Think of the following as everything you ever wanted to know about sizing
please do not be overwhelmed by the volume of information, just take from it what is relevant to your needs

 

Breast size changes regularly, and occurs due to many factors: weight and muscle loss or gain, puberty, menstruation, certain medications, pregnancy, lactation, age and menopause. This can happen over your lifetime, and even over a month of normal hormonal fluctuations. As breast size changes your bra size changes too, and that means that unfortunately, 80% of women are wearing the wrong size.

Why is a bra that fits well important?

A correctly fitting bra is very important for your health, posture and comfort. If you are wearing a breast prosthesis a well fit bra is also important for these reasons, but also so your prostheses is held securely, supported and does not move around. Your body holds a natural breast with muscles, ligaments and tissues. With a prosthesis, the weight is held by the bra rather than your body, and as it isn’t physically attached to your body it’s possible to get shoulder, neck or back pain if your prosthesis or bra is the wrong size.

A good fit will help with your comfort and health in the short and long term, as well as protecting your prostheses from damage. Having a professional fitting is the best way to ensure you’re wearing the right size possible for your comfort. Ideally it is recommended to get a professional bra fitting, preferably every 6 months. For a perfect fit following a mastectomy it is even better to see a trained mastectomy fitter as they can help decide which prosthesis is the best for you.         

Some tips regarding prostheses and sizing

If you choose to wear a prosthesis, a fabric one can be used immediately following surgery. For a silicone or lightweight one, it is recommended to wait a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery to allow healing.

If you have had a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed)

It is important to have a prosthesis that matches your remaining breast. This is not just for symmetry, but also so that you do not have discomfort (such as shoulder, neck and back pain), balance or posture issues that can result from uneven weight distribution on alternate sides of your body.

If you can find a good fitting bra for your breast then you can get a prosthesis to match that size. When your prosthesis is in your bra you can confirm that it is the correct size by checking that both left and right sides are even, that they do not show outside the bra and that they look symmetrical. Next see how you look with a shirt covering your underwear. 

If you have had a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed)

You can choose to have the size prostheses you prefer. You can go smaller than you naturally were, as long as you are happy with your chest/scar coverage, or, if you want to go bigger you can, but should keep in mind that you may not be used to the extra weight so it may be uncomfortable on your back, neck or shoulders. Most fitters would recommend only going up or down a cup size from your original, natural breast size, to be comfortable and compliment your body shape. 

Your prostheses should feel comfortable and secure within your underwear, and it should fit close against your chest, without any gaps. To securely hold a prosthesis, the preferred bra is one with an integrated pocket in it. These bras are designed to ensure that your prostheses don’t move around or fall out.

Glamozon has a variety of sizes available in our prostheses and are always endeavouring to make more available. Each of our fabric forms feature a little opening so that small amounts of stuffing can be removed or added as you wish, to subtly decrease or increase their fullness.

As we are an online company it is not possible to try our products on as you would in a shop. You should know your size, as accurately as possible, before making any purchases. If you feel any discomfort, or have any problems with the look or feel of your prostheses after purchase, please let us know.

How do I work out my size?

You can be measured, or measure yourself. You can have a professional bra fitting at your local lingerie store, Eg: Bras N Things (check with them for their availability). Many underwear and specialist mastectomy stores have fitters who specialize in mastectomy fitting. Do not have your measurements taken if you still have any open wounds or a drain.

Most women who have had breast cancer are however, understandably, tired of being poked, prodded and having to undress in front of strangers! This is one big reason Glamozon was started, to give you back some privacy and control. If you are one of these ladies, we recommend measuring yourself. You can then visit your local underwear store and try a variety of bra sizes and styles to see what looks and fits you the best, and is most comfortable, based on the measurements you’ve taken. Either way it is important to be measured.

We have a sizing chart and lots of information to ensure you purchase the correct size. To find a good fit, look at the following points and make a note of your own personal details. Please note that all measurements should be metric (in centimetres).

