as a 34K (UK size) person, bras are my worst headache. I have learned a lot from the subreddit a bra that fits, and I use bratabase to compare band/cup sizing across brands. I like this bra wire width chart, because underwires are curved differently in different brands and I need very narrow ones (my most comfortable bras by far are the Polish brand Kris Line, way up near the top of the larger-than-F-cup narrow list). One day I'll get my hands on Ewa Michalak or Comexim.....

Well, it does feel better to know I am not alone in the bra fitting struggle.

I always thought I must be "between" sizes - you know, like I was not quite a 36B and 36A was way too small so I just often would wear bralettes and sacrifice the better looking shape I could have.

I am still not totally sure what size (because I was between two numbers on both measurements.) DH was happy to assist, lol, but it still leaves me unsure. I measured standing up and bending over - not lying down. Both of my measurements were pretty similar - it's the band size that surprised me, but it does make sense.

I ordered a couple of 34D and 32D bras to try. I may have to try a few others.

I think they wanted the lying down measurement for something specific, so the other two are definitely more important. I think many women might not see much of a difference, but it's a good way to check for hidden volume. I hope you find some bras that fit! Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm looking myself right now, for summer bras. I want something unpadded, maybe even wireless, but still with a good fit. I wasn't successful so far, so if someone has a tip...

Just chiming in again to because actually I laughed out loud where Janet says that some bras "push me apart so much that it makes my boobs look like they're trying to escape under my armpits". Hahahaaaaa

Astrid, I just went bra shopping a couple of weeks ago. I went home with two Chantelle bras that I really liked -- both are unpadded and had underwire. It's worth checking out the Chantelle line. Also, several people on this forum suggested Simone Perele, so next bra shopping expedition I'll check those out.

Thanks - I will have a look for Chantelle then. Never tried one but it's a brand that is easily available.

Astrid, try the Chantelle but don't be surprised if it doesn't work. I love them but the wires are not wide enough for me in my correct size. And hard to find the 30 band also. I have a similar problem with Simone Perele - I do own a couple of their bras and they are lovely but not quite wide enough for me. The fit is just a titch off. It's possible that another style in the same brand will work.

Tex -- you are going to need to figure out if your breasts are widely or narrowly spaced. This can be another key to a lot of fit issues.

I tend to think that perhaps women with widely spaced breasts get forced more often to buy bras with too big a band/ too small a cup. Because there is no appearance of "cleavage." But the volume is still there -- just less projection.

Suz - how do you figure wide or narrow - mine seem average spaced when I look at them.

You know, I'm going to guess wider spaced though since I remember trying the Chantelle bras a while back and they did seem a bit too narrow.

That was so interesting. Just watched the video and measured. lol. Validated that I am wearing more or less the correct size - measurements say I might need one cup larger, but not sure about that. I'd have to try it on.

Ps - I always considered myself small busted, but all that side boob fat REALLY makes a difference. My cup size is large but in appearance I do not have a large bust.

I am also wearing the wrong size. I need to go down one band size and up three cup sizes. Does that seem possible?

There are a bunch of ways to tell. Some sites ask how many fingers you can place between them, I think.

http://www.bratabase.com/help/shapes/

https://www.orlinas.com/pages/know-your-breasts

http://www.herroom.com/breast-.....33,30.html

The main way though is trying them on, trial and error. I read the Nordstrom's reviews really carefully but even so you have to try them on. For instance, Calvin Kleins are supposed to fit breasts like mine quite well, but they don't fit me well at all.

I was thinking the same thing. No way would I order online for something like this. I'd have to try the bras on. Once I figure out the best brand and size, though, I'd think it would be straight forward.

This has been a great read. I recently lost some weight and I'm in the process of figuring out what works now and actually finding my size.

Measured myself using the method in the video and it puts me at 30C. I just picked up a Calvin Klein in 32D which seems good....band is snug on the loosest hook, gore lays flat, cups are filled, etc. Maybe CK runs small??

The Bay has been my go to for bras but there isn't a lot in 32 and nothing in 30. I don't know what the Ottawa Nordstrom is like for bras but I will be heading over there on Sunday. Feeling frustrated. :/

CK does fit a bit small, they say, Marilyn. So you're lucky if that works for you.

It's a major pain in Canada. Some of the shops in Toronto are decent and I believe there's a good lingerie shop in Ottawa as well, but it's best to go in with knowledge or they will try to talk you into 32 A or B.

I actually do order online from Nordstrom's during the NAS and go across the border to try on and pick up. The options for a 30 band are so small in Canada it's just worth it.

I just wanted to chime in that the video's fitting method is accurate. Several years ago I went from being sized as a 34D to a 30FF. Not only did my clothes look better, but the chronic shoulder pain I'd had for years largely vanished.

There are definitely cute bras available in larger sizes, and even tee shirt bras. For instance, Figleaves has 377 styles in my current size, 32FF, including some under $50.

ETA: The bending over method can overestimate the bust measurement if you have relatively narrow, projected breasts with softer tissue.

Thanks, Suz. I've always had luck with CK so hopefully I'll be able to continue finding things with them. The price point is good plus they go on sale. Ottawa does have some specialty shops but I've never been. Looking forward to seeing what Nordstrom has in store.

