Bras...(venting)

[Catrin]

/vent on

So I FINALLY figured out after all of these years what size bra I actually need (32F/32DDDD). M'gals are SO happy in their new encapsulated sports bras and aren't happy at all with my regular bras. So it is time to replace them as my budget allows. Why do they have to be expensive? Ok, I get that I wear an unusual size since I've such a small band and large cups, but do they HAVE to cost twice that of more common sizes? I know, I know, supply and demand and so forth but it is frustrating, especially when the less expensive brands don't even make anything remotely close to my size. I will admit that my back feels much better with proper support (finally)... grumble grumble grumble

/vent off

[goldfinch]

You are the same size as me. I am not happy with the amount I have spent on bras in the last couple of years, especially as I bought some that fit for a while and no longer fit. Maybe the forum should do a bra exchange. :)

I think more people than we think are unusual sizes, it is just that people are conditioned to think that you don't need a cup bigger than a D or a DD. Or a band size smaller than a 34. Many people end up wearing bras that don't fit. And most stores (with a few exceptions) don't care because they can cram most of the market into a narrow range of sizes.

[Becky]

I'm a 28G in most styles, so not only do they cost a fortune, but they're virtually impossible to find! I'm scared to lose any more weight.

Once I find a bra I like, I'll scour Ebay for the same bra. I'll often find them for half of the retail price.

I love the idea of a forum bra exchange. I have a couple of 32Fs(?) that are virtually new and just taking up space in my drawers.

[Catrin]

You are the same size as me. I am not happy with the amount I have spent on bras in the last couple of years, especially as I bought some that fit for a while and no longer fit. Maybe the forum should do a bra exchange. :)

I think more people than we think are unusual sizes, it is just that people are conditioned to think that you don't need a cup bigger than a D or a DD. Or a band size smaller than a 34. Many people end up wearing bras that don't fit. And most stores (with a few exceptions) don't care because they can cram most of the market into a narrow range of sizes.

Agreed - I had no idea there were other sizes. The formula they used to calculate my size would always have me in a 36A - which even they know was wrong so we settled on a 36C (which still wasn't right). In no possible measurement system have I ever been an A cup. My band has changed greatly over the years as my weight changed, but not my cups. One would think they would shrink as the rest of me has but that isn't the case.

Guess I will just need to pull the trigger on that $62 Freya 3-part balcony bra. I've read that is the best style for my particular gals...but before I do that I am going to visit Nordstrom Rack tomorrow and see what they might have available. I've not been there but have been told one can find good deals.

Becky, have you checked out Herroom.com? I just checked them and found they have 44 bras in your size. Good idea about eBay for the future, once I've figured out the style I need.

[Becky]

Guess I will just need to pull the trigger on that $62 Freya 3-part balcony bra...but before I do that I am going to visit Nordstrom Rack tomorrow and see what they might have available. I've not been there but have been told one can find good deals.

My experience with Freya is that their everyday/fashion bras are somewhat stretchy in the band compared to other brands. Don't be afraid to try a 30FF.

[Catrin]

My experience with Freya is that their everyday/fashion bras are somewhat stretchy in the band compared to other brands. Don't be afraid to try a 30FF.

This is good to know. My sports bra is the same size, and the band is a bit snug - but it should be. I just called Herroom today and they suggested I try the same size and see what that feels like. Their return/exchange policy appears to be the same as TE, which is nice. I would still prefer to try it on first, so hopefully Nordstrom Rack will have it. I am pretty taken with the style I've chosen.

[Becky]

I just placed an order with Breakout Bras. I've never shopped there before, but they have lots of sale items and no restrictions on returns of said items. Seemed like it was worth a shot for half off!

[luvmyguys]

No advice, just sympathy. I've done the e-bay thing as well.

My most favoritest bra ever ever ever is this one (http://www.amazon.com/Fantasie-Smoothing-Balcony-T-Shirt-Nude/dp/B002BNIPNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360363927&sr=8-1&keywords=fantasie+bra+4510). It has the best support and shaping of any bra I've ever put on.

[Kathi]

I have the Freya model 4002 in beige and the band was so tight that I had to wear an extender. It eventually stretched out enough I don't need the extender. I just orderered new ones, white and black, in a 28 FF, my size, thinking I'd need to use the extenders but they both fit perfectly. HerRoom does recommend going up a band size and down a cup size in that model but I don't think it's necessary with the new colors.

I quit buying Freya fashion bras due to the stretchy bands but have had good luck with Panache Cleo bras. I really like the Panache Sports bras but haven't figured out how to pack them for bicycles tours.

