tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post9205608730366870202..comments2024-02-15T12:05:40.992-08:00Comments on Bras I Hate & Love: Follow-Up To +2 Band SizingBras I Hatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-72283365698907312732014-09-06T07:03:00.813-07:002014-09-06T07:03:00.813-07:00Hmmm, interesting. I think everybody is definitely...Hmmm, interesting. I think everybody is definitely different, which can make things really tough, I have tiny shoulders, a very narrow frame (9.5 inches across, measured how you do for bratabase. My shoulders across the back are just under 15 inches.) a short torso, and a big difference in bust to ribcage. My tight ribcage measurement is 26.5 inches, slightly looser is 27, and bust is 39 inches.(My breasts are also still growing, for some reason. They grow about an inch a year, even if I lose weight. I'm 28, never been pregnant, my breasts just appear to enjoy growing. Heh.) The bras that fit me semi decently are typically UK 28HHs or Hs that run very large in the cups. (So that they fit like HHs) I need a 26 band in many bras, however, perhaps because of my small frame, because many of my 28 bands (in multiple brands and styles) ride up the back and provide little support. I can get two fists (and then some in some bras) between my back and my band and still breathe easily, and while I agree one should be able to get some fingers back there, two fists seems a little much. None of my hooks are stretched out in the slightest. The only thing I can think of is that, despite being on the smaller band size that typically seems to not need the +0 or -'number' rule, because of my narrow frame and heavy breasts, I have to follow that rule, because 30 bands ride almost to my shoulder blades, and 32s are laughable, even on the tightest hooks. I love bratabase, though-it has really helped me find styles and cuts that work better for me, and while I'm still getting my exact fit down (26HHs or Js are impossible to come by, it seems.) they have been the most helpful site by far.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00207564004771856732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-80081764925440749682013-04-17T10:45:56.340-07:002013-04-17T10:45:56.340-07:00I would say start with the same size in Panache, a...I would say start with the same size in Panache, and you may find that in certain styles you could actually wear a smaller cup size. For instance, if you wear a 32H in the Freya Jolie, you might find you can get away with a 32GG in Cleo by Panache bras if you're full on top, since the top edge is looser in those bras. I would say go with your Freya size to start, though. <br /><br />Masquerade bras run pretty true to size with unpadded Panache bras, in my experience. The bands often don't have much stretch, though, so that's something to keep in mind.<br /><br />The padded bras from Curvy Kate can be different in terms of sizing. The Showgirl half-cups (Thrill Me, TEase Me, Entice) run smaller in the cups, so size up. The plunges based on Tempt Me and Elegance run CRAZY small--I'd avoid those entirely. The Daily Boost runs the same as their unpadded bras (about one cup size smaller than Freya Jolie) and the Smoothie runs pretty true to your Freya size.<br /><br />If you like something stretchy on the top edge, you should definitely start out by trying the Panache Andorra! It's a really comfortable bra and has stretchy lace in the top section. <br /><br />Good luck!Bras I Hatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-2834190321654104762013-04-17T10:41:51.224-07:002013-04-17T10:41:51.224-07:00I guess I disagree with the concept that bras stre...I guess I disagree with the concept that bras stretch out a lot when you wear them. Unless they're very poorly made, they shouldn't. I think a band that stretches enough to change size with wear does so because it was too tight to begin with--when the band is too tight and straining around the body, that damages the elastic and it will wear out quickly, leading people to think they need to start with smaller and smaller bands, when in fact starting with a looser band will lead to less loss in stretch. I still wear all my bras on the loosest hook, even the ones I've had for over a year. Yeah, I can see that after maybe 2 years I would want to go to the middle hook, and I do have one bra that was heavily used when I bought it that I wear on the middle hook. <br /><br />I guess I just disagree with your basic premise (that bras quickly stretch out so we should buy smaller bands). That really shouldn't be happening. Yeah, jeans that don't have any elastic in them stretch out with wear, but that is a totally different kind of fabric. Bras I Hatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07692999972337398680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-33017372475918739642013-04-17T07:26:42.523-07:002013-04-17T07:26:42.523-07:00WOW. What a blog! I always thought it was only me ...WOW. What a blog! I always thought it was only me sitting home thinking about these things! I'm from Norway, and sadly we dondt have many shops like you have :(<br /><br />I wondered if you could help answer me a question:)<br /><br />In non padded bras i wear the size 32H, like in the Freya Jolie and Fantasie Belle.