Omg, I'm shocked! I always thought I was wearing the right size bra (it doesn't feel uncomfortable on most days) but I've started to experience some pain around my neck & shoulders and often notice that the boob spills out after I lie down for a while. The video was VERY helpful. I'm wearing a wrong size! I wear a 36E but my band measurement comes out to be 33, so I'm going with 34. So I obviously need a way smaller band. I noticed the mistakes I make. I always get fitted or measure myself whilst wearing a bra. And I always try on a new bra at the LAST hook. Ugh! Also, the bend & measure test so that all breast tissue gets measured reveals an 8" difference between bust size & band size, so I'm measuring as a 34FF.

I swear, I have ENOUGH trouble finding an E cup, and to now know I'm 2 cup sizes larger?! I will NOT find any bras at stores....that's the sad reality....popular lingerie brands only go up to D size and only a select few have an E cup. My only option is now online and guess what - I have just 12 options in this size. That's all!!! Ridiculous!!!

In any case, I just ordered a bra to test it out. If I find that I'm miraculously feeling 'good' in 34FF, I'll just buy a bunch in that size.

Thanks a ton for this, Texstyle!

Maneera - I hope the new size works out. Keep us posted if you can.

I got properly measured when I got a reduction - I'd thought I was a 36D but I was actually a 32G. Having the right band size made a huge difference in terms of pain and support. My insurance covered the operation without hesitation. When I went back post-surgery I got measured again. Nordstrom has terrific bra fitters!

I need to go bra shopping. I have been wearing the bras I purchased last year because I dread going but since I lost 15 to 20 pounds (depends on the day) my old ones do not fit. This just may be the push I need.

I just hit Nordstrom and went from a 34b to a 32d. The video had me at 32c. Im still trying to decide if I can live with the new sensation of a tight band, but the fitter assured me it would stretch quickly. And all the new 34bs I bought 2 months ago are way too loose already.

This thread has been so helpful!

I just had my first ever bra fitting at Nordstrom. I had Leanne, the department manager, at the Ottawa store. She was fantastic and I'm now set with my proper size. I watched the video and I had my band size correct but I was off by two cup sizes. Nordstrom will be a go to for me as I'm a 30 band (after a weight loss) which is hard to find here. They had lots of 30's available in store. Also, Leanne gave me her card and said to email if I see anything in the online store I'm interested in.....she'll let me know if she has it or if she can get it in my size. Great experience!

OMG, Marilyn, they have lots of 30 bands?? Do they have anything in a D cup in that size or is that too tiny?

So glad you had success there!!

Maneera, I feel your pain. I can usually choose between 3 or at most 4 bras in my size and have to buy online or travel to distant cities....

I should probably be in a 28 band but that would make it truly impossible....

Suz....Yes! I'm so excited! My new size is 30DD/E so just a pinch more than you. I was a bit worried when I first started looking around but was told that they have nothing smaller than 32's and C's on the racks. The smaller stuff is is in the back.

I tried on so many......Natori, Wacoal, Simone Perele, Chantelle, Betsy Johnson, Calvin Klein. There was Freya and Panache.....can't remember what else. If your colour or size is missing they will mail it to you for free from another Canadian store if available.

If there's anything you're interested in feel free to let me know. I can check availability and would be happy to send things to you. If you want I can give you Leanne's email address and you can contact her yourself to check things.

Maneera--let us know how it goes!
Karen13 and Marilyn--great that you ate in the correct size now.
I'm in Ottawa too and can't wait for some free time to hit Nordstrom.

Oh, Marilyn, that would be great if you PM'd me with her email. Could be very useful info. Thank you!

I take a DD in some brands, too, so that's good. The Natori for sure.

Hi a few things i found out about fitting was the old plus/add 4"'s to measurements isn't relevant any more as that was for the old more cotton/non stretchable bra's as now with modern fabrics you sort of go to the under bust measurements as i was 43 so 42&44 fit ok used to wear 46 but it's ok for summer months when warmer as not so tight but a bit big now! but even that isn't constant as some you have to up size as tight band sizing like the Glamorise 1166 sports bra tight on sizing but that's the way designed to work so have support!
Cup sizing is like a minefield! even in same brand you could be far out going from one model to another esp moulded cups as they seem +
Ive a lot of Elomi found they vary a bit there moulded are larger.
Primadonna which i like there mainstream lines like Deauville/Madison/Corture etc are ok but the fashion lines&Twist are smaller in both band and cups generally but found Deauville is UK'ish in size as more generous fit.
But not only do you have to find your cup size but also shape/style as they vary so some like Elomi Betty which is a plunge cup isn't so good if your a rounded/fuller breast as it's more for a narrow/projected shape so can end up with loose fabric in upper cup.
But the best is if you can't get to a real fitting like a decent shop get someone to help you that way the tape if using is straight plus they can see anything not right plus adjust straps for you.

I was fitted last week by 2 different experts on the same day and was told 2 totally different sizes. I have come to find it seems that I need to just try on a ton of bras because they all fit different. I think it also depends on the shape you like to have in your bra, and everyone is different on that as well.

Hi yes it's shocking how poor some places are with knowing there trade!
many just think that will do but there so varied in fits just going up or down band/cup can make such a large difference!
but also helps them know the style/shape that will work best for you.
Ive had sculptress by Panache can never get it to fit half decent in various sizes and im not alone so much to know/learn about fitting/getting the right one.
But also many buyers buy/order the wrong ones then blame the brand/shop ie too tight! well buy the right band size!
Cups too small as coming out the sides/tops! well go up a cup.
Bra sizing is just a number once wearing who else knows your wearing a 34F or a 36E or G even? only the person wearing

But do find some real hum dinger reviews do make you wonder what goes on in there heads?