever worn.
Seriously, it’s like being motor-boated by an angel.
The fabric is soft, the straps are heavenly, even the band feels amazing.
But, I just cannot get the lift I need from them, no matter that I do. I think the problem lies in the fact that I can’t get the straps adjusted as much as I need to, because the strap just doesn’t allow for you to have full access to the whole thing.
So, while I wouldn’t wear this out of the house, it is one of my most favorite bras to be a homebody in.
I am wearing a 36H.
Strapless Bras
Wacoal Plus Size Red Carpet Strapless
Best strapless bra I’ve ever owned, period, end of story.
It stays up, like, for real.
It’s smooth and you can’t see it under your clothes.
It doesn’t make your boobs a weird shape.
I love it like no other.
I am wearing a size 38G.
Curvy Kate Women’s Luxe Strapless
This strapless bra gives me lots of lift, and when I am wearing something with a tight bodice and thin straps, this Luxe strapless works great. It also has a bit of padding, a nice round shape that comes up higher on my boob than the Wacoal, and does stay up relatively well.
It does, however, show in looser shirts, and sometimes makes my boobs look a little weird.
This is a UK sized bra, I am wearing a 38H.
Brassy Bra Size DD-DDDD/ European G
Um.
That Facebook ad is a liar.
I ordered the largest size available in this “bra” and it held these jugs up for exactly 5 minutes, and I wasn’t sweaty, no lotion, nothing. It was comical.
I wish these things worked guys, and I will say, they are very soft, stretchy and comfortable to put on and remove, but nah. They don’t work for me.
Perhaps if I used two on each side? But honestly, you get one use out of these stick-ons, and they’re expensive, so I wasn’t about to waste them. I figure I’ll pass them on to someone with lighter boobs than my own.
Tips
Check your band. When trying on a bra, if you are hooking the clasp on the innermost (tightest) hook size right off the bat, get a smaller bra. Bras stretch, not shrink, so it will only get looser as time goes on, and you’ll have no way to make that band fit snugger.
When in doubt, size down. Again, bras stretch, so if you find yourself between band sizes, I prefer to go with the smaller band size, knowing eventually, it will stretch to what I need it to do.
Keep the proportion. Bands and cups are typically sized proportionately. So if you need to buy a bigger band but the cup fit fine, try going up a band size, but down one cup size.
For example, if the 38H I ordered is too tight around the band, I’ll try a 40G, instead. If the 38H is too loose, I’d try a 36HH.
Check the goring. If your bra gaps, and doesn’t lay flat against your sternum in the front, it’s not the right size. The goring should be against your skin, keeping those boobs in their cups and supported.
You got this! Don’t get discouraged. Just because one brand doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean you’re doomed to never having a great bra. Keep trying until you find the brand that fits your body.
Final Thoughts:
As women, we experience virtually zero standard of sizing across any other form of fashion, why on Earth do we assume bras would be any different?
This is why it’s so hard to accept our correct (and often larger) bra measurements, because the systems we are used to are not accurate, but rather, available.
We are being fit into what is available to us in stores based on what society thinks is an appropriate size to offer, and we’ve accepted it because we’re afraid of being abnormal or large or different… when the fact is, I am not any of those things, and neither are you.
Not wanting to be a certain bra size is not the same as not being that size. Give it a try. I promise you, people are not going to guess what your bra size is in a well fitting bra, but they can absolutely tell what size you aren’t in a bra that doesn’t fit.
City Chic (citychiconline.com) is having a 50% lingerie sale and they have sizes up to 46J. I am about to take the plunge and buy myself a bra based on these new measurements. P.S. this website also has really awesome clothes for sizes 14+.
Hello!
Been following your blog for awhile, first time commented :)
So I’ve been wearing either a 32C or 32D for years but the band was SO loose! Like if I had to lift my arms up over my head, I would have to then tuck my boobs back into my bra after. Awkward.
I just went and got sized at a specialty shop and finally bought bras that for real fit me!!!! 30D and 30DD! Say what?!?!?! And to tell you the truth, I’d really like to try a 28 band too now that I tried measuring myself at home with your instructions. My under my boob area measures just under 28 inches, and my over the nipple area is 34.