<br /><br />1) Is Freya and Panache a bit the same in sizes when it comes to these types of bra?<br /><br />And, I would love to buy the Masquerade bra, and different sort of padded bras, but are the padded bras smaller in size? I would also like to bu some of the padded ones from Curvy Kate.<br /><br /><br />I'm also a bit full on the top, so I need something "stretchy" there as well:)<br />Thank you! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-91659482892589214772013-04-16T13:04:10.538-07:002013-04-16T13:04:10.538-07:00Great post. Completely agreeGreat post. Completely agreeVyvyanhttp://www.maryjanelingerie.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-40966952401855315082013-04-16T00:11:11.340-07:002013-04-16T00:11:11.340-07:00I agree with the +2. I measure 27" and I wear...I agree with the +2. I measure 27" and I wear a 30 band. That's mostly because my favorite bra doesn't come in a 28 band with a cup size that fits me. I have to start on the middle hook as opposed to the widest set hook, which, unfortunately, makes my bras wear out more quickly. Cleo by Panache tends to run snug, so a 30 band works wonderfully. <br /><br />Also, I love the black/brown lace bra that you're wearing in the first set of pics. Who makes it and what style is it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-54667415505120617532013-04-06T20:39:38.141-07:002013-04-06T20:39:38.141-07:00I've been thinking about this, and I still hav...I've been thinking about this, and I still have a big issue with this as a general concept/piece of advice for women trying to figure out the bra size they should be wearing: "The most important point I wanted to make was that you should only wear +0 if +2 doesn’t work, whereas lots of people on forums recently have been saying that you should only wear +2 if +0 doesn’t work. I think we should accept something different as the basic system—start with +2 and move to +0 if necessary—and move from that, as opposed to using +0 as a starting point."<br /><br />One of the fundamental issues I keep running into when I read that (and I had to ponder it a bit to figure it out) is that the way a bra feels when you put it on in the dressing room is not actually representative of how a bra will feel after you've worn it in a bit. Some brands stretch more than others, but pretty much all of them have some degree of give that happens once they're no longer brand new. So if we're telling women who are already used to wearing ridiculously oversized bands (+4 or +5 with too small cups) to look for a looser band option even in a smaller band size, then it seems like we're setting them up to fail - because a properly supportive band on someone used to wearing a ridiculously large band may already feel uncomfortably tight just because they're not used to feeling ANYTHING there, because they're going to spend all that money on a new bra and then it stretches and soon it's not as supportive as it should be, which casts doubt on the whole 'you need a better fitting bra' concept. (And let's face it, finding bras with smaller bands, larger cups, or both is already a giant PITA for most women because you end up having to guess at your size and mail order and deal with returns, and if you're already thinking 'I don't see how I can possibly be bigger than DD' then how much is it going to take to get you to just give up and go back to accepting that bras are just horrible torture devices?)<br /><br />I'm not saying that women should be squeezing themselves into the tightest band they possibly can fasten. Like I said in another comment - if you're stretching the band to the maximum just to get it to fit around you, then it can't do what it's supposed to do for comfort, which is expand and contract with your rib cage, because it has no more 'expand' left in it. But when you're in the fitting room or trying on a new bra, I don't think it feeling a touch tighter than you feel is comfortable should be a death knell for that size - it's the same concept as buying jeans that are a little tight in the fitting room because the fabric WILL stretch with wear, or the general advice that swimsuits are best purchased a little tight if you mean to use them for swimming, because most swim suit material also gets stretchier when wet. (Meaning a perfect fit in the dressing room might go to almost too big, while a slightly small fit might go to perfect once you've been in the pool.) Essentially, we need to recognize and allow for the properties of the garment, and bras are one of those garments that you can't 100% buy based on how it fits brand new never been tried on by anyone before.