Thread: Thanks for the answers - Can somone explain bra # sizing?

Hello Ladies, on some of the swap posts I see bra #4, bra #2....please explain, thanks. Is this a standard for all costumes? or is this for a specific designer? what are the size equivalents?

The number system is mainly used in Egyptian costuming (as far as I know, I'm not sure if it's used elsewhere as well) by designers like Amira at Pharaonix. Unlike the bra sizing we are used to where each size is based on a combination of ribcage size and cup volume (ex. 36C, even though the 36 isn't the actual ribcage measurement it is based on ribcage size) the number sizing is purely based on cup volume and ribcage bands are made longer to accommodate a range of ribcage sizes. This makes it easier for designers to mass produce costumes since there are only a couple of different bra sizes instead of the numerous combinations we are used to.
SamiraSuruk made this chart of the cup dimensions that correspond to each cup size number:
#2 (A)-h 6" v 5.5" d 7"
#3 (B) - h 6.5" v 6" d 7.5"
#4 (C) - h 7" v 6.5" d 8"
#5 (D) - h 7.5" v 7" d 8.5"
#6 (D) - h 8" v 7" d 9"
#7 (DD) - h 8.5" v 7.25" d 9.5"
So to decide your size equivalent look for the cup volume that most closely matches what you would normally wear. Be sure to take into consideration if the width of the cups when choosing so you don't end up with cups that would look too wide on your ribcage.

Here are two threads which talk about it:

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...cup-sizes.html

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...-cup-size.html

You just need to know what keywords to put into the search engine. The wisdom of the world is all here. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

Thanks Mintaka for the information.

Thanks Tahira, I thought I saw the post a while ago, but couldn't seem to find it.

I think Tahira has a link to check your size, but I can't find it. Gar!

Funny thing is, none of the Pharonix bras have ever fit me right... I'm a 32 D...I lust after a great loop or and egyptian empress...Is there anyone who ever had a really custom bra made? Would Amira do it?

Originally Posted by BernieV

Funny thing is, none of the Pharonix bras have ever fit me right... I'm a 32 D...I lust after a great loop or and egyptian empress...Is there anyone who ever had a really custom bra made? Would Amira do it?

Amira made me a great loop that fit right out of the box. Be prepared to wait a while though.

Originally Posted by Mintaka

The number system is mainly used in Egyptian costuming (as far as I know, I'm not sure if it's used elsewhere as well) by designers like Amira at Pharaonix. Unlike the bra sizing we are used to where each size is based on a combination of ribcage size and cup volume (ex. 36C, even though the 36 isn't the actual ribcage measurement it is based on ribcage size) the number sizing is purely based on cup volume and ribcage bands are made longer to accommodate a range of ribcage sizes. This makes it easier for designers to mass produce costumes since there are only a couple of different bra sizes instead of the numerous combinations we are used to.
SamiraSuruk made this chart of the cup dimensions that correspond to each cup size number:
#2 (A)-h 6" v 5.5" d 7"
#3 (B) - h 6.5" v 6" d 7.5"
#4 (C) - h 7" v 6.5" d 8"
#5 (D) - h 7.5" v 7" d 8.5"
#6 (D) - h 8" v 7" d 9"
#7 (DD) - h 8.5" v 7.25" d 9.5"
So to decide your size equivalent look for the cup volume that most closely matches what you would normally wear. Be sure to take into consideration if the width of the cups when choosing so you don't end up with cups that would look too wide on your ribcage.

sorry to resurrect this thread (well it is almost Easter ^_~) but what does h, v, and d mean in those measurements? i just ordered a costume (hurray tax refund!) and im wondering if my girls will stay inside given they told me it'd be a #2....i'm a 32 C

The h, v and d mean Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal. They are measured along the inside of the cup.

Originally Posted by Mahsima

The h, v and d mean Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal. They are measured along the inside of the cup.

i thought so..... ok. so Dahlal wants me to wear a #2 with padding when according to these measurements i should be wearing a #4. i think she must have miss heard me...... although i don't know what kindda static could turn "c" into "double a" go figure.

I once ordered a costume from either dahlal or audrena - either way, it was a pharaonics - and got something labelled a "#3". I'm always between a D and DD. It fit, oddly enough, but it sure confused me for future orders.

I wear a DD and I need a #5. It sounds like a number 3 or 4 would be good for you.

yheah, i'd rather have to pad than play peekaboo. i have a hard time in general finding bras, street or costume, that aren't too "low cut". my teacher was lending me a costume a while ago, and when i expressed the concern she joked that i thought my nips were up on my shoulders. ^_~