But I am now on the hunt for more bras that actually fit as I can’t possibly go back to wearing those bras that clearly don’t fit! And 2 fitting bras isn’t quite enough!
And oddly enough, my bf commented when I got home and did a quick fashion show (obviously!) that the new bras made me chest area look thiner and narrower. If that makes sense? And I totally see it. My boobs are actually in front of my body now! Instead of, strangely out to the side?!
Hooray!!!!!!
WOOHOOO! I am so excited for you, and also, I know exactly what you mean. Here I am wearing a BIGGER bra, and instead of my fear of looking huge, I look thinner and more narrow. It’s amazing. AMAZING.
I bought a better fitting bra and someone asked me, “How much more weight have you lost?” I hadn’t lost any since he’d seen me last, it was just that my tatas were where they were supposed to be!
I wear 28s, and it makes all the difference! I’m actually a 26, so I buy 28s and get the bands altered. Gotta get crafty sometimes!
I just bought a 28 now yesterday, OH MY GOSH! So excited! Fits absolutely perfect! Feels like a million dollars. I am now wearing a 28E. What the shit. Oh well! Looks and feels great!
Zulily http://www.zulily.com/invite/soonergirrl3020988 has Curvy Kate’s on sale today up to 80% off.
Is there a way to tell what sizing guidelines the bra you’re looking at is in? I would be a 38K in US or a 38H in UK but there is also an “H” in US sizes that will not fit me :D
Herroom.com using “universal” sizing. You put in what size you wear in what brand bra and it will then tell you your “universal” size. Like I’m a 34D3 which is either a 34E in UK sizes or 34F US.
I’m 18 and a 28 HH and ALWAYS had ill fitting bras until I discovered Bravissimo. It’s a company in the UK but they are absolutely amazing, saved my life!
I’m 18 with a 28 HH! Bravissimo saved my life, and even thug the bras are expensive they are so worth it!
I have a question. I clicked on the link for the Curvy Kate’s bras and if they are supposed to be for curvy girls that are buxom, why do they have a model that basically has no boobs? I did myself a huge favor about 11 yrs. ago. I had a breast reduction. Its the BEST thing I have EVER done for myself! And my insurance covered it so its NOT considered a cosmetic procedure.
I had a reduction too, and for me as well, BEST thing ever. No more neck adjustments every month or so. No more shoulder pain. No more tits wildly disproportionate to the rest of my body.
Some women love having an enormous rack, and that’s great. But for those of us who are less comfortable with our self-image, or who have physical problems, a reduction doesn’t make you flat-chested. It just looks natural.
They probably use models with sizes at the low end of their range, but the ones I saw were a decent representation of me and I’m a 34E in Curvy Kate’s.
I just want some pretty bras and I don’t want to pay a fortune for them! Apparently I have been in the wrong size for years. I am a 46h . I never thought of myself as having huge boobs :(
I just upgraded to a DD and thought, “Hot dog, now THIS is the bra for me!”
According to this, I should have upgraded to an I.
AN I.
I
Oh lord.
OK, am I the only one who hates to order a bra I haven’t tried on first?
Are you ladies ordering from the formula, or are you ordering a couple sizes?
(I just can’t seem to leap from DD to I, in my head.)
Wearing an underwire bra makes my boobs feel separated from my body – I feel as though when I move they might not follow. Gave them up a LONG time ago!
I will look into these bras you recommend; hopefully, they will come in a non-wire option.
Thank YOU for the measuring tip! Maybe someone should let Lane Bryant know they are measuring incorrectly – I’ve certainly been one of their victims!
xo
I have the sads these do not come in my size!
They may not have your size on Amazon, as the sizes are sometimes limited there, but on the main sites CurvyKate.com and Panache-lingerie.com, they go up to a larger size. Worth a check!
