YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Underpinnings

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Underpinnings https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 02:58:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1927250 Sun, 10 Jun 2018 11:43:34 +0000 Anonymous 1927250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All of this information was SO helpful.  I was at the mall yesterday and I saw "semi-annual" sales every where!!   I wasn't in a frame of mind to do much trying on in the stores.  But I now understand the complexity associated with this issue and I can go forward. The shoe analogy really drove this home for me.  I try on tens of shoes before I find the one I buy.   I also really like the idea of broadening my search beyond Wacoal (a brand I have worn for at least a decade now).   Thank you all for your very thoughtful, supportive, and knowledgable comments.   3style on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1927150 Sat, 09 Jun 2018 19:22:11 +0000 3style 1927150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene was very thorough. Today’s anecdotes: I was just trying out online purchased bras this morning. While trying 2 bras I that I had tried in one brand, Fantasie, I found the band on both to feel super constricting and the cup fabric doesn’t seem like it gives any support. In another brand, Parfait, it seems like zero lift or centering is going on, whilst the underwires dig in very painfully, even though the band isn’t too tight and the underwires look like they are fitting correctly. In a third brand, Freya, thankfully 2 out of 3 fit just right, and the third is very different fabric and it seems that I to need go one cup size down. My two takeaways are (1) that you want the cup fabric to do some of the work, not just the band. And (2) you might have the right size but not the right brand. Alternatively, a brand that runs nowhere near true to standard measurement might fit you in some other size than that one you were measured to be. It is all very time consuming to get right. Gaylene on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1927148 Sat, 09 Jun 2018 18:54:56 +0000 Gaylene 1927148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri and Anne raise good points about the push towards tighter bands. My fitter explained this preference as follows: Most women prefer to support and raise breast tissue so it aligns to the mid-point of the upper arm. This is the “traditional” bust position used by patternmakers and designers so tailored clothes tend to fit better when the bust is more or less in this vicinity. For many women, a loose band means the weight of the breast tissue positioned like this would be borne mainly by the shoulder straps. A tighter band relieves the pressure on the shoulders since the band can now function as a support for much of the weight. This alignment and weight redistribution, of course, is more noticeable on women with larger busts and more breast tissue. The old way of measuring for band size—measure and add 4”—may have been a reasonable guide in the days when bras were made of heavy cotton and bands were much wider—often with 5 or 6 hooks—and extended to the upper rib cage. Cotton bras were notoriously prone to shrinking when washed and did not stretch when a person bent over. Having some ease allowed a woman to take a deep breath and move without discomfort. The typical bra of today uses much lighter, stretchy fabrics and narrow bands so the old 4” of ease would, nowadays, fit a woman in an extremely loose band. For most women, using the exact measurement is a better starting point in figuring out band size since the built-in stretch of the fabric often provides sufficient ease for comfort. Different brands use different designs and fabrics so the stretch in one brand’s bra band can be quite different than the stretch in another brand’s band. That’s why “sister” sizes can be so helpful—if a band feels too constricting, going up a band size and decreasing a cup size may be a good compromise. Often, though, just like in any other garment, the underlying issue is the design, or brand, just doesn’t “get” that particular customer. In that case, restricting your search to just the one or two brands offered at a store doesn’t make any more sense in bras than it would in any other category of clothing. To my mind, bra purchases are like buying shoes. A SA might measure my foot and tell me a shoe is my size, but only I can judge if I’m happy when that shoe is actually on my foot. Bras are the same. Our bodies are unique and only we, not some SA, can judge what feels comfortable, looks good, or fits our preferences. anne on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1927108 Sat, 09 Jun 2018 14:54:28 +0000 anne 1927108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I tend to agree with you Peri. There does seem to be a big  push (including on YLF and some of the resources appropio linked to) to forsake the old "band size is underbust plus 4 inches" and move to using your underbust measurement as your band size. And clearly that is working well for some people here. </div><div>I however am with those who just can't cope with it. I wear mostly 10B or 12A (i.e., 32B or it's sister size 34B ) with the occasional handed down 12AA.(34AA) My underbust is 30 inches and there's no way I could fit any 30 bands that I have tried.