Measuring and Sizing

How To Measure Yourself For A Bra

If you get the bra size right, the breast form size can be easily chosen to match.

Step 1

Measure snugly around your chest just under your breasts.

This is measurement A.

  • 70 cm = Band size 10
  • 75 cm = Band size 12
  • 80 cm = Band size 14
  • 85 cm = Band size 16
  • 90 cm = Band size 18
  • 95 cm = Band size 20
  • 100cm = Band size 22
  • 105cm = Band size 24

Step 2

Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
This should be done wearing a well-fitting, non-padded bra if possible - so that the breasts are sitting up in the right position.

If you have already had a mastectomy, measure only the side with the remaining breast (from the middle of the sternum at the front, to the middle of the spine at the back), and then double this number.

This is measurement B.

Step 3

Take measurement A away from measurement B.

If A minus B =

  • 13 cm - you need an A cup
  • 15 cm - you need a B cup
  • 17 cm - you need a C cup
  • 19 cm - you need a D cup
  • 21 cm - you need a DD cup
  • 23 cm - you need an E cup
  • 25 cm - you need an F cup
  • 27 cm - you need a G cup

Example

Amy has had a mastectomy. She measures 100cm around the underbust (measurement A), so she needs band size 22.

She then measures from the middle of the sternum to the middle of the spine over her remaining breast and gets 60cm. Multiplied by 2 this is 120cm, so she calculates 120 - 100 = 20cm (measurement B) which gives her cup size DD.

So Amy needs a size 22DD bra.

Choosing Your Prosthesis Size

When ordering a breast form (prosthesis), selecting a size from the drop-down menu will display a list of matching bra sizes directly above the 'Add to Cart' button, so you never have to guess whether you have made the right choice.

You can double check by using the tables below.

Amoena Breast Form Sizing

To choose the right breast form size, find the row for your band size, then look across to the column for your cup size.

For example: 14B will require a size 5 breast form.

Anita Breast Form Sizing

To choose the right breast form size, find your bra size on the conversion chart.

For example: 18C (40C) will require a size 8 breast form.

ABC Breast Form Sizing

To choose the right breast form size, find your bra size on the conversion chart.

For example: 18C (40C) will require a size 8 breast form.

International Size Conversions

Bra Band Size Conversion
Cup Size Conversion

Troubleshooting

Here are some of the most common problems and how to remedy them:

Bra rides up at the back or moves around
Your band size may be too big. Try lifting your arms up to see if the band is tight enough. If it is riding up try going down a band size e.g. 14 to a 12. To keep the cup size the same you must go up a cup size e.g. 14C = 12D.

Band digs in around body or the band is overstretched
The band is too tight so try a bigger band size e.g. 12 to a 14. To keep the cup size the same you must go down a cup size e.g. 12C = 14B.

Shoulder straps are digging in
You may need to loosen the straps. If this does not work it maybe that the under-band is too big and the straps are giving you most of the support. The under-band acts as 80% of the bra’s support so try going down a band size e.g. 18 to a 16.

Straps slip off
The straps need to be adjusted so they are a tighter fit. For extra support you may need to try a bra with wider straps.

Your breasts are bulging out the top or sides of the cup
The cup size is too small. Try a larger cup size e.g. B to a C cup.

The fabric is wrinkling on the cups
The cup is too big. Make sure you lift your bust into the bra. If the fabric still wrinkles try going down a cup size e.g. D to a C cup.

The prosthesis is moving to one side
The most common problem is the band is too big. Try a smaller band size. If the problem persists it maybe that the prosthesis is too light and you need to try a slightly heavier style.

Final Pointers

At Erilan we want you to find the perfect bra and we know that wearing the correct bra size is the key to comfort.

Your correct bra size can be found by starting with the size you are currently wearing, and thinking about how well it actually fits you - it's not always necessary to get out the tape measure and pen!

Here are some points to remember when finding your perfect bra size:

1. If you wear a prosthesis it is important that the bra is supporting your natural breast. Do not judge the fitting of a bra by how well your prosthesis fits as this maybe different to your natural breast if you have lost or put on weight.

2. The band of your bra should fit snugly around the narrowest part of your back, and be the same height all the way round.

3. The bra should be close to your body at the front, and sit evenly in the middle

4. Your breast should fill the cup, with no wrinkling or puckering of the fabric.

5. Your breast should not bulge over the top or sides of the cups.

6. You should be able to fit two fingers under the band easily.

7. Always start on the middle hook. This way you can tighten it up as the bra stretches, or loosen if you gain weight.

8. If you wear a prosthesis, check that it sits in a good position and is completely covered by the cup.