Why Do You Add 4 Inches To Your Bra Measurement?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When bra sizes were first conceived in the 1930s, the materials used for bras were a lot stiffer and less flexible – women were only just out of corsets – so manufacturers used to recommend adding 4 inches to your actual size to get the correct band size.

Why do you add 4 to band size?

It was designed as a method for measuring way back in the 1950s when bras were made from silk and satin and did not stretch. The 4 inches extra allowed breathing room , something which in 2015 is completely redundant as all bras now have elastic and stretch in them. So scrap this old technique!

What cup size is 4 inch difference?

0 inch AA cup 3 inch C cup 4 inch D cup 5 inch DD cup 6 inch DDD cup, or F cup

How do you measure your bra size 4 inches?

Step 1: Determine your band size

While braless or wearing a non-padded bra, use a measuring tape to measure around your torso directly under your bust , where a bra band would sit. The tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches.

What is the correct way to measure for bra size?

  1. Measure your band. Wear a lightly lined (non-push-up) bra so your breasts are as close to natural as possible. ...
  2. Now measure your bust. Place the tape at the fullest part of your bust. ...
  3. Subtract the band size from your bust size to find the right cup size.

Do you add 4 inches to band size?

Bra band size

When bra sizes were first conceived in the 1930s, the materials used for bras were a lot stiffer and less flexible – women were only just out of corsets – so manufacturers used to recommend adding 4 inches to your actual size to get the correct band size.

Are you supposed to add 4 inches to band size?

Many major department stores and American retailers take the ribcage measurement and add four inches (or five if it’s an odd-number ) to obtain the band size. ... That’s because cup size means nothing without also knowing the band measurement.

Is 34B big size?

34 BAND SIZES 32C 34B 36A 32D 34C 36B 32DD 34D 36C 32DDD 34DD 36D

Is D cup size big?

For some reason, we have been brainwashed into thinking that boob sizes go from A-DD, DD being the biggest boob/bra size. DD is actually at the lower end of the scale , there is still E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K cup above that. ... This means that any other band in that same bra style won’t fit you properly.

Is D cup bigger than C?

For a long time, the bra industry, and many of its largest brands, simply didn’t offer sizing much past D cup. ... In reality, the size difference between D and DD with same band size is 1” , the same measurement difference as between an A cup and a B cup, a B cup and a C cup, a C cup and a D cup.

What cup size is 40 inches?

SIZE TO ORDER Bust measurement (in inches) Under the bust measurement (in inches) 40 B 40.1 – 41.7 35 – 36 42 B 42.9 – 43.7 37 – 38 44 B 44.9 – 45.7 39 – 40 46 B 46.9 – 47.7 41 – 42

How do cup sizes work?

The number portion of the size (the 34 in 34C for example) represents your band size or the measurement around your rib cage just below your breasts. ... This is your bust measurement. Get your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size . If the difference is a 1 your cup size is an A, 2 a B, 3 a C, etc.

Is a 40 inch bust big?

B Sizes Under Bust Fullest Point 36B 30′′-32′′ 36′′-38′′ 38B 32′′-34′′ 38′′-40′′ 40B 35′′-37′′ 40′′-42′′ 42B 38′′-40′′ 42′′-44′′

How do I know my cup size without measuring?

It is easy to measure your bra size without a tape measure. Use some string or a cord instead of the measuring tape. Wrap the string around your bust first under the bust line , then on the bust line. Note of the exact length with a pen.

What is the most common bra size?

34DD is the average American bra size

A 2013 survey from lingerie retailer Intimacy revealed the average bra size in America is 34DD — a leap from the average 34B it was 20 years earlier. There are several reasons as to why, including inflated cup sizes, plastic surgery, and the rising obesity rate.

How do I measure my bra size 2021?

  1. Place the measuring tape around your ribcage, right underneath the band of your bra.
  2. Make sure it is pulled tight but is not uncomfortable and that the tape is level.
  3. Make a note of how many inches you are.
  4. If you land on an even number this is your band size.
Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.