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.
My daughter has very large breasts. She has been fitted incorrectly numerous times. I showed this to her and she’s going to try it. Thanks. She has not had children yet so she has ruled out a reduction. Maybe later in her life.
I am only 21 (no kids either) and I finally looked into getting a reduction (I am currently a 30GG) She might want to consider it before having children because they’re just going to get even bigger! My surgeon told me he sees no reason why I shouldn’t be able to breast feed after the surgery.
Oh my, I realised about a month or so ago that a 38DD that I was wearing really wasn’t making my boobs look as nice as other peoples…
After scowering the interwebs and finally using the method above I guessed I was around a 34H, have just returned from a day trip to London to find a bravissimo and I am the proud owner of 3 34H panache bras!
My boobs are super happy, looks like I’ve lost half a stone and I no longer bounce out when jogging up the stairs!!!
Many thanks for all the advice, now to find a man to share these magnificent mammaries with ;-)
Thank you so much for this!! I just found this through Pinterest and measured myself. I thought I was a 38B, but when I measured I turned out to be a 38E!! It sounds outrageous, but I just ordered two new bras in my new size to try out. I’m excited because I’ve always found bras to be uncomfortable and ill-fitting, so I’m hoping that maybe this will be the solution.
A link to your article was posted in a weight loss forum I belong to – since losing almost 50 lbs I have had a lot of trouble figuring out my new size (and getting measured was no help). Per your instructions, I’m a 34G and today was able to try one on at a department store that carries such sizes (Dillards). Modern Movement brand, it fits PERFECTLY. $42 well-spent. I’m so excited! Thank you! I was wearing a 38DD and also owned a 36DD that I bought at about 30 lbs down.
Ok so according to this things are far worst that I thought. I need a 35jj. Yikes.goibg to fibd somewhere on line that will post to Australia for a reasonable price and see what happens. If I can’t get a 35 jj do I go 36 or 34. Help greatly appreciated.
I’ve been wearing a 32 DD. Just measured myself…. I’m a 28 H. Does anyone know where to find that size?
Try any of the sites she suggests, Figleaves or HerRoom or Bravissimo. They often have the same products on all the sites, so you can keep an eye and see who is having what on sale!
Look for Freya bras they have size 28 in large cup sizes
I second (third?) figleaves.com . I was wearing a 34B for YEARS… turns out I’m a 30D, which is surprisingly hard to find in any regular store. This site has good sales quite often as well. One thing to be aware of with figleaves, though, is that they package their shipments with scented satchets, to which I am highly allergic… have to specifically request that things be shipped with NO SCENT. haha
Nordstrom carries some. Usually freya. Don’t let them talk you into the mystique they are expensive and suck!
It sounds silly to say, but thank you RW commenting. I’ve been wearing 32DD also, and measuring myself got 26/7 H. So it seems we’re in a similar size boat, which makes me feel like i measured right. :)
I too am scared to take the plunge and part of that is pride in size going from DD to an F in UK sizes. My question that I’m not fully understanding. So my band size is 44. Most of these cute cute bras don’t go to 44. Some don’t even go to 38. Any idea on where to buy cute bras in band size 44?
I’m a 48F. I feel your pain. The cutest I found were Glamorise. I got one of them from HerRoom and the other two from Woman Within. They were cheaper from WW.
I’m a little confused your math and chart suggest at 11″ difference you’d be a 38k? Or what did I miss:)
Ooh you are going UK size! Got it :)
29 G (US sizing)?!? You’ve got to be shitting me! Pardon the language. How so they measure so incorrectly?!? I guess it’s time to go bra shopping!
Hi, Ok when I measured I should be a 30 DD or E. I received my 30 DD today, but the band is very tight, and I have armpit spillage, and quad boobs. When I was fitted last at VS ( know they do it wrong) I was a 32 C. That band within a couple days was way to big. The time before that I was measure as a 34 B, and it was super loose of course. I just don’t know if I should return this one for a different size or what. Not sure.
