https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:21:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-63218 Fri, 01 May 2009 17:56:35 +0000 Lucy10 63218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You mentioned that you were obsessed with bras.<br /> When I read that, I sighed with relief. I'm not alone! I've loved them ever since I got boobs (14 and a half years old. I was a late bloomer. But I am still a teenager). But that's where the similarity stops- I'm really quite small. Only 32B.<br /> However I love my breasts all the same, and bra shopping is one of my all-time favorite things to do. Unfortunately I go for color and design, not comfort- I don't own a single sports bra! I think I've shopped Victoria's Secret Pink all out. They have such cute, colorful bras. Now I can't find anything I like- I got a couple of H&#38;M's but they are such bad quality. I need some more lace, color and patterns!<br /> Do you know where I can find this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-34321 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:46:23 +0000 Leslie 34321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I'm much smaller than most of you, I know of the following company who also does bra alterations for free. I think they do the alterations for bras you purchase from them only though. They have pretty much any size you can think of and I use their distraction bras which make me look 1.5 cup or so bigger. I'm tiny so I didn't think getting this type of look would be possible, but I'm really happy with these bras. A friend of mine is a 28D! I hate her! hehe</p> <p>She also shops from them and she loves her bras. It's hard for her to find good fitting bra sizes too. </p> <p><a href="http://www.bitasaviss.com/bitasaviss/opener.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.bitasaviss.com/bitasaviss/opener.php</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1703 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:27:07 +0000 Anonymous 1703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience with Victoria's Secret has not been good. I find their stores in the Seattle-Tacoma area to be dirty and the sales people do not seem especially knowledgable. I haven't been to one for years because of this so hope they have changed for the better.<br /> I could not stand to wear under wire because I felt it poked me in the rib bones. Ouch! A few years ago I was fitted at Nordstrom's where they reccommended a larger cup size so that the wire half circle is wide enough to not touch the breast tissue. This is more comfortable but the cup size is really to big so I have to have some padding or molding in the cup to keep it's shape.<br /> Le Mystere looks great under clothing and Walcoal is comfotable to this under wire sensitive person.<br /> Also adding a shape ware under tank by Spanx or TC seems to make the bra feel more comfortable. I haven't figured out why yet. Maybe because it holds everything in place and keeps it from shifting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1484 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:10:42 +0000 Nicole 1484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I received one of my favorite bra catalogs today--Bra Smyth (Mayapple, they have two stores in NYC, 2177 Broadway and 905 Madison Ave) They are also online at <a href="http://www.brasmyth.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.brasmyth.com</a> . Anyway, I thought it was worth posting that they carry Petite bras made by Wacoal. The sizes range from 32-36 AA, A and B and range in price from $38 to $45 with discounts if you buy 2.</p> <p>Hopefully someone will find this information helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1132 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:39:58 +0000 Marianna 1132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm coming into this thread late. I am large busted I measure at a 34 DDD, but I have found two manufactures that really fit me nice. Panache Superbra and Elle Macpherson. The key to finding a great bra is to try them on regardless of what size they say. My Panache is a 34 F and my Elle is a 36 E. Which is why I have a hard time buying bras (and shoes) online, but I love going to my local store and trying on several different styles to see what works and what doesn't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1126 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:02:59 +0000 Angie 1126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The bra strapper might work. </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/25/the-bra-strapper/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/25/the-bra-strapper/</a></p> <p>I am most content with an expert helping me find my bra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1120 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:43:49 +0000 Becky 1120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, you might be interested in reading a product review of Embrace's Bra Strap Solution posted on Wardrobe Oxygen just a few days ago:<br /> <a href="http://womanwardrobeneeds.blogspot.com/search?q=embrace" rel="nofollow">http://womanwardrobeneeds.blog.....?q=embrace</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1118 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:33:47 +0000 mayapple 1118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, I wanted to throw in that measuring myself has never worked for me. When I used to go by measurements, I came out to be a 34C, which was completely wrong. What I like about the women