Breast form companies have their own sizing charts. You always purchase breast forms by your bra band size and the cup size you would like to achieve.
To find your bra band size
Take a soft tape measure and measure around your body approximately 2 inches below your nipple. Looking in the mirror helps.
Pull the tape snug but not tight – there should not be skin poking out on either side. Make sure the tape is even all around your body and not hanging down in the back. When you take this measurement, round to the closest whole inch, either up or down.
Example: If your measurement is 33 3/8″, round to 33″. If you measure 33 1/2″ or more, round to 34″.
Bra bands come in even numbers. If the rounded measurement you come up with is an even number, add 4 inches. If the rounded measurement you come up with is an odd number, add 5 inches.
Example:
Even measurement: 34″ + 4″ = 38 bra band
Uneven measurement: 33″ + 5″ = 38 bra band
This is an approximate band size to start working with. There are always exceptions. As the band size increases, so does the cup size of the bra. Therefore, a 38C is going to be smaller in the cup than a 40C. You would then try a 40B to maintain a similar cup size. This works the other way as well. If your 38C was too large in the band, then you would try a 36D to maintain your cup size.
The end result is 40B, 38C, and 36D would all wear the same breast form size.
Does your bra fit? Here’s some bra fitting tips
Example done on a 38C pair of breast forms.
Your bra should fit you snug but not tight. Your bra band should be even all around your body and not raised up in the back. If it is, the fit is not good. Make sure you have adjusted your shoulder strap length first and if it is still raised in the back, you need to try a different bra style.
When purchasing your new bra, you should be doing it up on the center set of hooks. If you can only comfortably do it up on the first set of hooks, making the bra fit the largest, then you need to go up in the band to a 40 and down in the cup to a B.
If you are doing your bra up on the third set of hooks, making the bra fit the smallest, then you need to go down in the band to a 36, but up in the cup to a D.
Your breast forms should be positioned and fit halfway between your elbow and your shoulder for a natural look.
How to choose the cup size
- Subdued/demure look is an AA/A cup
- Average look is a B, Full B and C cup
- Bold is a D or DD cup
- Over a DD, you want to be noticed
Breast forms fit best in a full cut bra so the breast form is not visible. Demi cut, half cut, and padded bras do not work well with breast forms. Before purchasing your breast forms, you need to decide on the style that will work best for you.
Take your soft measuring tape and measure around your body approximately 2 inches below your nipple. Make sure the tape is pulled snug but not tight and is even all around your body.
Example: 35 inches
Next, take the tape measure and this time measure around the body but go through the middle of the nipple.
Example: 37 inches
Subtract the first measurement (35) from the second measurement (37).
Example: 37 – 35 = 2 inch difference
If the difference is less than 1.5″, you should be fine in a breast form that is fairly flat in the back to hug your chest wall.
If it is 1.5″ to 3″ difference, you need a form that is slightly hollowed out in the back to conform over your developed pec muscles/breast tissue. They are best suited for someone who is a flat to a natural AA/A cup.
If it is over 3″, you need a full shell form that is hollowed out in back.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Every breast form fits differently. Always consult the fitting chart before ordering your breast forms to ensure that you are receiving the correct size.