Certain brands run smaller or larger in the band size. It’s always a good idea to check out the rating on them most people are happy to say if it runs larger or smaller. You should always choose a bra that fits comfortably on the loosest hook, which gives you a chance for more life out of the bra when it inevitably stretches. The table she is using is only a starting point, you may find that you wear a larger or smaller cup size then the number you get. It all depends on your breasts. I wear a larger cup size then I measure because of the shape of my breasts and density of my breast tissue. Herroom has a questionnaire that helps you find what brands are good for your specific breast shape and type. And YES, if the bra is uncomfortable and you are getting quad boob and spillage, but like the bra, return it get it in a larger cup size and bandsize. This is just a starting point, every brand fits slightly different. No women’s clothing items are easy to buy, huh?
As someone who also measures as a 30, I found 30 is not my actual size. After much trial back at VS and another store, I had to get refitted, and fit in a 32 because 30’s are too tight. I was a little sad that both the “traditional” way and this way of determining your size didn’t work for people who measure a 30, or me at least. Oh the logic of bra’s… But I guess it was nice to know that there are plenty of skinny girls with big boobs, and I am sending some empathy your way because finding a proper bra is frustrating!
Thank you so much for making this post. I hate bra shopping because I can never find anything that fits well. I know a good fitting bra is meant to have the under wire sit nicely against the sternum but mine always sneaks out an inch or two I cannot wait to get home and measure myself and start finding bras that really fit and hopefully stay in place!!! You are such a boob saver.
Kelsey
:( I have a tiny ribcage and HUGE boobs. According to this I am a 29 I (US)… Pretty sure that’s impossible to find anywhere :/
try jockey.com and use their new breast size measuring system. It measures the tissue volume. My sister told me about it and loves her bra. I’m nursing and haven’t tried it.
If you find a great bra that uh cups perfectly but is a tad snug on the looses notch you can get a bra extender to eek out one more hook while you wait for the bra band to stretch or that last stubborn pound to shift. Don’t get rid of an otherwise totally perfect bra unless you know it’ll never do! I’ve gone thru so many trying to get it right and sadly my search continues.
I tried your suggestion of how to measure. I measured at 38″ for my band size, and 44.5″ for my cup size, making me a 38F. My boobs are WAY too small for an F, in fact, they can’t fill a B cup, so this doesn’t work on everyone apparently.
I was also wondering if there is a different method for small chested people. I am dying for a well fitted bra. I am petite all over with boobs to match. Just did this test & came up with 27 band & 35 boob. That’s also a difference of 8 putting me at an “h”. There is just absolutely no way. Right now I am wearing a size small bralette (meant to fit a or b cup) its the only bra I have that fits decently at all. I would live yo see another post for small sizes.
Here are a couple of links that might help you understand. This is a beginners guide to the bra sizing method and it explains how you can’t really compare sizes by their cup because it’s all related to the band size as well. http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/wiki/fit_guide
Also you could have a shallow breast shape as well which means that your breasts may look small but instead the tissue is more spread out rather than projected. If your A or B cup bras seem to float over your breasts rather than adhere then you may have shallow breasts. http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/wiki/shallow
I agree. I was so excited to try this, because I absolutely HATE bra shopping, and can never find a proper size. Being very small breasted (and very saggy unfortunately…), I thought I might actually be able to be properly fitted. By this chart, I should be a 34F. Um, yeah – no. I have never filled more than a B cup.
What do I do if I’m a 12.5″? Do I stick with a 12″ or go up?
I heard they recommend going with the 12, because bras stretch, but don’t shrink.
To Brittany and to any other of the women here, I empathize with your situation and reading how much your “girls” have caused you to feel some unhappiness, such as not being able to wear some of the clothes you wish and the discomfort that comes along with having a large bust – sports, exercise, “shagging” and sleeping etc.
It reminded me of quite a few large busty women I have known, that tired from having backache and discomfort, so they opted to have breast reduction surgery.
Please, don’t be offended by my comment, I would never wish anyone to take my comment the wrong way.
