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Mammary Query.

purple8

I'm getting a breast reduction next month due to insane back pain and I'm not sure what size to go with (other than a smaller one, obviously.) I am 5'3", 125-130, usually wear about size 4 in pants--but there is no size 4 shirt in the universe that will contain my sad 32/34 G/H tatas, so I just look either frumpy or vulgar, depending on shirt tightness.

I've long envied the fitted, crisp white classic button up look, but I've always been too busty to really make it work. What cup size are shirts generally made for? B cups? C cups? Anyone know?

Body Type

22 replies

Latest reply was from purple8

Marley

Veteran

I don't know what size the classic button ups are made for with regard to cup size - my guess would be a B - but then the shirts may fit based on chest measurement, rather than cup size? Hopefully someone will know and pipe up on this thread.

Since you are only 5' 3" and weigh only 125 lbs. I think I'd go for a pretty significant reduction in order for the top half of your body to be in proportion with the bottom half of your body. Again - I'd be tempted to go with a full B. You still have enough to nicely fill out a bathing suit top or wear a dress-up dress with a deep neckline - while also being able to fit into a classic button down shirt and other tops that you haven't been able to wear before.

So happy for you that you are having this done! One of my close girlfriends had it done last year and I can't begin to tell you what a difference it made in reduction of her back and neck pain, as well as her ability to move (she's taken up running!) - and in the way that she was able to dress! It completely changed her style - in a good way!

Jeanie

Veteran

I think it's most important that the size you pick looks right with your bone structure. A good doctor should help with this advice. Go with what is right for your body and you will find the right shirt. There are brands made for curvy women. I have a friend who sized down and she is much relieved from the back pain. Congrats on taking this step.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have a friend who did this and was very very happy. As Jeanie says, your doctor should be able to help you decide what size would be best. It will depend on bone structure.

Don't assume that you go by cup size alone. Remember that cup size is relative to band width. So if your band width is small (a 30, say) your cup size could be a D and you could still be very small busted (like me).

Style Fan

Veteran

I find button up shirts almost impossible to wear and I would not consider myself busty. I wear a 32 DD and wear a small or extra small in tops but can never get a shirt with button to close. I have given up on them. I have other small framed friends with medium sized busts with the same problem.

tricia w.

(website)

Knowing women who have had this done, and a having a husband who used to work for a plastic surgeon, I personally would go with a,"C." Your surgeon will be able to give you the best answer.

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes, get the professional opinion on options- there may be long- term outcomes to consider-- and go with the best proportions for the rest of YOU, not for any particular clothing style. Then find the clothes that " get you".

Melaine

(website)

i think button ups are kind of tricky, honestly. I am an A cup, 5'6" about 130 and find my chest is too flat to fill them out. They just don't flatter me. i sm sure you weren't going for an A though!

purple8

Lol, apparently button ups work for no one except Angie and Clair from house of cards. The full-bust brands never look as nice to me. Sigh. I don't want to be a Kim Kardashian--I want to be an Audrey Hepburn. It is SO nice to hear about other women who've gotten relief from back pain, though! Gives me hope.

I asked for B or C, whatever looked more proportionate. Surgeon can't guarantee a cup size, of course, but he just asked me to really think about if I truly want to be that much smaller. But he did also add that it is probably his surgery with the happiest patients! Can't wait...

elpgal

Veteran

I think the conventionally attractive look is to have the breasts larger than waist and tummy, so keep that in mind. Wishing you quick recovery and a complication free recovery.

shiny

Veteran

I'm a 5'0 tall 34B cup, and it's the rare button down that fits, but usually they "almost" fit. I had better luck in my teens when I was a 34A, but then I didn't fill out sweaters and other types of tops. If I ever needed reconstruction, I'd pick the exact same size I have right now.

Good luck with your surgery!

