Bra Size Calculators

[Veronica]

Wow, there are a lot of different calculators. Depending on whom you ask I can be a 34D, a 38AA, a 36A or a 34B.

And one calculator told me no bra was needed.

Veronica

[skhill]

Most calculators I've looked give me the response that I should recheck/reenter my measurements. Evidently I need a size that doesn't exist... Usually wear a 34A, but my best guess as to real size is 36AA or AAA. Actually, I usually wear sports bras that come SML...

[Susan]

Finding your right bra size can be challenging. Every country has its own bra-sizes, and sizes can vary quite a lot between different models.
Most calculators will give you a too big band-size, because the materials that are used for modern bras are very stretchy (and calculations are based on less stretchy materials). Because of that, to get a good fit, you often need to go down a band-size from the size that is suggested for your measurements and then need to go up 1 or 2 cup-sizes.

It's best to find the right band-size first. For the UK-system (UK and US sizes are the same as far as the band is concerned) you take your measurements under your bust (where the band should sit) in inch. Then, you add 4 to an even number, or 5 to an odd number. For example, you measure 28'' under your bust. Then you add 4 to this measurement = 32. This should be your band-size - BUT you should take this number with a grain of salt and go one (or sometimes even two) size(s) lower because the bands are usually a very stretchy material. So in this example you would end up with a 30 or 28 as band-size.

Calculating the right cup-size is a bit more tricky and I am not used to the american sizes. But if you have your right band-size, it's quite easy to just try different cup-sizes until you have a good fit.
Keep in mind that the band should carry most of the weight of your bust, so it should fit snugly, there should be no gaping under or between your breasts. A fitting cup should accommodate your breasts while giving some support and you shouldn't have a "4-boob-effect" which indicates that the cup is too small.

Most women tend to wear too big band-sizes combined with too small cup-sizes. Don't go up a band size to accommodate your bust, change the cup-size!

You can find some good bra-fitting guides on youtube.

[SadieKate]

I get ya, V.

Susan - the problem is when you're mail ordering. It's a complete guess sometimes. Moving Comfort's bra calculator is just plain old whacked when it comes to my measurements. It has nothing to do with reality.

Addditionally, I wear different sizes in a sport bra than a regular bra.

[jessmarimba]

Moving comfort - the new ones - have band sizes that are much smaller than you'd expect. Which I guess might be ok if I could get them over my shoulders without ripping them or me, but they're just too difficult to get on. Even worse to pull off when you're sweaty. They're more support than I really need, anyway.

[Susan]

Susan - the problem is when you're mail ordering. It's a complete guess sometimes. Moving Comfort's bra calculator is just plain old whacked when it comes to my measurements. It has nothing to do with reality.

Addditionally, I wear different sizes in a sport bra than a regular bra.

I know, it can be frustrating. I have to mail order my bras too, because it's hard to get my right size in stores over here. You can only make a good guess and often have to send something back.
I too have bras in 3 different band-sizes and 3 different up sizes, depending on style.
The right size is only a place to start the search.