at the bra shop I go to is that they measure the band size to get some idea, then just go through the store and pick out bras based on how you look. It sounds so horribly unscientific, but bra fitting is an art and not a science, and these ladies have seen more bosoms than I could ever hope to, so they're almost always spot-on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1117 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:31:16 +0000 mayapple 1117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm coming to this very late in the game, but I just wanted to share my own bra experiences:</p> <p>I am a 32DD (or 32E, same thing). For some reason, people have it in their heads that if you are petite or small you must also have a small chest. I usually end up spending about $50-$70 for my bras because they don't carry them in stores. Luckily I have a small privately owned lingerie shop in town that is really great and stocked with band sizes from 28-52 and cup sizes from AAA-J. They also custom alter the bras, if necessary. I have had several straps shortened to fit me. </p> <p>Victoria's Secret is a joke. I hate shopping there. When I told them my size, they looked at me like I was some kind of freak and acted as though I was lying or making it up. They insisted I was a 32C, since that's the largest cup size for a 32 that they had in store, and told me if that didn't work, to try my "sister size"--34B. So basically "try the wrong size. If that doesn't work, try an even more wrong size."</p> <p>Online, I actually really like amazon. I found a Bali minimizer for only around $24 which is far less than what I have paid for my Chantelles.</p> <p>One problem I have consistently have, even with the shortened straps, is that they slip off. I have to reach under my shirt and yank them back up constantly. I have very narrow and slim shoulders and the straps always seem to be too spaced out. Unfortunately petite bras are just that, and don't come in cup sizes over a B. I might try a racerback next time I go bra shopping to remedy this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1099 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:44:50 +0000 Angie 1099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Get yourself fitted professionally Sarah (and not at VS). Bra fitting is tricky and every bra is different. You haven’t found a shape that works for you yet, so you need guidance. Once you find a bra that fits, you’ll get a better idea of what to look for in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-1092 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:03:57 +0000 Sarah 1092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's good to hear that Chantelle has smaller cup sizes. I'll have to try them out. I must be oddly shaped because it seems to be almost impossible to find a bra that fits me. I only have two bras that fit me well at the moment, a Vassaret from Wal-Mart and a VS bra, both 32Bs.</p> <p>I went bra shopping a while back and tried on a couple more 32Bs at Macy's (since you will search for ages before finding one at Wal-Mart and VS most of the time). I found two that fit tightly against my body, but the cups came nearly to my shoulders, so they looked way too big. Then I went to Dillards. Since all four 32Bs I'd ever tried on fit me, I made the mistake of just grabbing two out of the 32B sale bucket. They only cost me $9 a piece, but when I got them home and tried them on they both stuck out about 1/4 inch away from my chest. My husband had already cut the tags off, so I couldn't return them. I wore one of them the other day, and as it turns out it's a strapless/convertible and has sticky stuff all around it that left sores on my skin. Needless to say, that one went straight in the trash can.</p> <p>So I'm looking for bras that come in small cup sizes. I stick out far enough to be a "B" and far enough to make an "A" uncomfortable, but I have that funny looking 50s triangular shape, so almost nothing fits me. Any suggestions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits/page/2#post-409 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 19:17:34 +0000 lanim 409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey there.....a salesperson gave me a tip for finding difficult bra sizes, she said to look for the sister size by going up a size and down a cup. This may be helpful for some of you!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-343 Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:41:57 +0000 christie 343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Charlotte--I tried a minimizer bra from Wacoal that I liked very much. I don't have much to minimize, but I am self-conscious about my chest at times. I found their bra to be very comfortable. In fact, when I went to Nordstroms to be fitted a couple of years ago, the woman fitting me was wearing that bra as well. You might check them out.</p> <p>Chantelle, as everyone else has said, is an excellent company. I have been wearing their bras for 3 or 4 years now. And, even though this goes against everything everyone says about bras, I still wear those bras from 3 years ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-324 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:40:24 +0000 Angie 324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant news about the possibility of having the band of a bra altered. I did not know this and it sounds like an excellent solution. