Hello Everyone,
After personally testing many of the bra size calculators available on the Internet, I was disappointed with how frequently they produced inaccurate results, some of which were so laughably wrong I sympathized with the millions of women who would buy that size thinking it was correct. Consequently, I drew on my past life as a computer programmer and created the Sophisticated Pair calculator. My hope was and still remains to give women a starting point size—a first step on the journey of finding a bra which fits perfectly. While the calculator is not nor will ever be 100% accurate, I feel confident in its usefulness as a sizing tool. Furthermore, I have plans for expansion which include changing languages to something more compatible with Apple products as well as taking into account other variables besides measurements. As soon as I have the time, I want to incorporate the wonderful feedback I have received.
Nevertheless, I do need to clear up a troubling issue I have seen within the last couple months. Many of our recent customers who found us through Reddit and the calculator thought they needed a much larger cup size than they do. Initially, I was confused how the calculator could produce a UK 36G when the woman needs a UK 36E. Even allowing room for error, the alarming frequency of this cup size differential had me wondering where I went wrong. Then, I discovered some comments circulating the web which advise taking the full bust measurement while you bend over at the waist. The intention is to ensure all of your breast tissue is incorporated into the measurement; however, the calculator is not designed for this type of measuring system. The algorithm specifically utilizes the measurement standing upright, holding the tape loosely around the fullest part of the bust.
Keeping this caveat in mind, measuring bent over at the waist will produce a correct result for some women, typically those who have lost significant firmness in their tissue and have bottom heavy breasts, but by and large, I have seen a slew of women trying cup sizes that are 2+ sizes too big for them. For example, my own measurements are 30″-41.5″ standing upright, and the calculator puts me in a 30HH. Depending on the design, my size varies from a 30H to a 30J, making the HH cup a pretty fair starting point. However, if I bend over at the waist, my bust measurement becomes 45″. Now, my starting point size becomes a UK 30K. A K cup is two sizes bigger than the largest size I wear (a J) and four cup sizes bigger than the smallest (an H).
As I mentioned, some women do have better luck bending over, but it has been my experience as both the calculator designer and a fitter that the majority of women will be better served taking their full bust measurement while standing. From there, use the good fit criteria to decide if you need a larger or smaller cup size. I hope this clears up some of the confusion, and if you need personal fitting advice, please feel free to email sophisticatedpair[at]gmail[dot]com. While I cannot guarantee results through email, I may be able to point you in the right direction.
Erica
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