  last night at the mall i decided it was time to get a new bra, or five. given that i have lost 26 pounds since i last went bra shopping i figured i should get measured first. so rather than have a strange department store denizen do it for me i figured i'd ask how one measured oneself for bra size, go home and measure and return another day.
according to her method of measuring from the nipple to the base i am a C cup, this perplexes me as i currently wear a B cup, and it's.... well lets just say i'm not exactly 'busting' out of it. so today, thanks to the internet i have been trying to find an accurate method of measurement. 1) Victoria's secret (they know what they're doing right? ) Band Size: Using a soft tape-measure, measure around the ribcage directly under the bust. The tape should rest on the lower band of your bra. Be sure the tape is snug, smooth across the back and level with the front. Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. For example, if your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size. If the resulting band size is an odd number like 33", you can usually go to the next even band size (34"), but you may also want to try the next lower band size (32"). ok that's a 31 for me plus 5 = 36 Cup Size Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point, holding the tape measure straight but not tight. The difference between this measurement and your BAND size is your cup size. Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size.
For example, if your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup. ok that's a 35 minus 36 wait a minute.... -1 ?! how can i have negative boobs? on to the next method 2) urlLink http://www.afraidtoask.com/breast/breastmeasuringcup.html excellent i just plug in my numbers and out comes.... 36C ?! again currently in a 34B that has a little extra living space 3) courtesy of urlLink http://www.fittingtips.com Taking the Proper Measurements To determine your bra size you will need to take three measurements.
Put on the best fitting bra you own. If necessary pin the straps up to bring the breasts to the correct level. The diagrams to not show a bra so you can see exactly where to take the measurements 1: Under Bust . Hold the tape snugly, but not tight and take the circumference under the bust. Add either 4" or 5" to this measurement to make it an even number. Under Bust Measurement Plus 4" if Upper Bust is an even number Plus 5" if Upper Bust is an odd number 36 = Band Size 2: Upper Bust.
Measure the circumference above the bust under the arms. 34 3: Full Bust. Measure the full bust circumference. Do not let the tape droop in back. You may need help to take this measurement correctly. 35 Determine the difference between Measurement 2, the upper bust, and Measurement 3, the full bust. 3: Full Bust: 35 2: Upper Bust: 34 Difference: 1 This chart determines the cup size using the difference between the Full Bust Measurement and the Upper Bust Measurement. Difference Equals Cup Size Less than 1 inch AA, 1"A, 2"B, 3"C, 4"D ok so according to this i'm an A36 time to go shopping! 
