I added more stuff to this post since this morning. So scroll on down and check it out!
(You know, if you want to.)
I wrote a blog post in my head right before I went to sleep. It was awesome, and funny, and I couldn't wait to get up and write it.
And now I can't remember it.
But because I feel like writing something, here is my recent facebook post:
(Oh, come one. You know you smiled.)
I am not exactly sure what this has to do with Breast Cancer. Self exams aren't the first thing that comes to mind when I read these status updates.
But hey, it's amusing and kind of naughty, and that is never a bad combination in my mind.
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Speaking of self exams, have you ever discovered a lump in your boobs? Because I have.
A few months ago, I was feeling myself up in a medically approved way, when I noticed something new and unusual.
And it scared the crap out of me.
I knew it would probably be fine. I knew it was probably nothing, or at least nothing cancerous. But I also knew that while unusual, breast cancer is not unheard of in 25 year olds.
Plus, my mom died of cancer, and so I just kind of assume I will, too.
I made an appointment, and went in for my very first breast exam. The doctor was female, but I didn't really care at that point. A homeless man on the street would have been welcome to my boobs if it meant I could get my answer.
(Don't worry. They never even offered)
A few hours later, the nice doctor set my mind at ease. I did not have breast cancer. But she was very glad that I had been checking, because that could have just saved my life.
"Relieved" does not even begin to describe it.
I don't think I will die of breast cancer. But who ever does? And so from now on, I plan on being very friendly with my boobs.
Put a bra on. One with little or no padding works best. This makes it MUCH easier to find the fullest point of your chest, which we will need for step 2.
Step 1. Determining Your Band Size
Tightly measure your ribs, right under your boobs. Your arms should be down. If this measurement is an odd number, round up to the nearest even number. Make a note of the inches. For me, it's 31", so I round up to 32.
That's your band size. I wear a 32 (but a 34 fits on the tightest notch).
A note about notches: The problem with starting on the tightest notch is that as you wear it, the material will stretch. If you're starting on the loosest notch, you can gradually tighten it.
If your band size is an even number, you may want to go up 2 inches. If I was a 34, a 36 might fit better. It depends on the stretch of the material.
Do not add 5 inches! That is an outdated method, which dates back to 1930. Back then bra design was new, and that system does not work with the stretchier materials used today.
Step 2. Determining Your Cup Size
Measure around the fullest part of your chest. Do this loosely. You should be able to fit 2-3 fingers between your chest and the tape measure/string. Make a note of those inches. For me, it's 38".
Now, what's the difference between the cup size measurement and the band size measurement?
Here is the equation, with my numbers: 38-31 = 7.
For each inch of difference, you have a letter.
1 inch = A
2 inches = B
3 inches = C
4 inches = D
5 inches = DD
6 inches = E
7 inches = F
And so on.
So yes, I am a 32 F. Try finding that size in a store.
Which brings me to my next point. What if you are in a store, and you fall in love with a bra, but they don't have it in your size?
If you are normally a 34C, you can try a on 36B. The cups will fit, because the cups on a 34C and a 36B are the same size. The band will be a little loose, but you can try it on it's tightest notch, or work some safety-pin magic (ghetto, but semi-effective).
Where most women go wrong.
Because the cup size is directly related to the band size, if you are fairly slim, you may need a large cup size even though your boobs don't look any bigger than average.
The pros of wearing the correct size:
Your boobs will get better support. Which means they will sag less.
(this is incredibly useful. I learned things, and I'm an expert.)
You're Welcome.
Disclaimer: Using this method will tell you what size to try on first. Bra size can be effected by distribution of body fat, back proportions, or a difference in the manufacturers sizing, among other things. There are many factors that interact with your bra size, and I can't predict them all.
(all uncredited images used in this post have been purchased)
