https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:52:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1/page/2#post-1651030 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:20:11 +0000 Aida 1651030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Az, it's also possible that you're effectively one size in front and another in back. I am this way, and I know Diana is as well. If it's the case that the <i>front</i> is a size larger than the back then alteration could be the perfect solution. Nordstrom, if you end up getting any through them, will do bra alterations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1/page/2#post-1651007 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 22:59:11 +0000 DonnaF 1651007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am pretty much a 28FF so I order online, and am fortunate to be able to use Amazon.&nbsp; I was able to score a $68 Freya Deco bra for $24 even though it was sent from the UK!&nbsp; Nordstrom has a few 28s and more 30s, but I prefer not to have to pay full price if at all possible.</p> <p>Bratabase.com is a GREAT source of information to compare bra information across styles and sizes since a cut can skew weirdly at both the smaller and larger ends.&nbsp; They have measurements across every dimension imaginable, and you can also assess whether the cut of a bra might be too wide, too shallow, too projected, etc. for your particular build. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1/page/2#post-1650964 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:50:40 +0000 Ginger 1650964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, I actually don't get much cleavage with balconette styles. Although my breast tissue is fairly "bottom heavy," I don't fall in to the center at all.&nbsp; Even plunge styles are fine, as long as the cup size is correct.&nbsp; I might be wide set... although my underbust is literally less than 30" and "wide" is a relative term.&nbsp; I don't naturally have much side projection and look very flat and non-hourglass from the front.&nbsp; I've also rarely had a problem with a bra's center gore being too wide. But I know where you're coming from - I hate the feeling when my breasts are touching. I started wearing a sleep bra mostly for that.</p> <p>Balconettes tend to have really good structure to them, that really lifts and shapes; look for vertical seaming for the most support.&nbsp; I also get ones that have a single panel from the strap to the underwire on the outer part of the cup. The Marcie and the Kali have that type of construction.&nbsp; Different models have different cup shapes. Some are more projected and some are round like a t-shirt bra. The discontinued Lily is very round.</p> <p><a href="http://www.herroom.com/cleo-by-panache-6831-marcie-balconnet-bra.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/cleo-by.....-bra.shtml</a><br /><a href="http://www.herroom.com/cleo-by-panache-7561-kali-balconnet-bra.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/cleo-by.....-bra.shtml</a></p> <p>It's really going to be a personal thing! How you want the bra to fit and feel will be different than me, and how any given bra will fit you will be different. It's no longer being updated, but I found the blog <a href="http://brasihate.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Bras I Hate</a> to be <b>incredibly</b> useful.&nbsp; I learned so much from reading the posts on all the different breast shapes and how differently bras can work. [I just saw she's got a new blog! Yay, more reading to do!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1/page/2#post-1650959 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:24:26 +0000 RobinF 1650959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bra shopping has to be one of my least favorite things to do. I am a somewhat "average" size (36D)and it is still very hard to find ones that I like. &nbsp;When I do I get a whole bunch so I don't have to torture myself again for a few years! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1/page/2#post-1650940 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:55:41 +0000 Aziraphale 1650940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, my shoulders are so bony that nothing ever slips off them. :-)</p> <p>I'm going to try having my awesome new C Magnifique bra taken in a little, if and when it stretches out. The cup placement is perfect. It is definitely true that we are all a little different in terms of how wide-set the cups need to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650928 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:44:44 +0000 Anonymous 1650928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650925 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:41:53 +0000 Janet 1650925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Part of the problem with getting a bra with a larger band size and taking it in is that often the straps are set too wide and can still slip off your shoulders (elpgal had a thread about this recently). Or the cups are too wide-set.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bra shopping is an exercise in patience, at best. Torture at worst.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650921 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:39:07 +0000 Anonymous 1650921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear size 34B, and even that is becoming hard to find. My DD wears a smaller band size, and we go to Kohl's. She only wears an A cup size, though. I wonder if there's a way to reduce the band size by taking it in, like you do when you have to reduce the waist size of a pair of pants. ??