Size:

A. UNDERBUST/ BAND SIZE/ BODY SIZE

  • If you have lost one breast, with no reconstruction: Measure from the middle of your chest, firmly, yet comfortably, underneath the remaining breast, to the centre of your spine. Make sure the tape is level from front to back, then double this measurement to get your band size.
  • If you have had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction, measure you under-breast size. Your under-breast area is positioned approximately halfway between your elbow and your shoulder. Wrap a measuring tape snugly, yet comfortably, over your rib cage over the under-breast area, all around your back. Make sure the tape is level from front to back. The measurement, around your body is your band size.
  • If you have had reconstruction follow the above instructions, measuring your under-breast area but using your reconstructed breasts as your guide.
  •  When you have your measurement, round up to the nearest number. Make a note of your measurement.

B. OVERBUST/ CUP SIZE

  • If you have lost one breast, with no reconstruction: Measure from the middle of your chest to the centre of your spine, except this time measure over the fullest part of your remaining breast, usually over the nipple. Make sure the tape is level from front to back. Double this number to get your cup measurement.
  • If you have had a lumpectomy, using the method in the previous point, measure your larger breast (the breast that you have not had a lumpectomy on)
  • If you have had a double mastectomy without reconstruction you can base your cup size on your pre-surgery bra cup size. You can go up or down if you have a preference and it feels comfortable. Most fitters would recommend only going up or down a cup size from your original, natural breast size.
  • If you have had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, measure from the middle of your chest to the centre of your spine, except this  time measure over the fullest part of one of your breasts. Make sure the tape is level from front to back. Double this number to get your cup measurement.
  • When you have your measurement, round up to the nearest number. Make a note of your measurement.

C. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

  • Bra band sizes are indicated by a number Eg: 8, 10, 20, 22
  • Bra cup sizes are indicated by a letter Eg: A, C, DD

Using the below table, put your band and cup size measurements together:

Underbust- Look in the top bar to see where your measurement falls and then look at the corresponding band size in the bar below

Eg: Underbust measurement is 74cm = band size 12

Finally, look at the column underneath your designated band size, check where your overbust measurement falls. Your cup size will be the letter/s on the far left.

Eg: Overbust measurement is 90cm = cup size B

In this example your measured Bra Size would be 12B

Work out your own size from your measurements and note it down.

Making Adjustments- Your Sister Size! 

Using a sister size is a way you can adjust your bra size so that it is a perfect fit. All bras have an equivalent, or ‘sister size’ which means the CUP volume capacity size is exactly the same, but the band size is different. So if you try on what you think is your size, but it’s not exactly accurate, you an tweak it by trying it’s sister size.

To find out what your sister size is you can either

  • Go up a cup size AND down a band size or
  • Go down a cup size AND up a band size

For example, if you are a 12B but would prefer a firmer fit, try the sister size 10C (Which has the same cup capacity as the 12B but a smaller band size). 

See the below for an easy cheat sheet to your sister size:

Original Bra Size

Sister Size Lower

Sister Size Higher

10A

8B

12AA

10B

8C

12A

10C

8D

12B

10D

8DD

12C

10DD

8E

12D

10E

8F

12DD

10F

8G

12E

10G

8H

12F

12A

10B

14AA

12B

10C

14A

12C

10D

14B

12D

10DD

14C

12DD

10E

14D

12E

10F

14DD

12F

10G

14E

12G

10H

14F

14A

12B

16AA

14B

12C

16A

14C

12D

16B

14D

12DD

16C

14DD

12E

16D

14E

12F

16DD

14F

12G

16E

14G

12H

16F

16A

14B

18AA

16B

14C

18A

16C

14D

18B

16D

14DD

18C

16DD

14E

18D

16E

14F

18DD

16F

14G

18E

16G

14H

18F

18A

16B

20AA

18B

16C

20A

18C

16D

20B

18D

16DD

20C

18DD

16E

20D

18E

16F

20DD

18F

16G

20E

18G

16H

20F

You have your size, but your shape is also the key to finding a good bra!

