Measuring for Proper Fit With Implants

You and your doctor may have agreed on the size you want to be, but different factors can affect what bra size will actually fit you properly. Implants tend to run wider than a natural breast, and your existing breast tissue prior to surgery also needs to be accounted for. Therefore, even if you feel like you are a C cup, you may need to go up to a D cup to get the right size underwire and fit. Also, doctors will claim you as a "full" cup, which means that you now have an additional 1/2 cup size increase. This can push you to a larger cup size, as well. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). 175 to 200 ccs is the equivalent to a one-cup size increase. Knowing the size of your implants will also help you determine your new cup size.


Band Size with Breast Implants

Breast implant surgery should not change your band size. So, calculating your band size with implants is performed exactly the same way described in Step 1 of our Bra Size Calculator, where we explain how to measure for your bra’s band size.


Cup Size with Breast Implants

Measuring for your new cup size with implants is not the same method as the measuring system for normal breast tissue. With your tape measure parallel to the floor, measure your breast from where your breast begins in your cleavage, across your breast apex, then over to where your breast ends near the armpit. With this measurement, and your band measurement, use the table below to determine your cup size:



Breast Measurement
(See measurement instructions above)
32" band 
(27-28" ribcage)
34" band 
(29-30" ribcage)
36" band 
(31-32" ribcage)
38" band 
(33-34" ribcage)
6" A      
6.5" FULL A      
7" B A    
7.5" FULL B FULL A    
8" C B A  
8.5" FULL C FULL B FULL A  
9" D C B A
9.5" FULL D FULL C FULL B FULL A
10" DD D C B
10.5" FULL DD FULL D FULL C FULL B
11" DDD DD D C
11.5" FULL DDD FULL DD FULL D FULL C
12"   DDD DD D
12.5"   FULL DDD FULL DD FULL D
13"     DDD DD
13.5"     FULL DDD FULL DD
ADDITIONAL NOTES

One possible side effect of implants can be permanently erect nipples. HerRoom has several products known as nipple covers to provide a more modest and rounded breast profile. Additionally, contour bras where there is a thin layer of foam in the cups can have enough padding to eliminate this look as well.

Bra Tips for Implants



Start with a soft-cup or wire-free bra until you're completely healed and have your doctor's OK to wear underwire bras.

It may take you a few tries to get the right cup size. After surgery, it may be somewhat different, usually larger than what your doctor originally told you.

Plunge bras are a good choice after implants. They have shorter underwires than full-coverage cups and will fit more easily around implants. Also, with your new firmness and fullness, your breasts will look great in this style.

As we mentioned before, permanently erect nipples are sometimes a by-product of the surgery. Consider a contour bra or t-shirt bra - its light padding is your best option for modesty.