I've heard that many stores don't believe that women are smaller than 32 bands and one bra fitter actually called smaller sizes "vanity" sizing. I measure 25.5" around my back. A 28 band, or even 26, is hardly "vanity" sizing.

[Catrin]

It is the Freya Gem Underwire Balcony (http://www.herroom.com/freya-aa1361-gem-underwire-balcony-bra.shtml) bra I am looking at. The Herroom staffer I spoke with said the wires aren't too long for a petite woman and with certain...features of my gals the 3-part balcony will give me the type of support I need where I need it. They told me the band runs large for this model in the D7 cup size, but my cup size is not that high.

It will be interesting to see what I might uncover at TJ Max and/or Nordstrom Rack tomorrow :) There are a couple of Panache bras I've looked at, but the reviews seem to indicate the wires are a bit long for more petite women - though it was probably just those particular models.

I REALLY LIKE the Chantelle Cachemire (http://www.herroom.com/chantelle-3371-cachemire-3-part-cup-bra.shtml) - but I just can't justify $88...and this is the cheapest Chantelle I've seen :eek:

[Kathi]

Can you believe that I have 3 of the Chantelle Cachemire soft style version sitting in my drawer because they are the wrong size? Before I quit adding plus 4 to my band size I ordered and kept bras that didn't fit. Now I can't stand to put them on. I probably drove HerRoom's shipping dept. crazy with all my returns until I found the correct size.

I'm 5'1" and have had no problems with Panache Cleo sizing. I've avoided the regular Panache bras for that reason though. I tried Curvy Kate, recommendations are to order up in cup size but the size in the model I bought was so big I'd probably have to go down a size or 2. I wonder when I read the reviews if some of the reviewers are wearing their correct size.

You're so lucky you can buy in stores instead of needing to order on line. It's always guess work, although I'm finally learning what to look for.

[Catrin]

Thanks Kathi, it is good to know the Cleo sizing works for shorter women. So far I've not had much luck finding my size at local stores, but I've not gone to a couple of the largest department stores - which will change tomorrow. I want to give it one more shot before going back to ordering online.

[Kathi]

If your order it's a good idea to order 2 sizes. That way you can compare sizes and keep the best fitting one. HerRoom only allows 1 exchange per order. When I order an unfamiliar bra I always google it to see what reviews are out there. Sophisticated Pair has a review of the Freya Gem. Butterfly Collections, a fairly new Canadian company, gives really good descriptions of how particular bras fit as well as tons of information about bras. Currently, the selection is limited. I also like the descriptions of bra fit on Breakout Bras.

Sometimes the same model in different colors can fit differently. I have a black Cleo Lucy in a FF cup but it runs a little shallow in the cup, I might have been better off in the G. OTOH, I have the Lucy in the blue print in a FF cup and it fits perfectly.

Have you taken HerRooms "Know Your Breasts" survey? While I thought they ignored my band size and recommended bras that didn't come in my size I did learn a few things.

If you have any questions about the Cleo bras let me know. I have a good collection and will be buying the new spring line.

[Catrin]

Thanks Kathi! I have taken their survey and learned some things about my gals that helps me know what to look for.

[Catrin]

Nordstrom Rack: scored TWO Chantelle underwires for <$27 each? :D Of course, it took over an hour of digging but I will take it - and they FIT :) Still want to try the Freya Gem but am happy with my first trip to Nordstrom Rack.

[Becky]

Nice! I need to find a Nordstrom Rack....

[Catrin]

Nice! I need to find a Nordstrom Rack....

I was impressed with what I found there - I think it is basically their version of a TJ Maxx. It's also the first time since I started wearing bras that it wasn't tan, beige or black - one is pink and the other is blue...I must be going wild in my old age but I couldn't resist when I found them for a 70% discount ;)

I also took the chance to try on a 34 band to see if it really is too large for me, and it is.

[Crankin]

My mom, who wore a size 4 shoe, used to buy her shoes at the Rack.
I have accepted the fact that I have to pay $$$ for a good bra. While I am on the edge of wearing a hard to find size (32B), I never would have known this if I hadn't decided to stop buying my bras online, thinking I wore I a 34A, because the 32As were too tight. I have been going to a LLS for about 5 years, they sized me correctly, and it's been worth it. Plus, every year on my birthday, they send me a 20% off coupon and that's when i go shopping!

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Catrin! I've never been to that store. I might have to check it out. I new bras myself.

[malkin]

I love the Rack!

[Artista]

I love the Rack!
Which one? Yours or Norstrom's:D

[malkin]

Nordie's is way more fun than mine!
There's one right near here.

