Brassiere measurements
Brassiere measurements (also called brassiere sizes, colloquially bra sizes) are indicated according to standards set in various countries and consist of a number and one or more Latin capital letters. The number is the band size indicator and the letter is the breast cup size indicator. These standard sizing systems are especially relevant to labeling of off-the-shelf bras, and not made to measure or for bras built into other garments.
There is considerable variation in women’s breast volume, shape, size and spacing. A woman’s breast volume may be more at the bottom, sides or top, and this will affect the size actually needed. Bra sizes are merely a way of standardizing these factors for a “close” fit, which is not necessarily the correct fit. Bras typically have adjustable hooks which permit minor adjustments to a bra’s fit.
In addition, there is considerable confusion as to bra sizes, with several different sizing systems in use around the world.
Sizing also varies considerably between garments produced by different manufacturers; even professional bra fitters often produce inconsistent results.There is currently no commonly agreed formal standard that defines an inch-based bra-size system, especially in the United States. Due to these uncertainties in labeling, users are normally advised not to rely entirely on labeled bra sizes, but to verify a proper fit.
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