A recent survey of many women revealed that breast size labeling—and consequently bra sizing—is so confusing and inconsistent across different brands that even experienced lingerie sales assistants often lose track. So, how does it actually work?
To determine your true “measurements,” it is necessary to know two body circumferences:
- Underbust circumference (just below the bust line)
- Bust circumference (at the fullest point, usually across the nipples)
In the case of very sagging breasts, to obtain the second measurement, it is necessary to shape them into a measurable form on the chest (using another pair of hands or a thin, non-padded bra). Besides the four standard cup sizes (A, B, C, D), there are also AA (extra small) and DD (extra large) sizes. If your bust measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger one.
- Example 1: If your underbust measurement is 74 cm and your bust measurement is 85 cm, your breast size corresponds to 0 and your bra size is 75 AA.
- Example 2: If your underbust measurement is 74 cm and your bust measurement is 97 cm, your breast size corresponds to 5, and your bra size is 75 DD.
- Example 3: If your underbust measurement is 69 cm and your bust measurement is 86 cm, your breast size corresponds to 2, and your bra size is 70 C.
