The Bra, Reinvented

[emily_in_nc]

I'm actually intrigued and would like to try the new bra sizes out, but I have never paid $60 for a bra in my life and just can't justify that expense. I generally fit really well into Victoria's Secret 32C, and I buy on ebay so get great deals -- rarely pay more than $30 for a very nice, long-lived bra.

If I were having a real problem with sizing or comfort, I'd be willing to pay more, but I'm not. They'd have to give me the fit kit for free AND a $20 coupon to try the $60 bra first!

[Kathi]

VC's measuring system is so weird. To get your under band measurement you measure under your arms and across the top of your chest, near the top of your bra.. So I did that. I get 31", my real under band measurement is 25.5/26". Then you measure across your bust which is 33". So I plug the measurements into their calculator and I get the message "Please enter a measurement between 30" and 40". Well, isn't 31" between 30" and 40"? So I plug in 32" and get a bra size of 32A. That adds 6" to my band size. In reality, I'm a 26G but wear the sister size of 28FF, adding 2" to accommodate my bony ribcage and because 26" bands are impossible to find.

Ok, so what's so different in VC's bras that I can fit a 32A when my 32C Chantelle is too small in the cups and too large in the band? It gives me no support, rides up in the back and actually give me "back fat". Also, I can hook the 32C bra around my 33" hips! This is why I don't trust Jockey or any other American bra companies.

BTW, my sister size in a 32 band is a UK 32E, it's the same cup volume as UK 26G. I think in US sizing it's a 32DD.

[marni]

I haven't worn a normal bra for donkeys years- I much prefer sports bras as I am not quite small enough nor do I feel comfortable to fit much oif anything else. Being one sided because of the mastectomy doesn't help. I do have one very small strapless bra with a cup for the prosthetic that I got to go with a dress I wore to my sons' weddings but those and my daughters wedding are the only time since I was about40 that I have worn anything resembling a bra. I buy my sports bras in multiples from academy sports or sports authority, have enough to rotate through on a daily basis and as such only have to bra shop every 18 months or so. I think the most I have ever paid for a sports bra was in the 20 dollar range but they mostly run between 10 and 15 dollars, so I guess I am very lucky or teribly plain jane and cheap.