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Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:04 AM

Attack of the Quadraboob

By Heather

We've got a bunch of "How-To" articles here on The Nest including my personal favorite, How to Fold a Fitted Sheet. However, I have a problem. It seems I can't follow written directions. The fitted sheet? It's rolled up in a ball in my closet. And I've been having another problem with directions that I could really use some help with.

I'm having a problem with my boobs! It seems that I suffer from quadraboob... you know... that thing that happens when something's not quite right with your bra and your boobs pucker up over the top of the cups? I figured it must have something to do with my bra size, so I went online to figure out how to measure myself for a bra. Maybe someone out there can tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Currently, I'm wearing a 34C. I'm thinking something is too small as I'm overflowing them. I went to the Victoria's Secret website and tried to follow these directions:

Band Size: Measure around your ribcage, directly under the bust. Add 5 to this measurement to obtain your band size. (i.e.: If your ribcage measurement is 29" + (5) = 34" band size.)

Okay. Measured around my ribcage and it's just about 34". Adding 5 to that measurement gives me 39" band size... err... okay...

Cup Size: Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point. Each inch of difference between this measurement and your BAND size = cup size. (i.e.: If your band size is 34" and your bust measurement is 35", you wear an "A" cup.)
If the difference is:
less than 1 inch = AA cup, 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, 5 inches = DD cup

I followed these directions too, measuring around my boobs... 38.5", so let's round that up to 39" just to make the math easy. Ready? 39 minus 39 = 0. So, according to Vicky's, I should be a 39AA??? Impossible!

So help me out here. What am I doing wrong? I'm guessing that whole "adding 5" thing does not work and I should just try going up a cup size. If there's anyone who can save me from the dreaded quadraboob by giving me a better "How-To" I'd gladly appreciate it!

Posted by The Nest Editors

Comments

re: Attack of the Quadraboob

Oh if only I had a quadraboob ... 32AAA is what I'd have to wear to even get close to that effect ... no need for me to get measured, the measuring system cant go that low. ;) But let me assure you it's still a pain shopping for bras ... does no one carry a 32A that's not made for a 12 year old! Especially if you want to stay a 32A and not be pumped up to a C or D ... padding is just fake ... and my husband knows it's all padding too, he even comments "padded today, huh?"... Anyway, hope the fitting went well, I'm paranoid so I've never had one haha Have a lovely day

Posted by RJ    Monday, September 11, 2006 2:23 PM


re: Attack of the Quadraboob

If you fear getting fitted in the store don't be, but if you still do try this: Based on the VS instructions and your measurements, my calulations bring me to the result that you are a 38DD. But my expert advice would be to try on several styles in the sizes around your size (38D, 36D/DD, 40C/D). This is what has always worked best for me. I also agree with the PP about staying away from Demi-cups, I always get Quadraboob when I wear that style. (I'm a 40D/DD depending on the style.) Good Luck!

Posted by BugAndBoo    Thursday, August 31, 2006 11:16 AM


re: Attack of the Quadraboob

I've read the same instructions for measurements myself, and like you, have trouble figuring them out. LOL. I've found that if I go to VS they have free bra fitting!! It's the best since my weight fluctuates resulting in different bra sizes. Just find a sales associate and let them know you need a fitting. They'll take you into a dressing room and measure for you over your top. Then they have this box of the different styles of bras available in your size. You can try those and see which ones you like...if VS is out of your budget then at least you'll know what size you are!

Posted by mquila2000    Thursday, August 31, 2006 8:00 AM


re: Attack of the Quadraboob

JC Penney does not have the best looking bras, but they have a bra fit guide on their web site under lingerie. According to their guide your band size is measured around your chest, just under your arms, just above your bust. The guide figures out your correct size - it doesn't tell you how. I am not sure how accurate it is because I never used it. But I have always heard taht the cup size is how VS said (the difference b/w your band size and cup measurement). I have never heard of adding "5" when you measure the band size. Maybe try measuring your band size according to JCP and then do the cup measurement like VS and take the difference to determine your cup size. Good Luck!

Posted by Ragdoll72    Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:51 AM


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