Bra vent

[smartestnumber5]

How does anyone find a bra that fits them? I just can't seem to find one.

A few months ago I begrudginly went to Lane Bryant (I need a large band and a large cup) finally resigned to the fact that I might have to buy expensive bras to find ones that fit. I picked the one that seemed to be best (which was one band size and one cup larger than what I had been wearing) and then after wearing the bras a few days I started being bothered by the underwires. They kept poking my underarms. I guess that means the bra is too big? But at the same time, I can never find a bra in which the front part in between the cups lies flat against my chest and this one is no exception; I always have cleavage which is pushing that part of the bra out. Doesn't that mean that the bra is too small? How can a bra be too small and too big?

After I couldn't stand those bras anymore and was ticked that I'd spent so much money on them, I went back to buying cheap ones at Kmart. The largest these bras come is one band size and one cup size too small. They definitely don't fit well--the underwire pokes into my breast because the cup isn't large enough and there's the whole cleavage pushing out the front--but they were tolerable for awhile too. Now I'm fed up with those too.

I was thinking of going to Lane Bryant again, and GF and I just took measurements thinking that would be helpful. Well it's anything but helpful! I found two different methods of calculating band/cup size. According to the 1st method you measure around the ribs under the breasts and add 5 to that number; the result is your band size. You then measure around the fullest part of your chest and take that number minus the band size. If you get a 1 you're an A, 2 for B, 3 for C, etc. Well according to this method of measuring I should be wearing a C up in a band size about 3-4 sizes larger than what I usually wear. There is no way in h*ll that I could get into a C cup, even accounting for the fact that as band sizes go up cups get a bit bigger. (According to this measurement GF's band size is about 6 sizes larger than what she wears and she would be an A or less, when really she's definitely in at least the B range.

According to the other method of measuring (I saw this specifically about plus size women) everything is the same except you don't add 5 to the rib cage measurement to get the band size; whatever the measurement is around the ribs under the breast, that is your band size. According to this method I am almost exactly the size of the original Lane Bryant bra I mentioned. But that bra doesn't fit It's both too big and too small! (On this measurement GF is a D or more!)

So what gives? How is a woman (especially one with big ****s) supposed to find a bra that actually fits? Anybody have any tips?

 

[piglet too]

You really need to go someplace that has "trained" workers to measure you.

 

[Hercules10]

My usual obligatory smiley:

 

[kdibattista]

It sucks!!! My bra was discontinued and I can't find anything else that fits right . I also love how most of the DD's are padded... WTH... if I have DD's I don't need padding

 

[disneymama73]

I love Victoria's Secret's Body by Victoria full coverage shaping bras. My sister and I are both well-endowed and they're the only bras we like. Comfy and fit great!

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

I also like the Body by Victoria full coverage shaping bra. I like a lot of VS bras. But first I would go to Lady Grace or someplace like that and get measured. I did it when I was pregnant and it made a big difference. They can even recommend bras to you, and at least you'll know your correct size.

I agree, it's a PITA sometimes!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I've been bra shopping recently and it was/is driving me crazy. So far this is what I have learned about Lane Bryant bras:

the material doesn't have much stretch and should be bought about a size bigger or even 2-3 sizes

the cups at LB apparently run big, though Im not positive about that but thats what the sales lady told me

LB does sell bras that go into bigger cups sizes without the padding but they are hard to find, especially right now with the bra sale going on

I've learned at other stores, particularly Fashion Bug and Avenue that their bras are much bigger in the band but smaller in the cup. It's driving me crazy

Apparently when I buy bras at LB I wear a xxC and say Fasion Bug I wear a smaller xxD. Are you kidding me?? Why can't it just be normal all the time.

By the way the ladies at LB will do a bra measurement for you and help you pick out the best bras for you.

 

[Jpgirl]

I'm with you girl!! I'm not sure about that method though. If I calculate my band size by that method then I'd be a 41 band size and I guarantee "the girls" will be falling out the bottum of a bra that size!!! My understanding is the rib cage measurement is the band size but the cup measurement sounds right. I like Bali bras but to be honest I wear special sports compression bras that I order online most of the time. Good luck

 

[kat3668]

The only place I can find my size is here..
http://www.justmysize.com/
They are having a pretty good sale this week too.

 

[liamsaunt]

You should really go for a professional fitting. When I went, I was amazed to find that I was wearing a completely off band and cup size, even though I had been "fitted" before at Victoria's Secret. I am much more comfortable now! I don't know where you are located, but one place that is excellent around here for fittings, and lots of different sizes (both band and cup), is Lady Grace.

 

[Nancy]

I have really good luck with the Bali brand...but I agree you need to get professionally fit. Sometimes your better name department stores (macy's, Lord & Taylor) have specials where the fitter for a brand is there and they have awesome sales. I am big too but I hate underwires, refuse to wear them...I also hate the ones that look like something my grandma would wear...I want nice, soft pretty ones.