<br /><br />Starting from adding 0" just seems to make more sense to me, as long as we stress that adding 0" MAY NOT BE YOUR BEST FIT. It's just a better place to start than adding 4-5". Then you try things, and you take your time thinking about it, and imo if you have an option between one that fits perfectly new and one that's a touch tight, you go with the tighter size and maybe get an extender to use until it breaks in. That way you get perfect fit for longer and more value for your money, since the bras we're talking about are not cheap.<br /><br />Piratefoxyhttp://ravelry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-38810920172249697572013-04-05T21:10:16.191-07:002013-04-05T21:10:16.191-07:00Your revised rule is still too simplistic. I meas...Your revised rule is still too simplistic. I measure 31.5" underbust and cannot comfortably wear larger than a 30 band. Some of my 30s are looser than I would like, and I am not into a tight fit for its own sake. I just want my breasts to be supported from below. I have narrow and deep breasts, so I've thought about buying a 28 band just to get narrower cups and wearing it with an extender. Right now I'm in a 30GG and I spill out of the cups a bit. And my full bust measurement is only 8" larger than my underbust. So I don't know what to tell you, except that your method works for you, and for some other women, and doesn't work for a lot of other women, like me.Gwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04786441448327412430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-30331716974124034332013-04-05T10:32:45.884-07:002013-04-05T10:32:45.884-07:00The one I'm currently using (it's the same...The one I'm currently using (it's the same one I described in the comment above) is the Freya Active underwired in 30D. My underbust measured snugly (not rip-the-tape tight) is 71 cm and I think that sports bras need to match your snug measurement more or less (it could differ a bit more in everyday bras since you're not jumping around in them and since sports bras are meant to be worn just a few hours) in order to stop the bounce.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I'm not able to try it in-store (my country simply doesn't stock the sizes nor the brands I need to try on), and I have to order online. I do make sure to check the fit though of course, and if I decide it doesn't fit I'll send it back. The reason why I kept this bra is because I didn't know of the swoop and scoop method back then and so it seemed fine. It was also in the time where I had JUST hopped on the correctly-fitting-bra waggon and so I wasn't so sure as to how a bra should fit as I am today. I'm gonna order the Shock Absorber Multi sports soon and try it out! :) Hopefully that'll work.Sueca Locahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12970913525412970808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-44059465177418429012013-04-03T11:09:00.164-07:002013-04-03T11:09:00.164-07:00Yeah, same, my Cleo Jude bra has, like, The Ultima...Yeah, same, my Cleo Jude bra has, like, The Ultimate In Stretchy bands. I should probably have gotten it a size smaller, it stretches out so much when worn. (Like, to the point of moving around all over the place on me, riding up in back uncomfortably, etc.)Piratefoxyhttp://ravelry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-29985874705224046822013-04-03T11:04:27.995-07:002013-04-03T11:04:27.995-07:00If you're needing to use your arms to minimize...If you're needing to use your arms to minimize bounce, then your sports bra of choice is not supportive enough. That could be due to fit, or it could be due to the style of the bra relative to the type of boobs you have.<br /><br />I'd try going down a band size and up a cup size in your current sports bra (up a cup size just to keep the cup volume the same when you drop the band size) and also experiment with other brands of sports bra if you can. Don't be afraid to jump around in the fitting room - it's a sports bra, you have to test it out! (Probably jumping so much you work up a sweat would be rude, but a few hops or jogging in place? Go for it.)Piratefoxyhttp://ravelry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-91165646871995855792013-03-30T16:43:05.430-07:002013-03-30T16:43:05.430-07:00I do agree that those that run on the smaller band...I do agree that those that run on the smaller bands do have a tendency to go +2. I measure 26" snug (25" extra tight) and while I haven't tried any 26s due to rarity I really don't feel the need to as I find most 28s to be snug enough to provide support, not ride up my back and be forgetfully comfortable. I have found a few 28s that felt a tad loose; I have also found a few tight 30s that work as well. For me +2 definitely is the route to go.