https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:34:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1119027 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:54:14 +0000 Anonymous 1119027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I would just get someone from either Soma or Victoria's Secret to measure you. Happy Holidays. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1117330 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:26:37 +0000 josie411 1117330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I highly recommend checking out the Subreddit A Bra That Fits <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/" rel="nofollow">http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/</a>. They have excellent resources and advice on finding your perfect size and bra style for your shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1116704 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:46:15 +0000 Anonymous 1116704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What DonnaF said. I also measure 28" and do best with a 30 or smaller. The band is meant to support your breasts, not the straps. With a tighter band I can bring breast from my sides to the front for a much better look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1116671 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:08:05 +0000 DonnaF 1116671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gigi:&nbsp; When I speak of a 28" band, I mean a size 28.&nbsp; Bratabase.com will tell you the actual measurements of a particular bra, including those of the band's tightest and loosest hooks.&nbsp; Bras should be purchased so they are tight on the loosest band; they will loosen up after a few wears when they are broken in.&nbsp; I measure 28" under my bust, and have figured out that a 28 size band fits me best.&nbsp; If I can't breathe in a particular bra, it generally means that the cup size is too small.&nbsp; Getting quad boobs in the bra is another clue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1116097 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 04:57:01 +0000 Gigi 1116097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene brings up a good point about the cup design. I have always had problems filling the cups of my bras, no matter what cup size. I discovered that since my breasts were shallow&nbsp;on top, I needed to wear&nbsp;a demi bra. So when I went bra shopping, I stuck only to demis, and I have never been so happy with my bras as I am now!&nbsp;So I would check out sites that talk about breast shape too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1116049 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 04:10:48 +0000 Gaylene 1116049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And, I just wanted to add that, if you've been wearing bras with loose bands and small cups and switch to a smaller band size with the right size cup, you might be surprised at the breast tissue which has "migrated". Once you've scooped the tissue back to the front, you'll look much better in your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1116035 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:57:51 +0000 Gaylene 1116035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya is giving you a good starting point to help you figure out what kind of sizes might work, but the only way to find a well-fitting bra is to actually try on a bunch of different styles and designs from different companies. If you think about it, it makes sense that a 30D bra made of stretchy lace with a narrow band and a single hook closure will feel less constricting on your body than the same size with a four-hook, wider band bra made of a sturdier cotton fabric. Band and cup sizing is only one of several variables you need to consider when looking for a well-fitting, comfortable bra.</p> <p>And don't forget to check your shape by wearing a tight-fitting t-shirt over your bra (even if you don't plan to wear something like that in public). Some bras can give a projected look, while others give a more rounded shape. I personally detest the profile of molded "T-shirt" bras, but lots of women love them.</p> <p>I only wear underwire bras, but, to be comfortable, an underwire needs to fit properly; the width and shape of the underwire has to mimic your shape or the wires will create uncomfortable pressure points. The shaping in the cup is also important; some bras are shaped for women with high, rounded breasts while others work better for women with a shallower upper/fuller bottom shape. Some bras have a wider centre gore for widely spaced breasts, while others have a narrow gore for women with close-set breasts. Once you start to understand your own shape, you can identify which styles are most likely to work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115999 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:13:22 +0000 Tanya 1115999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And here comes my AHA moment: there are no installments to be found, because Maya provided all the subsequent information in her comments on the original thread!&nbsp; Silly me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115975 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:53:01 +0000 Tanya 1115975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gigi, no, you did not sound argumentative at all.&nbsp; I hope I wasn't, and hence what I said :)</p> <p>Maya mentioned something along the lines that, when we are used to wearing too big band sizes, we get used to that feeling, so our true band size might feel uncomfortably tight.&nbsp; On the other hand, you might be indeed right about body shape playing a role.&nbsp; A band might feel tight, but it should never hurt!&nbsp; No clothing ever should, so never ever wear a bra that hurts regardless how right the size should theoretically be.</p> <p>I ams till trying to find Maya's subsequent installments, urgh.