Bra sizing

Rony · Post by **Rony** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:15 am

Can someone explain why, when trying to determine your Bra size you measure just under the breast the add 4 inches. The cup size is suppose to be the difference between that and what you measure cross the top of your breast. 1"=A 2=B etc.. That part I get.

Anyway, hope everyone had a very enjoyable holiday.

Happy New Year.

Rony

Post by **DonnaT** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:19 pm

Well, I don't know too many people that have successfully used the "accepted" formula.

Band size for me is same a chest measurement under breast, or a couple of inches less (which is a good thing since I can never find one in my chest size).

Cup size formula works OK though, usually.

Post by **KimberlyS** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:43 pm

This is going to sound strange, but be a man and just go get fitted.

It really is no big deal to the fitter. And after you do it you will wonder why you thought it was such a big deal as it isn't. Or you can be like many of us and buy a lot of bad fitting bras wasting you money and making you not happy.

kim
joe in a skirt

Stephanie H · Post by **Stephanie H** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:04 pm

Kimberly is correct. It is the best and way to eliminate a lot of headaches. Something that guys can do with out. A fitting in a fine quality store will make things easier. The SA's really are helpful.

Amelie-Laveau · Post by **Amelie-Laveau** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:19 pm

As long as you get the cup size that you like, you can always extend the bra band by using bra extender clips. And if the band is too loose, I'm sure we are able to sew hook and eye clips in the band to make it tighter. Sewing is an essential skill for the cd.

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 10:10 am

I think there is something about the male torso that makes the formulas for women not work for some of us. I have used these formulas and also had a couple of fittings now and using the way to measure the band size consistently suggested a band size that is one or two sizes too small depending on the bra. I think the rib cage widens right at the breasts more for men than women, which means that when I measure under my breasts the measurement is too small.

One of the fittings was at Lane Bryant. The SA was very nice and made the comment that I was the first male she had fitted for a bra. After a couple of unsuccessful suggestions from her a male SA came over to help and seemed much more knowledgable.

Rony · Post by **Rony** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:15 am

To all who responded: Thank you
I’m sure you are right the only real way to know ones size, is to have a fitting.
However, I’ve kept my secret for 50 plus years and don’t have the courage to come out to my wife and best friend of 40 plus years, I could never give up my secret to a total stranger.

rony

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 1:16 pm

Hi Rony--
The main measurement for men is the circumference of your chest--the cup size formula doesn't matter so much for us. You can fill the bra with any size form that you want; that's just a matter of preference.

I've not tried to use a cloth tape around my own chest, but I think it can be done. I knew that I wore a size 44 coat, for instance, so I was able to narrow down my chest size to something around 40 or 42. I did have a fitting, by the way, but even so, I had to experiment a little. I bought two bras to begin with--the 40 ended up working the best. Since then, I buy 40s, either B or C cup.

The comfort factor just isn't a big concern for me, a male. As long as the band is OK, I can wear one for hours. Wearing forms is not the same as having real breasts, obviously. There's fewer ways in which the body has to conform to the bra.

I don't know whether they sell bras at second-hand stores--I've never looked for them there. At Walgreen's, they have Haines bras for $9.99--not a huge investment for trial-and-error.

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 1:03 am

I had my first fitting in an out of town store just before Halloween and said it was for a costume. I told them my wifes was just too small and asked what should I do. It was all sort of a non event. The 2nd time was a lot more fun, the SA's were nice and I went back on Halloween to show them my costume. It was a good one.

Absaroka

Rony · Post by **Rony** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:47 am

Anita
The GW (goodwill) here had what they called bin goods, often you could find Bra's and Panties NWT (New with Tags) for very good prices. Brands like VS and Vanity Fair. But it has been over a year since they had anything good, they maybe sending to the online sales.

Absaroka
Out of town measuring sounds okay, however my out of town time is out of country.

Rony

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:30 pm

Out of town was just a twenty minute drive.

Absaroka

Kimberly · Post by **Kimberly** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:17 pm

I've had some luck using the measurement method on the Maidenform website an underarm measurement then a bust measurement. You may need to tweek the band size a bit one way or the other, but it is a lot closer than the underbust measurement plus 4 or 5 inches.

Patti D · Post by **Patti D** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:02 pm

according to the charts I'm to wear a 48" band, but the bras I've got are a 40. Go figure