[Catrin]

That's awesome, Catrin! I've never been to that store. I might have to check it out. I new bras myself.

It is in the same shopping center next to the old BGI North location before they moved one lot over. While I've accepted that new bras are just going to be more spendy than they once were, it was nice to be able to look through racks of choices and none of them appeared to be poor quality. A few of the styles looked mighty uncomfortable to me, but we all like different things for sure.

[Susan]

We wear the same size, Catrin. (That is, it seems that training hard makes my boobs wander to my thighs or something ;) so maybe even 32 E now.) I don't know how much bras would normally cost you, but I find most bras at Figleaves or Bravissimo quite affordable. Sometimes a cross-size from cheaper brand (for example 34 E for you) fits well enough too, but I have to say the pricier bras tend to fit better.
Make sure you try different brands and styles of bras too, over the years I found that "Cleo" halfcups tend to be the best fit for me, Freyas are often too deep in the cup and plunge style don't go along well with my form. Sports bras are still trial and error for me. I don't know why but the sizing is different (exept for the Panache Sports bra, it's true to size).

[Catrin]

Thanks for your thoughts Susan - I've learned a lot in the past few weeks :) Sadly the half cups don't seem to work for me, I need more than that but I am loving the Chantelles I scored at Nordstrom Rack the other day! I also really like the Frey sports bras I purchased last month. Full encapsulation and they are the same size as my Chantelle fashion bra. The band fits more tightly of course, and getting out of them are like safe-cracking but they feel SO good in my intense training session. The band fits too tight, however, for my to wear my HRM strap in the usual place. I am going to try wearing it below my bra tomorrow and see how well that works.

Chantelle makes a bra I really want to try that is designed for my south-seeking gals - as much as I like my Chantelle purchase I may try that one rather than the Freya Gem...

[Susan]

The Freya Gem ist really pretty :) Have you had the chance to try the Cleo Lucy? It seems to be quite similar to the Freya gem, comes up quite high too and is a really great fit for me - I guess the best fiiting bra I own, everything stays in place. The band fits more snugly than on most other bras I own and it gives a nice round shape (wich doesn't come naturally for me :rolleyes:).

Sports bras and HRMs can be a bit tricky, I had the same problem (I haven't used a HRM in a long time now). I had most success with squeezing it in a bit above the band. I liked the Freya Sports too, it feels very safe, but I think my current favourite is the Shock Absorber Max Sports Top. Not as much separation, but holds up to everything I do.

[Catrin]

The Freya Gem is pretty, isn't it? I've been told it would give me the proper support. This Chantelle Chacemire 3 part bra (http://www.herroom.com/chantelle-3371-cachemire-3-part-cup-bra.shtml) is also beautiful, I think I like it even better...keeping an eye out for sales ;) It has side slings that helps to hold and support. I suspect the Chantelle might fit me better - although they are both 3-part bras so they may well both serve my needs the same.

I tried on several 34-band bras the other day and they just don't provide me enough support. It was like I didn't have a bra on...and I won't return to that. If that means I have fewer of them and save a bit longer then so be it. I hadn't realized just how much better it feels to have proper support. I will keep my eye out for the Cleo Lucy to try on.

[OakLeaf]

NYT covers some more companies with fitting software. No sports bras it doesn't appear, but might be useful.

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/business/bra-selling-web-site-uses-algorithm-to-determine-fit.html?src=me&ref=general

[Catrin]

NYT covers some more companies with fitting software. No sports bras it doesn't appear, but might be useful.

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/business/bra-selling-web-site-uses-algorithm-to-determine-fit.html?src=me&ref=general

Very interesting approach, I am going to have to try them out! Thankfully I love my Freya sports bras, it is the everyday bras that are proving a bit more challenging...

[OakLeaf]

I just got the new Champion Show-Off (http://www.championusa.com/workout-clothes/women/new-arrivals/champion-the-show-off-sports-bra) Bra, and so far, I like.

Champion changed the fabric in the bra I'd been wearing for years, to where the new ones really don't support me :mad:, so I'd been looking for something new.

I just did bridge repeats in it yesterday, for a total of 8.5 miles counting the jog to and from the bridge - so not enough to know if it'll cause problems on a real long run, but enough for first impressions, and here they are:

Rock solid encapsulation support. I've whined here before about how hard it is to find very firm support for small breasts, but this bra has it. I don't think my boobs have moved so little on a run since I was 12 years old and they were the size of apricot halves. :p I've never worn an encapsulation bra that really gave me any support at all, so I'm impressed. Bonus that I wasn't expecting, is that it doesn't put the pressure on my still-unstable collarbones and ribs that my old compression bras do. And I really don't care about uniboob, but for those who keep score of that, this one gives nice separation.