</div><div>I am happy with how I look too. I do go for some level of padding (to at least cut out nipple exposure) like in a T shirt bra, but sometimes more.</div><div>My bust is pretty much a size smaller than the rest of me, and I'm keen to even it things a little. Unlike Carla, I hardly even fill out a button down so wouldn't want to minimize. (Until a few weeks ago, I was wearing a very flattening crop top for exercising in though - no padding and no nipple hiding!) </div><div>It seems to me that perhaps especially for the smaller busted among us, bras may not be of the vital importance they can be for the more well endowed. I know Joy and Suz may disagree with this, but some of the comments above make me think I'm not alone.</div><div> </div><div>Anyway, I read all your experiences with great interest, Sterling and will be interested in hearing how it all goes. </div> Toban on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1927044 Sat, 09 Jun 2018 06:13:21 +0000 Toban 1927044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Search the web about bra sister sizes. The cup volume size on a 34D is the same as a 36C — basically at all sizes if you increase the band, go down a size and vice versa. An example use of this might be when you have the right cup volume but the breast position might be too wide in a bra, you would try a band size down but up the cup size in the same bra style/brand. Of course the cup position on the band differs between styles and brands, but knowing about sister sizes can help tweak an almost perfect fit. Peri on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1926975 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 23:58:56 +0000 Peri 1926975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ About two years ago I tried really hard to find the perfect bra for me. I went to several specialty stores and to Nordstrom all for professional fittings. I researched loads of bra blogs. I failed in the end, but I did notice what you encountered.  I don't know when it started, but there is a HUGE push on to get women into smaller band sizes. Some infamous saying about most women wear the wrong bra size. Who started that? Apparently the "pros" have jumped on that band (haha) wagon in a big way, because absolutely everyone I went to and everyone I read sang the praises of tight bands. Never mind that it might feel uncomfortable, give you heartburn, and do the bra band bulge you mention on absolutely everyone....the pros say we must put women in tighter bands and therefore we will!  I am not a fan of very tight bands. I don't know how someone can be so sure something fits perfectly when they are not the ones in it. I don't blame you at all for returning it. If you have the energy, keep searching for someone who actually listens to you. At some point I may have the motivation to try again. Hopefully before every current bra I own has fallen apart.  Vix on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings/page/2#post-1926971 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 23:12:20 +0000 Vix 1926971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling -- Glad you're on the path to finding the right fit. The search is a ridiculous one due to the extreme variation (did you know that not all BAND SIZES measure the same even when the number on the brand-new tag is the same? grrrrr) but in the end many feel it's worth it. [I do.] If you were in a 4" too big bra most in the right size will feel tight but I agree it shouldn't feel torturous. Word of warning: if you're at all prone to neck/shoulder stiffness you may find a bra that's fine one day presses too much on another, so it's good to have a little variation in your bra drawer. The problem many have with going up a band size in the same design [with cup size appropriately adjusted] is that the cup placement is then off. I'm really more of an in-between band size so over the years I've figured out a few tricks: <ul> <li>manually stretch the bra as much as you can pre-wear (I've literally never worn a bra til it's on the furthest hook...even with handwashing and $$$ bras (seamed and Tshirt) the cups lose their will to live after 12-18 months and at most I'm on hook 2)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>sew/get alterations to add hooks in between hook 1 and 2 (and 2 and 3 if you want)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>have tape measure handy and look for bras that measure a bit more than your minimum and/or have stretchier backs (Perele mentioned above is one of these; I find Wacoal to be pretty tight in comparison and I wear both in the same band size)</li> </ul> Good luck! ps for me the most uplift comes with a some squidge at the band; only you can decide if the tradeoff is worth it (you may vote yes for bra A and no for bra B) pss When googling reviews look for "FOB" or "full on bottom" to go with your shape DonnaF on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926954 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 22:34:34 +0000 DonnaF 1926954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>After I put on my bra, I pull/snap the back a bit and it redistributes the back fat so it doesn't bulge quite so much. </div><div> </div><div>You can verify your band size by taking a tape measure and measuring just under your breasts. I am most definitely 28" which is next to impossible to find in bricks'n'mortar stores. I did not get a correct fitting at Nordstrom by the way.