Why do some 32Bs look bigger than other 32Bs?

Question

I am a 32B and so is my friend but why do her breasts appear bigger in the same swimsuits I wear?

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

The misleading issue with breast cup size is that there really is no standard of measurement.  You can have two women who wear the same exact cup size in different bras, but if they try and wear each other's bras, they do not fit right.  That is why it is very hard to tell a woman exactly what she will be after a breast augmentation.  Cup size is more of a range than a precise size, so keep that in mind.  I hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There is a lot of variability when it comes to the appearance of women's breasts.  Bra manufacturers use numerical chest circumference, and cup size letter, in the attempt to standardize women into particular sizes for easy shopping.  But a B/C cup in one company is not the same as a B/C cup in another, much like a 27 in one jean company will fit differently than a 27 in another.  Additionally, the way a woman's breasts will fill the cup will be different based on their anatomy, such as breast width, breast projection, location on the chest, gap between the breasts, and "mobility" of the breasts when placed in clothing.  No two women have the same breasts, in fact most women have differences between their own two breasts.  Not a straightforward answer, but I hope it helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There is no standard among bra manufacturers when it comes to defining specific cup sizes. Therefore, a  "B cup"  made by one bra manufacturer may look very different than the same cup size made by a different manufacturer. For this reason, I ask my patients not to communicate their goals or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving specific cup sizes.In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. In bra sizers can be useful communication tools also. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "B cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process. I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Bahram Ghaderi, MD · Answer

Bra sizes are often not accurate due to the difference in designers, material and measurement inaccuracies. When discussing bras it is the size that fits you best that matters most. That can be a B-cup in one brand and maybe a C or D-cup in another brand.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

I had 2 patients once who both had similar builds.  Both had 600cc implants.  Both went bra shopping and called the office in tears.  One was "measured" at an upscale bra shop with a little secret and was told that she was a 36A.  The other was measured at the same shop and was told she was a 36DD.  They both wanted to be a C cup and that's what I considered them.  In surgeon language, a B cup is a breast that covers the width of your chest and is full in the top.  A C cup is the largest breast that fits on your chest unsupported by a bra.  There are small B's and big B's.  There are also C's that wear a B because that's what they buy.  If you look good, don't worry about it!

Why do some 32Bs look bigger than other 32Bs?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bra size accuracy

Answer: Bra size accuracy

Answer: It's all in how you wear your clothes

Answer: It's all in how you wear your clothes

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why do some 32Bs look bigger than other 32Bs?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bra size accuracy

Answer: Bra size accuracy

Answer: It's all in how you wear your clothes

Answer: It's all in how you wear your clothes

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.