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!

[Catrin]

Sounds very nice! I love my new encapsulated sports bras but I have to position my HRM strap below the band. Pity that it dosent come in numbered sizes...

[zoom-zoom]

A brand to check out that carries smaller band/larger cup bras is Lunaire...and their prices are WAY cheap for the quality of their bras. I'm a 32DD-34D and have a hard time finding bras that are full-cup enough. I have to have very full coverage or I end up with quadra-boobs, because my breast base is so friggin' wide (that's why I'm a 34D after reduction surgery, which I would have preferred to be a C...a C would have meant having "pancake boobs").

[Catrin]

A brand to check out that carries smaller band/larger cup bras is Lunaire...and their prices are WAY cheap for the quality of their bras. I'm a 32DD-34D and have a hard time finding bras that are full-cup enough. I have to have very full coverage or I end up with quadra-boobs, because my breast base is so friggin' wide (that's why I'm a 34D after reduction surgery, which I would have preferred to be a C...a C would have meant having "pancake boobs").

Thanks for this - I really like their prices! I seem to have a problem finding bras with the appropriate size cups that allow me to adjust the shoulder straps properly. Often they are either much too loose at the tightest setting, or too tight at the loosest. I am a 32DDDD/F.

[zoom-zoom]

I am a 32DDDD/F.

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

[Catrin]

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

I've found that where my cup size is concerned the manufacturer and even bra style matters - I think I am between an F/G. For Euro companies (like Chantelle), F (DDD) is fine - but I've got to be very careful the shoulder strap isn't a fancy one with decorations or "split" or there isn't enough room to adjust the strap. My favorite/best fitting is a Chantelle while the one with the loosest strap is also a Chantelle. My last foray to Nordstrom's Rack bra clearance section scored an American DDD - which is too small in all ways (I didn't try it on, last time THAT will happen). The shoulder strap is so tight that it causes my bad shoulder to hurt

[Becky]

A 32DDDD should be a 32G, at least in most US manufacturers. That has to be a tough size to find. Even a 32D is a biotch, most of the time.

And then there's the whole US/UK cup size discrepancy to further confuse the issue. Since I need a 28-30 band, I exclusively wear UK brands and consequently think of my cup size in UK terms.

I wish the US manufacturers would get on board with bands smaller than 34.....

[Catrin]

Thanks! I know my size, it is finding a style/brand that fits me in both cup, band and straps that is the problem - more tue latter than anything. Ive had good luck with cup and band... I think it is due to being, ahem, low slung

[Penny4]

Nordstrom has just been a lifesaver to me, first for measuring me, and 2nd for providing so many sizes. Some dept stores don't carry over a DD! Since I've lost some weight, i also needed new bras a few weeks ago. I didn't get refit, but was able to figure out on my own that i needed to go down a band and up a cup size, which put me at a, ahem, coughcoughcough34Hcoughcoughcough. I found some nice Chantelle and a few Wacoals. I also found a few at Nordy's Rack!! Love Nordys!

And what is a balcony bra? Push up-ish? I'm scared to order one, lol.

So, on a related topic...what do you ladies do for bathing suits? (If this is too far off topic, plz ignore.) Those teeny tiny little "shelf" bras in bathing suits, ha! Even "soft cups" usually only fit up to a C or maybe D. I've had luck with Lands End in the past, special ordering online, but very hard to get the right fit without ordering several suits. Tankinis are my favorite cut, but so many of the tops are halter, which are scandalous looking on me, lol.