I am just trying to offer information about breast reduction. What I do know is that health insurance companies do cover the surgery cost because it is deemed necessary for health related issues. Backache being the number one reason I believe.
All of the women I have known who opted for this surgery were completely satisfied and very much happy that they had done it. They all were allowed to choose the size that they wanted. Some were women who had found with the natural progression of getting older and gravity, that it was time to live a more comfortable life, and some were young women who wanted to run, exercise and relieve their back aches.
This of course is a doctor – patient issue and should only be considered after scheduling an appointment to discuss with your primary care physician and one or more opinions from surgeons who perform this type of surgery.
I sincerely hope that you take this comment as a mere suggestion. Love your curves and love your body. Only you get to decide if reducing a bit benifits your life or not. ♡
Just be sure to thoroughly research the doctor. My breast reduction was one of the worst things I’ve ever done because my breasts are now deeply scarred, uneven, nipples look ridiculous (areola lines are jagged) and have random skin pockets in the corner that are filled with nothing. It’s effected my entire life and all of my relationships. I feel like Frankenstein. It was the summer before my freshman year of high school and the guy obviously did not care at all what they ended up looking like. Sure I could fit into more clothing, but I don’t even take my bra off in the bedroom with my husband. (Sorry for the TMI) It’s enraging and humiliating. One day, when we have the money, I’m going to get them fixed by someone who actually understands what an emotional toll breast issues can have on a woman in our society. If you have back problems like I did, a breast reduction is a great idea (and my insurance DID cover it like Carolyn said) but once again, be SURE to really research your doctor and see what others had to say about him. My Mom did not do that (I was just a kid) and years later I found a website filled with women who were horrified at the results they got from his breast reduction surgeries. A lifelong battle with self esteem issues could of been avoided with proper research.
I am currently 2.5 months into recovery from my own own reduction. I have NO idea what my proper bra size should have been. I was stuffing myself into a 42J, and it was too damn small. I had 17 pounds of breast tissue removed. Like Winter, I have some awful scars. Unlike her, though, I don’t mind them and mine aren’t from a crappy surgeon, it’s just the result of having SO MUCH tissue removed. I actually kept a blog through the majority of my recovery (and need to do a final post soon!).
As a disclaimer, my surgeon said I was the largest reduction he’d done in a few years, and the largest he was likely to do for awhile. Recovery was hell at first, but right now, I’m SO thankful to be able to breathe again.
titacular.blogspot.com , if anyone is interested. There are pics, so it’s a bit NSFW
Thank you so much for this blog post. I found it on pinterest and measured myself. I went from a 40DDD to a 38 H. I first thought H would be too big so I bought an F instead. Well the F was too small so I returned it and bought the H. I don’t think I’ve had a bra fit that great in years. I’m trying to get over the shock and partial embarrassment at being that size but at least I have a bra that fits.
So thank you again for helping some of us women finally get past the “oh god I can’t be that size” and just buying clothes that fit without stressing over the size. :)
I did the measurements and came up with either a 28 H U.S. or 28 FF UK. I then took those measurements and ordered seven different bras from HerRoom and Figleaves. I just got the bras from her room and they would barely reach around to my sides, let alone trying to get the girls in the cup. Very frustrating as I now have to mail them all back.
I definitely don’t have big boobs, but decided to try this just to see. I measure a 32 around the ribs and a 36 around the boobs. Which would be 4″ and therefore a D. Under no circumstances would a D fit. Bs are perfect, and when I have tried on Cs before there is too much extra room. Maybe this is only accurate for those who are much more well-endowed?
No, it really works. I am very small chested and was wearing a 32A for years. I went to VS and had a fitting, and they ended up putting me in a 32C. I thought, no way, but really, the C cup fit so much better. When I did this measurement on this website (wanted to test VS’ measurement), it matched what VS had told me. A lot of people have a lot of breast tissue on the sides as well. When you’re putting your bra on, you have to lift your breasts and get all the tissue under the wire and into the cup. Once you do that, you realize how much better the larger cup can fit. That’s why you bend over when measuring your breasts, because all that breast tissue will enter into the measurement.
