Bra sizes

[TsPoet]

I've needed the same bra size for 20 years. Based on a recent thread, and the fact that my bras are all threadbare, I got into herroom.com and ordered 3 new bras.
the cups all result in Caterpillar boob!
To make matters worse, I tried them on over a thin T-shirt - loved the fit/feel... took off the shirt and tore of the labels, then put them back on... I now have boobs on top of my breasts... strong ones that make me look like a Caterpillar when I put a shirt back on over them. So I have 3 expensive new bras that I can't send back, but that have an amazingly bad effect on my body.
Are bras like pants sizes only opposite? (I can't find the thread, but like many, my pants size has dropped in the last couple of years, but my size hasn't).
I don't really know what to do - is my tried and true D now a DD, or an E, or an Z, or just what?
Is it me? Do you hit 40 and start collecting weight in the breasts (maybe the real reason my pants size went down )
I don't really know what to buy - these 3 bras were 3 different brands, specifically so I could try some new options out. One of them is wearable as long as my shirt is loose, the other 2, no way no how, unless I suddenly want to explode out of the top of my shirt.

[SadieKate]

I've found that bras are like pants. I have to try on a bazillion to find one that fits. Some are snug through the middle and some gap at the top, and some are the opposite. Some expect your breasts to be a millimeter apart while others put the cups under your armpits. I just can't mail order bras or pants.

Sorry, I know that isn't what you want to hear.

[withm]

OK even if you have removed the tags, if you still have them, I'd send them back. (In fact, even if I didn't have them, I'd still try).

The worst that can happen is they say "no," in which case you are no worse than you are right now. But most likely they will happily exchange them for something else.

[Kathi]

It's called "double boob". 1st of all, be sure you're putting the bra on properly. I think there are links on my post on how to do this. To me it sounds like the cup size you ordered is too small. It could also be that the band is too large. Put the bra on backwards and see how the band feels. If it feels ok then you just need a larger cup size.

European brands run smaller and HerRoom has a chart that compares the different brands and cup sizes. Read all reviews to get an idea of how the bra fits, but take them with a grain of salt.

Also, did you remeasure yourself? You do change as you get older. Do not use the calculators that add +4 to the band. I believe HerRoom has changed their calculator somewhat. My back meausres 25.5". Many fitters put me in a 32 C or D. Adding +4 put me in a 30 D. However, as soon as the band got some stretch the bras were very uncomfortable. I also got double boob on my left side and the bras gave me no support. Believing I was a 30 band I bought some very expensive bras that don't fit and are now sitting in my drawer. I'm actually a 28G and could be a 26H if such a size existed.

Finally, do not cut the tags off until your sure you want to keep the bras. Herroom is very good about exchanges/refunds as long as the bras aren't worn and have the tags on them. I know, I was the queen of returns until I discovered my correct size.

[Kathi]

My other thought is that the lycra in the old bras was stretched out so you didn't notice the changes in your breasts. How do the cups fit under the arms and do you get fat showing in the back? Some sources I've read state that back fat is actually breast tissue that has migrated. As thin as I am I had the back fat but don't notice it as much now that I'm wearing better fitting bras. But spilling out the side of the cups is also a sign of a too small cup.

Until you know your size in a brand order 2 sizes, or 3, in a model and return the ones you don't want. For example, if your band size is 34c but reviews say the band is running small you could order a 34c and a 36b. There is a chart on the HerRoom site that explains how underwire cups change as the band size changes. They also note what cup size to use if you're going up or down a band size. If you find yourself ordering a lot of bras that don't fit then your in the wrong size. When I was ordering a lot I combined orders when I returned them. Saved me on shipping.

Keep in mind that some brands tend to fit narrow breasts will others fit wider ones. Panache Cleo works bests for me because they tend to have a wide center gore, whereas, Freya bras have a narrow center gore. The bands on Freya's are very stretchy so this is a brand that I could use a 26 band in.

Don't get discouraged. Bra fitting, whether online or in a store, is hit and miss.
Once you find a brand that works for you stay with it.

There are also a lot of blogs that explain bra fit and often review bras.

