YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A bra question?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A bra question? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:49:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Mona on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107677 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 12:43:24 +0000 Mona 1107677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL! DayVies for lifting the girls up. Thanks for some great advice there. I will use this calculator before going to Nordies and compare the difference in how they size me up.  Mo, I am thinking about to get fitted at Nordstrom and then at VS to see how they compare and which one fits me better. grandfashionista and Deb, thanks for your helpful suggestions! Disha, that is a great strategy. I am definitely going to use it. Disha on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107177 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:58:12 +0000 Disha 1107177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am def. not on the small spectrum (32E), but I also recommend Nordies, because they are the only place that have a huge enough variety, and the salesperson gladly bought me bra after bra after bra to try on and reject. Personally, I don't rely on other people's measurement and instead read up on measuring bras - I think herroom.com has a good guide on how to measure and what to look for. Then, I go to the store and keep trying on bras that are: 1. one band size smaller and 1 cup larger 2. the correct size 3. one band size up and 1 cup smaller And eventually, I find a few I like and that work. Then I record the model number and the brand before it wears off in the wash. Then I hope to find them again when I need more bras, and of course that never happens! Also, sports bras: I do burpees in the changing room - if nothing plops out- I am good to go. I do bootcamps and really cannot be adjusting the boobies every 10 seconds. deb on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107164 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:37:11 +0000 deb 1107164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wacoal Petites work best for me. I am broader in the back so I need cuts that are closer together and Wacoal has many styles for this fit issue. gradfashionista on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107162 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:34:25 +0000 gradfashionista 1107162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ By the way, RueLaLa is having a sale today on the Simone Perele bras. I was able to pick up the ones I mentioned for $50 and $40.. Joyce B on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107102 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 17:30:55 +0000 Joyce B 1107102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You got some great advice. I have some bras that work but I am not the happiest with them. I will also check some of the ones that people suggested. Sorry that I cannot recommend anything at this point. Have fun on your trip and good luck with the shopping. Mo on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107063 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:49:29 +0000 Mo 1107063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Day Vies, I had to laugh out loud at lifting up the girls . . . she's asking us smaller sizes for tips.  I don't think a single one of us could lift anything!  Just goes to show, there are challenges at both sides of the spectrum. Day Vies on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107057 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:43:54 +0000 Day Vies 1107057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have a trusted friend measure you. Be sure to lift UP the girls so that you get an accurate band measurement (this prevents you band from riding up because if you don't do it your band size will be too big). Then measure again wearing a bra the fullest part of your bust line. In both cases make sure the tape is straight. The measurement you get from lifting up your breasts is the band size that's the numbered part of the bra size. Say you're 32 inches around, then the band size will be 32C for example. The difference in inches between your band measurement and your bust measurement will give you your cup size. The tricky part is that cup size will vary depending on whether you are larger than a standard C cup because American makers only make a 1/2" difference between cup sizes above C where as European brands give able 1" between cups so it makes buying a bra a pain because while the letter and number may sound the same across brands the size is not. I just remembered that Herrom.com has a <a href="http://www.herroom.com/universal-cup-size.aspx" rel="nofollow">universal sizing calculator</a> that should be helpful because it's based on  the difference between your bust and band size -- but it is only helpful the difference between your band and bust sizes produce a D cup or larger (which i think is a difference of more than 4 inches. Mo on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question/page/2#post-1107044 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:24:56 +0000 Mo 1107044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the dividing line with VS is smaller band sizes.  If you wear 32's and up you can find a fit.  If you're a 30 or 28, they're going to put you in what they have, which isn't going to fit.  