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-319 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:16:06 +0000 Steph 319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For those who are having trouble finding bras with a small enough band size, I would highly recommend getting your bra altered. I have a small back size (32, so not as small as some of you) and a large cup size (DDD). Sometimes I find a bra where the cup is perfect but the band is too big. </p> <p>If you go to a store like Intimacy Bra Fit Specialists (only located in Chicago, NYC, Boston and Atlanta) they will alter the band size for you for free and then ship you the bra. Their website is <a href="http://www.myintimacy.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.myintimacy.com</a>. If the store you go to doesn't alter for free, take it to a tailor and tell them by how much you need it to be taken in. It will be completely worth the cost, and shouldn't be very expensive at all. </p> <p>Also, Vanessa, if you are fitting into a 32DDD but the band is too big, I don't know that a 30E is going to work for you. I would think you would need a 30DDDD (or if you are wearing a 32DD with a big band right now, maybe a 30DDD). What is so annoying is that different manufacturers size differently past a D cup. So for some manufacturers it is a D, then DD, then E, F, etc., with the "DD" being kind of a "half step" between a D and E. Other manufacturers treat the "DD" as a full step between D and E. Other manufacturers just do D, E, F, G. Still others do D, DD, DDD, DDDD, etc. I hate it is and it a HUGE pet peeve. </p> <p>Sarah, for your 32DD sister, that shouldn't be a very difficult size to find. Victoria's Secret won't carry it, but most department stores will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-239 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:45:13 +0000 charlotte 239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I think some of the bras I've tried are giving me support in that they lift my bust up well without hurting me But the result is a more prominent chest than I want. I'd like a bra to lft and flatten, but don't know if they make such a thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-223 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:35:05 +0000 Nicole 223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kellchecker, I'm not really sure what to say about your sizing experience. As long as you are happy with the way your bras fit, I wouldn't worry about it.</p> <p>Charlotte, the way a minimizer works is it reshapes the breast and actually pushes some of the flesh off to the sides. Unfortunately, this can make for an awkward fit. I have not had luck with minimizers, and the idea of going thru a trial and error process as I've done with my other bras is daunting. Maybe the bras you are wearing now are not giving you the support you need? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-221 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:19:35 +0000 charlotte 221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a fairly small chest until I hit my forties, now I'm a 38C and I don't like it. I am always looking for a bra that will really minimize and find I end up wearing my sports bra's a lot even for none sporty occasions. Anyone have any suggestions for good minimizers? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-220 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:14:32 +0000 kellchecker 220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I meant to say 42 the second time, not 44. Duh. I *do* know how to add! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-219 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:01:29 +0000 kellchecker 219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>~First measure underneath your bust, where the band of your bra is. Check yourself in a mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the floor. You don't want to be able to fit a finger between you and the tape, but you don't want the tape digging into your flesh either. Write this measurement down, if it's an odd number add 5, if it's an even number add 6. That is your band measurement.~</p> <p>Okay...that means that since I measured around at 36, my band size is 42?!?!?! That doesn't make any sense to me, because I do measure in at 36, with a C cup, and all my bras are either 36C or 38B (the sister size), and they fit me better than any bras ever had, my bra-wearing life. So the thought that I maybe should be measuring in at a 44....that's a little daunting because a 44 band size would fall off me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-182 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:14:00 +0000 Kit 182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Nicole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-177 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:17:18 +0000 Nicole 177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can back up Angie's comments on Chantelle bras being great quality, but sized a little small. I ordered one once, it was a high quality bra, but I had to return it, as it was a size too small, especially in the cup. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-173 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 06:56:23 +0000 Angie 173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How brilliant Nicole! Finding a cozzie that fits is rare especially on-line. </p> <p>I have been wearing Chantelle for 10 years because their bras continue to fit me perfectly. Their cup sizes and band widths are generally smaller than other brands I've tried in the same size. Their 32C is more like a 30B in other cuts. I love their quality and they make an exceptional bra that launders extremely well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-169 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:21:48 +0000 pinkcobra 169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I generally buy my bras from VS or La Perla, but I was looking on figleaves.com and saw some really cute ones and was wondering if any of you have any experience with Elle MacPherson, Chantelle and/or Aubade? I'm a 34C and I can do pretty much any style without discomfort. Do these bras hold up well and are they quality built? Any problems with wires popping out or threads coming lose? Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-163 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:36:40 +0000 Nicole 163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so excited! I found a bra sized bathing suit top at Bigger Bras and it came in the mail yesterday. I couldn't wait to try it on and I was so happy with the results. It is a perfect fit and it will definately become my favorite bathing suit. It's amazing to me how confident I feel when I find something that fits so perfectly. (The bathinsuit top was under $50 on sale!) I think we are going to see more bathing suit manufacturers start sizing bathing suit tops by bra size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-159 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:03:03 +0000 VanessaRidley 159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, thanks for the help - I will be sure to keep the tags on and keep trying until I find the right size. No one has ever told me I could be a 32C (I just always hoped I was and had tried on the size, just in case). I may go out today and try on some different styles in that size just to be sure. </p> <p>Thanks, again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-120 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:13:30 +0000 Nicole 120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kit, I never liked underwires until I tried different brands. Not all brands are created equal. I suggest you look at <a href="http://www.barenecessities.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.barenecessities.com</a> and check out what they have to offer. I know alot of the upper end bras make the same exact bra in an underwire and softcup version. (The Fantasie of England bra that I wear is underwire, but they have the same version in softcup). You may have to pay a little more for your bras, b it's well worth having a bra that fits. Especially if you are a D cup.</p> <p>I don't think it's unusual to increase in bra size as you get older. I'm sure you will eventually stop growing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-119 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:51:25 +0000 Kit 119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I have a question. I don't know how common this is, but about every six years, I grow 2 inches and a cup size: at 12 I was a 34B, at 18 I was a 36C and now at 24 I'm a 38D. And no, I'm not gaining weight. I've gained about 2 pounds from 12 years ago, and I figure my growing bust can account for those two pounds. Now the problems this causes are at least threefold: 1. For about 4 years, while I'm awkwardly in between sizes, my bras simply don't fit right, and all the "almost..." sizes I've found fall short of mine. 2. It's extremely hard to find non-underwire padded bras. I HATE underwire, but I'm having very little luck finding what I need in non-underwire styles. I go for padded becuase they seem to wear the best for me (though heaven knows I don't need the extra padding!). 3. I really don't want to wake up at 30 being a 40DD. I have back, shoulder and neck problems, and a growing bust is only going to add to them.</p> <p>Not that anything can really be done about #3 (short of an eventual reduction), but I'm hoping for help with the first two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-115 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:06:52 +0000 Nicole 115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vanessa, The rule of thumb for measuring is to subtract the fullest part of your bust (35") from the band size (not the measurement, but the measurement plus 6). So 26+6=32 35-32=3 3" = C cup</p> <p>But oviously this is not your size if you have tried this size from different bra companies and they don't fit. I hope the 30E from Figleaves fits though. Don't take the tags off when you try it on, in case it doesn't fit. You can return it and request a new size. If it doesn't fit, let us know, and maybe we help you recalculate based on that size and how it didn't fit.</p> <p>Sorry my formula didn't work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras-and-bathingsuits#post-112 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:12:08 +0000 VanessaRidley 112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, I am confused again. How is my measurement a 32C? My band measurement is (I just rechecked this morning) is 26 inches and my bust measurement is 35 inches. That is a 9 inch difference. Doesn't that technically make my cup size a G? Or do you subtract the band size, plus the 6 inches? </p> <p>Nevertheless, I have tried a 32C and a 32D and I spill out of both. I am barely squeezing into the 32DD bra that I am wearing now. </p> <p>As suggested by Angie, I went online and ordered a 30E from Figleaves.com and will see how that works since I have never had the right fit on anything I've tried on so far, and the 30E size is the only size I've never tried. </p> <p>Thanks for all the advice! </p>