In case you haven’t found this yet.
http://bustygirlcomics.com/
This must be the time of year to buy bras. I wrote a blog post about it last month when I picked up 6 of them. I sized myself on just how they fit and got 42B. For shits and giggles, I just tried measuring your way and I am 41 3/4″ around the ribcage and 47″ when I bend over. I put it on very loosely when bent over. So according to the chart you have, I’d be a DD. That just won’t work for me. I do “fill” the B cup without running over/bulging out. All the C’s I’ve tried on, the cup is half empty on top. It looks and feels terrible! It’s obviously too big. I’m not saying you or the chart is wrong but I also think you have to go by what looks and feels good. I’m not confident enough to take a picture of me in my bra and put it on my blog (or anywhere else). I so admire you and your efforts to help women get clothes that fit. Now if someone would help me get shoes that fit without trying them on. I have a high instep, a high arch and WIDE feet. I’d love to order from Zappos.
Haha! My teenaged girls and I just whipped off our tops and measured ourselves. We are all in the wrong bras!
I just ordered a bra by curvy kate today!!! Thanks to Amazon Prime it’ll be here Friday!! Can’t wait to try it on!!! Love the Panache bra that you found I have it, and love it!!! I checked out http://www.Bustygirlcomics.com and can’t stop laughing!!! Happy shopping and thanks for your amazing blog!!!
So…I’ve always considered myself flat chested. And then, post-kids– I considered myself ….uh…flappy-chested? I don’t know- bras look gross on me.
Then I tried this. I was kind of bowled over…32 E?? Really? I’ve been wearing 38 B for YEEEARS. Everyone would laugh at me. I look like I have nothing. My tummy sticks out more than my boobs.
So I went to Bloomingdales. I found a 32 E. I went the the fitting room and the attendant stopped and said, “Oh, maam? This is a 32 E…is…that what you wanted?”
I described the fitting theory and my findings. She kind of laughed and shrugged, and I blushed and shut the door. I looked down at the bra. To look at it, it wasn’t as big as I would have thought. I put it on. The band was tight. And I really shook my “flaps” into the cups and closed my eyes as I stood up.
You could have knocked me over.
I had boobs. They were real boobs. Not flaps. No sludgy overhang. No weird protrusions in the back.
And then I told people. Immediately my busty friends and my busty sister in law jumped all over me. “Have you ever even SEEN a bra that big? How is that possible?”
HA! Bitches.
Anyway. This is great. Thanks for giving me real boobs. :)
This is…. AMAZING! I am so excited for you and your boobs! ROCK ON!
Why, if I’m a 34D, do my breasts look so small under clothes? That’s what I want to know.
Hmm I’ll have to give this a try. I’m skeptical though because my band size is such that the bra makers assume I have ginormous boobs when I don’t. I wear Avenue because they come in a 48, but only if I get a D, which I don’t *quite* fill out. I fill out a 46C with no spillage, but then I get stabbed in my arm flab because my side/armpit boobage pushes the wires that way. Thanks for the info!
The funny thing is, I remember when I was like really young, about 20 years ago I was told this was the correct way to measure, but then as I got older and got “professionally measured” none of them used this so I guess I just assumed that they knew what they were doing. Ha.
A proper fitting bra is a girls best friend, I just discovered the goddess bra line from freshpair.com. Added bonus one that fits well totally makes you look 10 lbs lighter
I just tried the formula and found it didn’t work for me. I wear a 36F which fits everything in nicely and doesn’t ride up my back but my measurements were 40 and 49, standing upright they were 40 47 which does give me the right cup size in uk sizing but I would reccomend downsizing the other measurement since there’s nothing more annoying than having to pull down your bra all day long.
That’s odd. A 36 should be 4 inches too small if your ribcage is measuring 40″.
Oddly enough it fits well if I get one larger it rides up in the back. So that’s why I reccomend getting one snug when u try it on cause they tend to stretch out a bit .
I have a question about the black bra. When I have anything that’s remotely lacy at the bottom it rubs my skin raw because my boobs are big and so is my belly. So, my question is, is that lace soft enough that is doesn’t rub against your skin and make you sore?
I measured using your chart, which would make me a 42I or G European. There is NO WAY I would fit into an I cup, it would never happen. In some bra’s I’m a 42D and in others I am a 42C. I just ordered a Glamorise bra in a 42D and the cups were too big sending my breast tissue under my arms. IF you have very large ROUND breasts, this would work, you obviously do so it works for you. If you do not have “round” boobs, and not everyone does, then this will not work. I am far more top heavy than bottom heavy and your way of measuring puts me at a 9″ difference, but wearing a bra without padding and then measuring the difference I’m only a 3″ difference than my band size when all tissue is in its place. Conclusion? This only works if you have picture perfect boobs like yours.
