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. 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 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 - but I just can't justify $88...and this is the cheapest Chantelle I've seen

[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? 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.