Here’s a bit of explanation to help you get a handle on the different measurements and categories of bras. Your new-found knowledge should definitely make your life easier the next time you go to buy fancy lingerie for your significant other.

Determining band size:

In most of Europe the band size is measured in cm, but in England and America it’s taken in inches. Two measurements must be taken to determine bra size. The first, the band width or band size, is simply the circumference of the thoracic cage taken just below the bust. This is the flat area that the bottom of your bra will fit around. If you’re European, add 12.5 cm to this number. If you’re English or American, add either a) 4 inches if the measurement you just took is even or b) 5 inches if this number is odd.

English bra sizes are manufactured in sizes in increments of 2 inches (32, 34, 36..) so to get a perfect, snuggly fit you’ll most likely have to fiddle a bit with the hooks.

Determining cup size:

The second measurement is called the cup size which is expressed by a letter, i.e. the A, B, C, D, or E. Take this measurement at the fullest part of your bust. The difference between this number and your band number (the one explained above) will give you the value that determines your cup size with a quick reference to the following table:

Difference of..
- 0in, your Cup size is A
- 1in. gives Cup size B
- 2in. gives Cup size C
- 3in. gives Cup size D
- 4in. gives Cup size DD
- 5in. gives Cup size E
and so on through F, FF and G

100% of the women surveyed during the making of this article didn’t know the method of calculating the size of their bras. From experience, I would not recommend this as a flirting technique at parties.