&nbsp; My search skills must have gone down the drain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115958 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:42:46 +0000 Diana 1115958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience you don't add anything to your under bust size, but you round up. So my under bust is 33" and I wear a 34 band. The band does not measure 34" but it stretches to fit a 34" under bust properly. For very small sizes you may want to go up 2" at most, I think. The add 5" thing is mostly a relic now from the days when bras were stiff and not stretchy, so you should not need to do that unless you are wearing a vintage bra. Anyway, I'd find a store that carries your size and try things on. Try a variety of brands and styles, and maybe one size up and down.</p> <p>By the way, add 5" puts me in a 38 (negative 2 cup sizes) which is patently ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115957 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:41:22 +0000 Gigi 1115957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the link, Tanya. :^) I hope I didn't sound argumentative. I am just trying to find out what's going on. This discussion will keep me open to having a smaller band size next time I go bra shopping. It could be something about the particular fit of the Timpas that makes the 32 band fit me OK. I also wonder sometimes whether body structure plays a role. I am very bony in my ribcage, and I dislike anything very tight around it, because there is no cushioning there and that causes pain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115945 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:31:54 +0000 Tanya 1115945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gigi,</p> <p>I hear what you say, and I am not trying to argue here. My under bust is 28" and I wear a 30" band.&nbsp; You can even see the conversion on Herroom.com link I provided.&nbsp; <br />A while ago a forum member Maya who is an expert on bra fitting did a series of posts on this topic saying something along the lines I am, only in far more details.&nbsp; Here is that thread:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-bra-fitting-thread" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-thread</a></p> <p>There might be more other ones, but this is pretty much the mother of them all.</p> </p> <p>ETA:&nbsp; There are more installments of Maya's wisdom,it&nbsp; is just taking me more&nbsp; time to find them.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115937 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:27:02 +0000 Gigi 1115937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Tanya,</p> <p>I'll have to double-check my measurements. I think I actually measure at 26", but the (traditional)&nbsp;method says to size up if you are an even number, hence the 32 band size. But I know from the bras that I'm wearing that if I went any smaller, I'd have a hard time breathing. Even in my Timpa Duets (from Her Room), which I size up to a 34 in (they run a size small, per the Her Room site), I have some marks on my torso when I take the bra off. I tried the 32's in these, and I could hardly breathe. So I know I can't tolerate a smaller band size.</p> <p>I measured my 34A band from Timpa on the loosest marking (which is where you are supposed to start with a new bra, so that when it starts stretching out, you can use the tighter settings), and it measures about 24.5", FWIW. </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: I do look quite good in the Timpa...so that makes me think it is indeed the correct size. Clear as mud, huh?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115934 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:26:22 +0000 Tanya 1115934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are very welcome.&nbsp; I am afraid that your 32D from Victoria's Secret is probably really wrong They do not carry cup sizes bigger than D nor band sizes smaller than 32 (very few 30's here and there) so they try to fit everyone into what they have, which fits with this incorrect way of determining bra size. <br />The first time your try the proper size you will be amazed of how good you look in your clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115930 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:22:23 +0000 sweety08 1115930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b>Hey Thanks Tanya! I was wondering about that too, so I am glad, that you have mentioned it. Wow! This stuff can really be confusing, if not explained correctly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115925 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:20:14 +0000 Tanya 1115925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sweety, please see my previous post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115923 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:19:18 +0000 sweety08 1115923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Gigi! You are correct about what you say, because I wear a 32 d a VS just find, but some people do say that it is not true to measurements. So I was wondering what is? You make a valid point about what you say, whether if it is the band around or just 28 inches in general sense; because I was wondering about that too. In which got me confused as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115918 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:15:33 +0000 Tanya 1115918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gigi, while I am not Donna, I believe that when she spoke of 28" band, she spoke on one *sized* 28, not that measures 28". <br />Looking back to your previous post and doing some basic math, it would mean that your under bust measurement is 27", correct ? (since you added 5" to arrive&nbsp; at 32).&nbsp; That would mean that your determined band size of 32 is way too big for you.&nbsp; You need at least 30, maybe even 28 band size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115917 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:14:58 +0000 sweety08 1115917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Thanks ladies! Because I was wondering should I add 5 inches to the actual band, like all the rest of the people were doing. Now I know only to add two inches to the under-bust measurements.&nbsp; Thanks I will check into that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115911 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:09:53 +0000 Gigi 1115911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am confused about band size in general. I don't think that, for instance, a bra that is a size 32 band is 32" around. So Donna, when you speak of a 28" band, do you mean a band that *measures* 28 inches around or a band *size* of 28?