You’ve measured your size, but your breast shape is also important for the correct bra fit (and subsequent prostheses). The purpose of a bra is to support, lift, shape and space your breasts, and each style of bra will change all of these factors. Every brand also fits differently so make sure you try the bra on to see if it works for you. To find a bra you love you need to know your breast shape as well as your size.

You may be the same size as someone else (eg: 20E) but you will have your own individual combination of size plus shape and space between your breasts. Just like shoes it’s about how it fits, not the size. Everyone’s breasts are unique and there is nothing wrong with any breasts, including having one bigger than the other, this is all totally normal! Once you have determined your combination of breast characteristics it is easier to find a bra style that will work best for you. To find out your shape look at yourself naked in the mirror, from both the front and the side.

1.Volume or Fullness: If you have lost one breast and haven’t had reconstruction it is best to match your prosthesis with your remaining side. Naked, look at your breast in a mirror from the side, and determine whether you cup is more 1. Shallow 2. Average or 3. Full

Is your breast tissue fullness even all around your breast? Is it mainly full in the upper section? Or more in the lower section? Here are some different breast shapes to help you decide:

Knowing your breast fullness can help you decide what style or breast prostheses you’d like as they each have different weights and fullness. For further information on their specifics please see our Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q section)

2.High or Low Set: Did you know that the distance between your forehead and chin is often the same distance as between your chin and the top of your cleavage? if your cleavage is less than this distance then your breasts are High Set, if it is more than your breasts are Low Set.

3.Close Set or Wide Set: Now look at yourself from the front. If you have had surgery, please consider your pre-surgery breasts. If you have had one breast removed, look at it’s positioning. What is the space like in the middle of your chest, between your breast area? Is, or was there a big gap? Eg: of more than 2cm? a little gap, or no gap in between? Did/do your breasts sit, or start just under your armpits, or is there just a little space between your breast and your underarm? If your breasts were closer to the middle of your chest (and further away from your underarm), and there was little to no gap between them, then your breasts are Close Set. 

Examples of close set pre-surgery breasts.

If your breasts sit closer towards your underarms, or there is a gap between them, then your breasts are Wide Set. With close set breasts you may have previously had a problem with underwires digging into your underarm. 

Examples of wide set breasts.

Now I know what shape my breasts are, which style bra works for my breast shape?

There are countless styles of bras and some may work for you and others may not.  The following is information on bra styles depending on your breast shape. Please keep in mind that it is not mastectomy specific so some style bras may not suit your needs as far as coverage and prostheses support go. It is here simply as a guide to standard styles relating to breast shape. Further information on mastectomy specific bras follows.

High set: Problems you can encounter with high set breasts is that they can end up under your chin, or they can make your body appear shorter, length wise. Bras that will work well for high set breasts are:

Balcony bras: sometimes known as a shelf bra, the name means little balcony, it is similar to a balconette or demi-cup bra, but the sides are higher and the front is lower exposing more cleavage

 

 

Plunge bras: Also known sometimes as U-plunge bras, some plunge bras are great as they give support and still allow you to wear V neck and scoop tops that will flatter your body. They are designed with angled cups and an open and lowered centre. The shoulder straps are usually set wide apart. They are not generally heavily padded.

 

Low set: Bras that will work well for low set breasts are:

Balcony bra: sometimes known as a shelf bra, the name means little  balcony, it is similar to a balconette or demi-cup bra, but the sides are higher and the front is lower exposing more cleavage. These are great as the cups are designed to fit the breasts and they have longer straps (because of the difference in shape). This will offer better support and flatter your body shape. The cups on balcony bras are positioned further apart than other bras than other bras so they are more comfortable and the underwire won’t dig in under the arm.

 

Close set: As most bras are made for close set breasts you can usually wear a few different shaped bras. You won’t suit a plunge bra if you have bigger breasts because your breasts will naturally want to fall to the middle. They may sit well when you first put it on but if you wear it all day your breasts will tend to gravitate towards the middle and spill over, giving you the look of 4 breasts. Your best bras are:

Balcony bra: sometimes known as a shelf bra, the name means little balcony, it is similar to a balconette or demi-cup bra, but the sides are higher and the front is lower exposing more cleavage.