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650918 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:34:24 +0000 Anonymous 1650918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bravissimo do bras in smaller band sizes. See bravissimo.com. I wear a 28FF. They are based in the UK but they do ship abroad if that's any help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650862 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:26:47 +0000 Aziraphale 1650862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ginger, do you find that balconette styles enhance your cleavage? They seem to do that for me and I don't like it. I'm always looking for bras that minimize without causing a uni-boob effect, and the only ones that seem to be able to do that are underwire full-coverage bras. But perhaps I'm trying the wrong ones. Balconette bras are certainly very pretty.</p> <p>Janet -- I agree with your hubs. Besides the practical problem of them causing fluid retention, I find that they make me feel like I'm wearing falsies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650861 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:21:47 +0000 Janet 1650861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the moulded cups thing. I like the idea of them because I wear a lot of tees and knit tops that will show seams or lace through the fabric, especially in summer when the fabrics are thinner, but hubs hates them. Haha! He thinks they're like armor. So when I shop for bras soon, I'll be looking for something a little less stiff and armor-like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650764 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:58:05 +0000 Ginger 1650764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like the balconette styles I've gotten from Cleo/Panache. They are seamed but I find the seams all but invisible. They are very supportive and comfortable. And there's nothing wrong with returning 9 out of 10!&nbsp; My last winner I bought in 4 sizes to find just the right one. And I'm thrilled with it. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650724 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:04:45 +0000 Aziraphale 1650724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the suggestions, ladies! I will have to give some of these a try. Maybe my new Chantelle "C Magnifique" one that I love so much -- it's seriously the most comfy bra I've ever worn, and creates a perfect bust shape under my clothes -- can be altered a bit once it stretches. Right now it fits snugly, but on the tightest hook.&nbsp;</p> <p>Will also try Her room. It's true that there <i>are</i> quite a few bras in my size -- just not all in one store -- but for every 10 bras I try on, 9 don't fit right or have moulded cups, which I simply cannot tolerate (I wish I could!). I understand that nipple show-through is an issue for many women, but not for me. All that happens is that the moulded cups cause aggressive fluid retention in the breast area, and thus sore breasts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650658 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 14:05:15 +0000 Suz 1650658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also a 30D. It is tough to find bras that work here in Canada. I have bought during the NAS actually for this reason. I try a bunch in the right size and send them back if they don't work.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a couple of the Simone Pereles; mine are not "moulded" cups in the traditional sense -- they aren't "hard" if that makes sense. They are a soft material but with enough heft to hide nipple visibility. Unfortunately, while they are lovely bras and the band fit is excellent for me, the cup placement is not quite right -- they are a bit close together for my shape. I will continue to try others from this company, however, because that's a feature that can be different from bra to bra, and once you get the band size right, that at least gives a good start.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also wear Natori Feathers, but I size up to a double D for that one. They fit very small in the cup but well in the band size and the cup placement is better for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have moulded cup bras I also like or at least tolerate, though on the whole I feel like you -- I prefer a non-moulded.&nbsp; </p> <p>Calvin Klein does not give me a good fit -- I have learned to rule them out. Occasionally Betsy Johnson works but they are not high quality and the fit/ comfort is quite variable -- I tried on one last year that was hideous.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650636 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:48:27 +0000 Muffin 1650636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a 30DD (E)-- Wacoal embrace lace is my favorite. Very supportive and has a thicker back strap with double hooks. Chantelle, I like as well. I need to try Simone Perele- especially with the fancy knickers! Calvin Klein and Betsy Johnson both make more affordable smaller band sizes too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650619 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:35:51 +0000 Ginger 1650619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Small band sizes and large cup sizes are totally out there! There's just not a wide selection in any store, unless you're in Europe. Online is the way to go.</p> <p>I wear 30E-FF (depending on cut and style). I really like both Freya and Cleo by Panache. I have heard that Curvy Kate DOES stretch out very quickly and oddly, even during the course of one day.</p> <p>I order from <a href="http://www.herroom.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.herroom.com/</a> ; they don't bat an eye when I order 12 bras and return 11, or return 12 and order another 10!