Brassiere measurements
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[edit] Standard measurement system
The method described here may be considered as the standard system in the UK and U.S., although it is not accurate. all measurements are in inches.
- First measure tightly around the torso, directly underneath the breasts. This is the frame size or underband.
- To calculate the band size, add 5" if the frame size is an odd number, or 4" if it is even (bras are available in band sizes separated by two inches, and are all labeled by an even number)
- Next measure around the chest including the fullest part of the breasts, while standing straight with arms to the side. This is the bust size or overbust.
- The cup size is then the difference between the bust size and the band size, converted into a letter using the following table:
| Bust size minus band size (inches) | Cup size |
|---|---|
| 0" to 0.5" | AA |
| 0.5" to 1" | A |
| 1" to 2" | B |
| 2" to 3" | C |
| 3" to 4" | D |
| 4"... | etc. |
A common cup size system amongst European manufacturers, in order of increasing size, is: AAA-AA-A-B-C-D-DD-E-F-FF-G-GG-H-J, although the use of double letters is not consistent between manufacturers (e,g, some may use EE rather than F, DDD rather than E, etc.). The majority of bra bands run true to size (as in, a size 36 band measures, when stretched, 36 inches).
[edit] Variations in sizing
The method described above is common, though certainly not universal, and is recommended by many manufacturers. In the United States, various manufacturers and boutiques recommend adding different numbers to the measured circumference to determine band size, generally from 4 to 6 inches. A further complication is that some manufacturers say that when the under-the-bust measurement is 35" (89 cm) or more, only 3" (7.5 cm) should be added to determine the band size. Still others, particularly stores that specialize in speciality sizes, do not recommend adding anything to the size, as the band is meant to fit around the area measured, not higher.
Many countries (such as Asian and European countries) use the metric measurement system rather than the Imperial system used in the science field known as International System of Units. When metric is used, sizes usually correspond as, for example, 32 in Imperial is a 70 in metric, 34 in Imperial is a 75 in metric, and so on and so forth. In Australia and New Zealand dress size is used instead of band size. <ref>Ultimate Factory Outlet: Fitting room</ref>
[edit] Cup sizes
It is important to note that the actual size of the bra cup varies with the band size, which may seem counter-intuitive. It might be expected that a 32B bra has the same cup size as a 36B bra, but this is not the case. In fact most bra manufacturers use the same size cup volume for bras which are related by an increase in cup size and a decrease in band size. For instance the volume of the actual cups is the same for 30D, 32C, 34B, 36A etc. It is for this reason that bra sizes have "sister sizes" which are related in this way by having the same cup volume (e.g. 32C and 34B). Although it is important that a wearer has a correctly fitting bra, it is sometimes possible that two adjacent sister sizes fit equally well, since the cups are the same size, and the difference in band size can be accommodated by fastening the back strap on a different hook.
[edit] References
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