T O P I C R E V I E W
Lilerse
Member # 46007
posted 08-02-2010 07:58 PM
So, I was wondering who here actually measures for their bra size and who just wears bras that fit comfortably? Because I've always worn As and Bs but I finally decided to measure myself and supposedly I'm only an AA, if that. It just seems so illogical to me because I know what feels comfortable for me and there is no freaking way an AA bra would actually fit me. It's also making me really self-conscious because I know I'm small but I didn't think I was TINY, and I just really don't want to be an AA. Which I know is stupid, I love my breasts how they are so I shouldn't care about letters, but now I'm feeling really bad about them. So anyway. Supposedly the average (in the states at least) is C. Is this from actual calculated bra size, or from what people buy? Cuz supposedly most women wear the wrong size bra (whatever the hell that means - if it fits, who the hell cares?!). Just curious.
coralee
Member # 43628
posted 08-02-2010 08:45 PM
I think bras are much like clothing. For one pair of pants, you may be for example a size 12. In another, a 10. In another, a 14. Depending on the bra, you'll feel more comfortable in a different size. I don't think it makes much sense to find the your "right" bra size if the bras you wear are comfortable for you. I think when people talk about wearing the "wrong" bra size, it's often about bras not fitting well under clothing. Maybe for some woman a B cup shows less through a tight shirt than a C cup, for example. However, that entirely depends on what clothes you wear and how much you care about people seeing that you wear a bra. It also depends on the style and brand of the bra. That said, I did get measured for a bra once, and it turned out that it was exactly the same size I usually buy. Go figure!
yeahgirl
Member # 47754
posted 08-02-2010 11:24 PM
I agree, comfort is the most important thing. I measured myself once based on the technique I saw in a catalouge, I too measured out to the same size I normally wear (A cup). But, it might be the brands that you buy. Kind of similar to what Coralee said about clothes, I find that sometimes with underwear, bras etc. I can buy the same size from two different brands, and they will fit a little differently. So even if you measure out to an AA, the way the bras you buy are cut, an A/B is more comfy. But like you said... if it fits, who cares! haha **Ps Even if you are an AA, you shouldn't feel bad. I used to feel insecure about having A's, but my philosophy is...as long as they're healthy and fit my body, I'm happy.
polyprotic
Member # 45568
posted 08-03-2010 03:43 PM
Actually, the calculated size is very often wrong. I read somewhere that the "add 5 or 6 inches to your rib measurement" calculation was based on bras before they started using spandex. So that means that more often than not if you're using that calculation, you'll wind up with too big a band size, and therefore too small a cup size. So you're 100% right. You should base your size off of what is the most supportive and comfortable. The national average for the states is officially a 36C. I'm not sure if that's based on (possibly an in correct calculation of) size or bra sales. But I have also heard estimated averages (based on the size women should be wearing) anywhere from 34B-34D. I suppose that's because the most common wrong fit issue (again based on the faulty calculation system) is having too big of a band and too small of a cup. But as you said, it's about how you like them, not the letter size :]
Lilerse
Member # 46007
posted 08-03-2010 06:52 PM
Yeah polyprotic, I read that too. And then I hung out with my friend who says she gets measured at Victoria's Secret and we figured out that the way they do is the accurate way - just adding 2 inches. In the old, incorrect way she'd be like a 36C - which she is definitely not, she's 34DD (which the Victoria's Secret way says she is), and by those new calculations that take into consideration elastic, I am a 32B. Which makes far more sense to me. So yeah. I'm surprised the vast majority of websites still use the 1930s version though. But of course, even with the add-2-or-3-inches-instead-of-4-to-5, there are a lot of variations in boob shape, size, position on body, etc. etc. that don't fit that mold. It's fascinating all you can find online about this lol. And I read the part about most bras being too big band size and too small cup too, which would make sense with the incorrect calculating technique (like it saying my friend is 36C when she's 34DD and that I'm 34AA when really I'm 32B). And for most of the past few years I've been wearing 34As; then I finally tried on a 32B a few weeks ago and it fit much better. Woot. Oh, and I also read that when you first buy a (new) bra it should fit around you at the loosest clip, so that as it gradually loosens from wash and wear you start putting it on the tighter clips. That's how my 32B bra is working too (34A and B I always had to put it on the tightest clip to start off) [ 08-03-2010, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: Lilerse ]
atm1
Member # 37835
posted 08-03-2010 07:25 PM
On the "average size" thing: I do believe they are reporting the median size, not the "average size" (which I don't know how you'd figure out, since there's a letter and a number to it). So, I'd be willing to bet good money that what that 36C is is the size that stores collectively sell the most of. (And, as a side note--I know from the experience of many people that VS is not a great place to get measured--I have plenty of friends who were lied to about their size because they didn't cary the woman's actual size. For example, one of my friends who is 32E (as measured at a specialty store) was told that she was a 36C at VS and was shocked when I told her to get measured at a specialty store. While VS is fine for smaller band and cup sizes, women who have large cup or band sizes scan really benefit from getting measured at a specialty store or moderately high end department store and then buying the same bras for less online. Since I know quite a few people who have had the same experience of being lied to by VS fitters so that they'd buy a VS bra, I don't encourage people to get fitted there).
polyprotic
Member # 45568
posted 08-03-2010 08:40 PM
I actually love Victoria's Secret for bras, even though I'm a 32FF. They do carry small band sizes and large cup sizes. I like to get 38DDs and take them in at the waist to make them 32s. Most specialty stores only carry a few styles in my size, and all of them make me feel super unattractive/old. Not to mention they run about $70-$100. Even online. So I'd much rather get the stylish, much more affordable VS bras even if I do have to alter them. But I completely agree that they will lie to you about your size if they don't carry it (they told me I was a 36D). So it is a good idea to be fitted elsewhere, then buy the VS bras if you prefer their styles.
Lilerse
Member # 46007
posted 08-03-2010 11:11 PM
My other problem with Victoria's Secret sizes it that it seems like they might try and sell you a smaller size since that's kinda the only way those models get their boobs pushed up like that. Breasts do not naturally look like that. And it's not just push-up - the bras have gotta be super tight too. They look uncomfortable. Oh and there's the whole ethical thing about them forcing Sri Lankans into Jordan to make their garments which do not cost that much to make but the workers only get about a cent a day and we pay $50 for it. But that's sweatshops for ya. And a whole nother topic.
borghese
Member # 49188
posted 10-01-2010 12:20 AM
It doesn't matter what letter you are. If you're wearing a C and you should be wearing an AA...you're bra is doing absolutely NOTHING for you. Once you put on a bra that fits you perfectly, you'll notice a difference. You'll stand straighter, get natural cleavage and feel more confident. Look up bra fitting guides on Youtube.
Cian
Member # 44405
posted 10-01-2010 07:22 AM
I feel for you. I measure myself periodically and always come to the "sad" conclusion of Baww-I'm-Hardly-An-AA! However, I tend to wear A to B, depending on the band and fit. Some bras don't sit right on me because my breasts are rather wide, but rather flat. I learned the hard way never-ever to buy a bra without fitting. Oh those awkward triangle shaped bras, I felt very old school Madonna... Also, after I started putting my bra on right, that is bending over and gathering the breast in the cup, not just slapping the bra on, I've noticed that they'll usually support better and give me more volume. So no, I reckon the measuring tape is not your most reliable friend when it comes to bra fitting. I also, embarrassingly, just realized that I'm supposed to start off with the first hook, then the second and finally the last as the band gets more loose. Then again, no regular store carries 30 band here, and 32 is inevitably a little too big if worn on the first hook. But I'm hoping you aren't making the same mistake.