Well I have been wearing a 42-44G for the past few years. I tried this and got 44 in band and I-J in cup. Now I know for a fact that a 44H does NOT fit me as I tried every one that Lane Bryant had in stores and the cups were too big and uncomfortably up in my arm pits. I am breastfeeding my daughter and I cant buy bras like the ones that are shown above because my boobs cant pop out over the top easy enough. So I am doomed to my stretchy sleep nursing bra from a maternity store? UGH
Hi! I had the same experience at Lane Bryant. They seem to have their own, independent sizing. May I suggest you go to Amazon search for bras in 44H +/- one band, one cups size and FREE shipping/returns. You’ll end up trying on a slew of bras, in your own home, and only paying for the ones you keep.
I’ll also mention Nordstrom has free shipping/returns on everything, and I’m quite pleased with the Elomi bras I bought there. I had to go down a band size to get the recommended cup to fit perfectly, and it does.
Additionally, they have ‘short’ wires, so nothing pokes in under my arms.
Any words on nursing bras?
hotmilk dot com! :) I’m a K but their largest cup size still fits me and they are gorgeous and not frumpy at all! :)
I found this on Pinterest and was intrigued. It’s so hard to find a good fitting bra.
I found a good one 40c but of course they stopped making it. Here’s the thing. I am a big girl.
I have tons of actual back fat (tmi, I know) my band size is large but I have practically no boobs. According to this I should be a 42DDD or E. I am super hesitant to buy something that my boobs won’t fit in! When I wear 40 D’s or 42 C’s there is tons of room in the cups.
I super scoop always. Any advice for us sturdy but small boobed girls?
Try fullbeauty.com I get the best bras there. They have a bra club and good options that are sexy too! And in extended sizes!!!
You are a saint for sharing your journey with us. Thank you.
This puts me in a 30I! I’m wearing a VS 24DD. While I agree with most of this post I have some reservations. In light that I have breastfed two infants I have no body to my breast tissue. That means the girls hang very low but are ribbon thin. This system just doesn’t accommodate for baby distortion. This does however explain why the doctor recommended a breast reduction to help my back pain.
That should have said VS 34DD.
My measurements are exactly same as yours. Have been wearing 34DD and as per this calculation it is 30I. Did you try bras with your new measurements? Did they work for you?
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I’ve been pretty miserable in my bras for awhile now. They kept telling me I was a 44DD. This says I’m a 48F. That’s quiet a difference, in my opinion!
Yes, I understand that women hate the large boobs but they are pretty popular with the men folk. Pros and cons…
This really is correct?
I’ve been wearing a 34 B my entire life and it says I should be wearing a DD…
My life is a lie.
Did you actually test this out? Maybe the info is incorrect, it didn’t work for me!
Is it possible to go from a D to an F?!?
I went from a C to an E, so I would say it’s possible!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! for the first time in my life I have a bra that fits!! I’ve been wearing Victoria Secret 34 DDD and I pop out the top all the time…you know the quad boob thing. but the measurements line up and they don’t have a bigger size cup *sigh* I went into Soma looking for a smaller band with a bigger cup, but the poor girl didn’t know what to do with my size. When I came home I started scanning the internet looking for a better sizing method. That’s when I found your site (on Pinterest.) Well, according to your chart I am a 34 J/GG I ordered 2 bras from Amazon a Curvy Kate and a Panache. They just came today and I am in love! Not only do the UK bras look nicer and fit better I no longer feel like I’m wearing armer under my clothes! Thank you so much I can wear t-shirts again! :)
I did this and according to your guidelines I would be a 44 M. I work at Lane Bryant/ Cacique and I was trained to bra fit through Macy’s as well. Two things are wrong in this. One, you skipped DDD in the sizing chart. Almost all stores carry that. Second, every person is made different. Every boob is shaped different. I wear a 44 G. If I tried an M it would be way too huge. A good bra fitter knows that the fitting is a good starting off point. Every bra is made different to fit different boobs. Some run small or large in the cups, others are tighter around. Material and style need to be taken into account as well. The around measurement is fine. That usually works well. If you are under 36 around though you need to add 3 inches. You’ll notice your bra fits better. The cup part is trickier. If you’ve had someone that’s been fitting for years they can help you better. If you get a newbie they’ll go strictly by the rules. You measure around the fullest part of the breast while wearing a bra. The tricky part is if it’s a badly fitting bra to begin with, you may be squished or sagging. A good way to double check your measurement is to measure around the top of chest right under the underarms. This is usually more accurate. But again this is a starting point. All bras are made different. This is way it’s important to try it on.
