Use a purchased tape measure that is either 60″ or 120″.
This page has the best procedure and Sizing instructions for the fuller figure and or fuller busted (PLUS SIZE).
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A chart for the smaller figure customer, can be clicked at the bottom of my main page. SEE: determining bra size correctly at the bottom of the main page, if you have a smaller bust and or figure.
Full busted (PLUS SIZE): use the chart on this page.
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1. Leave the customer’s bra on for taking the first A, B & C measurements.
2. A & C must be measured snug.
3. Measure B area loosely.
— Measuring For A. Custom Bra Fitting Every woman is different, and your fitting is a custom fit for her alone. Accurate measurements will give you a guideline to begin the fitting. Always measure your customer while she is wearing her old bra. There are tape measures available in 120″ lengths. Get one.
———- Begin Your Measurement Process
Step One: Chest Wall Measurement – *SNUG* This measurement is taken high under the arm and over the pectoral area of the chest. Keep the tape measure placed under the shoulder blades in back. This measurement is a snug measurement. If this measurement results in a 1/2″ measurement, go up to the next whole even number. Note this measurement as A. i.e. 40″,42″,44″
Place around the whole body, by keeping the tape measure snug, you will keep the tape measure in place for your next measurement.
Step Two: Over The Bust Measurement – *LOOSE* This measurement is used only as a guideline to arrive at the approximate cup size that you will use to begin to fit your customer. This measurement is taken loose and over the fullest part of the breast, the nipple area. This measurement is a loose measurement. If this measurement results in a 1/2″ measurement, go up to the next whole even number. Note this measurement as B.
Some larger breasts need to be elevated ( Lifted ) by the customer during the measurement. Ask the customer to do so, then measure.
Step Three: Rib Cage Measurement: *SNUG*
Place the tape measure under the breast area pulling it snug. If your customer has a very full bust you may ask her to hold the breast elevated while you take this measurement to obtain the proper measurement, If you arrive at a 1/2″ sizing, then go up to the next higher whole even number. Note this measurement as C.
Step Four: Determining Your Customers Beginning Band Size:
To determine your customer’s band size – the three measurements just taken are used.
A = Chest wall measurement – snug measurement
B = Fullest part of the breast – loose measurement
C = Rib case measurement. – snug measurement
Next:
Begin to calculate for the band size you wish to start your fitting with.
80% of the full figure,full busted women will have a very close A and C measurement.
Use the A measurement as the band size. If there is a 5 to 6 inch difference from A & C, reduce the band size ( or measurement A ) by 2″.
Take this even numbered figure and then we have the band size around the bra customer.
Begin to calculate the cup size – measurement B needed
Take your calculated band size in inches and subtract that from the B measurement.
– – – It is easy now – – – Each inch is a cup size.
cup size A is 1 inch, B is 2 inches, C is 3 inches, D is 4 inches, DD is 5 inches, DDD ( F ) is 6 inches, FF ( G ) is 7 inches, ( H ) is 8 inches, I is 9 inches, J is 10 inches, K is 11 inches, L is 12 inches, M is 13 inches.
Each customer has their own uniquely shaped breasts. This is why there are all different shaped and contours of bras. This is why there is no real perfect size chart for the fuller busted, fuller figured woman. The above sizing system has been used for years and works, if followed correctly.
No two women’s breasts are alike, but the clothing industry has hardly responded to such differences.
The bra has raised the breast to iconic status. On giant hoardings brassiered breasts are portrayed in massive scale as permanently pert, standing proud of their owners, who wear them comfortably like old jeans.
But the truth is far less cosy. Less than 45 per cent of women wear bras that properly fit.
While other clothing has altered over the years, the bra has remained essentially unchanged – two cups, two straps and hooks at the back.
Not only are no two women’s breasts the same, but no breasts within a pair behave the same way. Both breasts make a figure of eight movement when a woman walks or runs on treadmill; they effectively move independently.
The fact is that people compromise. They want something that looks right, for emotional or personal reasons, not necessarily something that gives them the support they need. It’s like shoes – everyone’s got a pair that doesn’t fit properly but they keep them in the closet. They’re not all that comfy but we still wear them. Bras are just the same.