Analysis on the Difference between the Practical Brassiere Size and Real Breast Volume

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Human Physiology
• Apparel Science

Background:

• Brassiere cup size is determined by the difference between chest circumference at the inframammary fold and the fullest part of the breast.
• Many women lack awareness of correct brassiere sizing, leading to frequent use of ill-fitting undergarments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the actual measured breast cup size with the size of brassieres women reported wearing.
• To investigate the prevalence of correctly and incorrectly sized brassiere usage among women undergoing breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review was conducted on 163 women who underwent breast reconstruction between May 2020 and June 2021.
• Data collected included patient demographics, breast ptosis grade, mastectomy specimen weight, measured breast circumference, and self-reported brassiere cup size.

Main Results:

• 56.4% of patients (92 out of 163) wore a correctly sized brassiere.
• A higher proportion of correct brassiere fit was observed with smaller cup sizes.
• Women with A-cup sizes tended to wear larger brassieres, while those with B and C cups wore smaller ones than their actual measurements.

Conclusions:

• Approximately half of women are unaware of their correct brassiere cup size.
• Incorrect brassiere sizing prevalence increases with larger cup sizes.
• Surgeons should consider patients' brassiere wearing habits and perceptions during breast augmentation or reconstruction planning.