Measuring your own bra size

[vanillacourage]

I’ve lost a lot of weight w/cancer treatment and need new bras. I tried that one video on YouTube that gets passed around here a lot and just don’t think it’s right (for me) in how she has you bend over and loosely measure to get cup size. After two kids and a lot of weight changes through the years my boobs are just kinda droopy (pour one out) and I think it’s throwing off the measurement once I stand back up. It says I’m a DD and my boobs are like the size of small plums so...IDK. I ordered one from Target in that size so we’ll see. 

Anyone else use that video and can comment?  Like half of other online guides have you add four or five inches to measurements which also seems like it would make sizing vary wildly. 

[esdreturns]

I've used it. I'm a 32 DD according to it, and my boobs aren't that big at all. They are also fairly droopy because of age and breastfeeding 2 kids. Give whatever size you came up with a shot, I think you'll end up being really surprised. I know I was!

[pinkdutchtulips]

Get fitted at Nordie’s ... they truly are the bra sizing whisperers

[dexteroni]

You may be surprised. DD doesn't mean you have huge boobs; cup size is relative to band size. So if your band is smaller than it used to be, DD cups accommodate smaller boobs at this band size than your old one would have. I would recommend going to a store and trying a few cup sizes to narrow it down before ordering.

[vanillacourage]

Dec 14, 2018 11:16:35 GMT -5 esdreturns said:

I've used it. I'm a 32 DD according to it, and my boobs aren't that big at all. They are also fairly droopy because of age and breastfeeding 2 kids. Give whatever size you came up with a shot, I think you'll end up being really surprised. I know I was!

This is the measurement it gave me actually. Where do you buy bras?  Target had one single 32 band bra in the entire section so I wasn’t able to try on a bunch like I wanted. 

[kitkat1502]

Take the fit finder quiz on Third Love and see what it says. I got 32 D1/2, one of the best fitting bras Ive ever had! It's pricey but I was tired of not having a good fitting bra.

[liverandonions]

Spin off question - Has anyone tried Third Love Bras?

[jane6672]

Dec 14, 2018 11:22:57 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 14, 2018 11:16:35 GMT -5 esdreturns said:

I've used it. I'm a 32 DD according to it, and my boobs aren't that big at all. They are also fairly droopy because of age and breastfeeding 2 kids. Give whatever size you came up with a shot, I think you'll end up being really surprised. I know I was!

This is the measurement it gave me actually. Where do you buy bras?  Target had one single 32 band bra in the entire section so I wasn’t able to try on a bunch like I wanted. 

I buy all mine at Aerie.

They have a good range of sizes (plenty of 32DD), lots of different styles. Free shipping and free returns on all bra orders, and there's a sale right now: www.ae.com/aerie/

Depending on the style, I wear slightly different sizes (like a B cup in a lightly lined t-shirt bra, but a C cup fits better in a push-up bra, same band size though). 

[esdreturns]

Dec 14, 2018 11:22:57 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 14, 2018 11:16:35 GMT -5 esdreturns said:

I've used it. I'm a 32 DD according to it, and my boobs aren't that big at all. They are also fairly droopy because of age and breastfeeding 2 kids. Give whatever size you came up with a shot, I think you'll end up being really surprised. I know I was!

This is the measurement it gave me actually. Where do you buy bras?  Target had one single 32 band bra in the entire section so I wasn’t able to try on a bunch like I wanted. 

Soma has a good selection. Nordstorm. I can even find that size at Victoria's Secret although it is harder. I've never tried Target because I just assumed they wouldn't carry it.

[esdreturns]

Dec 14, 2018 11:27:44 GMT -5 liverandonions said:

Spin off question - Has anyone tried Third Love Bras?

I haven't, but I am really curious about them!

[dexteroni]

Try a department store. Macy's or even Kohl's will have a better selection than Target, and they'll probably be better quality. If you have a Nordstrom in your area, I would try there. They'll have the best quality brands.

[Susie]

liverandonions, ThirdLove bras are all I have worn the last couple years.  I got sucked in with their "try before buying" thing when I was getting new bras after my DD weaned, and I ended up buying a bunch more.  I mostly wear the t-shirt bras and I have one lace t-shirt bra that is a little prettier.  I also have two racerback bras from them, although they aren't quite as magical for me as the t-shirt bras.  Incidentally, the t-shirt bra is the one the fit predictor suggested.  This is the first time in my life that underwire bras have not been uncomfortable, which is convenient because post BFing, I need it.

[tiki]

Just a note for those buying bras at Target - I've always bought my bras at Target, starting in high school so ~20+ years. After having my DD + stopping BF + losing some of the pregnancy weight, suddenly I am having tons of trouble finding a bra that fits properly and is supportive + comfortable. Target just doesn't seem to stock good options in small band + bigger cup size, which is apparently what I am now? I will probably be making a trip to Nordstrom and accepting that $15 bras are a thing of my past :-(

[pooh8402]

My fit at Nordstrom was more accurate than the video. The video said I'm a 28D, and even a 30 band is way too tight, painful and I can't breathe. 32C with a plunge front (to fix the gap at the top) when not pregnant/nursing is my happy place.

Yea tiki I can't wear Target bras anymore. 32C is only one band/cup size off from 34B (my sister size) but I can't find it for less than $35.

[kermit]

Dec 14, 2018 11:22:57 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

Dec 14, 2018 11:16:35 GMT -5 esdreturns said:

I've used it. I'm a 32 DD according to it, and my boobs aren't that big at all. They are also fairly droopy because of age and breastfeeding 2 kids. Give whatever size you came up with a shot, I think you'll end up being really surprised. I know I was!

This is the measurement it gave me actually. Where do you buy bras?  Target had one single 32 band bra in the entire section so I wasn’t able to try on a bunch like I wanted. 

I just had breast implants removed but when I had them I wore a 32DD. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack usually have that size. Soma might have some but when I was looking for wireless bras in that size they didn't have any. I found some at Jockey that fit pretty well - they have a weird sizing chart but it might be worth it to go into the store and try some on. 

I will say that I thought my boobs were pretty big at 32DD so if you say yours are the size of small plums that might not be right. 

[VillainV]

Dec 14, 2018 11:27:44 GMT -5 liverandonions said:

Spin off question - Has anyone tried Third Love Bras?

I have a few and I’m looking to buy a few more. It’s the only bra I’ve found that I don’t want to rip off at the end of the day.

[ssmjlm]

Try Nordstrom or even Amazon with free returns.

I did have a good fitting experience at Soma.

[penguingrrl]

Definitely try either Nordstrom or a local bra store if you have one. I’m a 32GG and I can only find that in specialty stores. Below 34 band isn’t as commonly carried and when you pair it with a high cup size it’s really difficult to find.

[YahYahs]

I have used the sizing method you’re talking about, and even though it seems crazy, it’s accurate. I’m a 30 DD, or 32D. I buy my bras at Nordstrom rack on clearance, sometimes I can find them on Amazon if it’s a brand I know. I’m so much happier not trying to swim in a 34C like VS says I need.

[zoomzoom]

Dec 14, 2018 11:27:44 GMT -5 liverandonions said:

Spin off question - Has anyone tried Third Love Bras?

Yes.  Bought three.  Returned three.  Worst bra fit I've ever tried.  They suggested a cup smaller but all of my other bras fit so...I don't know why I'd wear a cup down in a different brand??  I'll stick with Chantelle.

It drives me bonkers that bras are so damn expensive.