This question would fall under fashion.

Can anyone tell me the logic behind the (what seems to me to be) screwed up formula for determining bra size?

Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

That was the part I'm talking about. When I measure my ribcage I get 36 inches. Common logic would tell me that I am a 36 bra. BUT NOOOO! I add another 3 inches in this formula. I have seen other numbers that to me seem just as superfluous. What is the extra for? So I can say I'm a 39 instead of a 36? Try finding a 39 bra or 38 for that matter. I just wear 36 & be done with it.

OK, this I can handle. There is at least some kind of logic to it. Of course I wish I had a higher letter but such is life, I'll keep taking my herbals & hope for the best.

 

The number is how many inches around you are right under your breasts and the letter should be the difference between under your breasts, and the fullest part. I'm not sure exactly how the numbers are converted though. The 1'' 2'' 3'' 4'' to A, B, C and D sounds about right.

 

well, I tried the formula just now and it was waaaaaaay off. According to them I should be a 38F, I wear a 36C very comfortably. So I don't know who thought that formula up, but it sure doesn't work for me atleast...


I say, if you want to find your bra size, go try a bunch on, whichever is comfortable and provides the right support is yours

 

There's tons of different ways to determine bra size and most companies use different formulas... some say add 4" some say 5"... why the messed up formula?

Men invented bras. ... nah, really I have no idea.

Couple of links to different methods of determining bra sizes:
http://www.fittingtips.com/classes/Class-BraSize.htm
http://www.afraidtoask.com/breast/breastmeasuringcup.html
http://www.tanyabrowns.com/brasize.html

Maybe they add extra to the actual rib measurements is because women swell possibly??? :|

 

dont wear bras- i know everyone worrys about getting saggy but once you stop youll never go back

 

I dont get it either.. I just find what evers comfortable... Although I did go to Victoria's secret w/ a friend and we got measured.. I was wearing the right size...

 

heyy im studying underwear at uni bit random but yeh...we're taught for the chest size of you're bra measure under the bust in inches and add 4 inches if the measurement is even and five if the measurement is odd. this is the standard method of bra sizing...

 

I'm taking herbal suppliments to grow my breasts. They make them tingle nearly constantly. Wearing a bra, although it doesn't stop the tingling, does help me not feel like I have to itch them all the time. I also like the better definition I get when I wear a bra. I do have to admit to wearing a bra that gives a little help in the endowment department. The picture below has me wearing my daily bra. It is a lightly padded push up. I have a couple of others that do much more. I wear them when I'm going clubbing. Once I have filled out as much as I'm going to I probably will go braless more often but now I need the support & "help"

 

So, without giving measurements (unless you want to) was the number of the band size anything that would vaguely fit into the formula?

 

As I said, I have seen it on other places too. There is one site that says I should be 44.

Like woo hoo! I'm a 44! Sounds sexy but just makes no sense at all to me.

chickabean, you say that you are studying this. Can you ask your professor about this?

There are some great bras that I have found online that I want to try. That is what brought me to asking about this.

 

yeh sure il ask on monday...but im pretty certain we learnt to measure under the bust and add 4 inches to an even number or 5 inches to an odd...but il double check for ya xx

 

I don't know, but for years I fancied myself a 36, but when I was actually professionally measured not long ago, I was a 34. Personally, I like the way the 36 feels better than the 34. The 34 feels too form fitting. I want to be able to breathe you know. *lol*

 

OK, I wasn't doubting that is what they told you I'm wondering why it is done this way. I know I overthink many things but I just can't wrap my mind around what the reason for this (to me) vodoo mathematics would be.

 

According to the wacky formula that would make your ribcage to be I guess 29 inches. Since it would be under 33 so you would add 5 to it. The more I read through that formula it sounds like a Monty Python skit or something like that. Just imagine Eric Idle saying "Bra Size 1. Wear a comfortable bra and measure the rib cage just below the breast. If the number is 33 or less, add 5 inches to that number and that is your bra size. Over 33 inches add 3 inches to get you bra size. Both ways, rounding odd numbers up to even." in his british drag voice that he used when he did the female characters.

 

LOL, super cute!!!
thanks for giving me a happy moment!