Amy

My friend had this done last year and is so happy with the result. I would take photos in of the body type you like so your surgeon gets an idea of what you want. Saying a cup size can be very misleading because a 36C and a 32DD have the same cup size. You definitely want to be on the same page as your surgeon

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am a size 4 bottom and a 2 or 4 in tops depending on the maker. I wear 32C or 30D bra and never have gap issues. I would say I have a smaller bust, though. Maybe a better clue would be inches around the fullest part. Because a 34A is equal to a 30D in being 34/35 inches around, it's rib cage, underbust that is different.
If I were going from such a large size as you, I'd probably go for the C as it will be quite a shock with such significant change.

EDIT: here is the Express essential shirt in xs on me, for comparison since we seem to be a similar size (I'm 5' 4.5" and 122lb wearing a 32C in this shot). It only gaps because I'm pulling my arms back, otherwise it lies flat.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Amy and Mo said.

I am 30D or sometimes C and I can wear button downs no problem. Small bust for sure in this size.

bj1111

Veteran

I wouldn't base a permanent body decision on being able to fit into button down shirts. That is what alterations are for, plus there are brands that are cut for generous busts (though less generous than what you currently have). And there are other options like a silk button down that drape that may suit your new style.

Is that the crisp button down shirt the epitome of style to which you aspire? I think you will discover that you will need to get used to dressing a whole new body--it's a big mental reframe.

That said, the most common requested size for an augmentation or a reduction is a c-cup. A good surgeon will have a sense of your style and give you a slightly larger or smaller c. Eg. Depending on whether you walk in for consultation in a chanel jacket or a cavalli dress.

Kari

Veteran

Echoing Suz and Mo. Cup size varies so greatly depending on band size that it's probably not the best indicator as far as how clothes are cut.

I hope that the reduction brings you relief from pain.

purple8

Thanks all. Mo, that was very helpful since we're about the same size. Also, cool pants there.

Staysfit

Veteran

I am tall, and consider myself to be small chested with a 32C cup. Crisp button downs rarely work for me, but drapey ones look great!

Having said that, I hope that your back feels better after the surgery! I have had several friends who had the problem and they had great success. They also found that they could do things that they couldn't in the past such as different kinds of exercise, etc. Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery!!

Anonymous

Hi purple8,
I'm 5'3", 118-120lbs, 34B. I wear woven button downs all the time, it's my preferred top, even on some casual days. I wear jcrew (size 2), target merona & mossimo (size small), loft and ann taylor (size small), banana republic (size 2 or 4) and eddie bauer (size small). I wear either an underwire, lace, no padded bra or underwire, slightly padded, bra--by chantelle and, except for the eddie bauers, always have to use double-sided Fashion Tape to seal the gap around my breasts.

The shirts are a shaped fit, they are not tight, they don't pull, or look like they don't fit, but i consistently have to tape the gap.

Kfmi

Well you're heavier for 5'3" I'm 5'1.5" I'd say at minimum 34DD. At my heaviest 108 lbs I was a 32F almost(the equivalent size) and I felt my breasts were proportional people would call big but not they were just right for me. If you're hourglass shaped especially that size should balance you out.

Aziraphale

Veteran

What does your surgeon suggest? I have a friend who had a reduction at least ten years ago. Her shape was probably similar to yours -- G or H cup, I think, and I know for sure she's no more than 5'4" tall. Maybe 5'3". She was so sick of her bountiful breasts that she told the surgeon she wanted to be an A cup. He said bad idea. It would look weird and disproportionate. She ended up going for a "small C cup" and was very happy with the results. She definitely no longer looks busty, but she has just enough of a bust to nicely fill out women's clothing.

Mine are 32D, and I wouldn't describe myself as busty, either, but I do wish they were a touch smaller. I'd be happy with a 32C or 32B. I'm only 5'1", though, so 32D looks bigger on me than it actually is. I usually can wear fitted shirts with no problem (as long as they are in a petite size), but if my boobs were any bigger, I'd have gapping issues.

Adelfa

Veteran

Imogen Lamport at insideoutstyleblog.com
went with a D. She has a lot of information--her surgery was a few months ago.

purple8

Thank you--I will check it out.