<br /><br />In the end when it comes to a starting point, I feel the middle road should be taken since as has been mentioned, ladies with a larger band measurement sometimes even need/like to go even smaller than their measurement. I figure start at +0 if possible and then let comfort, fit and preference guide any movement from that point whether it be +2 or -2. As long as the structure of the bra isn't compromised let the wearer be the guide.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17781065756476056257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-67112879720231740192013-03-29T10:59:28.312-07:002013-03-29T10:59:28.312-07:00I live your article, and agree with your clarifica...I live your article, and agree with your clarification that this might work differently for larger measurements. I measure 37-38 inches around the ribcage (depending on how tight I measure) and my boobs are heavy, so I very often have this problem..best described by your picture :)<br />http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90EJt8RkEOc/UTVjGlhK5GI/AAAAAAAACWI/Y4uCZtYgA6Q/s1600/crease.png<br />To avoid it, I feel better in a tighter band, as it helps with the support. A size 34 is actually the best fitting for me. If the band has less stretch, a 36 also fits well. Before shopping in places that offer D+ sizes, I had to go up the band for the cups to fit, but I never found the larger bands comfy - the main problem for me is that they don't stay close to the ribs under the boobs, so the boobs sort of..go under, or the bra rides up, depends on the point of view. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-73370131276553037682013-03-27T18:14:47.417-07:002013-03-27T18:14:47.417-07:00You tried only one on? That imo really doesn't...You tried only one on? That imo really doesn't prove anything. Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-46227595712458063252013-03-27T18:14:15.477-07:002013-03-27T18:14:15.477-07:00Really? I find that my Panache Superbra bras have ...Really? I find that my Panache Superbra bras have firm bands, but that Cleo bands are very stretchy.Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-67436652895580660892013-03-27T18:13:48.828-07:002013-03-27T18:13:48.828-07:00I think you see ridiculously tight EM brands on th...I think you see ridiculously tight EM brands on the Bratabase because it is so hard to get an EM bra. There is so much hype about them, and it takes awhile to get them, so people feel like they have to like them even if they are too small. I see people wearing EM bras that fit them terribly, and raving about how great their too-small bra is. Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-74295925119587497242013-03-27T06:33:11.010-07:002013-03-27T06:33:11.010-07:00I'm following this because I find it interesti...I'm following this because I find it interesting how everyone's different. Shape seems to play as much as an important role as measurements. Whatever the starting point, it's something that should be looked at, as very few guides mention how the shape of your body or breasts affects what size you'll need. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-77891178566849629672013-03-26T07:17:38.904-07:002013-03-26T07:17:38.904-07:00In think dividing it into ranges of when +2 or +0 ...In think dividing it into ranges of when +2 or +0 is applicable is quite right.<br /><br />But I land right between those two. I measure 35" snug, 32" tight, and 30 super tight. I am overweight, squishy, and how I see it, or rather feel it, is this: <br /><br />When I tried a Cleo Marcie 32HH, the band felt good. I tried a 30J, and the band felt good. I could pull the band out the same amount, with sligthly more force than the 32. But the band felt less tight. It didn't feel less supporting, as the band is only like 1/3 of the bra, so the rest, the wires, cup, straps and whatnot still supported. The band didn't ride up, but there was space between that and my back; it is as if the part of my back where the actual band part sits is smaller compared to the rest of the circumference.<br /><br />Now, I did also try the Zia, and it felt tighter than the Marcie, but still not tight enough that 32 felt right.<br />I take 30 in Freya too, but yes, and I can feel they are slighty more strechty than Cleos. In Bravissimo, however, a 30 was too tight - i was able to close it and try it on, but it wasn't comfortable.<br /><br />For me, it is as if a 32 Cleo band hugs the fat and the tissue, but that I need at 30 until the band actually use the bones - not compressing on the bones, but use them as an anker.<br /><br />I get rolls both over and under the back, as hey, I have fat there. It just makes it all that harder to figure out, if you are plushy. All straps will also always indent.