BR Bra Size from Bust and Underbust

Brazilian bra sizing from band and cup measurements

Brazilian bra sizing follows ABNT NBR 13377 and the ABEST (Brazilian Stylists Association) tables. You take two measurements: the band, around the ribcage just below the breasts, and the bust, at the fullest point while wearing an unpadded bra. The cup comes from the gap between the two, cup = bust - band, and roughly every 2 cm of that gap bumps you up one cup letter (A, B, C, D, DD/E, F...). Take a band of 95 cm with a bust of 113 cm: the 18 cm differential lands you at 38B BR. The numeric BR sizes (38, 40, 42...) line up with band ranges, not with US/EU bands one to one.

Applications

Lingerie shops and e-commerce (Hope, Liz, DelRio, Lupo) lean on it, as do made-to-measure pieces for post-mastectomy clients, sports bras, and the fitting of bridal and shapewear. It also helps when converting a size across the BR, US and EU charts.

FAQ

Why does the BR band differ from the US band? The Brazilian band is just your underbust measured in cm. US sizes (32, 34, 36...) are in inches and carry an old ease formula on top. There is no clean 1:1 conversion, so always check the brand's own chart.

Should I measure tight or loose? Measure the band firmly, snug but not pinching, and the bust loosely, with the tape kept parallel to the floor. Since the band carries 80% of the support, getting a snug band right matters more than the cup.

What if I am between sizes? Reach for the smaller band paired with a larger cup, a trick known as "sister sizing". A 38B and a 40A, for instance, hold about the same cup volume but fit differently at the band.