Sizing question - bust size - YouLookFab Forum

Sizing question - bust size

catgirl

When a size chart refers to bust size, are they referring to MY size or to the size on the garment? For example, if it says size small is 34-35, and I wear a 34 band, is that my size? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

15 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

(website)

Veteran

I think they mean the actual size around the largest part of you (usually the nipple) not your band size. For instance, I'm a 32C but measure 34 1/2" around the widest part.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I have wondered that myself. In fact, I had wondered that about the sizing chart of the jacket you linked to.

My guess is that in the case of bust size, they are referring to the measurement around the fullest part of your bust, not your band size.

15 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Umm, well bra size and bust size are totally different unless you are ordering a bra. The band measurement on your bra is actually the measurement of your ribcage directly under the bust, where the bust measurement (for buying shirts) is going to be the measurement you take when you wrap a tape measure over your breasts and around your back at the biggest point. The size charts are usually for your body measurements, the garments will measure slightly bigger depending on the style.

15 years ago

Elly

Veteran

P.S.-- I am a 31 or 32 band size-- but I have a 39 inch bust measurement. Therefore, I could never fit into a small with a 34-35 inch bust even though I have a small ribcage. I am usually a large.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Yikes, Elly - and I thought I had a hard time finding my bra size! I can't imagine looking for a 32 . . . E??

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks Elly! After I posted I realized band and bust have nothing to with each other... but I still wasn't sure if the sizing charts are referring to the measurements of the garment, or the measurements of someone who would fit the garment. I like at least a couple of inches of extra space for me to feel comfortable!

15 years ago

Elly

Veteran

The only times the the size charts are referring to the actual garment inches it will be mentioned. Usually these are on sites like, Etsy, vintage sites, and occasionally sites that sell many different brands on discount. They will usually be listed next to the garment, and not on a separate size chart. All the size charts for regular retailers are listing the body measurements of the person that will fit the size. The clothes will measure bigger than the inches listed, but by how much depends on the style of the garment and also the brand (some brands fit closer than others).

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Alaska - I used to get that confused, too! It's not a silly question at all!

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Bra band size is the size under your bust- the bust measurement on a garment is for the fullest part of the bust. Generally, a sizing chart gives the size of the wearer it is cut for. If it's the size of the garment, it will usually be marked 'finished size'

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Bra band has nothing to do with it, otherwise I'd be off the charts at a 28.

But because I'm a G, that brings me up to 33--technically still a small size but it's all relative...

I'd say it's the largest part of your chest...wherever your breasts are fullest.

15 years ago

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