Thread: 06/01/08 - Egyptian Costume Bra Sizes

I have heard people talk about costume bra sizes as #3 or #5...I didn't know there were sizes like that. Can someone explain it to me?
Thanks!

Cup size A = 1
Cup size B = 2
Cup size C = 3
Cup size D = 4

I think it's the depth of the cup.

Don't know about the other designers, but with Ablas, the number equals the number of inches when measuring the cup.

Souzan

Originally Posted by kina

Cup size A = 1
Cup size B = 2
Cup size C = 3
Cup size D = 4

I think it's the depth of the cup.

huh. I didn't realize it was the depth of the cup. clever. there are also cup sizes 5 and 6 (and maybe bigger?) in the bellydance costume world.

the VERY IMPORTANT thing to know is that a cup size 2 is always a cup size 2, no matter what the band size. in contrast, in US and european bra sizing, the underwire size of a 32D is in theory the same as a 34C, 36B, etc. (for example, I'm a 32F and had to buy a standard size, easy to find foam cup bra for somebody to make a costume for me - I found a 38D and the cups fit perfectly although I was swimming in the straps). the cup size 1 2 3 4 5 = A B C D DD is pretty accurate for a US band size 34/36ish. SO if you're a 34B get a cup size 2, or a 3 and pad it. if you're a 34D you can get a cup size 4, or try a 3 if you're not afraid of a little cleavage.

I really like knowing the egyptian cup size of a costume, because if it's a 5 I know it will ALWAYS fit, and if it's anything else it will never work. if somebody labels their costume as a D cup, it could be a 4, 5 or 6 and you'll have to know their street size (easy to do if it's a used costume, not so easy if it's new from a dealer) to try to figure if it will work for you.

finally, note that a cup size 6, even if it corresponds with your US bra size, is a pretty big cup and if you're normally a 34 or smaller band size it will possibly be too big for your frame.

I've been told they don't make A or 1 size. Anybody heard that?

Originally Posted by elisagamal

huh. I didn't realize it was the depth of the cup. clever. there are also cup sizes 5 and 6 (and maybe bigger?) in the bellydance costume world.

the VERY IMPORTANT thing to know is that a cup size 2 is always a cup size 2, no matter what the band size. in contrast, in US and european bra sizing, the underwire size of a 32D is in theory the same as a 34C, 36B, etc. (for example, I'm a 32F and had to buy a standard size, easy to find foam cup bra for somebody to make a costume for me - I found a 38D and the cups fit perfectly although I was swimming in the straps). the cup size 1 2 3 4 5 = A B C D DD is pretty accurate for a US band size 34/36ish. SO if you're a 34B get a cup size 2, or a 3 and pad it. if you're a 34D you can get a cup size 4, or try a 3 if you're not afraid of a little cleavage.

I really like knowing the egyptian cup size of a costume, because if it's a 5 I know it will ALWAYS fit, and if it's anything else it will never work. if somebody labels their costume as a D cup, it could be a 4, 5 or 6 and you'll have to know their street size (easy to do if it's a used costume, not so easy if it's new from a dealer) to try to figure if it will work for you.

finally, note that a cup size 6, even if it corresponds with your US bra size, is a pretty big cup and if you're normally a 34 or smaller band size it will possibly be too big for your frame.

Thanks for this info-I am a 34DD and I was wondering if a 6 would be too big. I am thinking so!

Yep. A 38D or average 38DD looks lovely in a 6, so it would almost certainly be too wide for your ribcage.

Happily for some of us, they also make a 7.

Originally Posted by Mirabai

I've been told they don't make A or 1 size. Anybody heard that?

I don't think that is true - I have one Pharonics costume with much smaller cups than any other bra I have. Most of my bras are what Dahlal labels B/C (I guess the #2), but I have one #3. My teal Egyptian Beauty; however, is a much smaller bra, so I think it is a #1. (I have a B/C Egyptian Beauty as well, so I don't think it is just the cut of the bra that makes it seem smaller.)

So how do you know? If it's labelled B it's a 2?
I ask this because it is so frustrating being a large cup but small band (like you, Elisa, thank you so much for the great explanation!). I went to a place where I had looked at their website for D costumes, but those were all so huge-but then the long straps and the far placement of the cups could have attributed it to that.
I have a Pharaonics that was labelled an A- it has very shallow but tall cups, so it squeaks by. So maybe the depth plays a big part. (I sewed the headband to it so I wouldn't scare anyone).
Sorry to be rambling. This is confusing, but I think I'm getting it.

I wear a 38 DDD or 40 DD. A 6 is just a tad too small unless I angle the cups. A 7 is just a tad too big and I have to the cups touching each other.

Souzan

Originally Posted by Mirabai

I've been told they don't make A or 1 size. Anybody heard that?

There was a vendor at Raks America, I believe it was Audrena's, that I asked about a size 1 cup, and she does not carry them. I don't know if that is because she chooses not to carry them, or if they're just not made.

Oh, and I should add we were specifically discussing pharoanics costumes.

Does that mean I would be a 4 if I am a 30DD/E? It's so hard to have small back and big boobs, life would be so much easier as a 34B!

hi cara -
I would say it would depend on how much cleavage you're comfortable with. I'm the equivalent of 2" more than you in the bust, and I feel very secure in my 5s - but I've got major cleavage going on. still family-friendly but definitely an eye-full (but really, anything above a DD on ANY size frame is going to attract attention!). a 5 with the cups set close would probably be great for you; if you find a costume you adore in a 4, you could most likely work it but it would be a lot more bosomy.

Originally Posted by elisagamal

hi cara -
I would say it would depend on how much cleavage you're comfortable with. I'm the equivalent of 2" more than you in the bust, and I feel very secure in my 5s - but I've got major cleavage going on. still family-friendly but definitely an eye-full (but really, anything above a DD on ANY size frame is going to attract attention!). a 5 with the cups set close would probably be great for you; if you find a costume you adore in a 4, you could most likely work it but it would be a lot more bosomy.

Thanks so much for this explanation, I'm sure it will help me no end!