You've Got Questions About Bra Sister Sizing
We found that a lot of you were posting comments and saving our video about Bra Math. We thought we would dive a little deeper into bra sister sizing so you're always in the right bra.
It's important to understand bra sister sizing because when it comes to bras, the size on the tag is about volume. Think back to middle school science class. Your teacher shows you a tall and a short glass of water side-by-side filled with water. When asked which has more water, you might say the taller one because it visually seems bigger, but in fact, both glasses hold the same amount of water. This is because of the volume of water the glasses can hold. The same is true of your bras. The band and cup work together to make up a certain volume capacity. Don't worry, we'll explain it.
Demystifying Bra Sister Sizing
Have you ever found yourself trying on a bra that felt almost perfect, but there was something just slightly off? Maybe the cups were too big, but the band felt snug, or vice versa. It's frustrating, right? But fear not, because bra sizing is less about the size on the tag and more about the volume the size equals. Bra sister sizing can help you find your ideal fit without endless trial and error.
Bra sister sizing is a concept that allows you to find bras with a similar fit by adjusting the band size and cup size simultaneously. In other words, if you find a bra that fits your cup size but the band feels too tight, or if the band fits perfectly but the cups are too small, you can try a sister size to see if it solves your problem.
What is Bra Size Volume?
Bra size volume refers to the actual capacity of the bra cups – essentially, how much breast tissue the cups can hold. The volume of a bra is determined by both the band size (the number) and the cup size (the letter). It might seem like these two variables are separate, but they actually work together!
How Band and Cup Sizes Work Together
- Band Size (Number): This measures the circumference around your ribcage, just under your bust. Common band sizes include 30, 32, 34, 36, etc.
- Cup Size (Letter): This indicates the size of the breast itself. Common cup sizes include A, B, C, D, etc.
The Key Concept: Sister Sizes
Sister sizes help explain how different combinations of band and cup sizes can hold the same volume of breast tissue because the band and cup are working together to make the volume. When you change the band size, the cup size letter may change, but the volume remains the same and will continue to fit you. It's confusing because it's contrary to what we've been taught about sizing. When buying jeans or shoes, the fabric or shape might affect the fit, but volume isn't what drives the fit.
How Sister Sizes Work:
-
Increasing Band Size, Decreasing Cup Size:
- If you increase the band size by one size and decrease the cup size by one letter, the volume remains the same.
- Example: A 34C has the same cup volume as a 36B and a 32D.
-
Decreasing Band Size, Increasing Cup Size:
- If you decrease the band size by one size and increase the cup size by one letter, the volume remains the same.
- Example: A 34C has the same cup volume as a 32D and a 36B.
Visualizing Bra Size Volume
Here’s a simple way to visualize how bra size volume works with sister sizes because this is definitely complicated and we want to make sure you're comfortable:
| Original Size | Sister Size 1 | Sister Size 2 | Sister Size 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30B | 28C | 32A | 34AA |
| 30C | 28D | 32B | 34A |
| 34C | 32D | 36B | 38A |
| 36D | 34DD (E) | 38C | 40B |
Practical Tips for Finding the Right Bra Volume:
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Measure Correctly:
- Band Size: Measure snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust. Ensure the tape measure is level all around because your bra should fit snug like a hug.
- Bust Size: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape measure is not too tight or too loose and remember to always keep your arms down.
-
Calculate Your Size:
- Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch difference equals one cup size (e.g., 1 inch = A, 2 inches = B, 3 inches = C, etc.).
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Try Sister Sizes:
- If your bra’s band feels too tight, go up a band size and down a cup size. If the band feels too loose, go down a band size and up a cup size.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by this point and have mentally checked out, you can always watch our fit videos:
Why Volume Matters
Understanding bra size volume is crucial for finding a bra that fits well and feels comfortable. The right volume ensures:
- No Spillage: Cups that are too small will cause breast tissue to spill over and you'll have to adjust yourself all day.
- No Gaping: Cups that are too large will have gaps and won’t provide adequate support. You'll have back and shoulder pain when your bra is too big.
- Proper Support: A well-fitting bra with the correct volume will offer the support and comfort you need.
Final Thoughts on Bra Sister Sizing
Finding the perfect bra isn’t just about the band and cup size independently; it’s about understanding how they work together to create the right volume for your body. By learning about sister sizes and bra size volume, you can make informed choices and discover bras that fit across bra sister sizes.