</p> <p>It's no wonder so many women wear the wrong size! I think the system is inherently confused... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115882 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 01:42:54 +0000 DonnaF 1115882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your under bust measurement is 27", you may well need a 28" band -- which means that Nordstrom can't help you because they don't carry anything smaller than 30" bands even online.&nbsp; I measure 28", and the 30 inchers I've tried tend to wrinkle at the sides and not give me the support I need since straps are only supposed to give 20% of the support.&nbsp; The specialty lingerie shops in my area carry big bands with mega cups, but when I specifically asked about 28" bands they said nada.&nbsp; :(&nbsp; There is only one company that makes 26" bands, so don't lose any weight!&nbsp;&nbsp; For 28" bands, one generally has to order online, but at least there are a number of options available -- at a price.&nbsp; I started with Amazon for free shipping and returns, but the choices are limited.&nbsp; Bratabase.com and a few other sites can give you a general idea of what bras might fit (or not).</p> <p>Oh, and don't be surprised if you're a 28H!&nbsp; I'm a 28FF in one brand, and probably a 28F in others.&nbsp; The cup size may sound weird and shocking, but remember the cup size goes up as the band size goes down.&nbsp; I used to blithely buy 32D or 32DDs, so not all that amazing.&nbsp; Be aware that American cup sizes progress a bit differently than UK ones which progress differently than French ones, etc.&nbsp; The online places are pretty good about explaining this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115873 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 01:39:02 +0000 Mo 1115873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto Tanya. &nbsp;While adding 5" might get you a band size that you can technically wear, it doesn't get you one that 'fits'. &nbsp;I'm 28 underbust and wear a 30 now that I know. &nbsp;Years back I was in 34, and then figured out 32 fit better before coming around to my current 30. &nbsp;But yeah, measurements are just a starting point. &nbsp;30DDD is what the calculated starting point would be for you, or even 28 if you like a snug band.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115865 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 01:30:25 +0000 Tanya 1115865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot to say that Herroom.com has one of the best online tutorials for determining your size.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/bra-fit.....01,30.html</a></p> <p>It says to add 2", not 5", to your underbust measurement to find your band size.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115852 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 01:14:30 +0000 Gigi 1115852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had good luck with pinpointing my band size (32) by adding the 5 inches to the underbust measurement. But I am a small cup and don't know if that makes a difference. I think I read on Herroom.com that when you get to the larger cups--D and larger--the regular methods of measurement don't always work. So I think it's worth browsing their site.</p> <p>I do think it's good to get fitted. I was fitted at Herberger's and Victoria's Secret, and they both came up with the same size (which verified what I had figured out from sizing methods I found online).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115812 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:30:39 +0000 K. Period. 1115812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto what Marley said. You can get an idea from measurements, but honestly I think that idea is pretty much useless! A straight up calculation like subtract your rib cage from your chest and&nbsp;add 5 inches then up or down for cup size&nbsp;doesn't take into account how wide across those extra inches are, which would dictate how small the band size is and how large the cup size is. If you can get a professional bra fitting (and NOT at Victoria's Secret because they only identify cup sizes up to D, which is the largest cup size they stock), that's the best way to do it. &nbsp;Otherwise, maybe you can get an idea from a website like Herroom.com. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115810 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:30:00 +0000 Tanya 1115810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is very difficult to say over internet, I would go&nbsp; to a store to get fitted.&nbsp; And by a store I mean Nordstrom or specialized lingerie store, not Victoria's secret which does not do a&nbsp; good job.<br />Having said that, you should definitely NOT add 5" to your under bust measure to find your band size,. Most women wear a wrong bra size due to this mistake, too large&nbsp; band and too small&nbsp; cup.&nbsp; At most you should add about 2".&nbsp; With you measurements , your band will most likely be 29/30.&nbsp; You size probably 30DDD or 30F.&nbsp; This is just a guess, you definitely need to get fitted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115806 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:24:16 +0000 Marley 1115806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cannot determine your size just be your measurements.&nbsp; So many bras out there - some the same size, but fit differently.&nbsp; Go get yourself a professional bra fitting - that's the only way to know for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-bra-size-would-i-be-exactly#post-1115779 Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:57:26 +0000 sweety08 1115779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I am kind of confused<br /> to what I am, because I am hearing that you shouldn't add 5 inches or<br /> you should from many different people. So what bra size would I be? If<br /> any you ladies can give me an hint to what I am. My ribcage is 27 inches<br /> and my breast around is 36 inches. </p>