Between Bra Band Sizes

Sarah Baker

I posted this on the bra fitting thread but haven't got a response so I will post again here--what to do when between band sizes? I measured my ribcage at 32.5" or 33" depending on how tightly I pull the tape. My bust is 37". I am currently wearing a 36C. My question is, do I go down two band sizes to a 32 or just one band size to a 34. And how will this effect my cup size?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help--I am planning on bra shopping this weekend so any advice is welcome.

Sarah

15 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Itari

(website)

Active Member

I think you should try 34D or DD and see how it fits. Check Maya's bra-fitting thread. 32" might be too small - my under bust measurement is 31" and I wear 32.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Sarah, I'm sorry I missed your question! I know you sent me a pm too and I forgot to respond. Bad Maya!

It depends how heavy your breasts are. Heavy breasts drag a loose band down on the front (and therefore up in the back). Truth be told, your band should be as tight as you can comfortably manage, and this is especially true for D+. But if you are smaller it isn't as crucial, though personally I find it more comfortable. I hate the feeling of a shifty band riding up. The friction and digging are unbearable. Remember that bras stretch...a lot. So they should be snugger rather than looser.

15 years ago

Sarah Baker

(website)

Active Member

Thanks Maya and Itari. My problem is that my bra straps always slip down and I have the dreaded "armpit fat." I looked at figleaves.com and think I will try a Panache Tango in 34DD. If it doesn't fit right, I can always return it.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I really like that bra I think it's cheaper on Bravissimo too.

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I just wanted to mention that certain brands seem to have different band sizes even though they are labeled the same. For example Chantelle seems average, Simone Perele (sp?) often looser, and Marie Jo runs small. You might order from a couple different brands to try them on, and send back the ones that don't fit right.

15 years ago

Sarah Baker

(website)

Active Member

That's a good idea, Scarlet. I am ordering just one Panache to get started and then I will build from there. Thanks for the info!

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

It's not as easy to tell if something fits by trying it in isolation, especially if you are used to a loose band. I would also try a 32DDD/32F to compare. You will need to wear both sizes for at least a few hours to see how they wear. I have a bra that stretches so much that even after altering it to a 28, I still wear it on the tightest hook.

If it helps, my mom is a 12/14 and wears a 34. We have several ladies on the forum in the 8/10 range who wear 32's. Dress size isn't always accurate but unless your ribcage is proportionately large or small, it usually gives a good idea (I'm obviously talking about the size you wear on top...pretty pears shouldn't go by their hip size).

15 years ago

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