This is a common question that I get asked from patients that are pre-op for breast augmentation surgery. Below, I share the formula for estimating final bra size. However, for reasons discussed in this blog, I steer patients towards the look they would like to achieve rather than towards a specific bra size.
First the very basics. Bra size depends on the following: 1) underbust measurement; 2) overbust measurement; and 3) the difference between the two.
For example, if your underbust is 32 inches, you should wear a 32-inch band.
If your underbust is 32 inches and your bust in 34 inches, you wear a 32 B. This is because a 1-inch difference between the bust and underbust is an A cup. A 2-inch difference is a B Cup. A 3-inch differences is a C cup, etc.
Assume we put in a 300 cc high profile implants. You’ll gain about 2 inches of breast projection. Projection is the key number to helping identify your final bra size.
Why? Because we add 2 inches to your natural 34-inch bust. That totals to 36 inches. That means there is a 4-inch difference between your underbust and bust. This would place you in the 32 D range after surgery. Note, the exact size will depend on each person’s anatomy and the brand of bra tried. However, this estimate can help guide patients towards finding a comfortable fitting bra.
For a more comprehensive bra calculation method, checkout: www.abrathatfits.org.
Note: Projection can be estimated from materials provided to your surgeon’s office by the implant manufacturer. You might also be able to find catalogues of breast implant dimensions online.
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Adding 4 inches is not about fitting people into a comfortable, supportive bra. Adding 4 inches is about fitting more people into a smaller range of sizes to reduce manufacturing costs.
Imagine a belt four inches bigger than your hips at the widest point. The belt would fall to the ground along with your pants. However, if we add suspenders to the belt, the belt would hold the pants up. You may have noticed the problem: the suspenders are doing all the work. This is true for bras too. If your band is bigger than you are around, the straps are doing all the work.
It’s probably not the band that’s too tight. The cup is probably too small. Try the bra on upside down and backwards. If the band feels okay in this position, the cup is too small. Keep going up in cup size until you find your perfect fit.
What bra size will I be after breast augmentation? This is an important question because you want to find a bra that fits. However, size should be secondary to desired aesthetic. This is because how manufacturers size bras is odd. Why? Cup volume changes with band. What does this mean? Look at the below chart:
In essence, if you transplanted a 34 D cup onto a 36 band, it is no longer called a D cup – even though it is the exact same cup. It is called a C cup. Likewise, a 28D is actually quite small: it is equivalent cup volume to an A cup on a 34 band. Really, who came up with this system?
In any event, due to the unconventional nature of this sizing system, I advise patients to prioritize their desired aesthetic outcome and not bra size per se. You can check out our video on implant sizing here but, in brief, we offer bras and sizers in the office for you to try on. Once we establish your implant size and profile range, we can then estimate your final bra size. While bra size is important for fit and support, it should generally be viewed as secondary to achieving the desired appearance.
PS: Checkout the @irishbralady on Instagram. She has great before and after photos of poorly fitted vs. well-fitted, comfortable bras.
Post implant, Polish bras will probably be your best fit. This is because many American bra manufacturers make wide underwires that have shallow cups (e.g.,Victoria’s Secret).
When an underwire is wider than your breast, it digs in and hurts. When a bra cup is too shallow, the cup sits on the breast like a hat and feels too tight. To be comfortable and supportive, the rule of thumb is that the bra should fit the breasts like a glove and any underwire should rest fully and contiguously on the chest.
Comexim starts at a 26-inch band. They make the narrowest underwires and cups with the most projection (deep cups). You can find this brand at Breakout Bras. As of this post, Breakout Bras has free shipping and free returns. Most importantly, my patients tell me that you can call the store and they will help with sizing.
Your surgeon will need to clear you to return to wearing non-surgical bras – i.e., regular bras. In general, Dr. Desrosiers clears his patients about 3 months after surgery to start wearing non-underwire bras and 6 months for underwire bras. It is important that you talk to your surgeon because discontinuing surgical bras too soon may compromise your results.
My patients tell me that abrathatfits is a vibrant Reddit community with many helpful members and links with various resources to help you get the right fit.