</div><div> </div><div>Bras are like other clothing: Inconsistent in sizing, even across the same brand and model. A lot of Frey Decos fit me, but some do not fit at all. I have a Panache bra that fits but does not give me the support I really need. I've found I can get a good tight fit in some 30" sports bras which may not even come in 28" anyway.</div><div> </div><div>Once you find a bra that really fits well, search bratabase.com for other bras cut similarly. Reviews are organized by size within a style. You can, for example, discover whether a bra is cut for a woman who is relatively full on the bottom and shallow on top. </div> Carla on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926947 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 22:07:39 +0000 Carla 1926947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG! Blast from the past, Stylefan. I was totally Dici, but that was because I was so modestly endowed. I didn't know they were revolutionary. Style Fan on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926943 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 21:52:19 +0000 Style Fan 1926943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just wanted to add that I find European brands fit me better (Chantelle).  I have also noticed younger women going braless.  Reminds me of the 70s.  There were bras that gave the braless look.  I think they were called Dici.  Dici or nothing. Gaylene on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926883 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 16:55:26 +0000 Gaylene 1926883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And I’ll echo Suz! It may be a question of brand and style vs. size now. And add that the size on the hang tag is just a starting point, much like the sizing in the rest of your wardrobe. A well-fitting bra should NEVER be uncomfortable, nor require a “break-in” period. Snug and tight are not the same thing. Think of bra buying as akin to buying a pair of jeans; if you don’t like the way it feels on your body, move on. A well-fitting bra always feels good on your body as well as improves the fit of your clothes. If the bra you were sold is a torture to wear, keep looking. My fitter meticulously checked how my bras looked under a tight T-shirt and how comfortable the bra felt before she let me purchase anything. And don’t rely on a fitter who is putting you in just one or two brands. American brands like Walcoal and UK brands have never been a comfortable fit for me; French and Belgium brands are much more in sync with my body shape.) Suz on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926870 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:30:29 +0000 Suz 1926870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Every bra is different. It will be really interesting to try on others and get a second or third opinion.  I went down a band size and up several cup sizes when I was properly fitted. It is common especially for smaller breasted women to be put into a too-large band size, usually because the stores rarely carry smaller sizes. I wear a 30 band and our local stores don't have them -- I have to order online. The right band size may feel snug at the start if you're unused to it, but it should not be so tight that you're gasping for breath or feeling sore spots! It may be a question of the style vs. the size now.  Angie on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926823 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:55:40 +0000 Angie 1926823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I echo Staysfit.  RobinF on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926765 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:07:03 +0000 RobinF 1926765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Staysfit that all bras are different. It always amazes me how I can try on 10 of the same size and they all feel and fit totally different. It does sound to me like the one you bought should be returned. It shouldn't be so tight that it is torture, even when new. Anonymous on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926760 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:58:05 +0000 Anonymous 1926760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm another one that feel obligated to "hide the nipple."  I like unlined bras, but I always insert a very slight pad for modesty.   ETA:  My breast shape stayed the same .... until this most recent weight loss.  In the past six month, I lost the fullness at the top of the breast, and thus, the air behind behind the cup.   My next purchases will be underpinnings.  Now that I have a plan.  I made a commitment.  I am not as anxious about it as I was earlier this week because it is becoming less and less of the great unknown.   