 

 

 

Full cup Bras: A full cup, or full support bra is designed to offer maximum support and coverage for the entire breast, it is a practical design for large breasts. These bras generally include a sturdier underwire and more supportive, stretchy material. They can feature wider shoulder straps and more hook and eye fasteners.

 

Wide set: A great bra would be one with deep cups in the lower half of the cup and less in the upper section of the cups. Breasts with lower fullness won’t suit a full cupped bra, the cups will be empty as there is a lack of filling in the upper portion of the breast that will cause the fabric to pucker. Great bras for wide set breasts are:

Balconette bra: sometimes known as a shelf bra. Balconettes lift the breasts to enhance their appearance, shape, and cleavage. They are a more revealing version of a demi-bra, offering little to no coverage

 

 

 

Balcony bra: sometimes known as a shelf bra, the name means little balcony, it is similar to a balconette or demi-cup  bra, but the sides are higher and the front is lower exposing more cleavage. Like low set breasts, balcony bras will work for you. The cups on balcony bras are positioned further apart than other bras than other bras so they are more comfortable and the underwire won’t dig in under the arm.

 

 

Demi, or Half Cup bra: Sometimes referred to as a half, or shelf bra. These partial cup bras cover from half, to ¾ of the breast and create cleavage and uplift. Most demi’s are designed with a slight tilt that pushes the breast towards the centre. The straps usually attach at the outer edge of the cup. The lingerie industry generally defines a demi as covering about 2.5cm above the nipple. The underwire is shorter and forms a shallower “U” shape under the cup. They are good for low cut tops.

 

Wide and low set: It is common for women who have low set breasts to also have wide set breasts, a good style bra would be a:

Balcony bra: sometimes known as a shelf bra, the name means little balcony, it is similar to a balconette or demi-cup bra, but the sides are higher and the front is lower exposing more cleavage. These are great as the cups are designed to fit the breasts and they have longer straps (because of the difference in shape). This will offer better support and flatter your body shape. The cups on balcony bras are positioned further apart than other bras than other bras so they are more comfortable and the underwire won’t dig in under the arm.

 

What are my options in Mastectomy specific bras?

It can take a while to recover after surgery as your swelling reduces, nerves repair and skin and scarring heals. Mastectomy bras come in a variety of styles and have features that make them a great option if you have had surgery.  These bras tend to have pockets built in that can hold one or two prostheses carefully in place, however, sew in pockets are also an option where you can convert your everyday bras yourself.

Even if you have had reconstruction, you may still wish to choose a mastectomy bra because the added attributes can be beneficial. Features may include:

  • a wide band for stability, support and to help hide scarring
  • soft, stretchy fabric and front fastening hooks so you can dress easily
  • full cups, or cups cut higher with good coverage at the front and sides. This is for extra security, to hold the prostheses in place as well as to help disguise scar tissue
  • cups that may be soft for comfort or lightly padded to add smoothness if there is uneven tissue
  • defined cup separation so that prostheses cannot move sideways
  • wider and padded straps to provide more comfort and help the bra stay in place
  • soft seams, elastic and trim, no underwires or minimal detailing to avoid discomfort on areas touching any sensitive skin 

Many mastectomy bras also feature an integrated camisole, offering subtle coverage, allowing you to wear deeper neckline tops more comfortably. Cotton fabric bras are a great choice as they are soft, cool and comfortable as well as being breathable in warm weather, or if you are dealing with hot flushes.

Mastectomy bras can be purchased from most underwear stores and specialist boutiques, as well as online retailers. 

As you can see from some of the examples below, mastectomy bras are available in many lovely styles.


