Isn’t it time that we learnt the full forms of our bra sizes too? The first part being a numeral, say 36, and the second being a letter, say D, they together connote the size 36D.

And just like our first name alone is incapable of revealing our identity so it is with bra sizing: both the numeral and the letter have an equally important role to play.

1. The numeral of a bra label tells you which approximate size the waist is. Why approximate? Because different cuts and different fabrics within the same cut will fit differently, and it’s possible that your size varies from 36 to 34 or 36 to 38 depending on the bra being worn. This numeral is commonly denoted both in centimetres and inches. So 36 inches is 90 cm and 34 inches is 85 cm and so on.

2. The letter is also interesting and easy to follow. Bras are available in cup sizes ranging normally from A, B, C, D, E, F, and upwards till J. A is the smallest cup size, followed by B which is fuller and then C which is even fuller and then on till J which is obviously the most heavy.

3. The numeral and the letter together denote the cup size in comparison to the waist size. Naturally so, because the cup size is not a fixed size measured in centimetres or inches and is spoken of in reference to the waist which is measured specifically in a number.

4. Thus, to put it simply, the numeral and the letter denote a waist-bust ratio. So a large-busted woman with an equally large waist may be a cup B, but the same bust size on a narrower waist becomes a cup D or E. Everything is relative.

5. For clarity, you havea Kim Kardashian or our own Bindu from Bollywood, who would probably go up to an F or so with a generous bust and a narrow waist.

6. The bottom line: the larger the ratio between a woman’s waist and bust, the greater the cup size. Think Khajuraho and you’ll know how E cups were trending in ancient times!

The columnist is the founder-CEO of Necessity-SwatiGautam, a customised brand of brassieres. Contact: necessityswatigautam@gmail.com