Room for a HRM strap underneath. That can be a deal-breaker for me with some bras. This one fits just as nicely as my old favorite. I was getting just a teensy bit of pinching with the HRM strap slide adjuster on one side, but that's more to do with my individual configuration than with the bra itself. It may chafe on long runs, it may not - we'll see.

Adjustable straps. Again, we'll see how they wear in. Strap length can be an issue for me since my boobs ride low, but there's lots of adjustment in these. First wearing, the adjusters are very stiff - impossible for me to adjust while wearing the thing, and they didn't slip at all during my run. At that distance, no chafing from the adjusters, and even though the straps are only a little wider than a day-wear bra, they're soft, and in the racerback configuration they didn't give me any trouble.

Adjustable band. This is just as valuable for the ability to partially open up the racerback for putting it on and taking it off, as for the adjustment itself. I wondered how this would look in real life, since hook-and-eye closures can make a sport top look like underwear, but I think this is one is reasonably attractive even with this closure. I don't work out without a shirt any more, but I used to, and I would've been comfortable wearing this alone. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to change my shirt in public while wearing this bra.

Concealment. Now, this leans negative for me, because I really don't care about my headlights, and any padding means it's going to need extra care in the wash and in the underwear drawer, and that it will wear out faster no matter how careful I am with it. But, I've got very prominent headlights, and this bra completely hides them. It's got little reinforced stars in the nipple area for extra concealment. There's no color show-through either in the white one that I got.

It only comes in S/M/L/XL, which means it probably won't fit anyone whose cup size is much off the average for their band size. And since the Small fits my 34-small-b self so nicely, smaller women won't find one in their size, either.

[Catrin]

Sounds very nice! I love my new encapsulated sports bras but I have to position my HRM strap below the band. Pity that it dosent come in numbered sizes...

[zoom-zoom]

A brand to check out that carries smaller band/larger cup bras is Lunaire...and their prices are WAY cheap for the quality of their bras. I'm a 32DD-34D and have a hard time finding bras that are full-cup enough. I have to have very full coverage or I end up with quadra-boobs, because my breast base is so friggin' wide (that's why I'm a 34D after reduction surgery, which I would have preferred to be a C...a C would have meant having "pancake boobs").

[Catrin]

A brand to check out that carries smaller band/larger cup bras is Lunaire...and their prices are WAY cheap for the quality of their bras. I'm a 32DD-34D and have a hard time finding bras that are full-cup enough. I have to have very full coverage or I end up with quadra-boobs, because my breast base is so friggin' wide (that's why I'm a 34D after reduction surgery, which I would have preferred to be a C...a C would have meant having "pancake boobs").

Thanks for this - I really like their prices! I seem to have a problem finding bras with the appropriate size cups that allow me to adjust the shoulder straps properly. Often they are either much too loose at the tightest setting, or too tight at the loosest. I am a 32DDDD/F.

[zoom-zoom]

I am a 32DDDD/F.

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

[Catrin]

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

I've found that where my cup size is concerned the manufacturer and even bra style matters - I think I am between an F/G. For Euro companies (like Chantelle), F (DDD) is fine - but I've got to be very careful the shoulder strap isn't a fancy one with decorations or "split" or there isn't enough room to adjust the strap. My favorite/best fitting is a Chantelle while the one with the loosest strap is also a Chantelle. My last foray to Nordstrom's Rack bra clearance section scored an American DDD - which is too small in all ways (I didn't try it on, last time THAT will happen). The shoulder strap is so tight that it causes my bad shoulder to hurt :eek:

[Becky]

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

And then there's the whole US/UK cup size discrepancy to further confuse the issue. Since I need a 28-30 band, I exclusively wear UK brands and consequently think of my cup size in UK terms.

I wish the US manufacturers would get on board with bands smaller than 34.....

[Catrin]

And then there's the whole US/UK cup size discrepancy to further confuse the issue. Since I need a 28-30 band, I exclusively wear UK brands and consequently think of my cup size in UK terms.

I wish the US manufacturers would get on board with bands smaller than 34.....

Yep, I've given up on American brands. Except for Freya - though I am unsure where they are from. I've also learned to pay much closer attention to the shoulder strap style - with a proper fitting band it makes much more of a difference than it once did.

[Becky]

I've always considered Freya a UK brand, although I'm not sure if they still are now that Wacoal has bought their parent company, Eveden Group.

