We at BellydanceStore.com would like you to be just as happy with our costumes as we are. Please read our new tutorial on selecting the right size costume.

Bra Measurements:

Many people do not know how bras are measured so we thought it would be best to give you a little tutorial.

For normal bras:

Measure your underbust/ribcage measurement. Add 3-inches. This is your band size. If it is an odd number then go up or down to an even number depending on comfort level. Now measure your bust at the widest point. Take this number and subtract your band size.

If the difference is:

• 1" - A Cup
• 2" - B Cup
• 3" - C Cup
• 4" - D Cup
• 5" - DD/F Cup

For example, your underbust measurement is 33" and your bust measurement is 39". 33" + 3 = 36" Band Measurement, and 39"-36" = 3", for a C-Cup. So you would wear a 36C.

Please keep in mind that since this measurement is proportional, if you decide to go up or down a band size for comfort reasons your cup size would change. So the same person who is wearing a 36C could choose a 34D or 38B for comfort reasons. Any of those 3 sizes have the same size cup.

You can get your own cup size here:

How Our Costumes are Measured:

• Bra Band - This is the length of the bra band from end to end. For example if it says Up to 38" then there would be little or no overlap for a hook on a person with a 38" band measurement.
• Bra Cup - Since bra cup size is proportional to band size the cup measurement listed is an estimate based on approximately a 36" band measurement. Plus sizes are estimated on a 38-40" band measurement. The padding already inside the bra, cup depth and side coverage are also incorporated into determining the cup size.
• High Hip - Measured at the top of the skirt or belt when relaxed and at maximum stretch.
• Low Hip - Measured approximately 2" down from the top of the skirt or belt at the widest part of the hip when relaxed and at maximum stretch.
• Length - From top to the longest part of the skirt. Some skirts have varied hemlines.

Selecting the right size costume for you:

• Top - When selecting the right size top we first suggest you put your measurements into our size calculator above. Now take into consideration your comfort level, how much coverage you like on the sides of the chest, how much cleavage you like to show, how much padding you are willing to add. Please remember the following:
• That on a costume labeled "up to 39 A/B" that it will more than likely fit someone best if they are a 38A, 36B, 34C, or 32D.
• If you like more coverage go up a cup size. You can always pad a little.
• If you are busty or would like more coverage that you can always use the headband or an arm gauntlet to sew on and give you more coverage. ***NOTE THAT IF YOU ALTER A COSTUME WITHIN THE RETURN TIME YOU CAN NOT RETURN IT***.
• Don't forget that there has to be overlap on the straps so they can hook.
• You can often shorten, cross or halter shoulder straps to give the cups a better fit.
• Bras are not an exact science and some size variations are normal.
• Also keep in mind how far apart the cups are in relation to one another. The closer they are then the more likely it is to fit someone with a petite ribcage or give someone of average ribcage more cleavage.
• Bottom - When selecting the right size top we suggest you first measure your upper and lower hip. If a costume only has one hip measurement range listed then it is the high hip measurement. We are in the process of adding the low hip measurements.
• The more beading a costume has at the hips the less stretchy it will be. Costumes that have a large hip range are very stretchy.
• If the skirt has a lot of beading and is very heavy it will need to be tighter on you to keep the skirt from slipping down as you dance.
• When choosing the right size for you try to aim for somewhere in the middle to low end of the range. If you aim for the high end of the range it might be too tight for your level of comfort and could cause a little "muffin top".
• The more you stretch the skirt horizontally the shorter it will get vertically. So if you are getting a skirt and fit into it at the top end of the range it may be a little shorter on you. This is usually only an issue for really tall ladies.
• If you feel a slit is a little too high and revealing for your level of comfort then you can always sew the slit together at the top or you can add in a matching piece of sheer fabric.