I measure at 27 inches around my ribcage. Adding 3 inches to my band measurement does not work for me. Even some 28 bands are loose. I believe this post was intended as a starting point. Every person is different. Different breast shapes and densities are a huge proponent. I don’t really understand the concept on measure the top of the chest right under the underarms. This leaves out those with bottom heavy breasts. I think the most important is how you feel in the bra. Any way you go about the sizing, it’s always just a starting off point. It has to be comfortable and make you feel good.
How did you decide on what size to get for the sports bra? I have a lot of trouble with the bouncing and would love to try the one you suggested.
Okay, so I have a question for anyone who might be in the know on these matters: I followed the guide in this post and came up with a 32 G (UK) or 32 I (US) for myself. (I always thought I was a 36 C). I went to Wacoal’s site to check out their offerings and used their size calculator to make sure I was following the right guidelines for ordering one of their bras. According to them, I’m a 34 DDD.
What gives? Do I follow the manufacturer’s guideline or not?
After reading this and watching the video, I definitely think that a 34-36 band is too loose (I was compensating to get a bigger cup size), but shouldn’t manufacturers know their own product sizing?
I’m confused! Help me!
Also, when you say you are an “H”, is that in UK or US sizing? Are the bras you featured in US sizes? How do you know which letter size to go with?
Thanks!
I’m a 38H in UK sizing, as I mentioned in the post, most reputable large size bras are done in UK sizing, as it is more accurate. You should be able to tell, either in the bra description or on the maker’s site, wether or not they use US or UK sizing. It sometimes takes some hunting, but it’s worth it!
Great advise but I think it works better for “full” and nicely shaped boobs. Mine are small and are not nicely shaped at all. I have skin that is not filled with enough fatty tissue, so they just hang low… A nightmare. According to this, I should wear a 34H. In the meantime, I buy “super heavy duty double-lifting push-up” in 34D and can barely fill the cup. 34D without the push-up are wayyyy too large. There’s no way I am 34H. I wish I were, though!
[…] then you should read this blog entry from Brittany, Herself. Very […]
Thank goodness you go where no woman apparently has gone before. I don’t consider myself a complacent woman, and yet for all these years I have just taken it for granted that bras are horrible, uncomfortable-yet-necessary contraptions. According to your nifty measurements, I’ve been stuffing my ta-tas into bras that are 4 cup sizes too small! And I’ve been measured multiple times by the helpful, twiggy A-B cup ladies of the lingerie department too!
Thank you–from my boobs to yours.
I am curious why you went with a 40 DD in the sports bra when you sized at a 38H?
Well, because I am an idiot:) In truth, I’d never had an issue fitting into sports bras, my issue was more a trouble with support and holding me up. So with that issue in mind, I thought if it was tight, it’d only work better right? Not really a super accurate theory, but I’m being super held in.
I don’t normally comment after reading an article.. but I have to comment on this one. I found this article on Pinterest and it changed my life.
