New lingerie wardrobe...bra fitting size shocker!

I went to Nordstrom today to get some new bras & underwear. I have not bought any new underwear (except maternity & nursing btas & underwear) in over 5 years, so I'm in desperate need for real underwear. Plus my body has changed so much that I wasn't sure what size I was anymore, so I went to Nordstrom so I could get measured and get help picking things out. She measured my torso (but not the breasts) and went and got some things. She had the manager check it too to make sure it's the right size. I used to buy 34B pre-kids. Then after pregnancy and nursing I sized up to 36C. Well, the fitter told me I am a 32DD. WHAT??!!! I am not stacked! I always thought my rack was pretty average to small. DD sounds like porn star or Dolly Parton to me. LOL! But the bras she picked do seem to fit (they seemed really tight at first but then I started to get used to them...she told me my previous size was too loose). I bought seven pairs...some practical for work, some with convertible straps, some lacy and colorful ones, a T-shirt bra, and something called Hanky Pankys which she said is like a thong, but wider so it doesn't have that flossing effect (that's good!).

It felt so totally self-indulgent to buy a whole new lingerie wardrobe, but it was sorely needed, let me tell you! Those maternity panties and nursing bras are just not fitting right anymore. I'm still nursing a little, but hopefully my size won't change when I do stop altogether, because I like my underwear now, for the first time ever!

12 years ago

Saretta

(website)

Active Member

I had the same surprise after a professional fitting, although not quite as dramatic as yours. I have always worn a 34A but was told that my real size is a 32C. The 32 just feels too tight for me though!

By the end of nursing I remember my breasts were pretty much back to normal size, so hopefully you will be okay.

Congrats on all the fun new goodies!

Jjsloane

Veteran

Such a thrill to have new lingerie. That is on my must list for winter. I think lots of people are shocked by their real bra size. Prepregnancy I thought I was a 36D, I'm mostly the same measurements now and really I'm a 34F. Makes a huge difference to have the correct size.

cheryle (Dianthus)

Don't let the cup size bother you. The cup on a 32DD is the same size as a 34D and a 36C. They are relational so if you were to try a bra that was smaller in the band and you were getting a 34 to compensate, you would drop the cup size by one so it would contain the same volume as the 32DD. I wear either a 30F or a 32E depending on the cut and the wolf would not look at me and say "my what big boobs you have".

I wore the hanky panky thongs for years and loved them. I had close to 20 pairs in multiple colors as well as shades of beige and black.

Suz

Congrats on the fitting! It makes a HUGE difference.

There is a fabulous thread about bra fitting here by Maya. If you haven't read it already, check it out: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-thread

Lynne

Natalie, I am enjoying your wardrobe overhaul vicariously! So exciting, and great to hear you've got some great bras. I was surprised how firm my proper size felt around my chest, but as the fitter said, the bras I was wearing were always sliding up my back. Yay for a good fitting :).

rae

GP I wear a 32D right now, and I'm even thinking of sizing down to maybe a 30DD or even 28... E(? Not 100% on how the sizes work). Anyway, the point is that you've seen my chest, and it is not huge, either. I think fitters are just finally catching on to the fact that most women wear the wrong bra size and stepping up their game.

Queen Mum

I had been a faithful 36/38 C my whole life and when I went for my fitting I was declared a 32DD too. I even have some 32DDD.
congrats on your new undies wardrobe!

catgirl

A 36C cup is the "equivalent" of a 32DDD cup, since cup size goes down as band size goes up. In other words, 32DD = 34D = 36C (in cup volume). I made the same mistake, and once I found out my true size, I was actually able to get a reduction paid for by insurance. I am now a true 32D.

Jenava

I'm a 32DD too! I think it's actually a very common size...but most women wear the wrong size, so they buy the wrong size, so companies tend to make those bigger band sizes and there isn't as much selection in the smaller band sizes.

The right bra makes such a big difference! Enjoy!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

What Jenava said. Most American women are in the wrong bra size.

I wear a 28DD, or 30D - and they are hard to find.

Enjoy your new bras, Goldie!

cobaltblue

GP, when Maya correctly diagnosed me as a 30G, I was in total shock, but she was absolutely right. I still only have one bra in that size and otherwise live in nursing tanks (not the best look....). I had originally made the same mistake as you, especially in those early days of nursing. I think I bought a 38C at one point!

MsMary

Congratulations on all the great new undies!

I'm a 34DD and the cup size set me back at first, too, but it's great to have bras that really fit!!

goldenpig

Suz, thanks for the link. Maya's post on bra fit is amazing! Thanks Maya! Very interesting that 34DD is the average size and that a lot of you are the same size as me. Good, now I don't feel so weird!

Scarlet

So glad you were able to address your under-wardrobe. I am also a big HankyPanky fan. May they serve you well.

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