It's becomes about making the sale :/ josie411 on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1107041 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:22:57 +0000 josie411 1107041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For sizing, fit and brand resources, you might check out <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/" rel="nofollow">http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/</a> and <a href="http://www.bratabase.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.bratabase.com</a>. I have had several fittings at Nordstrom's but found they were not that helpful. After spending some time on the aforementioned sites, l learned how to accurately assess my own size and fit. Changed my life LOL! I have not had good experience with VS - the quality was just not there. But maybe that was just me. Mona on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106999 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 14:49:34 +0000 Mona 1106999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many helpful suggestions as expected! I feel ready to go bra shopping now. thanks so much and I will report back from Nordies in two weeks. Karie on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106825 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:32:31 +0000 Karie 1106825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have had the best experiences at VS, and not so great experiences elsewhere. Mona, I live near Albany, NY, and we have every major retailer (except Nordstrom, go figure) here. It sounds like VS is inconsistent from store to store though, as I would expect many retailers are. I usually hand wash my delicates, although every once in a while I will toss them in the delicate cycle. Gigi on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106818 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:18:35 +0000 Gigi 1106818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too have found Victoria's Secret to be helpful. Sounds like it must all have to do with the people in the fitting rooms, since the experiences recounted here are all over the board! I am a 32A and don't like push-up bras and a lot of padding, so I like to wear the Victoria's Secret bralettes. They are just lace, with no padding, and they are sheer (so you will need a cami if you have a light-colored or thin-fabric top). I think a lot of places have bralettes now (=unlined bras), so if you don't like a lot of padding, you could ask for bralettes wherever you shop. I also got a couple of bras from Her Room, which is an online shop. I don't know if they have stores. I bought the Timpa Duet, which is an underwire. I think Greyscale said she wears Timpa Duets--I think she mentioned it in a thread lately. The Timpa does run a size small, though--the band will suffocate you if you don't order a size up. The Timpa really gives a nice lift to my bust. I am surprised at how good I look in this bra! Again, it is sheer, so you need to plan accordingly. My last bra that I also like does have a decent amount of padding but is not a push-up. It is Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria demi bra. It's another one that really makes my small bust look good. I wear this bra when I am wearing something that has fabric on the thinner side or that has a really body-con fit, so that I don't show too much off, if you know what I mean! DonnaF on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106658 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 01:45:50 +0000 DonnaF 1106658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe it wasn't a formal fitting, but the gal at Nordstrom tried to fit me in a band size that was my underbust measurement plus 2 inches, i.e., a 30 band bra, and that may be because Nordstrom does not sell 28 band bras.  Ummm, no.  With today's spandex, the band size should be the same as the underbust inches.  Like a trooper, I tried on all those 30s and have ordered a few more since, and have concluded that I really and truly need a 28 band to get the proper support so online is my only option. <a href="http://www.bratabase.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bratabase.com/</a> <---  Bratabase is a good resource for getting a sense of how a bra is cut and fits, especially after you find one that works for you.  They post a gazillion measurements of physical bras, too.  I have also started to take notes on how particular bras I've tried on have fit since I find the process worse than finding jeans.  Only one company makes a 26 band as far as I know, but quite a few make 28 bands, but in my urban area not many are sold even in specialty lingerie stores.  Most purveyors charge S/H -- and yeah, yeah, as an American I'm spoiled by S/H both ways!  For wide but shallow girls that are fuller on the bottom, try Freya and Cleo by Panache.  I agree that it helps to do the analysis suggested by KeepTheKey. gradfashionista on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106607 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 00:56:05 +0000 gradfashionista 1106607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like Simone Perele, Chantelle and La Perla, for sizes ranging from 32B to 32C. I don't like padded bras, though, but highly recommend <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.simoneperele.com/collections-caressence/c3_57/p120/caressence-3d-molded/product_info.html">http://www.simoneperele.com/co....._info.html</a> It's extremely thin and flexible, but will offer coverage in cooler settings. lisaflex on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106594 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 00:46:29 +0000 lisaflex 1106594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ nordies...the best NO to the washing machine...ever...ever...for your bras handwash in lukewarm water w/ dreft and reshape and dry flat on a towel E on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106383 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:03:02 +0000 E 1106383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I tried going up a cup size with La Perle, with their 30D in a balconette style (apparently better for my shape). It was so close but had wrinkling on the cup. I've sort of given up on ever finding an underwire bra that fits, but maybe I'll start the quest again with forum help. Which brands/styles work for you?  