[TsPoet]

It's called "double boob". 1st of all, be sure you're putting the bra on properly. I think there are links on my post on how to do this. To me it sounds like the cup size you ordered is too small. It could also be that the band is too large. Put the bra on backwards and see how the band feels. If it feels ok then you just need a larger cup size.

thanks, and yeah, don't have any other issue than the appearance of the "double boob" on top of the originals! Maybe I'll order a couple and see what happens.
I have a friend who is manager at a Victoria's Secret. She is always talking about ill-fitting bras and trying to get all of her friends to come in for fittings. I just can't stand the thought of going in one of those places, or being measured by a friend!

[Anyabeth]

In my experience Victoria's Secret is not the best place to be measured - their fit is very different than the industry standard (they also do not carry larger sizes) and a lot of their stores are staffed by college girls vs. professionals (I am sure your friend is wonderful though). If there is a small lingerie store (find one with a bunch of old ladies working there - they are the best) in your area that is ideal. Outside of that find a Nordstrom. They carefully train their staff and do their best to make you comfortable (they also have a very generous return policy because sometimes bras that seem to fit are not comfortable after a day or two). I don't think anyone ENJOYS getting fit for a bra but it really makes a difference.

[SadieKate]

It's called "double boob".

Opposed to the sports-bra induced "uni-boob."

[TsPoet]

In my experience Victoria's Secret is not the best place to be measured - their fit is very different than the industry standard (they also do not carry larger sizes) and a lot of their stores are staffed by college girls vs. professionals (I am sure your friend is wonderful though).

LOL - I agree with you. My friend has left and is managing another, similar, store. Guess she's been managing women's stores of this ilk for 20+ years and is even sought after in that field. An odd concept to me.

I'm going to try again.

[meganm]

I agree with the recommendation to get a fitting. I did everything I could to avoid wearing a bra when I was in college, but reality hit when I had to get a job and look professional. At the time a friend put it in perspective- bras suck, but if you can find one that is tolerable, it's worth the time to get a fitting. That was an epiphany, and I get fitted yearly... the time spent shopping is a small price to pay for a small amount of comfort. Bras still suck to wear, but they suck a lot less if it fits well!

[Kathi]

I just found this comparison of bras fittings at various American stores. 1st was Victoria Secrets. The second blog compares large dept stores. http://boosaurusbras.blogspot.com/

Someday, out of curiousity, I'm going in for a bra fitting, just to see what size they put me in.

[Kathi]

Herroom.com now has a bra fitting survey that helps you find the best fitting bra for you. It's called "Know Your Breasts Bra Finder" If you give your email address at the end of the survey you get a 10% discount off your total purchase.

Many bras from a variety of companies are given as recommendations. My complaint is that even though they ask your band size it was not considered when giving recommendations. Out of over 500 bra models recommended for me only 15 were actually in my band size, 6 of which I already own. You can search brands which helped to narrow things down for me. Even though my list is limited I now know which bras to avoid saving me money on returns.

[trickycoolj]

If you don't have a Nordstrom near you, their website has great videos explaining how to measure for your size. I've yo-yo'd weight in the last few years and I'd say in the last 4 years I've worn a 34A, 36A, and now 34B. I had no idea I went down in band size after doing a half a year of boot camp classes and it was such a huge relief to have the band stay down in the back! I also second the Victoria Secret odd sizing comment above. While friendly they only seem to carry limited "average" sizes. If you're anything A cup they don't carry it in store and will measure you as a B. My BFF who is a DD got measured as a D with a waaay too big band so that they wouldn't have to turn her sale away. Cute styles and prints, if you fit the limited inventory.

[Kathi]

My band measurement is 28 so online bra shopping is my only resource for bras. Herroom and Bare Necessities are my main suppliers. I totally understand the "way too big band". I've always been fitted into 32 bands when my back actually measures 25.5. A 26 band would probably be the best but they are non-existent here in the US.

[Becky]

A 26 band would probably be the best but they are non-existent here in the US.

Have you tried Ewa Michalak bras? My understanding is that they will custom make a band as small as 24. I'm actually waiting on my first EM order right now....not a fast process, but I've heard that their bras are so nicely made that it might be worth it.