Try on some bras:

Unfortunately, there is no standard universal sizing system in the lingerie industry so sizing is different in every continent. See the tables below for an example of the difference in equivalent sizes internationally:


For a secure and accurate fit, put your bra on properly- make sure you bend forward and scoop all of your breast tissue/prosthesis (if you have one) into the cup. New bras should be worn on the clasp closest to the end- the loosest fitting (this allows you to tighten the bra in the future with the other clasps as the fabric loosens with wear and washing). Once you have worked out your bra size you can find a well fitting bra and then decide upon a prostheses size accordingly. Mastectomy bras are especially designed with sewn in pockets that can hold a prostheses securely, however any bra can be worn as long as it holds your prostheses firmly against your chest so it can’t move around. There are things you can look for to make sure that your bra is a good fit:  

BAND 

80% of support comes from under the band. It is very important as it bares the load, supports the weight of your breasts and the cup. The band stretches at the back and should be:

  • Firm, yet comfortable and not too tight or digging in. You should be only able to slip two fingers underneath it at the back to pull it out. Flesh should not be bulging out at the back (if it is, you may need a larger band size and possibly a smaller cup size)
  • Your bra shouldn’t ride up at the back when you raise your arms, or slide around loose when you’re moving (if it does or if your prosthesis moves to one side during wear you may need a smaller band size or larger cup size)
  • Back and front should be level and parallel to the floor when you look at yourself from the side in a mirror

CUP

Cups hold the breast

  • You should have good coverage at the sides and top and the fabric should be firm over the bust.
  • Cups should be halfway between the top of your shoulder and your elbow (if your breasts are not high enough you probably need a smaller band size or possibly a different style if you have large sized breasts)
  • Should be big enough that breast tissue/ prostheses don’t spill out from the top, sides or underneath. The cups shouldn’t be wrinkled or obviously too big for the breast/prosthesis. (The cup may be too small if you are spilling over, or if it is too big you can have gaping at the top and sides. If you have wide set breasts it may gape if you need a slightly bigger cup and your cup is not covering your breasts adequately at the sides- they can also gape if you haven’t put the bra on properly)

STRAPS 

Are fully adjustable and are there to hold the cup in place, not to support the breast weight

  • Only adjust the straps once the bra is on
  • Firm and comfortable, you should only be able to fit two fingers under the strap and your shoulder. Not loose and falling off of your shoulders, or tight and digging in and leaving dents!  (if so, you may need a smaller sized band- if the band is too big it won’t be giving you enough support and you may end up tightening the straps to compensate. Remember that the band should do most of the work, not the straps
  • The strap should be in a straight line over your shoulder and then go in a right angle under your shoulder blade

WING AND UNDERWIRE (side area under your arm)

  • The wing is the part of the bra that is along your ribcage, under your armpit. It should not pinch, and you should not have any tissue spilling out above or under it
  • The underwire should not be cutting, poking into you or resting on breast tissue, it should rest gently around it’s perimeter and be snug against your ribcage (If the underwires dig in under the bust then the back is too small, if they’re digging in under your armpit then you should try a larger cup size)  

BRIDGE/ GORE (part of the bra in the middle of your chest, between the cups)

  • Should be flat between your two breasts, you shouldn’t be able to easily put your fingers underneath and pull it away from you (if it sits away from your body you may need to go down a cup size)

What prostheses size should I buy and what sizes do GlamOZon sell?

We sell breast prostheses in standard Silicone, Lightweight silicone and Fabric, each has their own unique properties in weight and fullness. For specific information on the prostheses characteristics, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q) section.

The chart below lists bra sizes in the first column. The following columns will tell you the equivalent size in Glamozon prostheses- for Silicone, Lightweight, and Fabric. Simply find your size in the left-hand column and then look for the Glamozon size on the following columns. The chart will also tell you the sizes we offer. Any sizes listed as not available we will endeavour to have available in the future but we do not currently sell. For example:

  • If you are an 8E your size would be a M
  • If you are a 22B you would be a 2XL
  • If you are a 20E you would be a 5XL in a fabric prosthesis however we would not have an availability for your size in silicone or lightweight (at this time).
  • If you are a 10A you would be a 3XS in either the silicone or lightweight prostheses however we would not have an availability for your size in the fabric prostheses (at this time).

Please also note that this chart is colour coded. Sister Sizes are the same colour, this means that they are the same volume cup size (please see Sister Size information above). For example: In purple- 8DD = 10D = 12C = 14B = 16A = 18AA