Before measuring myself this way, I was wearing a 36D. After measuring this way, I bought a 36F (UK sizing.. that’s a G in US sizing).
The 36F fits so much better, and what seemed like armpit fat before is securely in the bra where it belongs, as boob.
Maybe it’s worth trying on in a store.
I tried this and got a 36D. I normally wear a 38C. I have one breast that is quite smaller than the other. I have a lot of empty space on that side and the other fits the side as it should. I dont think I could fill out a 36D but willing to try it out for shits and giggles.
It’s about volume and the volume of a 38C is very similar to that of a 36D. They are considered sister sizes.
Just ordered 3 new bras from different brands from Amazon to test out. Come on Friday!!!!! My boobs and I thank you so very much!!
Just bought two 34 D bras online (after always being teased for having small boobs). One fits perfectly, the other one is too small. They look exactly the same when you hold them up together – weird, but it’s great to be comfy in the one that fits. Thanks B.G.
It could be that one is using UK sizing and the other is US? Different styles will fit differently, too. Hopefully you can return the one that’s too small.
I was cramming myself into a B for years, finally went to a C. Well, I just found out I’m a 36 F. EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. I thought it had to be wrong, but I ordered a 36 F with a free return policy from Amazon, and what do you know, it fits. WHAT THE EFFFFFFFF.
Welcome to the F side.
So… I measured myself 32H (or 10G in Australia). I put down the tape measure and laughed and laughed. I waited 3 days and measured myself again, yep still the same. I trundled through the shops with nary a size to be found. I stumbled over a website http://www.HeavenlyCurves.com.au where they had some Curvy Kate bras for $20 on clearance, into the cart they went. Fingers crossed !
Well, out of curiosity I gave this a whirl. I’m a petite girl, and my boobs follow. I usually wear a 34 A or B depending on the bra. We’re talking itty bitty titties here. Well, it turns out my band size is 30 and my “boob” measurement is 35. So according to this chart, I’m a DD? Damn, do I wish that were true! Hehe, thanks for the helpful hints though :)
It is true! When you go down in band size, you go up in cup size. Instead of just blowing it off as BS, you should go try on a 30DD. When you do that, then come back and say Hehe it wasn’t true. I think you’ll find that you’ll fit just fine into a 30DD and that your bra will stay put better and hold you up and out better.
Ok I just measured myself a few times that came up with the same measurements… I find it next to impossible that I would ever be that size but I kind of want to try it out just to double check. That would blow my mind!
This was so helpful. The way I was taught to measure is the same for band size, but involved no leaning over for the cup size measurement. It makes a big difference, let me tell you. I’ve been wearing 34C because the 32 C just didn’t fit everything in there, even though my band measure was a 32. Turns out I’m a 32DD!! I’ll give that size a whirl.
This is a great post. I sing the whole Frozen Soundtrack to my daughter too, haha. But seriously, I had no idea how wrong my bra size was until I got fitted for a nursing bra. It’s really hard to figure out which is insane considering a lot of women wear bras daily. You’d think we’d know how to find the right size, but it’s hard! So thanks for making it a bit easier.
I (finally) just got around to doing this and I’m in complete disbelief.
There is NO FREAKING WAY I have been wearing a 38DD and going to a 32GG?!
Do you PROMISE this works well?! (i know you’re right… I just can’t!)
I’m scared…….
Don’t be scared. Once you find a bra that fits, it could be a 49Z for all you care, it’s THAT comfortable.
You’ll never wear an ill-fitting bra again.
My new bra just came in.. and I am completely amazed! I LOVE it! It fits SO well!
My new bra just came in.. and I am completely amazed! I LOVE it! It fits SO well!
Also, I went from a D to a G (Or F, in UK size)
I was very upset to find my self going from a 38C to a 36DD but dammmmmmmm this fit is fantastic. Having a bra burning and new bra buying partay! ! Thank you
[…] bras – strap slippage, underwires cutting into me, nasty bulging. And then I came across this blog post. The post include this […]
OMG – I had this revelation a couple of years ago! I had even gone to a plastic surgeon to talk about breast reduction. Luckily my boob-loving husband heard an ad on the radio about a store in our area that did custom bras. I was a 28G, not a 32DD!! What a difference!! And honestly, no shame about sizes. Who cares?! Wearing the right size bra is just the most amazing feeling, and worth every penny!! My physical health and body image have improved so much.
