Fit Page | Mastectomy

How to Measure for a Mastectomy Bra

When you’re ready to find out your bra size post-surgery, NuLife Medical can help you learn how to measure yourself for a mastectomy bra. If you have had a double mastectomy, you will only need to measure for your band size. You get to choose your cup size and then using the chart below, based on your desired cup size you can select the appropriate sized breast form.

If you had unilateral surgery, you can measure yourself while wearing one of your previous bras already on, as long as it isn’t a padded or molded cup bra. If one of your previous bras is padded or a molded cup style, you will want to proceed without wearing a bra.

Using a measuring tape, find your band and cup size as follows:

Band Size

  1. Start by placing your measuring tape at the center of your chest, underneath your remaining breast where the bra band usually sits.
  2. Pull the tape all the way around your torso, keeping it at the same level, for the end to meet at the starting point.
  3. Add four to get your band size.

Cup Size

  1. Place the measuring tape at the center of your sternum.
  2. Measure across the fullest part of your remaining breast all the way to your center spine.
  3. Multiply by two to get your final number.

Once you’ve taken your measurements, you can apply them to our mastectomy bra size chart to find the right bra for you.

Example

  1. An underbust measurement of 26 equals a band size of 30.
  2. A cup measurement of 17 means your cup size is 34.
  3. Move down the column that matches your band size until you reach the number of your cup size to see the corresponding letter.
  4. The two numbers together mean you’re a 30D.
Underbust Measurement 25-26 27-28 29-30 31-32 33-35
Band Size 30 32 34 36 38
AA 29-30 31-32 33-34 35-36 37-38
A 30-31 32-33 33-34 36-37 38-39
B 31-32 33-34 35-36 37-38 39-40
C 32-33 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-41
D 33-34 35-36 37-38 39-40 41-42
DD 34-35 36-37 38-39 40-41 42-43
DDD 35-36 37-38 39-40 41-42 43-44
G 36-37 38-39 40-41 42-43 44-45
H 37-38 39-40 41-42 43-44 45-46

If you happen to undergo a double mastectomy, your cup size can be whatever you want it to be. Just take into account your own comfort before choosing a size.

Breast Form Sizing

Learning how to measure yourself for a mastectomy bra is the first part of the process. Now you’ll also need to learn which breast form will best fit with your new bra. Follow the chart below:

Cup Size Band Size
AA 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
A   30 32 34 36 38 40 42
B     30 32 34 36 38 40
C       30 32 34 36 38
D         30 32 34 36
DD           30 32 34
DDD             30 32
Breast Form Size 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Your Prosthesis Shape

Once you know how to measure for a mastectomy bra and find your prosthesis size in our mastectomy bra size chart, it’s time to discuss the shape of your breast form. Most of these shapes are symmetrical and can be worn on both the left or right side of your body.

Triangular

Triangular forms are generally suitable for women with firm pectoral muscles. Many younger women or women that have had less breast tissue removed find that this is the most comfortable choice for them.

Teardrop

If your surgery removed some tissue from the clavicle or underarm, the teardrop shape is for you. It has extended material that can be angled to fit in this area.

Heart Shaped

Heart shaped forms are another option for women with firm pectoral muscles that have not had very much tissue removed. They have no unnecessary bulkiness.

If you need any additional assistance finding mastectomy care products or with how to measure for a mastectomy bra, our certified fitting assistants are happy to help. Call us now!