Aliona on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926756 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:53:36 +0000 Aliona 1926756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree w others on individual brands for fit and comfort — but also for getting the look I want under clothing. Although I’m a smallish 30 band, as I grow up (I’m nearing 60) I have more side boob than in my younger years. I’ve found that the spendier lace cut and sewn brands are best for me as they corral the side fluff forward and give a more youthful look. My favourite brand is French brand Aubade, though they’re hard to find in the US. Simone Perele is a good second choice for me. The lace both brands use is rigid and does a better job of tissue management, IMO (sounds uncomfortable, but it’s not — a wash before wear softens any scratchiness but still allows for control) . I resort to lined “tee shirt” bras for wearing only under silk tees where lace looks bumpy. Although these bras are good for modesty, they look too sloppy on me. Echoing what Staysfit said, the younger women in my office don’t seem to care about modesty, but I don’t feel comfortable bearing all, so often wear nipple covers under my lace bras. Gail on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926748 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:26:18 +0000 Gail 1926748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just chiming in again here. I agree with Staysfit wholeheartedly on the fact that the fit is unique to each individual bra.  It's a fine line with fit, you need it somewhat tight to begin with as they loosen up. My most uncomfortable bras are ones that are too loose and ride up at the back and the front. If I mistakenly wear one to work I dream of ripping off when I get home the entire day lol. kkards on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926745 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:16:36 +0000 kkards 1926745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ sterling --this may interest you.... <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/no-one-can-figure-out-my-bra-size?utm_term=.adevNd4ay#.mfZAa62eL">https://www.buzzfeed.com/krist.....4ay#.mfZAa</a> but i totally agree,  if a bra doesn't make you look better in your shirt, it's not the right bra you may also want to try a couple of the on line only bra brands (third love,  true and co) which walk you thru how to measure and fit as well as other considerations for sizing/buying a bra.... <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thirdlove.com/">https://www.thirdlove.com/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://trueandco.com/">https://trueandco.com/</a> Staysfit on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926744 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:05:45 +0000 Staysfit 1926744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What? No way! I don’t think the band should be that tight! I’m glad you are returning the bra. I suggest you try again, maybe with another bra fitter. Even though the person you worked with seemed knowledgeable, who knows what her training and experience level was? Her goal was ultimately to sell you a bra. There is an excellent bra store and fitter in a small boutique near here. I have been fitted numerous times. When I first went, my size also changed from a 34B to a 32 C. In some bras I might wear a 30D. It’s not as drastic a change, but it makes enough of a difference to be noticeable. I can always fit two fingers comfortably under my band. I have tried numerous running bras and it’s possibly more difficult with those. You want a perfect fit so there is no chafing or bouncing but always those two fingers can easily fit underneath. Our local running store has a bra fit video playing in the fitting room. It runs through step by step so you can check each bra. It’s very helpful. If you want, a SA will double check it for you as well. I’m sure Runcarla would agree here. Clothing that rubs or pinches even a little can become a danger during a long event. I use the same pickiness for everyday wear. No overly tight bands. If the band is too tight, it could cause pressure sores! I hope I don’t have back roll/squish issue with my bras. Not every 32C bra is right for me. The fit is very unique to the individual bra. Breast shape comes into play here as well. Some people have more tissue on the upper part of their breasts, some do not, and that effects how well they fill out a bra cup. Recently I have seen a trend in some fashion blogs written by younger women pushing for a braless look. What comes around goes around! LOL! So, while we are trying to sort out how to best fit ourselves into a bra, they are ditching them and even donning nipple enhancers! :-) (I think I saw that on Manrepeller). Laura1975 on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926732 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 09:44:12 +0000 Laura1975 1926732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad you got fitted! Makes a huge difference. Could you try the bra with a bra extender to give you extra band room till it loosens off? Anonymous on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926728 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 09:27:16 +0000 Anonymous 1926728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I genuinely tried to wear the bra yesterday for a an hour.  It may loosen up some day, but it was torture during that hour.   I made the decision to write down the bra brand, bra style, bra number, and bra size for future reference.  I'll be returning the bra this evening and will continue my search over the weekend.   