[…] I read this blog post by Brittany Gibbons: Happy Boobs. I suggest you click on the link and read how to correctly measure your bra […]
I am a 34F. No question about it. I’m in the market for a strapless bra and found one on eBay that looked interesting. Knowing that US and UK sizes are different, I went to wonderbra.com to see what they say I should be wearing. They say I should be a 38A. Hah!
Hi. I’ve been a reader here for about a year now and have admired much about you, mostly because I can relate to a great deal of what you’re going through, as a wife, mother, and woman of the world. I had to comment on this to thank you. Thank you.
I just measured myself… I buy/use 32D or DD depending on the maker (Fredrick’s Of Hollywood = DD, Soma Inimates = D). According the the measurements I am supposed to wear 30I?! I have a really hard time believing that, because with my recent weight loss I feel slightly loose in the cups with my Soma 32D bra (Full Coverage). And with my Fredrick’s Of Hollywood (push up) bra I very slightly spill out at the cleavage while the fabric near my armpits feel like they folding because that part may be too big. Bras are so confusing.
Bras ARE confusing! I wish they would standardize sizing. I wear a 34F in Curvy Kate and Panache, 34G in Wacoal, and 34DDD in Chantelle. It’s enough to make a girl want to scream!
So are you saying that when I take a measuring tape and wrap it around my ribs, and I get the number 29, that is my actual band size??? Because I’ve been wearing 34’s for years….
Yes. And that is quite a big difference, I hope this pans out to a great fitting bra for you!
Hello! I love your post!! I had been having spillage issues with my bra for a while and needed new ones. I shop at lane Bryant for my bras. So I ask for a fitting. I was currently in a 40 DDD. They remeasured me at a 36-38 F. Yes, they fit better but I’m still adjusting all the time. I’m gonna try your measuring guide and see if it helps. I sure hope so! Thanks!
Took the measurements today and was a 37 band size and 47 while bent over. Question (sorry if super obvious): I assume when buying a bra I would go up to a 38 (since ive never seen a 37 bra size), but would I use the 10 to determine my cup size or 11 since i would have to go up a band size?
From what I have read, they recommend actually sizing down to a 36 because the band WILL stretch. I am curious about how it works out for you.
I would also apply that sized down number to your cup math.
I will give it a try using a 36/47 measurement making my # an 11. ( To bad I didn’t check my math one more time before sending my question!) I will let you know how everything turns out!
Good grief I still don’t know how to subtract! I guess you can disregard the part about checking my math in my previous comment! Apparently I did know what I was trying to ask after all.
Do the under wires fit comfortably? I gave up under wires because they hurt.
If it’s a proper fit, it shouldn’t hurt.
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I have a serious question ladies, and I need your help.
When you’re sizing up your cups (I needed to – thanks B), are you finding he wires are bigger/longer too, and digging in to your pits?
I am.
Has anyone found a brand that works for this or some kind of hack? I’ve got some Elomis ordered, and I’m hoping they will work.
I have always been a chesty girl myself. In fact I had a breast reduction 5 years ago. I had the reduction mainly because my boobs were so heavy (they removed 4 lbs total) and I was getting constant migraines from all of the neck and shoulder strain.
Anyways, I’m now a 36D and it’s still tough to find a bra that fits well! Thanks for all of this information! I have recently had good luck getting fitted and buying bras at Soma. A well fitting bra is really a gift! :)
This has changed my LIFE!! The difference is amazing. I knew 40DD was not quite right and Ive spent countless $$ going up and down around that. 38G is PURFECT! My girls are up and at em…large and in charge!! THANK YOU!!!
How are you a 38H when you measured 49-38=11 ?? I am confused ? Wouldn’t you be a 38K according to your chart? I was 47-38=9 so
I was assuming i was a 38I
I am an H because I order bras that use UK sizing, as most large bras do. K would be US sizing. The bras I wear are UK, hence the H.
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