https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 07:04:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771972 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:40:14 +0000 Keix 771972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I really empathize with your dilemma. I wear a 32A bra size with a 29" ribcage, with small, wide-set, shallow breasts (compared to my otherwise petite proportions). I'm used to the looser bra band because I just don't have the energy to order tons of bras online and end up returning most/all of them, even though I'm in the US--even when trying different 32A's, I have to hope for the right proportions.</p> <p>The bras I've found to work best for me are a very few Lily of France and Aerie models, as well as a strapless Natori. I know Aerie is a juniors brand, and most of their styles are too close-set for me, but their microfiber Scarlet bra has worked pretty well for me because I can adjust the cups to the farthest-apart setting in the front. And since it's juniors, the bands tend to run tighter too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771876 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:42:20 +0000 Freckles 771876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have shopped at Brachic and it is lovely but more than pricey. I don't believe that you would find your size there Suz, it is my impression that they tend toward the very large cup sizes more. Their website is not the best.<br /> I have heard good things about lilac lingerie but have never shopped there myself.<br /> shop.lilaclingerie.ca/</p> <p>I'm hoping for an Ottawa visit too but more so hope that you can find what you need easily and without too much stress and disappointment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771774 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 17:05:17 +0000 mrseccentric 771774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Google is your friend :)</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=custom+made+bras&#038;rlz=1C1PRFB_enUS498US507&#038;aq=f&#038;oq=custom+made+bras&#038;sugexp=chrome,mod=7&#038;sourceid=chrome&#038;ie=UTF-8" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/search?.....8;ie=UTF-8</a></p> <p>i have no idea how well these places perform, but you can get custom bras made. I definitely hear your pain, NOTHING fits me off the rack. i alter jackets, dresses, tops, pants, skirts, yes and bras and panties. If the only problem is the band is too big thank your stars and take the durn thing in! It is also entirely possible to take in a little bit too large cup (if it's of a stable material you get best results).</p> <p>The fantasy of our free-market economy is that everyone should be able to buy exactly what suits them off the rack - don't get me started on the many many ways that idea is pure bunk! </p> <p>but seriously, best of luck Suz - talking to Angie's bra fitter sounds like a really good idea, if you sent her your measurements and some pics from various angles my guess is she could give you some meaningful help (bra fitting IS an incredible art!)</p> <p>For the truly desperate who are handy or just persistent, there's oddles of online info on making your own bras. Just search for 'how to make your own bras'. Via online sources you can buy kits, etc. </p> <p>Good luck, this type of thing drives me absolutely nuts! just keep trying and thinking and you'll come up with a solution that works for you, i promise steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771758 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:26:05 +0000 merwoman 771758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I'm not an easy fit (36 A - "widely spaced") but have found that Joe Fresh has a line of demi-cups that work perfectly for me. Might be worth checking out as a short term solution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771622 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:15:19 +0000 anne 771622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LyrdbirdGully I went to an Intimo party today and got told the exact same size 10B/12A!</p> <p>(apparenttly 10B is the same as 32B and the consultant confirmed what we keep hearing on YLF - that 10B/12A is the same cup size) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771618 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:39:10 +0000 Krista 771618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz!</p> <p>So sorry to hear about your ordeal! I am on the waaaaaaay other side of the spectrum, but I feel your pain!<br /> There are two stores here in Ottawa that might have what you're looking for - Bra Chic and Marianne's. Maybe if you call ahead and plan a trip? We could do a little meet-up.</p> <p>I've been shopping at Marianne's for years and find the service quite excellent. Bra Chic is a little more out of my price range but I've heard great things about them.</p> <p>Keep us posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771606 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:48:43 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 771606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz, I'm a 34A/32B,[ depending on which SA is doing the fitting :)] and where I live it's the same thing - most specialist bra stores have practically nothing in 32 bands, let alone a 28 band. Demoralising!<br /> Perhaps the link below may be of help. BTW, I do remember reading good reports about Lulalu bras.