tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post2955865606684459741..comments2024-02-15T12:05:40.992-08:00Comments on Bras I Hate & Love: It's Your Band Size, And Your ChoiceBras I Hatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-56313402601244723382013-11-03T08:26:00.451-08:002013-11-03T08:26:00.451-08:00My underbust is something like.. 26" so I def...My underbust is something like.. 26" so I definitely should be wearing a 28, but it's just so rare to find them offline and honestly, 30s fit pretty snug and comfy. I felt a bit like I was doing something wrong until I read your post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-36425152645996593272013-10-05T01:47:31.014-07:002013-10-05T01:47:31.014-07:00Update: I've since bought two 30E's from B...Update: I've since bought two 30E's from Brastop and they fit reasonably well. Yeah, the bands are better... most days. They're tight enough to bother my xiphisternum (mine's weird and clicks around) on my water retention-y days, so I wouldn't even try a 28.<br /><br />Note: The 10D's I have are all "Berlei Barely There"s (I love them) and their bands run small-ish.andrea leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06627704131109891318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-64492695983569241142013-10-05T01:47:17.013-07:002013-10-05T01:47:17.013-07:00Update: I've since bought two 30E's from B...Update: I've since bought two 30E's from Brastop and they fit reasonably well. Yeah, the bands are better... most days. They're tight enough to bother my xiphisternum (mine's weird and clicks around) on my water retention-y days, so I wouldn't even try a 28.<br /><br />Note: The 10D's I have are all "Berlei Barely There"s (I love them) and their bands run small-ish.andrea leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06627704131109891318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-53444619647307297782013-10-05T01:42:10.466-07:002013-10-05T01:42:10.466-07:00Hey, I know this is an old post, but: I've bou...Hey, I know this is an old post, but: I've bought some 30's from Brastop. Full return or exchange available (only return shipping at your expense) as long as the tags are still on, so you can wear them for a few hours to see how they fit.<br /><br />Can't get 30's (AUS 8's) in Australia either, unless you're after an 8A (not that there's anything wrong with that size, but a lot of women fit a 30, and few of them are an A-cup).andrea leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06627704131109891318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-43379300589010353492013-10-04T02:32:42.677-07:002013-10-04T02:32:42.677-07:00I sort of have the opposite problem,but am figurin...I sort of have the opposite problem,but am figuring it out by measuring not only ribcage when I stand,sit,breathe,wear a bra,etc,but by measuring the stretched band measurement.For me it needs to be tight enough to compress my squish (lol),so that the bra can anchor firmly enough so I don't get back pain from too loose of a band,but it needs enough give in the fabric in order to stretch to a certain measurement.I think how the band fabric is really plays into what size you will need.<br />I measure 37" underbust in a bra that I have to wear on the tightest hooks and that after a few wears,even on the tightest hooks,I will have about an inch or two too loose.So I think I need a band that's around 36.5" stretched somewhat,but that goes up to 40" stretched.But not like...stretched where it's going to break.lol.That is my measurement sitting wearing this bra and inhaling.Sitting up straight exhaled it's 38".<br />This bra measures 32" unstretched and stretches up to 41-42",so it looks my analysis is right.This will be helpful for figuring out what band size to order from the measurements on Bratabase,since bras can vary so much in how they stretch.Jennifer Vancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00438201793572736663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-34620503564274250802013-06-21T20:22:03.139-07:002013-06-21T20:22:03.139-07:00I normally measure 42, so naturally I went for 42 ...I normally measure 42, so naturally I went for 42 bands. People say plus sized can size down because larger bands are stretchy. Yes, they are stretchy, and should be, because when a fat person sits down, their belly "ride up" making the underbust much larger. I measure 45+ sitting down! I'm always confronted to try a 40 band, and I ordered one...but I also ordered a 44. I don't need the bands to be so tight. I often go braless for crying out loud...(shallow DD/E cup)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-28371534686537295782013-04-29T09:06:58.915-07:002013-04-29T09:06:58.915-07:00Congrats on getting fitted!