<br /><br />I did get a little paranoia about the hooks pulling out, and it is something that I will pay attention to. I do feel like that the hooks of the Cleo Zia look strained, but I am also used to the three hooks of Freya, and not only two. This part of your original post was what made me really think about it. I tried the Marcie again and again in 32 and 30, and tried to feel it out. Picture how it would stretch with wear and wash. I ended up with 30, this felt best.<br /><br />On the other hand, I tell myself, how can an overweight possibly use on of the smaller bands. The hooks are straining - I try to see if I am distorting the wires. Yeah, a bit of rambling, but all in all... I guess I will stick with 30 for now, and just watch for signs of bad/god fit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-9740853463764150112013-03-25T09:23:05.884-07:002013-03-25T09:23:05.884-07:00I usually use +2, and I have relatively narrow and...I usually use +2, and I have relatively narrow and deep ribcage. So I'm more rounded than flattened.<br />I think what "anchors" the band at least in my case is my back getting more broad toward the shoulders.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-47290580062573732522013-03-24T20:43:25.523-07:002013-03-24T20:43:25.523-07:00I completely agree! My 32 bands are comfortable on...I completely agree! My 32 bands are comfortable on the tightest hook straight away, and I measure exactly 30 inches underbust. I thought this meant I should wear a 30 band, but when I tried one on, it was the most difficult thing to do up! It fastens, and the support is fantastic, but I can't even swoop and scoop properly due to the complete lack of stretch. 32 bands for me! Though a 31 would be perfect. Amynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-5514909019758809952013-03-24T14:02:12.476-07:002013-03-24T14:02:12.476-07:00This is how I feel about it. I have no problem at ...This is how I feel about it. I have no problem at all with women adding or subtracting as needed, but why choose an arbitrary +2 as the starting point when +0 is neutral? Some women will need to subtract 2 inches to get a proper band size. Should we advocate -2 as the new starting point?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-88409760228133536832013-03-23T14:22:32.732-07:002013-03-23T14:22:32.732-07:00I personally agreed with your previous post, if an...I personally agreed with your previous post, if anything, for one reason: you, like me, mainly wear Panache and Cleo bras the most. I measure 32'' and have to wear 34 bands in Panache and Cleo because those don't even stretch beyond 32,5''. Everything else I've ever worn is the exception.Bárbara Ferreirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14022952369831753863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-43492341401066973802013-03-22T09:42:08.914-07:002013-03-22T09:42:08.914-07:00I was thinking rib cage shape may have something t...I was thinking rib cage shape may have something to do with it too.<br /><br />I have a small, rounded rib cage. I wear about a US size 14, but my underbust (measured comfortably snug with the tip of one finger tucked beneath, is a solid 33. exhaling and tight, I pull it to 32 without much trouble. I look small across the back -- if I put my fingers to enclose my ribcage from the side I can then reach across more than half my front with the same width. <br /><br />I'm wearing size 34 bras right now and they're all on the last hooks. I think I need to size down to a 32 in some brands (Freya and Fantasie especially... which happen to be my best-fitting brands).<br /><br />I also have the added issues of high-set and very heavy breasts so I have to get support but also can't go too high on the sides. Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16249239178316879601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-80619349330634759042013-03-21T19:04:20.447-07:002013-03-21T19:04:20.447-07:00You joke about +10 but I literally used to wear a ...You joke about +10 but I literally used to wear a band size 10 inches too big for me! I wear a 28J/30HH now, but I used to wear a 38DD. Those last pictures make me cringe because that's exactly the sort of riding up business I had going on when I wore a 38DD! I'm so glad that blogs like yours helped enlighten me. . . and my back :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706716744772949852.post-20831422288652162612013-03-21T15:14:48.223-07:002013-03-21T15:14:48.223-07:00I think you're 100% right! +2 works fine for m...I think you're 100% right! +2 works fine for me and your other post has helped me to understand why I see all those ridiculously tight Ewa Michalak bands on Bratabase - thank you for that. IMO +4 works with Ewa's bras because her bands are true to size as long as you measure in centimetres, i.e. they don't stretch as much as other brands'.<br />I really, really like your blog btw.!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com