<br /> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/fashion/02Small.html?pagewanted=all&#038;_r=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09.....&#038;_r=0</a><br /> Wishing you lots of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771585 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 06:47:15 +0000 Caro in Oz 771585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No help I'm sorry, just sympathy. I thought it was interesting that Angie wears Simone Perele. I wear them too yet I have the opposite problem - so maybe they make a wider range of bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771550 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:02:45 +0000 JayS 771550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if you have access to an Intimacy store, but they alter band size free of charge. Best fitting bras I've ever owned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771301 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 21:54:25 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 771301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Busts for Justice is a great blog, and she's got a lot about fitting and how the +4 band measurement advice is nonsense. She's on the larger end of things cupwise but they're very good about helping folks. </p> <p>It seems like this is an industry that some talented custom clothier should get in on. I read about other sewers making their own bras, and you really can get the exact combination of fitting you need. Why hasn't someone started a business to make custom bras for people? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771296 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 21:42:49 +0000 momo 771296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very new member (long time lurker) here; my sympathies on the search for a proper fitting bra, I have been on the search often myself and now for my newly teen aged daughter. The internet is definately the way to go, far more choices of sizes and shapes. I recommend reading the blog "busts for justice " ,she has a great sense of humor and some interestingly detailed reviews of specific bras and manufacturers. There is also a new database / website about bra fits and shape correlation that I think she mentions in her blog also. Good luck on your hunt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771201 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:44:39 +0000 Clarissa 771201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a younger girl who is hardly above 5'0", I can tell you finding bras is also not that easy. I've had the most luck with 32C's from Victoria's secret, since I think the bands there fit snugger than some places, and they are not too pricey, and fit well. I think I should probably be wearing a 30D because the center of the bra does not lay flat on my bone, but It doesn't matter that much to me.To answer someone's question, I think most young girls don't care about wearing the correct size, they just want them to look big! It sounds silly but for most girls its true. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771192 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:38:30 +0000 Raisin 771192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just checked! The little bra company does have 28 bands as well as 30! Check it out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771184 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:24:36 +0000 Suz 771184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, all. It does help (some) to know I am not alone. If I find some solutions I will post them. </p> <p>Ceit, it sounds as if you are between sizes, also. It's a rough place to be! </p> <p>Maybe we should hope for a return of the bra-less look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771181 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:16:37 +0000 JR 771181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can only commiserate, I'm afraid. My problems are pretty much the opposite. My girls are rather close-set, and most bras are trying to push them further apart, so I end up spilling out in the middle. The full-coverage ones do tend to work better, but I have now shrunk down too far for my old stand-by to be available in my size. And one really does need to wear a T-shirt bra occasionally.</p> <p>It seems to me sometimes that every single part of me doesn't fit the standard sizes... *sigh* I was fantasizing last night about opening a store that specialized in different configurations of pants, nothing but. And sister stores for jackets and tops and ... Specialized bra stores supposedly already exist, but it doesn't sound like it's helping for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771168 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:59:50 +0000 Anonymous 771168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am commiserating too. I have given up and gone back to bralettes but I would really like to find a bra that fits properly. My problem is like yours, Suz, wide set, and smallish. My other problem is that since breastfeeding, my breasts are not full on top at all, so if I go by actual measurements to get cup size, when I put it on, it is all sad and poofy on top. If I try and go smaller, then I get the cup cutting into the top and the quad boob effect, which is hilarious when you think about how relatively small I am.</p> <p>I have tried 36A, but band size is too big and slips. 