making a bra for my wife(help with measurements, size)

The way I measure myself, is to measure just under the bust (the size of the bra), then measure the fullest part of the bust. Subtract the 1st measurement from the second measurement, and that will give the bust size. so from what you got below, round up the 38.5 to 39, subtract that from 44 =

1. Now an A cup is 1" difference, B cup 2" difference, C cup 3" difference, D cup 4" difference, and DD or E cup is 5" difference. From what I figure your wife would take a 39DD bra. Which by the way they don't make that size, it has to be an even number, so a 39DD or a 40D or maybe a 40DD would probably be right for your wife. I use the Kwik Sew pattern for myself, and for a size 42DD bra, the under the breast elastic measurement is 32". I didn't think that it would fit, but it does. It is the pattern that you need to go by. Here is a place that I bought some of my material, closure's and straps from:
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   I would like to know also where did you get that formula for making the bra, it just doesn't sound right.

One more thing that I would like to say, is sometimes it may take 2 or 3 bras before you get the right fit, so if the 1st one is too tight or loose, then all you need to do is some adjusting.

Then there are programs out there that you put in the person's measurements and it will draft up the pattern for you, and the first one should come out right. I eventually plan on getting the Pattern Master Lingerie program.

Maine-iac Rose @->-- remove the thorns and add a hyphen between the 2 words to email me.

I think she should go and get measured ion a bra shop. I went from being a

Charlie.

ra sizes are funny things, and something like 75% - 80% of women wear the wrong size! Here's a good description for finding the right size:

Why not take your wife to a good department store, get her a nice bra that REALLY fits and is comfortable, and use it as a pattern? You can trace the pattern off the bra. I did this for a swimsuit maker when I had my swimsuit made for me.

FtForger wrote:

Yep, thats how I measured her.

Another source for bra fitting information

She has you add one or two inches to get an even band size, not 4 or 5. The site does specialize in information on bras DD and over, but the sizing information and fitting guide will apply to everyone. They do include links to retailers and listings of each manufactures line with charts on what size is available for each style - DD and over.

Rumor has it that manufacturers use the add 4 or 5 rule to minimize inventory - more women will fit into smaller cups this way, less sizes for stores to stock. At the expense of our posture and health. And retailers - even good foundation garment shops - will sell you the largest cup size they have, even if you really need larger. Ask me how I know. Always ask to try the next larger cup size in the next smallest band size for comparison - in the same style and brand. If they say that size doesn't exist. WALK AWAY! If they say they know what fits you and you have no opinion WALK AWAY FAST! If they are right, the other size will not fit and you can leave with what they fit you in. Bra shopping is not place for arrogant, pushy, know it all sales people. FWIW, places like Fredrick's has a larger range of cup sizes - so you can add filler, at least they did at one time.

Coming off my bra fitting soap box now.

I personally add 1/2 and inch to my under bust measurement to get my band size. I have found for my self, the larger the cup size you need the more snug the band size should be for good support.

Joy

Well if your wife feels comfortable with no marks left on her body from the bra's that she uses now, then that would be about the size. According to that formula on line, I would be taking a size 50 or so, and that would have to be a special order, or I make myself, which I make mine anyways. There are a few programs out there, Curves that was mentioned, I said Pattern Master which has a lingerie program, which is about $30, then there is Dress Shop version 5, which you have to download the whole program 44MGb, and when you purchase any part of the program, you get a password to unlock that part of the program. Then there is EZ-Fit which has some sort of lingerie program. I will go with Pattern Master because of the price, but I also like the style of the bra's they have compared to the others. And eventually will try to get a few of the other programs. In the old days, we were to put the tape measure above the breast but still under the arm, and that was the band size, and the cup size has always been the same. But then I read, the band goes below the breast, and that is where we should be measuring, and that is the band size. I tried to make the next larger bra in the Kwik Sew pattern, yes it did feel a bit more comfy, but not much support, so will try again, but with the D cup and see how that is. I usually keep the straps and hooks from another bra, and just let the rest go. Sometimes I just use that bra for a while before taking those parts off, (that is if they are still good), before making another. Here is something else, your wife can go into some store, like Walmart, and try on the different size bra's just to see what the difference is. I have only done that once, don't know if any1 else had tried it on before me, but I wanted to make sure that it had a good fit before buying it. Well good luck with whatever you do, and I'm sure eventually you will get it right, and she will just love them compared to the store bought ones.

Maine-iac Rose @->-- remove the thorns and add a hyphen between the 2 words to email me.

Is the bra that your wife finds most comfortable brand new? If not, it may have streched out of shape due to wear or deterioration from laundering and age. I find that I have to replace my bras because they get looser as they get older. They seem more comfortable but they offer less support- which is the purpose of wearing one.

Good luck,

Julie Richm>