KeepTheKey on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106381 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:02:08 +0000 KeepTheKey 1106381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wanted to chime in and say it's fascinating to see how different our experiences are! This just goes to show you that all boobies are different To that point, while recommendations are an excellent starting point, you really just have to get a good fitting and try *everything* on. I measure 29 at the band, and 40 at the fullest point of the bust. This puts me anywhere from a 30 to 32 band, and about a G cup. Because sizing for bras (and all clothing) isn't standardized, I can wear some 36D bras. Now, the aren't the best fit, but they cut the mustard. So what do I recommend? Beyond a good fitting, take some time to check out your boobs. Are they fuller at the top, or does the tissue sit a bit lower? Are they wide set? Do you have a broad back? Once you recognize these features, you can look at bras with an eye towards those things.  This is one of my favorite shops: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.wizardofbras.com/">http://www.wizardofbras.com/</a> Say the name out loud for a little chuckle, and check out the selection. They also have a fit guide online, and you can even email with them about measurements and fit. Very mom and pop (if a bra shop can be) and very easy to do business with.  Good luck on your bra hunt! Suz on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106377 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:47:18 +0000 Suz 1106377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ E - I have this issue, too, or had it -- and it turned out it was because I wasn't in a big enough cup size! I do have to find styles with widely spaced cups also.  Mona, I think I got the lingerie bag in Toronto in one of those container stores. But it's similar to this one: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Woolite-W-82436-Bra-Wash-Bag/dp/B004K6L83I/ref=pd_sim_hg_2">http://www.amazon.com/Woolite-.....d_sim_hg_2</a>   Mine's a different shape but the very same idea. Unlike the flat bag it keeps the moulded cup bras from squishing I guess.  E on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106371 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:42:15 +0000 E 1106371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've yet to find a good underwire option (I'm small busted at 28" under my bust and 33" at fullest point; I've been measured as a 30C but seem right in the zone between 30 and 32), because I'm very wideset and all of the bras I've tried don't have wide enough cups, so the underwire pokes into me, or if the underwire's right, there are wrinkles at the bottom of the cup because a lot of my tissue is up higher. V frustrating. Anyway, for tee shirt bras, I wear Gap's wirefree favourite in 32C. I *love* them: very comfy, start small but the band can grow, and they're invisible under even my tightest knits. And sometimes they make them in pretty options too! Catmom on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106347 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:05:59 +0000 Catmom 1106347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If by small you mean band size, one solution is to get a tailor to cut down the band on a bra that otherwise fits well. I measure 28.5 inches under bust and doing this makes it so much easier to find something that fits. It is a fast and inexpensive alteration that can make a big difference.  If you just want to get a sense of what brands come in your size, go to a website like bare necessities dot com and sort by sizes and also read the reviews for bras you think you might want to try. rachylou on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106314 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:23:18 +0000 rachylou 1106314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like Elle MacPherson's line. I think she's at Nordstrom and Neiman's. I do a 32C and it seems like there's always something from her line. The band part runs to the small side for a snug fit, no riding up. Mona on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106299 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:04:11 +0000 Mona 1106299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I will definitely give Simon Pirelle a try at Nordies. Hopefully, I find a good fit there and can buy my stock for another year. Great point about Natori, I will keep it in mind. I just use the regular mesh bag to launder bras. Where did you get that skeleton one? Angie, professional fitting at Nordies is the top on my list. mtgirl, none of us look like that model. I am actually skeptical that the model looks like this in real life. But I have never heard of this brand and will look for it after I get fitted. Thanks for chiming in, Mo! Wascoal is definitely on my list. If I can get at least 7 bras that last me a couple of years, I would be happy. Dee and viva, I will give both vs and Natori a try. Like Angie says, don't leave any stone unturned! viva on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106221 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:49:01 +0000 viva 1106221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't use a mesh bag but do wash bras separately in the washing machine on a hand-wash cycle (very low spin setting) using Woolite, and hang dry. viva on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106218 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:47:20 +0000 viva 1106218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you're small, you do have to try on a lot of bras to find the one that is right for you. And I do agree that it's best to go somewhere knowledgeable for a good fitting. But please don't be so hasty in writing off Victoria's Secret! I know that I am a small 34A, and I swear by Victoria's Secret Body by Victoria demi. It's not the most sexy lingerie but it is the only bra that fits me well and doesn't gap. I don't trust the girls there to measure me, so I have done that elsewhere, but I have tried more bras for small A-cup women than I can count, and I LOVE this bra. In fact, I just took advantage of a buy-one get-one-half-off deal over Thanksgiving, and I practically skipped out of the store, completely embarrassing DD with my glee I would have two new well-fitting bras. Good luck! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/mr5sqhn" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/mr5sqhn</a> Dee on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106200 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:17:31 +0000 Dee 1106200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm small busted as well and have also had good luck with Victoria's secret and Natori. Also Wacoal actually makes a petite line, which is harder to find but I've found the fits to be better. There used to be a high-end lingerie boutique in my small town, so I used to get them there since there were no big department stores. Mo on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106194 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:09:59 +0000 Mo 1106194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ditto Suz for the washing in a mesh bag in regular loads.  No dryer.  I don't wash after every wear unless it's HOT and I get sweaty.  Otherwise, once a week is a-okay with me.  I have about 6? and rotate between 2 or 3 pretty regularly, but often favor one bra at most times.  They last 2 years this way, I'd say on average. Suz on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106190 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:00:33 +0000 Suz 1106190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh - for washing -- I do in cold on delicate cycle (no dryer) in one of those mesh bags, but a mesh bag with construction -- it has a sort of skeleton frame so it is not flat. This protects them some. I don't wash every wear. I let them air out between wears. They seem to be lasting this way pretty well.  Mo on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106184 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:35:40 +0000 Mo 1106184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I measure 28 underbust and 34.5 across my breasts.  Puts me right in between sizes and basically drives me crazy lol.  But enough about that.  I have tried Natori, Calvin Klein, VSecret, Wacoal, and Simone Perele all with varying degrees of success.  The trouble with VS is lack of 30 or 28 band sizes, so it's never an ideal fit.  Calvin tends to run a bit small, which is good for me in my in between-ness.  Calvin can be found very frequently on sale (even in 30 bands) at discounters like TJ Maxx and Marshalls for under $20.  Natori fits but doesn't flatter on me.  Simone Perele unfortunately I am right in between sizes in but makes a very good quality bra.  Right now Wacoal is my winner.  I'm wearing B'temt'd B'wowd  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/b-temptd-Wacoal-Womens-b-wowd-Push/dp/B00BECK152">http://www.amazon.com/b-temptd.....B00BECK152</a> which is a slight push up bra with seaming much like the touted i-bras of last decade.  But, you guessed it, I'm between sizes and actually own the exact same bra in a 30D and 30DD right now. And way back when I didn't know my size and had on a 34B, again Wacoal was the best fit and flatter out of every bra I'd ever owned. Anonymous on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106174 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:25:31 +0000 Anonymous 1106174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One more thing....they measure me and tell me I am a 30 or 32. There is absolutely no way I can wear those sizes and not feel suffocated. I buy the 32 C. The cup fits great and then I buy the a bra band extender and wear that until it loosens up a bit in the band. Anonymous on "A bra question?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-question#post-1106168 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:20:43 +0000 Anonymous 1106168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My favorite bra is from Fredericks of Hollywood. I was fitted at Nordstrom's this summer and I am less than impressed with my Natori bra (and the fitting sales lady). I am so glad you posted this...I need to order new ones and now is the time with free shipping and a discount. <a href="http://www.fredericks.com/NEW_Hollywood_Exxtreme_Cleavage™_Bra/54683,default,pd.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.fredericks.com/NEW_.....lt,pd.html</a> If you click on the link believe me when I tell you I look absolutely NOTHING like the lady in that picture there is no extreme cleavage for me with this bra. The best part is that you can put a foam insert in to make you look bigger, but I do it on one side only so I can even myself out LOL! Have fun shopping!