34B the cups are too large. I tried some 32D Calvin Klein, but they were made for someone with breasts close together. We have little to no bra selection in town (our Sears sucks, and the only other choice is Walmart), or a chichi boutique but they only carry larger band sizes.</p> <p>I measured and my ribcage is 31", so I think I should be in a 32 band. And my bust measurment is 35", which suggests a D cup, but as I said before, that measurement is kind of false as there isn't other tissue around to fill up the cup.<br /> I think I should be a 32C or D. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771155 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:45:45 +0000 Anonymous 771155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to commiserate. I have nothing to add, I yearn for a proper bra fitting, but I am very uncomfortable with the entire bra fitting situation. Hang in there, the ladies will get you sorted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues/page/2#post-771151 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:41:01 +0000 Gaylene 771151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, in my PM I mentioned K-Line's blog but I didn't mention her October Lingerie ShopAlong posts which you might want to check out. The blogger lives in Toronto and has also needs a 30" band because of her 29" measurement. She buys many of her bras online and give some great information about how she does that. Her blog is amusing because she sews and knits and is a fanatic about making things that fit her small chest/full bust frame. </p> <p><a href="http://line4line.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://line4line.blogspot.ca/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771145 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:34:00 +0000 Raisin 771145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading everything, sorry if this was said somewhere, but Suz I have heard good things about the Little Bra Company, it's an online store. I do believe they have size 30 bands, and maybe even 28. </p> <p>I feel your pain bra shopping though. I am 32D which I guess is not popular. I really liked the Classic So Free bras from La Senza and went to get a few the other day, now that all my bras are stretched to heck from pregnancy. Well they had one left, and informed me they are phasing out the 32 band. WTH! Is 32 so odd? And I am having a hell of a time finding anything suitable anywhere else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771140 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:29:05 +0000 Suz 771140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Junebud, here in Canada they don't differentiate for bras by juniors vs. misses. But I see on the Nordstrom's site they do, so I am off to hunt. Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771136 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:25:29 +0000 JuneBug 771136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really feel for you! I was wondering if you've tried junior sizes in m or l? They usually have ranges with a smaller band size to larger cup sizes. If support is not the biggest issue for you, some of the non underwire types in this section could work too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771133 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:23:53 +0000 Suz 771133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Vix, that story about your mom is just amazing! Lucky lady. </p> <p>Oddly, according to the HerRoom questionnaire, I should be one of those lucky types, too. Not too this, nor too that, etc. etc. etc. And yet in real life, it is a different matter. Or it is now. When I was heavier and my breasts were correspondingly larger, I never had this problem. I think, like Mo, I am betwixt and between. Not a true petite. On the small side for regular. Sort of like with all my clothes, come to think of it....maybe I shouldn't blame the bra manufacturers, but my lousy genes!</p> <p>K can, it's actually a great idea to see if I can do a phone consult at Nordie's. No harm in asking. We don't actually have a Nordstrom's yet in Canada; it will be some time before the first one opens. So I might have to wait for that...although I'm really loving Diana's idea!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771115 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:02:21 +0000 Vix 771115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ps </p> <p>In case anyone's wondering if they are really harder to fit or just picky -- sometimes the grass really is greener!</p> <p>I got my mom to a renewed bra fitting and despite being nearly 70 with a history of multiple pregnancies, breast feeding, cardio exercise in terrible sports bras etc she looked great in 9/10 bras in her measured size. </p> <p>No going up or down because Brand A fits like this and Brand B like that, no "gotta stay with certain cup styles" -- boom, hit after hit. I was so envious -- I've been a bra shopping buddy for several people and never seen that. Average = Awesome, sigh.</p> <p>So if you fall into that category, celebrate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771095 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:30:41 +0000 Vix 771095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz and other fed up bra shoppers --</p> <p>What a pain; sorry! </p> <p>I had my go-to style turn into a no-go style thanks to small design changes (the ancient ones I keep for housewear still fit, so I know it's not gravity!) and for the last year have been hunting for some new "perfect" bras. Factor in customs and I would have lost it. ;)</p> <p>I would def keep looking for a 30. IME the underwires always fit weirdly when I go up a band size and tailor it down.