https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:02:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032573 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 02:12:56 +0000 Glory 1032573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly I will look for the style number tomorrow as she is now asleep. These ones are a soft cup, no push up at all and a small band size with an A cup.&nbsp;They are in the regular section.&nbsp;<br />I just recalled that several times I have found her something at Winners as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032569 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 02:09:35 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1032569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd also suggest&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.herroom.com/">http://www.herroom.com/</a>&nbsp;. They have an easy search by size feature, a great return policy, detailed notes about fit on each item, and tons of reviews. They have several options in the 30A, and you might see if any of them run smaller. I know there have been some I looked at where the reviews and the fitter notes all said "this bra runs a full size small."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032563 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 02:04:21 +0000 kellygirl 1032563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Glory. I've scoured Walmart. I don't recall the George line but I will look for it when I go to the Superstore. Our local Walmart has girls' bras which are too small and junior bras which are padded and pushed up beyond belief (in the most outrageous colors too.)&nbsp;I find the band size to be the most difficult to find. They need 28 and 30 and the smallest I saw at Walmart was a 34--last time I looked.&nbsp;They are both really almost A's but the A will work and is something they can grow into. &nbsp;I, too, am reluctant to spend too much money because they are still growing. I feel like at this age I shouldn't have to spend much more than $20-25 per bra--but maybe I will have to re-think that given my experience so far.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032553 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:53:32 +0000 Glory 1032553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not had great success with bra fittings for my 2 DDs. I have gone to 3 places and found at the end it was a matter of trial and error.<br />I do not want to spend tons on them because they require replacement often.<br />So far for my 2 DDs I have found excellent bras at Walmart - only one style from the George line - a soft cup which comes in nude and white. I can try and find the style number if you wish.&nbsp;This has been the most popular with my 14 year old but difficult to find.<br />I have found a great selection of similar bras at Joe Fresh - truly excellent. They also have an entire range of sports bras from high intensity to low.&nbsp;<br />Both Girls really like La Senza but it really only works for my younger child who is larger. But they are worth a try if your child is more than an a cup. They do carry some a but not many.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032544 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:45:23 +0000 kellygirl 1032544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Florence: Lol! I know. I was just hoping that Aerie had some kind of unique bra sizing system. Wishful thinking. I think my measurements came up as a 34 D too--we are imaginary bra twinnies :)<br />@Gaylene: I know. It's so disappointing. At least I don't have to pay for return shipping!<br />@Suz: Painful is right. I was going to re-order but I think it would be another bust (haha!)&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm going to try Macy's or Kohl's next but I need a little break to bolster my courage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032539 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:39:31 +0000 Suz 1032539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oy, Kelly -- that's such a pain. If your DDs are like mine, the whole exercise is excruciatingly embarrassing for them. I hope you find something for them soon.&nbsp;</p> <p>PS I still haven't found anything for my DD.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032538 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:38:31 +0000 Gaylene 1032538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Given the laughably huge size that the calculator recommended for me, why am I not surprised. I guess I can't figure out why they would use something that was so inaccurate, especially since they pay for shipping.</p> <p>So sorry that your bra experiences have been such a hassle, Kelly. Here to better luck now that you know what sizes will probably fit your daughters. But sheesh.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032535 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:30:22 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1032535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny, I remembered your initial post so&nbsp;I used their bra calculator the other day out of curiosity. I entered my measurements - 30 band size, 34 cup. Their suggestion? A 34D. On what planet would I add 4 full inches to my band?! I think you're right to ignore their "fit guide"&nbsp;entirely.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1032532 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 01:23:47 +0000 kellygirl 1032532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bumped for update.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019448 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 04:03:34 +0000 cciele 1019448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Kelly! I went ahead and ordered. We went to the mall today and tried on a bunch but nothing fit. Aghhhhhh I would rather go to the dentist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019423 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 02:27:10 +0000 rae 1019423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The old fashioned way to size bras was to add up to 4" for ease of breathing and movement... but that was way back before spandex. o_0 Unfortunately, some places still use this system. Kind of explains why so many are in ill-fitting bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019371 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:24:40 +0000 kellygirl 1019371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gaylene: Lol! Thanks for checking the calculator. It's no wonder they offer free returns--I'd be irritated if they recommended the wrong bra size and made me pay for return shipping. I'm thinking you could wear the bra over your winter coat :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019367 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:13:46 +0000 Gaylene 1019367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL at Aerie's bra calculator. It suggested a 40DD for me! My current bras range from a 34D to a 36C so I'm not sure what I'd do with the extra 4-6 inches of band plus the extra volume in the cup--maybe stuff in a couple of socks for our northern winters? