Clothes while losing weight

[KnottedYet]

Just like bike fitters have the sexy adjustable faux-bike to help with fitting, the woman at Nordstrom who fit me had a "fit" bra she had me try on in the size the tape measure suggested.

It was not a pretty bra, it was see-through and designed so she could see where the bra and I were not friendly with each other... (and we weren't very friendly)

Based on that she chose a bunch of bras for me to try, and I probably tried on 10 or 15.

I was not the size I had thought I was and would never have tried the bra that I bought. I had measured myself at home and was pretty convinced I was a 38C, but I was really a 36DD. It was that see-through fit bra and someone who knew what to look for that helped lock down the size and style I needed.

Once you find a good bra fitter, hang on to them! They have a valuable skill and a valuable knowledge of brands and their quirks. Just like a bike fitter has a skill and knows about bike brands and their fit quirks.

[goldfinch]

I've been reading on the intertubes all about bras and fitting. Interesting stuff. I read that most bras are designed on the assumption that you are at least 5'4" so short people often have problems with straps being too long, with sides digging into the armpits, and underwire coming up too high in both the front and sides. Tall people have their issues as well.

Also, sizing becomes less accurate the larger your cup size (over a D) so the rules of thumb, like add a cup size for each inch, are not reliable. None of the sizing methods take into account volume. size and spacing accurately.

There isn't standardization between manufacturers (the rules of thumb of one cup up per inch, and under breast measurement plus 4 or 5 inches are not manufacturing standards) so you could wear different sizes depending on the manufacturer. Or depending on how much stretch is in the fabric.

Basically, you are left with trial and error or the rare fitter who really knows the marketplace.

Based on what I read and prior experience I think I will not bother to try underwire. I have tracked down a few softcup bras to try in my likely size.

[ny biker]

One thing I learned at Victoria's Secret -- the front of the bra between the cups should lie flat against you. If there's a gap, the bra is not fitting correctly.

Unfortunately I don't know if there is a rule of thumb for what to try next in that situation, like if it's a size issue or just that particular brand/style is wrong for you.

[goldfinch]

I like the www.herroom.com site. I emailed them with details about my size and problems with fit as a short, small boned person with large breasts. They immediately got back to me with some suggested styles. They have a 30 day return policy so I think I will order a whole pile and try them all on and hope a couple fit.

[ny biker]

Holy cow!! They have 38AA!!!

Thanks for sharing this.

[bmccasland]

I just want the left strap to not fall off my shoulder....

[emily_in_nc]

I just want the left strap to not fall off my shoulder....

Why only the left? Just curious... I have broad shoulders for my size so don't have this problem, thankfully!

[KnottedYet]

I just want the left strap to not fall off my shoulder....

That's often postural.

The lower trapezius, rhomboids, and middle trapezius on one side aren't doing their job; and/or the ribcage is turned slightly and the sternum is dropped. No matter how you adjust the strap, the dang thing slides off because the shoulder is diving out from underneath it.

On me it's my right shoulder. Drives me nuts. (especially because I know why it happens but I don't *want* to have to correct my posture, dangit! Though the strap stays up if I do...)

[azfiddle]

Here's my pet peeve about finding bras: I am also still large-busted after weight loss, short (5'1") and short-waisted, and approx. 34D. Why do the manufacturers of the 34C/34D bras sew on skinny little spaghetti straps?

Hello! Just because the band size is smaller, doesn't mean that we don't need support, and as I am post 50 I need a LOT of extra support. I like the design features on the minimizer bras - with reinforcement on the side or bottom of the cup as well as wide, cushioned straps.Those features seemed easy to find in larger sizes , but seem to be phased out below size 36. This week I was happy to find a 36C that was proportioned about right at a discount store (Ross).