I have struggled with this issue my entire life (granted i’m only 24, but I feel like I’ve had boobs since I can remember). My mom and sister are small chested women and I’m the black sheep. Once I hit high school I gained about a cup size each year. Shopping for bra’s was always so frustrating. Like you, I was given the DDD size from Victoria’s Secret, which was always painful. I knew they didn’t fit, but I didn’t have anywhere else to turn. My mom, who has no clue what I deal with, tried taking me to stores for “bigger girls” (as she called it) but all the bra sizes were proportional to the cup size. I AM NOT PROPORTIONAL! I had to laugh at your first paragraph about under wires. I had no idea why I kept popping the under wire out of my bras! I popped the last one about a month ago but have been wearing sports bra’s (like two or three at a time) since because shopping for bras has become so disheartening. Not only will they not fit me, they aren’t even nice looking! Just plain old tan, black, or white. I’m 24 years old! I still want my underwear to look cute and girly. They don’t make “cute” bra’s in size DDD, which I never understood. Are girls supposed to have small boobs? When did that become a thing?
But then.. I found your article. I followed your guide which said I was a 32H. A little shocked, I decided to just try out a bra and see how I feel. I ordered two Curvy Kate bras on Amazon ( LOVE AMAZON!!) and got them in the mail today. I put them on and was so amazed I had to cry. My whole life, I don’t think I’ve ever worn a bra that actually fit my body. You have no idea the amount of relief I felt to just wear a bra that fits! H cups are heavy!! haha. I put on just about every shirt I own and danced around my bedroom.
Thank you so much!!! You have no idea how much you’ve helped not only my body image but my self-esteem. Not to get all mushy gushy on your webiste, but I had to tell you because I felt like I’ve been struggling alone! Anyways, thanks again.
I am so incredibly happy for you! It’s life changing. Yes, it’s just a bra, but when it effects the clothes you wear, the muscles in your neck and back and chest… finding relief means everything. And cute bras? I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS AN OPTION!
Congrats on your new bras, enjoy every second of your new freedom!
Good heavens, I’m almost 70, and finally have a bra that fits comfortably and perfectly!
Thanks so much for the great video to show me how to measure myself!
Two things I hate to buy – bras and jeans! After reading your post and CGG I was willing to take the plunge. Santa UPS delivered my purchase yesterday. Normally I can wait to try on clothes but I immediately opened the package and thought I that THING was way too big. Well it did fit in the band and the bottom of the cup. But the top of the cup could be stuffed with tube sock. Ugh so disappointed. Back to the drawing board.
Don’t give up! All bras fit differently, this may not be the designer for you. Just like jeans, ALL brand fit differently, keep at it!
Ok…. I’m measuring 38O??? 38/53 were my measurements… Any suggestions where I could find a good quality bra in THAT size? This is just mind blowing! No wonder I have been miserable in a 38G-40DDD! The last sales lady at Lane Bryant was completely rude not thinking I was even THAT size…. I would swoop from the bottom, but not the sides, then tuck, tuck, tuck the over spills… Any suggestions welcome…
Just wanted to say thank you for this post! It changed my life!
Great article. I’ve struggled with this issue most of my adult life. Finally my correct bra size a few years back. In response to a question about finding nursing bras, I recently found out that Nordstrom can convert and bra into a nursing bra. Changed my life. It’s about $15. Or if you have a Nordstrom credit card, I think you get free alterations up to $100.
Try Belle Lingerie on Ebay as well ladies. They have great swimwear as well as bras in all sizes.
[…] Finns mer att läsa om det på brittanyherself.com/2014/02/05/happy-boobs/ […]
[…] Brittany Herself: Superstar blogger Brittany measures her own boobs using the “bend-over method.” Read her delightful piece, complete with photos, here. […]
This article was hilarious and informative. I’m going to try fitting this way as soon as I find my tape measure. Snapping a wire is shit! I’ve never known anyone else to snap their bra wires. It’s embarrassing! Even happened at work a couple times. I’ve hated my boobs for 10+ years now. Maybe this will help me to like them again.
Have you tried Strappy Tops? http://www.bravissimo.com/products/strappy-tops/ If you have, are they any good?
I measured and I am a 32J omg, never thought my boobs were that big:(