PURPOSE: Bra size is commonly-used as a metric when patients and plastic surgeons discuss goal size in breast augmentation or reduction procedures. Variations in bra sizing between different manufacturers can affect patient-surgeon communication, expectations, and postoperative satisfaction. This study quantifies bra cup volume across a range of alphanumeric sizes and manufacturers in order to describe the variance and improve preoperative communication and shared decision-making.
METHODS: Bras sized 36A-DD from seven popular manufacturers were fit to a flat-chested mannequin and filled using custom breast sizers. Sizers were weighed and converted to volume, and statistical differences in cup volume between manufacturers were assessed at each size.
RESULTS: Cup volume varied significantly between manufacturers at all sizes, with larger cup sizes showing greater variance. Standard deviation in mean cup volume (cc), across all manufacturers, was A: 30.9, B: 40.1, C: 62.2, D: 69.7, and DD: 122.8. Calvin Klein and Hanes ran small, while Wacoal ran larger at sizes C-DD. Wacoal was significantly larger than both Hanes and Calvin Klein at sizes 36C (P<0.05 & P<0.01) and 36D (P<0.05 & P<0.005), and was significantly larger than Calvin Klein at 36DD (P<0.005). Variation across manufacturers was observed at cup sizes A and B, though individual manufacturer trends were less clear. Soma was significantly larger than Victoria’s Secret at size 36A (P<0.005) and Victoria’s Secret was significantly larger than Calvin Klein at 36B (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a reference for surgeons and patients when discussing goal breast size after augmentation and reduction procedures. This data is especially useful for larger cup sizes, where variation in cup volume across manufacturers is the greatest. The ability to convert alphanumeric sizing to volume for different manufacturers will enable more accurate communication and lead to greater patient understanding and satisfaction.