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019360 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Suz 1019360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Joy! I also like the Simone Perele, but it is pricy. And I got a couple here in Canada. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fitfullyyours.com/">Fit Fully Yours</a> (not super expensive) &nbsp;-- I take a C cup in their full cup bras, but it is a bit of a tight squeeze for me. And <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.damaris.co.uk/lingerie-by-mimi-holliday">Mimi Holliday</a>&nbsp;makes bras that fit, but those are more of the "sexy" variety and not great for everyday wear.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019355 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 00:44:31 +0000 Anonymous 1019355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely need a band that is the same as my under bust measurement. No adding inches. Suz, the other bra that my Nordstrom carries in a 30 D is Calvin Klein. They are more plain and I've only seen cream, beige and black. They also have more padding in the lining but are not push up. Customized Lift #2892. They are comfortable, have lasted well, and help make me the right size for some dresses, and are not really expensive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019310 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 23:26:15 +0000 kellygirl 1019310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No results yet, Cathy. I ordered on line since there is no local store. I'm also pretty sure I ordered all the wrong sizes since I used their on line bra calculator. They have a 40% off promotion going on now--free shipping and free returns so there's nothing to lose. Based on Ceit's experience, it sounds like you need to order based on underbust measurement and ignore the online bra calculator.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lol: re the bra shopping.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019301 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 23:04:26 +0000 cciele 1019301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Any results? I need to go bra shopping with my DD too -- she needs more than just bralettes now (and she's only 10, ugh).</p> <p>FWIW, my underbust measurement is 35" and I definitely wear a 36" band. Had thought I was 34" (given the trend of people generally going too large with band size, I thought I'd go down) but there was too much side squishing going on. 36" worked much better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019174 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 18:55:00 +0000 Abigail 1019174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're not opposed to putting some serious dedication (and money) into this, check out ThirdLove or True &amp; Co. (They'll pop up if you Google them.) ThirdLove is actually an app that measures your bra size through pictures (no nudes, thank God) to find you to perfect bra. True &amp; Co. is an online website that has you fill out a survey and then sends you a bunch of bras to try and return if you don't like them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019139 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:41:48 +0000 kkards 1019139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>intrigued&nbsp;to read this today, as i spend yesterday afternoon at nordies getting a bra fit. i had known for months that i needed different size, but i kept putting it off until this week when i had to change 3 times one morning because the tops i wanted to wear just didn't look right---all because the bra was not fitting correctly. i thought that i need a smaller cup, but it turns out i needed a smaller band, and the cup actually went up.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1019116 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 16:48:59 +0000 Anonymous 1019116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I just got back from the mall, where I spent a good hour trying on bras at Aerie. I ended up with the Haley style, which is lightly lined and more of a Demi cup. I think it will work well for my shallow upper breast.</p> <p>I ended up with a 32C (I always ended up with a 36A before but I know the band size was way loose). I tried on all the lightly lined ones (I think there are 6-7 styles), and the full cup ones were not good for me as I couldn't fill out the upper part of the cup. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1018980 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 12:37:40 +0000 Suz 1018980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming back in here to say thanks to Joy. I am now a 30D (or sometimes C, depending on maker) as well -- I am grateful for the Betsy Johnson recs! Good to know.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed/page/2#post-1018961 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 08:04:20 +0000 Marley 1018961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-bra-fitting-thread" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-thread</a></p> <p>The <b>best</b> info on bra fitting that I've ever read!&nbsp; From our very own Myra - who I miss dearly!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018959 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 06:58:10 +0000 christieanne 1018959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I measure someone, I use the same simple formula as Rae just posted about. I don't see how a 30 inch ribcage measurement would equal a 36 unless it is just a brand differentiation. <br />As for the big bra companies, Warners makes a lot of smaller size/band and cup bras with really simple, no fuss finishing. I hate bumpy lace and all that stuff under my shirts so I understand how that is. <br />Aren't you near Gilroy? Some of the bra company factory outlets may be a good choice if the online thing is too frustrating. They often have the full range of sizes that the dept stores don't. </p> <p>I am so glad my DD is too young yet! Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018935 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:42:58 +0000 rae 1018935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the confusion was the wording - to get the same general fit, as the band size goes UP, the cup size should descend a letter (because the volume of the cup will be proportionally larger with a&nbsp;wider band). Does that make sense? Some "sister sizes" as an example: 32C/34B, 36DD/38D.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm pretty confused on the measurements here. If DD2 measures a 30" ribcage and a 36A almost fits... that <i>should</i> mean her breasts extend 5 or 6 inches out past her ribcage. From what you have described, that is not the case.&nbsp;</p> <p>With today's stretchy materials, I would start with the band size that is an exact match for the ribcage measurement - so DD2 would be a 30. Add a cup size for every inch the breasts extend farther than that. 30AA for 0",&nbsp;30A for 1", 30B for 2", etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>Same for DD1. I'd start with a 28A, probably. Or since this brand does not carry 28s, maybe see if a 30AA would work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018917 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 04:12:02 +0000 Carole 1018917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a challenge to try and do this without professional help! I'm assuming there is no Nordstrom nearby, what a shame! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018898 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:41:41 +0000 Anonymous 1018898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had the same experience as Mo and was wearing an "almost A" then got fitted at Nordstrom and now wear a 30D, sometimes a 32C but those stretch out more quickly as I start in the tightest hooks.<br /> Try this one for your daughters<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/betsey-johnson-stocking-stripe-underwire-t-shirt-bra/3544678?origin=category-personalizedsort&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=424&#038;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_C" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/be.....ts-_-1_3_C</a><br /> It's pretty, lightly lined, fits a shallow bust, and isn't as expensive was most small bands. I see that Betsy Johnson also has a balconette bra and now I want to try that one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018887 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:28:50 +0000 kellygirl 1018887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Diana: Yes, I’m doubtful about it too. I did use the Aerie on-line calculator so I’m hoping that it is based on their bras specifically. I’ve read reviews of the actual bras and it seems like most people are happy with the product and that the bras fit. Of course, I’m pretty sure everyone is wearing the wrong size bra these days so who knows. All I know for sure is that since starting this thread, the bra I am wearing has started to drive me nuts. It feels wrong!&nbsp; Arghh! RE: the cup width--I think we all need wider set cups because of the wider backs.&nbsp;</p> <p>@Donna: I will have to check out the Rack in the smaller band sizes. I’ve browsed on occasion but the selection of “basics” is pretty limited. (The girls just want plain nude bras that you can’t see through their shirts and I rarely find those.) Lol re: your daughter. I think I came home with an ill-fitting bra from there once or twice :)</p> <p>@Mo: Thanks for sharing. I’m holding out hope that the bra math works out and something fits! Personally, I’m finding this a little disorienting!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018879 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:08:52 +0000 Mo 1018879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I am a similar size. &nbsp;27.5" underbust. &nbsp;30 bands fit me best but some I need to go up to 32 for better comfort. &nbsp;I also wore 34B for years before I realized 32C was closer to the right fit. I did once buy and happily wear 36A as I couldn't find the color in a 34B.<br />I am alternating between a 30DD and 30D in a Wacoal right now (same exact model, color, everything). &nbsp;I'm just between sizes no matter what I try. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Anyway, it's entirely possible to go from an A to a D once you get the right fit. &nbsp;I'm proof. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018878 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 03:07:25 +0000 Suz 1018878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with those who say it's unlikely that a 30" ribcage would be in a 34" band. My ribcage is about 29" and I take a 30 band. Not that I knew that until recently. I used to think I was a 34, then a 32. And lots of salespeople would love to put me in a 32 as well, but it really does not work.&nbsp;</p> <p>Concurring that it is very difficult to find 30 bands anywhere except specialty shops and online. I do not enjoy bra shopping.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-bra-experts-help-needed#post-1018872 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:41:00 +0000 DonnaF 1018872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The various online bra calculators would say that DD1 should be in a 28 band and that you and DD2 should be in a 30 band; maybe the bands have been riding too high on all of you.&nbsp; The bad news is that you can only get 28s online, and Nordstrom and sometimes the Rack is about the only brick'n'mortar place for 30s other than $pecialty lingerie stores.&nbsp; My DD is in college so gets a student Amazon Prime for pretty cheap.&nbsp; I only ordered from the Amazon options to get fast and free shipping and returns since I was basically trying to figure out my size at least in the cheapest brand.</p> <p>Dunno about Amazon prices; maybe someone else can explain.&nbsp; I'm rounding here, but I bought one for about $31 and the other for $42.&nbsp; For the first, Amazon tells me I put it on my wish list when it was $50, and now it is $48.&nbsp; For the other, it says I put it on my wish list when it was $48, and now it is $43.</p> <p>Best wishes with your girls.&nbsp; My DD is more dazzled by *cute* than fit, so I was appalled when she came home once with a VS bra that clearly, clearly did not fit. </p>