[Kathi]

Freya still goes by UK sizing but from what I understand most women are sizing down a band size because their bands are so stretchy.

Catrin, have you seen this site? http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/ There's tons of information plus advice on whether or not the bra fits. Many women sell or swap bras here. I wish I had found this 2 yrs ago when I was trying to figure out my size.

[Catrin]

Thanks! I know my size, it is finding a style/brand that fits me in both cup, band and straps that is the problem - more tue latter than anything. Ive had good luck with cup and band... I think it is due to being, ahem, low slung :o

[Penny4]

Nordstrom has just been a lifesaver to me, first for measuring me, and 2nd for providing so many sizes. Some dept stores don't carry over a DD! Since I've lost some weight, i also needed new bras a few weeks ago. I didn't get refit, but was able to figure out on my own that i needed to go down a band and up a cup size, which put me at a, ahem, coughcoughcough34Hcoughcoughcough. I found some nice Chantelle and a few Wacoals. I also found a few at Nordy's Rack!! Love Nordys!

And what is a balcony bra? Push up-ish? I'm scared to order one, lol.

So, on a related topic...what do you ladies do for bathing suits? (If this is too far off topic, plz ignore.) Those teeny tiny little "shelf" bras in bathing suits, ha! Even "soft cups" usually only fit up to a C or maybe D. I've had luck with Lands End in the past, special ordering online, but very hard to get the right fit without ordering several suits. Tankinis are my favorite cut, but so many of the tops are halter, which are scandalous looking on me, lol.

[Kathi]

The women are there are very knowledgable. There is a lot more to bra fit than band and cup size. Just reading will help you evaluate bra fit and find brands that will work for you.
I finally figured out why the Cleo Lucy doesn't work for me and what my figure is. Not low slung as I thought. Now I understand why some Panache Cleo bras work for me while others I've tried don't.

Bra fit is very confusing unless you have a very good fitter. Yesterday I observed women in the cafeteria at a local ski area and it was amazing the number in poor fitting bras. Just looking at their backs it was obvious that their bras didn't fit. Bands riding up in the back are the most obvious sign of a poor fitting bra. It didn't matter size, shape or age.

Sorry about the rant but it's unbelievable to so many women in such poor fitting bras.

[Kathi]

Nordstrom has just been a lifesaver to me, first for measuring me, and 2nd for providing so many sizes. Some dept stores don't carry over a DD! Since I've lost some weight, i also needed new bras a few weeks ago. I didn't get refit, but was able to figure out on my own that i needed to go down a band and up a cup size, which put me at a, ahem, coughcoughcough34Hcoughcoughcough. I found some nice Chantelle and a few Wacoals. I also found a few at Nordy's Rack!! Love Nordys!

And what is a balcony bra? Push up-ish? I'm scared to order one, lol.

So, on a related topic...what do you ladies do for bathing suits? (If this is too far off topic, plz ignore.) Those teeny tiny little "shelf" bras in bathing suits, ha! Even "soft cups" usually only fit up to a C or maybe D. I've had luck with Lands End in the past, special ordering online, but very hard to get the right fit without ordering several suits. Tankinis are my favorite cut, but so many of the tops are halter, which are scandalous looking on me, lol.


Panache, Freya and others make swimsuits, including tankinis, in cup and band sizes. US online companies such as HeRRoom.Com, BareNecessaties.Com have them as well as UK companies such as BraStop.com, Figleaves and UK EBay. I've heard there are good deals from the UK companies but I'm not sure if shipping costs and import duty out weighs the prices. I do know that Figleaves told me that if you order over $200 US you have to pay duty. Figleaves has a US location for returns so postage is less. US companies often offer free shipping over a certain price or on certain bras. Return shipping is on you but 1 exchange is free. Swim suit bottoms also come in sizes. I've seen good swimsuit sales on these sites at the end of the summer.

Don't be embarrassed about your size. Places like VS make women believe every woman is a small size because they sell limited ranges. If you check out ABTF you'll be amazed at the range of sizes that women really are. I'm a 28FF but my back size is 26".

[Kathi]

Bra Styles http://www.butterflycollection.ca/pages/Bra-Styles.html

Balcony bras and balconette bras are pretty much the same. I wear balcony bras because I'm afraid full cup will be too much coverage for me. I disagree with the description, that only happens if you have the correct fit for your body and the style of the bra. My first attempts gave me none of these characteristics. It took me nearly 2 yrs. to figure out what works for me. Now that I'm in the correct fit I don't look so "low slung".