 

[clh2]

A department store like Nordstrom's would be able to professionally fit you as well.

 

[kandeebunny]

I have the opposite problem, but I can feel your pain. I am small (all over) but still need a bra. Finding one where the wires do not poke in to my chest is killer. I am also between sizes, so it is very difficult. I agree with everyone else though, Lady Grace will be your best friend, their fitters are amazing and they offer great suggestions. (That said I do buy my bras at VS) Mom who is well endowed hits Macy's etc. for Bali bras and swears by them.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Bra sizing is just evil! I'm not especially well-endowed, but I seem to be a different shape than expected because I've never found an underwire bra that actually fits my shape. Drives me nuts! If I went with those crazy "how to measure" things I'd be a 28 DD! As if!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont wear them and throw away them evil panites also

 

[Alex2kMommy]

A department store like Nordstrom's would be able to professionally fit you as well.

I've never been professionally fitted, but I also found a few bras at Victoria's Secret that fit well.

My mom went into Nordstrom today for a fitting (she recently had a mastectomy, and they specialize in fittings with prosthetics as well.) I'll have to give her a call to find out how it went.

 

[UtahMama]

Yayyyy! A Bra Thread!!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

I'm not sure where you received the information about measuring for the right size, but that's not quite right. I happen to work at Lane Bryant and I've been through the training, and I've actually known long before I worked there how to measure. In fact, I remember visiting the store several years ago and they asked about doing a fitting and I stated that I know I'm wearing the right size. They didn't believe me. So I told her my size and then had her measure. I was right.

So, here is the correct way to measure.

Band size: measure around beneath your breasts to get your band size. No adding or subtracting. If you're 40 around, then you're a 40. If you're 41 inches around, then go to a 42. Make sure that you are measuring right under your breasts, even if this requires lifting as this is where your band will sit and make sure that the tape measure is even around your back, not riding up or down across your spine.

Cup Size: measure across the fullest part of your breasts. The difference between that number and your band will give you your cup size.

1 inch = A cup
2 inches = B cup
3 inches = C cup
4 inches = D cup
5 inches = DD cup
6 inches = DDD cup
7 inches = F cup

I happen to be a 42DDD and people are shocked when I tell them this because they insist that I don't look that big. I think people's perceptions are a bit off and it's hard to believe that they're actually a DD or even DDD when they always thought they were a C cup. I can't tell you the number of women that I've measured in the store who have been shocked to learn their true size. Those who actually believed me and tried on the right STYLE and size for them were amazed to discover how great they felt and how much better they looked. (There are those who refuse to believe what we tell them, and they still buy the wrong size and style and then get mad at us because they're still uncomfortable.)

I capitalized STYLE because not every style is made for every body even if it comes in your size. Your body shape will help determine the right style for you too. Personally, I wear the Cacique Full Coverage underwire. It works best for me. It's very comfortable and there is no fidgeting with the straps.

Now, one of the things to remember when measuring and wearing your bra is that the band should go evenly around your back. In other words, it shouldn't be riding up at all. If it is, chances are you are wearing the wrong size and/or you've tightened the straps too much. If you keep tightening the straps in hopes of lifting the ladies and all that happens is that the back is creeping higher, the bra may even be worn out.

More things to keep in mind:

Our bodies change all the time. You could gain or lose weight, have a baby or you're just redistributing weight within your body. For these reasons, you should get re-measured about every 6 months.

You should always handwash your bras and never put them in the dryer. Honestly, I don't handwash, but I try not to wash them with anything they can get hooked on. Washing and drying and weaken the elastic and make them wear out faster. And for underwires, it can cause the wires to warp and poke through.

Hopefully this helps some of you. Definitely go back to Lane Bryant and ask for a fitting.

 

[lulu71]

I got measured at VS and bought a few of their bras and wore them until my friends started telling me that my breasts looked gigantic. I went back to my old faithful - Bali minimizer bras. I love them!

 

[Jpgirl]

I learned Kelleigh's way a long time ago and that's what a professional fitter fit me as too. Hey did anyone else's mother humiliate their daughters like mine did? My mom took me to Sears when I started budding and had the fitter fit me?? Does anyone else remember that most of the department stores had a professional fitter on staff all the time??? I could've died!! My mom was convinced that a good bra fit would mean they didn't go south when I got to be her age. Uh sorry to dispell THAT notion-they go south no matter what except maybe surgery. But at least the girls do look better in a proper fitting bra. I have Bali bras for under regular clothes but I still wear my Sportjock bras most of the time because they're way mor comfly and provide way more support or compression. Like the others said go find a professional fitter.