Online shopping is de...Congrats on getting fitted!<br /><br />Online shopping is definitely the easiest way to find small bands if you're in the US. Try Figleaves, Bravissimo, and Brastop for starters. All those sites will allow you to search by bra size and see what's available! Bras I Hatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-26880253563466966212013-04-25T10:10:05.525-07:002013-04-25T10:10:05.525-07:00This is a very informative post! I just found out...This is a very informative post! I just found out at a bra fitting that I should be wearing a 30 band size. I don't even know where to begin to shop for a band size that small. Does any one have any tips or suggestions??Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06487103050274549205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-30198257717617971162013-03-12T11:02:58.332-07:002013-03-12T11:02:58.332-07:00I just wanted to thank you for this reply. I am a ...I just wanted to thank you for this reply. I am a 43 year old mom. size 12 (40-32-42). I measure at a 33DD and wear a 34DD. but, the bands are usually tight. if I go up a size the bras don't fit well. when i came accross the note about thying the bra extender... well, first I though, duh, then i wanted to let you know what a life saver you are... and, I actually had one that i had never used.... thank you, thank you, thank you... i am sitting here in comfort nowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-64647694334421706022013-02-14T21:04:35.998-08:002013-02-14T21:04:35.998-08:00Thanks for this! I've been reading about small...Thanks for this! I've been reading about small band sizes lately, and it's been making me doubt my band size. My underbust measures 71cm/28"... I can reduce that measurement by 1" or even 1.5", but only by forcing that residual air out of my lungs, and I can't sustain that, so as far as I'm concerned the measurement is 28. I store my spares on my belly, so when I measure 28" it's skin over ribs. <br /><br />I wear an Aus10D (US32D if the conversion charts are accurate) and it doesn't ride up at all (I start on the middle hook, and move to the tighter one when the bra gets old). Just as well, because I don't think I've ever seen a band size 8.<br /><br />Then some websites advise to measure over the bust, under the armpits, to get band size. If I do that, I get 81cm/32", so it works for me but I don't see how that can be reliable, because there's already boob there (I'm 149cm/4'10.5" and my boobs are full up top as well).<br /><br />So, surely it's simplest for everyone to try sizes and find out what fits in practice, instead of endlessly messing around with tape measures and numbers and conversion charts! :)andrea leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06627704131109891318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-42229795864910209572012-12-23T13:21:07.625-08:002012-12-23T13:21:07.625-08:00Thank you so much for this post! I have a sub-26&q...Thank you so much for this post! I have a sub-26" ribcage, and prefer a 30 band. I have experienced some downright rudeness from people who believe that your band size should be no larger than your underbust measurement. Although it was wonderful to discover the world of under-32 bands, it's also important to remember that the entire point of a bra is to feel comfortable -- not to conform to any one method of bra fitting. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-73185114322949150972012-11-25T07:08:34.935-08:002012-11-25T07:08:34.935-08:00I have been reading this blog with a fine tooth co...I have been reading this blog with a fine tooth comb as well as some others very closely as I am determined to find the correct size. I recently was in NYC and went to get fitted at a shop that specializes in difficult sizes. I had to order an Elomi Caitlyn 34J as they did not have one in the shop to buy. I have been wearing it for about a month and it maybe one of my best fitting bras. The issue is the underwire is way past my underarm. I measure under bust 32.25 and over bust 44 or 45. My other decent fitting bra is an empriente thalia 34H which does not give me quad boob but I think may be too small in the cup. I have a short torso and close set high boobs. All advice welcome.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-11581605056337242102012-11-10T08:05:07.250-08:002012-11-10T08:05:07.250-08:00If your underbust measurement is 28, you will prob...If your underbust measurement is 28, you will probably want to try a 28 or 30 band--32 at the most. You will get used to the tightness of the band quickly and it will really improve the fit overall. The most important part is finding cups that properly fit you. It will be hard to tell from the 34-band bras what will fit you in a 30-band, just because the band can also change the fit of the cups if it is too big. Based on your measurements I would normally suggest trying a 30DD or 30E, but since you say that the 34E Cleo Lucy felt tight, I wonder if you might want to start with a higher cup size--a 30F or 30FF. If at all possible, order a bunch of different sizes in the same bra (maybe 30E, 30F, 30FF, 30G) and find your best fit in that one bra--then you can base your best fit in other bras off how they compare to that bra in reviews online. <br /><br />As to your question about cup sizes changing with band sizes, yes! If you go down a band size, you will need to go up a cup size to get the same cup volume. So a 34E has the same cup volume as a 32F and a 30FF. <br /><br />Good luck with your bra quest! Remember that in this early stage, every piece of information you get on what fits you will be useful. So even if you try a lot of bras that don't fit, they will still help lead you toward the bras that will fit--and it will always keep getting easier.Bras I Hatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-60156462418932953282012-11-10T04:20:58.379-08:002012-11-10T04:20:58.379-08:00Hi, could you help me out as I've been struggl...Hi, could you help me out as I've been struggling to fit my bra size after putting on weight then losing weight...