</p> <p>Also, one thing that's not mentioned too much on YLF or any bra fit sites is the "Issue of the Tissue." </p> <p>I've found that a lot of bras that should fit me and my friends don't due to the soft vs firm situation as well as where one holds her breast tissue. [There's the underarm vicinity vs front and center, the high on chest vs lower on chest, the matched set vs the little bit of this, little bit of that thing....] </p> <p>Also, many bras do look awesome in the dressing room after a (Nordstrom) pro fitter has been there but don't hold up to road-testing. Two common things:</p> <p>* bra cups cut into tissue across the top of the breasts just a bit -- and it's not a "go up one cup size" situation</p> <p>* the tissue slides out of cups (typically lower cut balconette or plunge style) because the center gore isn't high enough to keep soft tissue in place (fuller coverage with lots of side support is generally the answer)</p> <p><strong>FYI, Herroom.com has a new-ish "Know Your Breasts" quiz with illustrations to map to your breasts across a variety of qualities. At the end, they supply brand AND style recommendations.</strong></p> <p>Ugly link:</p> <p><a href="http://www.herroom.com/know-your-breasts/Questions.aspx?utm_source=adv&#038;utm_medium=herroom&#038;utm_campaign=kyb&#038;utm_content=topbanner" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/know-yo.....=topbanner</a></p> <p>Because I manage to have competing priorities even with my #)% breasts, I looked for common brand/style recs across my categories -- for instance, the Fantasie Rebecca turned up in several.</p> <p>I then did a RL and online (Nordstrom due to ease of return) hunt and I have to say the Herrroom recs were pretty good; 2 new styles in one brand worked and my current "98% there but annoying in various ways" bras were in their recs.</p> <p>May be a place for the frustrated to start! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771092 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:24:40 +0000 Diana 771092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you know what this means, right? Obviously you need to fly down to the states, meet up with all of us (NYC in Feb, maybe?) and go bra shopping! Well, OK, so maybe you don't want 10 of your closest friends you've never met to see you in your underwear, but still... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771086 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:10:01 +0000 Mo 771086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I forgot about the Simone Perele! Nordie's put me in one, too. I seemed to be just between sizes in it (as usual) but it was a great bra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771081 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:07:34 +0000 K. Period. 771081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brainstorming. </p> <p>Suz and Angie, would Suz be able to call Angie's bra genius at Nordstrom and talk to her about an order and options? I know it sounds a little wacky, but I believe some of the gals at Nordstrom are so fantastic at what they do that they could actually do a phone consult and help out. Suz, you have Nordstorm now in Canada, so I wonder if they could order in for you what is available at Nordstrom in the US and that way you could avoid import duty on things that you return??? </p> <p>Suz, even though I am a fairly common size, I do know how incredibly frustrating (and uncomfortable!) it is to have a bra that doesn't fit. Lots of sympathy here, my friend. Hopefully we can all come up with a solution for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771080 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:03:47 +0000 Suz 771080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Astrid - I will give them a try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771077 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:00:02 +0000 Astrid 771077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand you about bra shopping! I hate it too. I have one retail store here that has a few bras in my size if I'm lucky, but even then most of them don't fit because I'm not able to fill out a full cup bra and need balconette styles to make them work. </p> <p>I'm not sure if you know this site already (I hope it's not the one you had that bad experience with!) - it has such a big range in all sizes and fantastic search parameters. I've ordered from them a few times (they ship from the UK) and shipping and all went well, at least within europe.</p> <p><a href="http://www.figleaves.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.figleaves.com/</a></p> <p>When I searched for 30B as a search parameter I got five pages of results. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-blues#post-771070 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:52:59 +0000 Suz 771070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie. Yours is so pretty. Maybe I can find a place that stocks it. Although I think I would need a smaller cup size, alas. I am in betwixt and between...not small enough for petites and too small for regular! </p> <p>Thanks Janet, Thistle, Mo, Rita, and all...</p> <p>I am wearing the new Natori and it is not feeling too bad and not too much "spillage" so we'll see. </p>