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Comment by mysterydip | Hacker News Reader

> the bust size is measured ... while wearing a properly fitted bra

Seems a bit chicken-and-egg there.

Breasts are shaped differently, and cups hold volume. Measuring without a bra won't always capture the volume either, especially for breasts that sag a bit or flatten out some when not wearing a bra (very common for larger breasts). Breasts tend to simply "sit" differently in a bra than without - more mass in front of the arm, for example.

Even a poorly fitted bra will give a better starting point than measuring braless.

And really, that's what this is: A starting point. Go with the best starting point that is available to you. You already are going to try on all of the ones that might work, you might as well narrow that down.

Right?

If you're wearing a properly-fitted bra, surely you can calculate your bra size by just asking the person who fitted it what size it is.

One problem is likely that manufactures cut the material differently so the cut/fit differs.

It's like buying a pair of jeans from five companies in the same waist size and leg lengths. Some will be tight around the waist while another fits well.

Indeed, but they do say "The calculation result is only a starting point. A professional fitting or trying on bras to see which sizes work best is recommended."

Also I imagine they loosen over the day and you probably don't know what fits well till you've worn it for a day.

If bras are anything like shoes.

And over time, and when washed. And if you're buxom? Forget it. You have to own an array or be in pain.

* And if you're buxom? Forget it. You have to own an array or be in pain.*

If you are buxom enough, you might not be able to afford or find an array of bras. If I buy in my size - generally around an H cup - bras easily range from $80-$120 each. I always have to buy a specialty bra. I had never found my size in an actual store in the US: I had to move to Europe for that.

All that said: Once I was able to find bras in my size, I did find that many are well-made, they fit and aren't rubbing nor digging in, and wearing them through the day hasn't really been an issue. At least, until they are wearing out and needing replaced.

My wife is a 28J in US sizes. Panache is your friend. Amazon Wardrobe will let you get up to 6 at a time and return whatever doesn't fit right. At least the situation is improving--she used to have to get custom only.

they don't loosen over the day, but your body does and makes it feel tighter toward the end of the day. more like a ring than a shoe

they do loosen over time. most bras have 3-4 hooks, you start on the loosest and the only reasons you use the tightest is you got a bad fit or it's near time to throw it out

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