Bra size equivalent. Is 34C the equivalent to a 32D?

Question

So I've heard some say that a 34C is the equivalent to a 32D is this true?

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not 
correlate with bra cup size.  The cup size itself will vary from 
manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual 
measurements.  Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your 
breast size.  I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her 
desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance.  The number is the actual chest girth, which would not change - the cup size letter is the amount of projection past this initial chest width.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Yes with most bra manufacturers this statement holds true. The smaller you go on the chest circumference the larger the cup size goes.  The same size bras sometimes don't fit exactly the same a lot depends on the fabric and style of the bra. Demi bras run smaller than fuller coverage cups.Happy bra shopping!

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

This has to be one of the most confusing and
frustrating issues for women and plastic surgeons alike.  What size am I
and how much to get to a "D" size cup.  there are many reasons
for the frustration and to name one predominant reason is that Bra sizes are
not a standard measurement.  Yes, that is correct.  A centimeter is a
centimeter, and an inch is an inch.  But when it comes to bras you can bet
a Victoria Secret bra size will not correspond to the same size as a Bally bra
or other brand.  They may be close but not the same.  Many times this
is off by a cup size (have you ever seen a half size or B+?).  I attended
a bra sizing at a shop that specializes in fitting bras and they use a formula
to come up with a bra size (this formula is not a standard either).
 Measure the distance around your chest at the level just below the
breast.  Then measure around your chest at the most projecting point of
the breasts.  In inches the difference of the two numbers is your cup
size.  The second is the measurement.  So, as an example, 34 inches
diameter around the chest, and 37 inches around the chest and at the peak of
projection becomes a 34C ((37 -34=3 which becomes C cup(1=A, 2=B, 3=C, etc) and
thus one would have a 34C bra)).  But if only the process were that simple.
The breast does not always cooperate with this method and hence many
manufactures use different methods for creating cup sizes for their brands.
 In addition, if the cup is slightly smaller than the breast it forces the
breast to bulge and look bigger (push up bra?).  Final solution is to shop
and try on bras and go with one that you like in fit and support and if you
dare, look at the label.  If is is flattering great, if you disagree and
are insulted then don't pay any mind to that brands sizing system. Good luck
and happy bra shopping.

Roger J. Friedman, MD · Answer

In my opinion there is no standardization of bra cup sizes. That said I feel a 34c is in most case similar to a 32D.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

This is a very interesting question, many
thanks for asking it.In essence there
are similarities to sizes.The 32 or 34
refers to the measurement around your chest in centimetres just below your
breast fold.The cup size is the
difference between this measurement and the measurement if a tape measurement
is placed around the chest on the nipples at the most prominent area of the
chest.In essence a 34C will have a slightly wider
band and a smaller cup and a 32D will have a narrower band and a larger
cup.Research has shown that most women do wear
bras that do not correctly fit them and the most common issue is that the band
is too wide and the cups too small.Most experienced bra fitters would tend to
fit people with a slightly narrower band and larger cup size. This is also complicated by the fact that
bra manufacturers vary in their sizing and a recent study in the United Kingdom
showed the same woman being measured different in five shops she entered.I hope this has clarified the issue slightly
and if you have any further questions it might be sensible to post them on the
RealSelf website.AR

Michael D. Cohen, MD · Answer

Your question is an excellent one and is commonly asked in consultation. In the current age, bra manufacturers have really created a lot of confusion in the general public. Victoria's Secret seems to be  one of the most popular manufacturers and has changed the scales completely. Small  implants can sometimes create a "D" cup and larger wide implants can be a "C" cup. Implants are not categorized in cup  size and can have unpredictable effects on the final labeling. A patient  trying the implants on before surgery should determine if they  like the "look" and the label will be determined well after the breasts have settled and healed. Best of good luck.

Scott E. Newman, MD, FACS · Answer

No the sizes are not the same, but there is no real standardization of cup size- so one manufacturer's C is another one's D. Don't worry much about the size- find what fits you best.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, no, a 32D does not equal a 34C, but many women do interchange them. Also, manufacturers vary greatly in sizing of their bras. The number, 32 or 34, refers to your chest diameter, and the letter, A, B, etc, refers to the volume of your breast. Also, many women are never properly measured and do not actual wear the correct size.

Jeremy A. Benedetti, MD · Answer

Bra cup sizes can vary quite a bit between manufacturers. This inconsistency is what makes cup size an unreliable way to plan for a breast augmentation, if you are considering this procedure. Due to this, breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, or cc.

Bra size equivalent. Is 34C the equivalent to a 32D?

Answers (14)

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