question re: bra fit

[ny biker]

Ladies, for regular bras (not sports bras), does the band leave red marks going across your back?

I have a terrible time finding bras that fit me. They're always too tight here, too big there, digging in on the sides of the cup, etc. I spent a lot of time today in Nordstroms and Victoria's Secret working with salespeople who both swear I'm a 34B (or maybe 34A). But I already own several 36As that are uncomfortably tight across my back. After several hours wearing them, I'm desperate to take them off. The only ones that fit me comfortably are the simple elastic-band style (with no molded cups or any padding at all in the cups) that I can get in a 38A. Unfortunately those are no good in summer under lightweight cotton shirts -- I need padding to minimize the headlights.

I wound up buying two 36As at VS that were the closest to fitting properly, at least in terms of cup size. However after wearing one of them for about 45 minutes here at home, I had red marks on my back from the band.

The salesperson at Nordstroms tried really hard to convince me that it's normal for the band to leave marks. Is this true? Are you really supposed to wear it that tight? Also you can see flesh spilling over the band on my sides which to me makes it look too tight. And it's not a question of needing to lose weight -- I'm down to skin, bones and muscle in this area of my torso.

I've looked for extenders but they only come really wide -- wider than any bra comes close to fitting me -- so they look ridiculous under a summer weight shirt.

I'm pretty much at the end of my rope here -- it's so frustrating that I literally wind up crying every time I go bra shopping (which, p.s., really freaks out the salesperson). I'm really not happy spending all this money for something that is so uncomfortable, and I'm tired of salespeople trying to convince me I'm a 34 when a 36 hurts so much.

BTW it is virtually impossible to find a 38A, and when I do, they're too big in the cups.

So what's the solution? Am I just a freak?

[marni]

i ran into the same problem and just wear sports bras. I have lost enough weight now that I look like I have two fried eggs which are sliding towards my belly button so I could go braless I guess but.... If you can go to champion sports they might have something that would work.

marni

[rubywagon]

i ran into the same problem and just wear sports bras. I have lost enough weight now that I look like I have two fried eggs which are sliding towards my belly button so I could go braless I guess but.... If you can go to champion sports they might have something that would work.

marni

+1.

I am recommending the Handful bras they sell here on TE, again. I have given up on ill-fitting/uncomfortable bras and only wear these now. They have the feel of a sports bra, but with a great shape, and headlight hiders. I have never worn such a comfortable bra in my life, and they are so flattering.

[PamNY]

No, you aren't a freak. I have similar issues. I don't think you should see marks -- maybe only a faint mark, anyway. Flesh shouldn't be spilling over.

I hate bra shopping, too. Since I started biking I'm working on upper body strength and even the piddly little muscles I've developed are making bra fitting harder. Good luck; wish I had some suggestions.

[Selkie]

I have fit problems with bras, too. Luckily, Calvin Klein and Wacoal make a couple styles that fit me (32B, but a barely B).

Agree with Greenbeam about the Handful bras. They are my weekend bras, and I've worn them to work a few times. I've found that the pads help when I'm wearing blouses with darts, too. They also solve the "headlight" issue. These bras are very comfortable.

[Bike Chick]

Nothing's more miserable than an ill fitting bra......even a correctly fitting bra is uncomfortable to me. It's one of the first things I remove when I get home at night. Ahhhhh!!! I don't think any bra should make red marks on you regardless.

VS bras have never fit me well. Even in my younger, thinner days. I went to Dillards last year and got a bra fitting. All these years I thought I was a 36B but the very nice sales lady came carrying in 32 and 34D bras after she measured me. I thought she had lost her mind but it did make a difference. She pointed out that breast tissue goes all the way under your arms and taught me the old lady trick of bending over, reaching inside and shoving everything to the middle. It made a huge difference in my comfort and fit. And I don't have red marks. Maybe you need to try a different bra fitting.

[Crankin]

Go to a real lingerie store. They know their stuff.
I buy the Calvin bras in 32A. They are just a teeny bit snug in the band, but I learned that a 34A is really a B cup, so those were huge on me. These bras are the cheapest and best fitting ones I have found.
I wear the Handful riding and running, but not sure if I would like it all day.

[yellow]

No, you are not a freak...but there aren't many of us, to be sure. I measure out at either a 36 A/AA or a 38 A/AA (and 36 and 38 AA do not exist!). Most of the time the A cups are too big for me, same as you. I have kind of a big rib cage and some serious lats. I couldn't breathe if I tried to wear a 34 anything. When I am at my normal level of fitness, my pecs stick out as far as my boobs. I kid you not. I remember the fitter at Nordstrom measuring me multiple times because she just couldn't believe that anyone could have that big of a measurement around and essentially no boobs.

I pretty much gave up and now just wear camisoles. Doesn't help with the headlight issue, but I also figured out that I just need to stay away from solids and try to wear prints. Helps disguise a lot. I don't even own any bras any more. It took some getting used to at first, but now I can't imagine going back to a bra that just doesn't fit.