Thread: Bra size?

Does anyone know the bra size conversion for the Egyptian numbered cup sizes? though that would be easy to find on line somewhere, but haven't hunted it down

I'm going to copy an old post of mine over from another thread. I hope this helps!

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.

Originally Posted by Mintaka

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"

I should also add that the letters in parenthesis are approximate cup sizes on an average 36 band bra and the h, v, and d mean horizontal, diagonal, and vertical measurements taken with the measuring tape pushed into the curve of the cup.

Originally Posted by Mintaka

I'm going to copy an old post of mine over from another thread. I hope this helps!

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.

Originally Posted by Mintaka

I should also add that the letters in parenthesis are approximate cup sizes on an average 36 band bra and the h, v, and d mean horizontal, diagonal, and vertical measurements taken with the measuring tape pushed into the curve of the cup.

(emphasis added)


bump for people! i wish i'd found this earlier!

as an FYI if you're ordering from someplace like the BD store which only lists the number occasionally and posts "cup size" on the costume:

for each 2inches that you go down from the average band size, go down one cup size, and vice verses. for example, , if you wear a 34C, you would want a "B cup"/#3. if you wear a 32C, you want an "A cup"/#2. if you wear a 38C you want a "D cup"/#5, etc.

and the farther away you go the more fitting issues you'll have. i wear a 32C in real life, and to get a bra that doesn't span from one side of my back to the other i need a #2, the depth of the cups i barely fit into, even with zero padding. i imagine this would make someone who's a 32D SOL for non-custom Egyptian costumes

this solved why the "Bcup" costume my friend ordered was WAY off when she got it! thank you Mintaka for the rib cage info!

Originally Posted by raqFariha

i imagine this would make someone who's a 32D SOL for non-custom Egyptian costumes

It can be done, but you need to look for bra designs without much space in between the cups, otherwise your boobs will be in your armpits Hanans with their stretchy bra bands are generally a safe bet for me.

So if Dahlal says "B/C" cup would that be a "2"?

This is confusing:)

Originally Posted by Elibelinde

So if Dahlal says "B/C" cup would that be a "2"?

This is confusing:)

depending on your band size. if you go for a bra fitting, some place like Victoria secret or gap does them for free, they will measure you. if the initial size doesn't fit quite right then depending on the problem they will recommend a "sister size". 34B is the sister size of a 32C and a 36A. if they measure you at a 34B but the band is too tight or the cups are too big, they will give you a 36A to try on. If the band is too loose or the cups are too small, they will have you try a 32C.
but i think Dahlal takes your measurements and recommends the right size, they did when i ordered (and i asked for a bigger one because i didn't know about the "average" band size being so big and was afraid of spilling out. now i have to do costume-surgery and move the center ring from my costume to make the bra smaller in width i should have listened to them!)

I wouldn't suggest Victoria's Secret for bra fitting. I have been professionally fitted by a certified fitter at Nordstrom (Macy's and Dillards should also have people who are qualified.) The people at VS were interested in selling me their bras, not bras which fit me. Just a warning. "a 36 DD is the same as a 34 DDD" Except I then have to take it to a seamstress and have two inches taken out of the back and the connector reconfigured just a smidge. Which brings that lovely $12.99 bra up to $45 which is more than I would have paid for one which fit off the rack to start with!

And don't get me started about when they tried to tell me I was a 38C!!!!

And I used to run Victoria's Secrets back when we actually taught people how to fit bras. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Elibelinde

So if Dahlal says "B/C" cup would that be a "2"?

This is confusing:)

I think for costumes you have to drop the alphabetical identification and go with measurements. If I went with the alpha, I'd be a #7. But I have tried on a #7. there is no way in hades that will work. 4's, 5's and 6's. seem to be fine depending on their shape and I do have to pad the 6's.

But I have always been give to understand that when you buy a costume off the rack it is very rare that you will only have to move hooks and eyes. I always expect to have to reconfigure straps, hooks and eye, tilt cups and sometimes, yes, shorten or let out the connector strap.

{{{{HUGS}}}}

It doesn't go over Egyptian sizes, however,this site contains a lengthy discussion of measuring your size and the measurements for the cup dimensions of some sizes here:

http://www.funhouse.com/babs/FAQ

Its a little out of date, but it still has a lot of useful info.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

I wouldn't suggest Victoria's Secret for bra fitting. I have been professionally fitted by a certified fitter at Nordstrom (Macy's and Dillards should also have people who are qualified.) The people at VS were interested in selling me their bras, not bras which fit me. Just a warning. "a 36 DD is the same as a 34 DDD" Except I then have to take it to a seamstress and have two inches taken out of the back and the connector reconfigured just a smidge. Which brings that lovely $12.99 bra up to $45 which is more than I would have paid for one which fit off the rack to start with!

And don't get me started about when they tried to tell me I was a 38C!!!!

And I used to run Victoria's Secrets back when we actually taught people how to fit bras. . .

{{{HUGS}}}

I agree about VS. They never got my size right.