Gigi on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926697 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 05:00:11 +0000 Gigi 1926697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. I wanted to get a proper bra fitting, so I went to Nordstrom. I had been wearing 32B in Victoria's Secret (which bands run large, I found out, so it was really like a 34B), and the Nordstrom SA put me in a 30C. I was like, What? I'm not a C cup! But I couldn't deny that the bras made me look really good, better than I'd ever looked before. Now that I was in the right band size, my band didn't ride up over the course of the day. I did find that I got some fat spillage on the sides, which I'd never had before--and I am quite bony on top. And the bra that did that the worst has loosened up, so there is not much spillage anymore. I'm glad you took this important step! I'm very grateful for the bras I got at Nordstrom. They do make such a difference in how my clothes look. I wish more bra manufacturers made smaller bands. Most women are wearing bands that are too large, and the smaller bands are tough to find. Barbara Diane on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926667 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 02:37:38 +0000 Barbara Diane 1926667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was fitted and made the mistake of buying the bras instead of listening to myself. I don’t want my back to look horrible and to feel very uncomfortable for a small improvement in how I look from the front. The bras in question finally got worn after I lost weight. Style Fan on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926607 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 22:32:46 +0000 Style Fan 1926607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on going for the fitting!  I am not sure about the spillage.  That does not sound right.  I was fitted for a 30 band.  I have a mini torso.  I just can not stand the tightness so I wear a 32.  I do notice the bras stretch over time but I do have to wear them in the meantime.   I don't bother with a bra wardrobe.  I wear the boring t-shirt bras 99% of the time. Windchime on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926591 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:17:13 +0000 Windchime 1926591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow. This is eye opening! A 4” difference in band size?! No wonder it feels tight. The spillage around the band is a red flag to me—that doesn’t seem right. I’ll be interested to know what you conclude. I’ve been thinking I should get a professional bra fitting again...it’s been over a decade since my last one. At least now if there’s a 4” difference in band size, I won’t be too shocked. Jane on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926587 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:08:11 +0000 Jane 1926587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done sterling. You’ve found a plan that works for you, and that is all that is needed. texstyle on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926575 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 20:09:27 +0000 texstyle 1926575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've gone thru this whole routine more than once and the end result? I can't stand anything tight on my chest area so I just had to accept that I won't wear the "right" bra. I don't wear fitted tops either and if it is a special occasion then yes, I may give up comfort for style, but for day to day, I still wear a 36 band. A 34 is my recommended band size but I just couldn't deal with it. Too many $$$ later I gave up on the whole concept. Anonymous on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926454 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:50:05 +0000 Anonymous 1926454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Gail.  Hearing that both you and RunCarla were wearing band sizes four inches too large (as I was) is encouraging me to continue this search.  It is also heartening to know that the bra loosened up and was comfortable.  The SA said it would loosen up.   Gail on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926437 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:28:31 +0000 Gail 1926437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I went about 2 years ago for a proper fitting. I was wearing a 36A or a 34 B.  I came out with 32D. I have to admit that it was tight to begin with but it loosened up and was comfortable. Now those bras have stretched out and  become uncomfortable on the first hook so I use the tighter hooks. I have bought new ones and stick to the exact same one ! I have found brand new ones on eBay for $10-$15, they are in weird colors but I don't care and wear those in the winter under sweaters. The black or nude I have to pay full price which are about $70. I'm not sure about the spillage around the band , perhaps a wider band would alleviate this? I found this useful when I was investigating <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jk55ep4XUQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jk55ep4XUQ</a> Anonymous on "Underpinnings" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underpinnings#post-1926431 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:15:58 +0000 Anonymous 1926431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ THANK YOU, Approprio.  I will do the background research this evening.   I need to say how GREAT that link is.  I did not even know such much information was available. It should be required reading for every single female.   And may I say, so nice to see you.