&nbsp; I've heard that Bare Necessities and Fig Leaves also have a very wide selection and are easy to order from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650502 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 04:07:02 +0000 elpgal 1650502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale, too bad about the Chantelle Parisian. It is on its way to me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650501 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 04:06:05 +0000 elpgal 1650501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Herroom and Linda's Are the best place to research bras. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650495 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:31:14 +0000 Jenava 1650495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Get then altered! A good shop will shorten the band for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650482 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 03:12:30 +0000 Anonymous 1650482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale, I'm with Angie on loving Simone Perele. Their cut &amp; sewn style is amazing. I believe you're in Canada, so you can also get Aubade. Both brands are pricier, but offer small bands (I'm also a 30dd/e). The comfort, support and line these brands offer is unparalleled. I bought a cotton cut and sewn from Aubade while in Montreal last year and it's just fab in summer.</p> <p>I have also had Nordstrom alter a 32 to get a proper band fit. I believe it was Kari who suggested this to me last year and it worked out well.</p> <p>Greyscale, I too find that Chantelle bras stretch out. I love the versatility of their adjustable Vous et Moi, but the support and line is gone after 4 or 5 wearings on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650425 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:55:39 +0000 Greyscale 1650425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just thinking of this too. I'm a 32C or 32D. And I have a pretty sturdy torso for my overall clothing size, so there must be so many people who are sized out.</p> <p>I just bought a whole stack of Chantelle bras and one style was big to begin with and then stretched out like whoa (the Parisian unlined demi). I'm used to their bras running small, but that one not so much. Too bad, because I love the look of it. But after wearing it for an hour I had it on the third hook. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650424 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:54:34 +0000 catgirl 1650424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree! Before I had a reduction it was impossible to find a bra. That was one reason my insurance knew I needed surgery though - the total disproportion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650423 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:52:58 +0000 Helena 1650423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No advice. Bra shopping sucks! I was told at one store they didn't make bras small enough for my bust. 'Nuff said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650415 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:46:49 +0000 Anonymous 1650415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another 30D or smaller band size and understand your frustration. Nordstrom's is the only place locally that even comes close to having bras that will fit me. I have found a couple of 30Ds at the Rack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650413 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:42:40 +0000 Aziraphale 1650413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, I had a quick look at the Nordstrom website -- thanks for the link -- and there might be a few that will work. Next time I go bra shopping, I'll try there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650411 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:40:54 +0000 Gail 1650411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a 32D also so I can totally relate. I need to go and get measured as I feel as though none of mine are fitting correctly. I want to rip them off after wearing them for about 2 hours !<br />Janet- I too dread it .</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650409 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:37:34 +0000 Aziraphale 1650409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions, ladies. I will give Nordstrom and Amazon a try next time. I will keep Simone Pérèle in mind next time as well -- although the ones you posted above all look like moulded cups, Angie, which is a deal-breaker for me. (I'm OK with lace as long as it doesn't show under a plain tee shirt, and is not itchy). I tried the&nbsp;Simone Pérèle website and it's annoying -- hard to easily scroll through the options, and in some of the pictures, the bra isn't even fully visible on my screen.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650405 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:34:46 +0000 Janet 1650405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't even get me started. I am somewhere in the 30-32 E/F range, and I know I am due for some bra shopping. I dread it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650390 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:16:00 +0000 Angie 1650390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear a very small band size - 30 or 28. Simone Perele runs small so their 30D (quite a bit smaller than Chantelle) fits me perfectly. They have 30E's too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I DO wear very pretty bras with matching knickers so they might not be your style - but good grief, the fit is superb.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-oh-why-1#post-1650386 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:10:06 +0000 elpgal 1650386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not many useful suggestions but I commiserate with your bra troubles. I found several styles on Amazon. </p>