1. Measure your "band" size.
We are going to arrive at this by using two separate measurements. First,
measure around your upper chest, that is, right under your armpits and above
your breasts.
Let's say the measurement is just over 35". According to many bra
manufacturers' instructions, you take this measurement and discard any
fraction. Thus, 35.25 inches becomes just 35 inches. If the
result is an odd number, you will round up to the next even number, in this
case a 36. You now have one possible measurement of your band size.
2. Alternative Band Size.
Alternatively, you can measure your band size by measuring the ribcage just
below your breasts.
Now, say the measurement is over 31" just fraction, leaving us with 31". Add 5" to the measurement if your ribcage is odd
and 4" if it is an even number. In our example, we are also at a 36" band size.
So far so good
3. Measure cup size.
Traditionally, you would take one of your measurements above, and subtract it
from the measurement of your "bust".
Say the measurement is 37.5". Without discarding any fractions, take
37.5" and subtract the measurement you obtained in step one (35.25"). The
resulting number (in this case 2.25"), is supposed to dictate cup size. You
round up from any fraction. The number of the difference, rounded up, is your
cup size. A cup = 1 inch difference, B cup = 2 inch, C cup = 3 inch, D cup =
4 inch, DD cup = 5 inch and so on. In my example, the 2.25"
rounded to 3" results in a C cup. For the record all three steps are completely
accurate on the model featured here, so far.
4. Alternative cup size measurement.
Thanks to Ed Pechter, M.D., author of The Right Bra Measurement system,
there is a new way to measure Cup Size. For many women, step three is
simply not accurate. Women with very large or very petite frames, "unusual
breast shapes, etc. complain that the traditional measurement does not work.
The measure across the fullest part of the breast (across the nipple),
starting at the outside of the breast crease and going to the inside of the
crease. Figure 4 shows the measurement of 9 inches.
The Right Bra measuring system allocates a cup size to each measurement.
7" = A cup; 8" = B cup; 9" = C cup; 10" = D cup ; 11" = DD cup; 12" = DDD (E
cup).