<br /><br />I can fit well into a Bali Underwire Minimzer in 34E, however the band is too loose (even when i use the inner most clasp when the bra is new). If I were to take a bra band 32, do I have to increase my cup size to F?<br /><br />Likewise, a Wacol strapless 34E is too loose for me for the bra band (i.e. it rides up even when I use the inner most clasp when the bra is new) and my breasts spill out at the sides (i.e. side boobs) as the band is too loose. And when I manage to arrange that my breasts can fit nicely in the cup, there is spillage over the cup (i.e. a slight four boobs effect).<br /><br />Lastly, I can fit into a Panache CLEO Lucy Balconnet (34E) which feels very tight for the chest and too chest binding for my breast (i.e. the fabric for the cups cut into my skin). The centre portions cuts into my skin and so did the underwire.<br /><br />My measurements are:<br />Underbust - 28"<br />Overbust - 34"<br /><br />I live in Asia and it's hard to get E cups and above, and likely have to shop online. Does the bra sizes across different international brands vary greatly? Many thanks :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-40044964645565369722012-09-07T18:41:47.626-07:002012-09-07T18:41:47.626-07:00Interesting post, I've just found your blog an...Interesting post, I've just found your blog and have been going through old posts as well as new. I especially enjoy that you always make your choices or ideas clear with practical, relatable and measurable details so that it's easy to compare and use the information/review/etc.<br /><br />I've been wearing 28 band bras for the last decade now as the choice is getting better, but I still remember the first time I found a 30 band bra, and the relief of trying on something that, althought it didn't fit, actually touched my ribcage, not the top of my shoulderblades as with the 32s. I'm thrilled that the choice in 28 band still gets better by the year (even though the bands are getting very stretchy).<br /><br />I've not as of yet been in your situation with the 28 vs. 30, though, so I can't really imagine that kind of discomfort. My ribcage measures 24", and I've never seen or tried a 26 band bra, let alone a 24, but I'm looking at Ewa M at the moment. In my experience, it's quite possible to live with the looser option, but I would switch to something tighter in a blink (anyone got a UK 26J or 24JJ around?), I can feel and see every day that what I'm wearing is wrong. I'm thinking that wearing a bra that actually fits, might be a bit like wearing pantyhose. Has to fit properly to look decent, is perfectly comfortable and nice to wear, but even though it has felt lovely on all day, it's still always a relief to take it off at the end of the day. I want that kind of feeling when I take off my bra. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-72904592041323053352012-09-06T18:27:41.954-07:002012-09-06T18:27:41.954-07:00Have you ladies heard of or tried Rixie Clip Bra b...Have you ladies heard of or tried Rixie Clip Bra band tightener? www.facebook.com/rixieclip<br />Think it may be helpful!! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-59083735616295625682012-09-05T17:55:27.990-07:002012-09-05T17:55:27.990-07:00Have you tried extenders? These are small bits of ...Have you tried extenders? These are small bits of band fabric with hooks and eyes in the same locations as the bras and they can extend the band by a few centimetres. You can get them from most haberdashery locations and they only cost a few dollars. I swear by them as they make my bra just that bit more comfortable without having to go up a size into a nonexistant or extremely expensive size. [I need a larger band but smaller cup size]Hermeticiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10347529705732678502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-70976634766956547182012-07-17T03:20:49.600-07:002012-07-17T03:20:49.600-07:00PS: I meant a Curvy Kate Princess in 30HHPS: I meant a Curvy Kate Princess in 30HHAlisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11241291846197067918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-18378706987194059232012-07-17T03:19:10.475-07:002012-07-17T03:19:10.475-07:00I have the opposite Problem since I found out my b...I have the opposite Problem since I found out my band is too loose. I got fitted from 34E /36DD to 32GG/H. But with those new bras my back pain wont go away. I also had some weird issues with my new bras and I couldn't find out what was wrong. They wont really fit. But since I got fitted in a store and paid a awful lot of money for my new bras I thought they should fit! But now after reading various blogs I came to the conclusion that I probably should wear a smaller band. (your post at the Venusian Glow Blog was very helpful) My underbust measurement is 30inch / 76cm (unsnug) 28inch / 71cm (snug) so that means I should wear a 28 / 30 band? Now I have no Idea what Cup Size I should wear in these bands. HH, J, JJ, K ??? How do I find out? I have a Princess that fits somehow in 30HH.Alisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11241291846197067918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-37322265088868961492012-07-02T19:36:37.499-07:002012-07-02T19:36:37.499-07:00These were some great tips for real-life band-size...These were some great tips for real-life band-size testing. I've made some lists for myself that involve more precision, but you've made generalizations that I can use when helping friends in the real world. I love it!