The underbust measurement is rounded to the nearest multiple of 5cm. Band sizes run 65, 70, 75, 80 etc., increasing in steps of 5cm, similar to the English double inch. A person with a measured underbust circumference of 78–82cm should wear a band size 80. The tightness or snugness of the measurement (e.g. a tape measure or similar) depends on the adipose tissue softness. Softer tissue require tightening when measuring, this to ensure that the bra band will fit snugly on the body and stay in place. A loose measurement can, and often does, vary from the tighter measurement. This causes some confusion as a person with a loose measurement of 84cm would think they have band size 85 but due to a lot of soft tissue the same person might have a snugger and tighter and of 79cm and should choose the more appropriate band size of 80 or even smaller band size. A measuring tape is pulled around the torso under the armpit and above the bust. Because band sizes are most commonly manufactured in even numbers, the wearer must round to the closest even number. [62] Cup measurement methods [ edit ] Pictogram for the European bra size 70B using EN 13402-1 Now that you're familiar with the specifics of cup sizing, it's time to have a little side-by-side comparison between different cup sizes. This is helpful if you already know your cup size or if you are still in the process of determining yours. Each section features an in depth description of the cup size and how it relates to overall bra size. I've also included a few notes on each cup size including shopping tips, material suggestions and the best bra styles for each cup size.

Each cup's underwire at the front should lie flat against the sternum (not the breast), along the inframammary fold, and should not dig into the chest or the breasts, rub or poke out at the front. The Italian band size uses small consecutive integers instead of the underbust circumference rounded to the nearest multiple of 5cm. Since it starts with size 0 for European size 60, the conversion consists of a division by 5 and then a subtraction of 12. The size designations are often given in Roman numerals. The French and Spanish system is a permutation of the Continental European sizing system. While cup sizes are the same, band sizes are exactly 15cm larger than the European band size. When it comes to finding a bra, cup size is not something you should take as a general suggestion. Your cup size is something worth determining in specificity because an accurate cup size match helps your bras fit better. During your time as a bra wearer, it's probable that you've experienced a few annoying effects of wearing certain traditional bras. These common bra issues might include red marks on your skin, spillage, skin bulges and more. More often than not, these issues can be solved by a change in cup size! By making a cup size change, you will create a better fit around your breast and prevent further issues. The archetypal breast — round and full with a small point at the nipple — is considered the “standard” for breast type. It’s said to be the most common shape for majority of women. Most bra manufacturers model their designs after this shape.Cup size is determined by one of two methods: in the US and UK, increasing cup size every inch method; and in all other systems by increasing cup size for every two centimeters. Since one inch equals 2.54 centimeters, there is considerable discrepancy between the systems, which becomes more exaggerated as cup sizes increase. Many bras are only available in 36 sizes. [32] UK [ edit ] These are equivalent UK cup volumes The underwire was first added to a strapless bra in 1937 by André, a custom-bra firm. [13] Patents for underwire-type devices in bras were issued in 1931 and 1932, but were not widely adopted by manufacturers until after World War II when metal shortages eased. [14] The average breast weighs about 0.5 kilograms (1.1lb). [98] Each breast contributes to about 4–5% of the body fat. [99] The density of fatty tissue is more or less equal to 0.9g/cm 3 (0.52oz/cuin) [100] Bra band sizes do not affect actual breast volume. Italian band size and Japanese sizes of the female breast of average and full-figured women are the most refined. In the European 2-cm system, you should add four if the measurement is even and add five if the number is odd. For your European size, if you measured 34 inches, your band size would be 38; if you measured 27 inches, your band size would be 32.

Measurement method origins [ edit ] 1932 advertisement by S.H. Camp and Company, the first to correlate A-to-D cup size with the volume of the breast In October 1932, S.H. Camp and Company was the first to use letters of the alphabet (A, B, C and D) to indicate cup size, although the letters represented how pendulous the breasts were and not their volume. Camp's advertising in the February 1933 issue of Corset and Underwear Review featured letter-labeled profiles of breasts. Cup sizes A to D were not intended to be used for larger-breasted women. [7] Warner's 1944 advertisement for its Alphabet Bras in cup sizes A to D

1. Get a Measuring Tape

Regardless of how large each breasts are, C cup is for ladies with a difference in bust and band size of 3 inches (16 to 17 cm). Which cup size is bigger, B or C ?