Sports Bras!

[Catrin]

I am never good at measuring myself - whenever I do that I wind up with some VERY small size - and I am chesty lady. So I finally went to a good department store last year and got measured - but I suspect that still differs between different styles.

[Becky]

I know what you mean. Ultimately, I ended up at Nordstrom's, and even that wasn't perfect, because they still want to add 2 or 3 to the underbust measurement and put me in too loose of a band. When I stopped adding anything, I finally found the right band size. Which presents its own challenges...

[Catrin]

I know what you mean. Ultimately, I ended up at Nordstrom's, and even that wasn't perfect, because they still want to add 2 or 3 to the underbust measurement and put me in too loose of a band. When I stopped adding anything, I finally found the right band size. Which presents its own challenges...

So you just keep your underbust measurement with no adjustment and use that for the your size, and use the measurement across the fullest part of your bust for the cup portion of the measurement? I hope I described that correctly, am working from memory here but probably shouldn't go looking up the formula at work. The Juno is VERY comfortable - but I've the straps adjusted as long as possible, and there is a bit too much "spillover" underneath my arms and back... Unsure if that is a band or cup size problem, but I should figure this out before my next purchase. It doesn't FEEL too small at all, even in high intensity activities. With my slow-but-consistent weight loss this might (hopefully) take care of itself.

[Becky]

Yes, that's exactly what I do. For me, this calculator was the most accurate: http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm. With an underbust measurement of 29", I usually end up in 30 bands. However, I can think of at least one brand where a 28 fits better and lasts longer because their bands are often stretchier than others.

It's possible that your issue is with both the cup and band sizing. You can isolate one from the other by putting the bra on backwards, with the cups in the back, and fastened on the last/loosest hooks. If you can pull the band more than 1/2" - 1" away from your body, the band size is probably too big. I say probably because some of this is personal preference. Yes, it looks a bit silly, but it rules out the possibility that any snugness you're feeling is from cups that are too small, rather than from a supportive, properly-sized band.

[Catrin]

Thanks Becky, I will check this out tonight. The Juno doesn't FEEL too snug when wearing it and it isn't difficult to get on, though getting it off is quite a challenge. Then again, it IS a substantial sports bra! The look on the sides tells me it isn't the perfect fit though, and I would like to address that the next time. My others are just too large now, apparently my 38D days are over and I am quite pleased with that! It makes sense that if the cups are too small that it would still make things feel comfortable even if the band isn't supporting properly.

[Catrin]

Yes, that's exactly what I do. For me, this calculator was the most accurate: http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm. With an underbust measurement of 29", I usually end up in 30 bands. However, I can think of at least one brand where a 28 fits better and lasts longer because their bands are often stretchier than others....

According to your calculator, I need a 30DDD/F which I've never heard of... So I plugged my numbers (31 ribcage, 36 cup) and got the same thing in other online calculators. So apparently I've an odd size as well....but using the usual calculation where you add to the band number, I would be a 36A which is just plain wrong.

To go further down this rabbit hole, I found THIS link that provides a chart of bra "sister sizes". According to this chart, 30F also = 36D (and a bunch of other sizes). So next time I go looking I've a few other options to check out. I've never heard of most of the bra sizes on this chart, interesting!

[goldfinch]

According to your calculator, I need a 30DDD/F which I've never heard of... So I plugged my numbers (31 ribcage, 36 cup) and got the same thing in other online calculators. So apparently I've an odd size as well....but using the usual calculation where you add to the band number, I would be a 36A which is just plain wrong.

To go further down this rabbit hole, I found THIS link that provides a chart of bra "sister sizes". According to this chart, 30F also = 36D (and a bunch of other sizes). So next time I go looking I've a few other options to check out. I've never heard of most of the bra sizes on this chart, interesting!

You are close to my size, as I am 30 on the rib cage and 35 around the bust. I find a 30 band works best in most bras. www.herroom.com has a lot of these smaller sizes with large cups. I bought a very large pile of bras from them, tried them out and sent back what I didn't favor.

[Catrin]

Very nice site, thank you! They have more sports bras there that I've ever seen, and the survey to help determine the type/shape of bra that might be needed is very interesting.

[Catrin]

By spillover, you mean your arms are brushing the girls, so they are a bit too low and wide? That means you need a smaller band size, and a larger cup size. The 'girls' should be brought within width of the torso, and from the side should appear to be halfway between the your bent elbow and shoulder. (So high and tight rather than low and wide. ).

Having a smaller band size means the band supports you rather than the cups. The cups should just be for coverage, and the band should be below the girls, not touching them. Also, the band provides something like 80% of the support if worn correctly. (Cannot remember the exact percentage). The way you've described long straps and spillover, it sounds like the straps and cups are bearing the support. Not as comfortable, and not good for your back.

If you can go to a brick and mortor store that provides decent bra fittings, you can have someone help you find a regular bra that fits perfectly, then it will be easier to judge on you own when you order online.

Maybe this video will help? I could watch the entire thing from this computer, but I'll check back later.

Thanks Muirenn, the video was interesting and I learned a couple of things. I've tried bra fittings, but I've never really been comfortable with the outcome. I actually didn't know there were so many different band and cup sizes out there! I had gone to a good department store for the fitting but I suspect that they just tried to get me into a size they sold - and to be fair the new bras did fit better compared with what I was wearing - just not correctly. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Freya sports bra I linked to earlier, and we will see. THIS time I will make bloody certain it fits before I take the tags off this time...that was my mistake, not TE's.

[Kernyl]

Several years ago I had a good fitting and wound up with a 32D, smaller band, but larger cup size than I had been wearing. It was a good thing, except that I have trouble finding my size now in stores and usually order online.
For sports bras I like the Fiona bra. I have been wearing it for several years. I haven't worn anything else since I found it, before then I was just wearing standard compression bras from companies like Nike and adidas. Not so good.
Although I have never had any trouble with the straps or anything, I am thinking of trying a racerback style. The Juno looks a little too much, too complicated for me though...
Also, I recently lost weight and probably should get refitted before I buy anything new.