<br /><br />I tried going back up to a 32 band when I realized that nothing was available for my cup in a 30. Just as you might have thought, it didn't work out well for my back. I was in pain for days after trying to make a go of a 32. <br /><br />I need to remember my own rules and take your advise too. Go with what's comfortable and don't get bogged down my numbers.Lizhttp://www.largebustbras.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-75660583770166700942012-05-21T13:51:47.316-07:002012-05-21T13:51:47.316-07:00I think this explains my bra fitting preferences t...I think this explains my bra fitting preferences too!! My underbust measurement is usually between 29 and 30 inches, but I can't even get a 30 fastened. I, too, have a very bony ribcage with hardly any give, though. With the exception of Freya and a few other brands that either run big or are extra stretchy, I usually prefer a 34 and don't have any problems with them riding up or not being supportive enough. My Freya strapless is even a 34 because it runs tight enough compared to their other bras that I feel like I can't breathe in a 32.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-71051507761117044402012-05-02T07:37:57.738-07:002012-05-02T07:37:57.738-07:00PS that should be a Freya Taylor bra I think, moul...PS that should be a Freya Taylor bra I think, moulded plungey thing with a sort of pinstripey effect :)GlamGeminihttp://www.twitter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-82182214831161547052012-05-02T07:33:20.357-07:002012-05-02T07:33:20.357-07:00This is such a great post and really made me think...This is such a great post and really made me think about those too tight they are so uncomfy 30DD bras I was put into in Debenhams. <br /><br />Since then, I have had some sort of success with a Freya Lauren, the first 30 band that actually fit quite nicely and was comfortable instead of OMG I can't actually breathe! However the cups on this weren't quite right, not sure why, maybe not quite the right style on me. Hmm.<br /><br />Also have contacted Bravissimo via email for advice and I now have a lovely long detailed set of questions to fill in to email back to them. I'm really looking forward to what they have to advise :)GlamGeminihttp://www.twitter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-14338975967141799062012-04-30T19:19:33.949-07:002012-04-30T19:19:33.949-07:00I love this post! You're so right. :)
Confess...I love this post! You're so right. :)<br /><br />Confession: I sometimes buy too-large bands because of increased options. However, I have a sewing machine and can take the bands in (when I'm not too lazy).<br /><br />But I get a lot of crap from people about wearing a 32 (I measure 31 and some fitters have even suggested I try a 30) because it's "too tight" (having back fat does not mean a band is too tight), but if I wear a 34, the bra slides up my back and I have terrible back pain. In some bras, a 30 fits better... and in some exceptionally tight bands (Masquerade Rhea), a 34 is better. What matters isn't the number, it's how the bra fits. So long as the bra is supporting you, the size on the tag doesn't matter.<br /><br />That being said, a lot of people prefer unsupportive bras because the band is "comfortable"... but by "comfortable", they mean they can't feel the band because it's barely touching them. A band shouldn't be so tight as to cause pain, but it is the part of the bra that is doing the supporting, so it can't be too loose. I thought my 34 bands were "comfortable", until I tried a 32FF that actually gave me support.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-84311938307100700812012-04-30T09:23:35.458-07:002012-04-30T09:23:35.458-07:00This post is so timely for me! As a fitter, I alwa...This post is so timely for me! As a fitter, I always struggle with telling people what to do with their bra size. I try to always give them a starting point (for size) and my first question after putting a new bra on them is "how does this feel to you?" - its important for me to remember that its not me wearing the bra, so my feelings on how tight/loose something is only count for so much. I can try to show them options that I feel will be supportive, comfortable, and flattering - but I never want to put someone in something so tight that it is uncomfortable. I personally like a more snug fit on my own bras, but like I said, I'm not the one wearing their bra - and I hate sending people away with bras that they will not love and wear.Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12954645263477389822noreply@blogger.com