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Bras and Bathingsuits

Nicole

Veteran

I am obsessed with bras. So, I thought it might be therapeutic for me to have my own little thread about the subject.

I should preface this by saying that I am overly endowed. I've considered breast reduction surgery, but have talked myself out of it for various reasons over the last 20 years. But, my obsession with bras isn't just for the bodacious among us. I beleive that a good bra is essential, regardless of your size. Everyone can benefit from a properly fitted bra, and no one should go thru life with a safety pin holding their bra together.

So today I'd like to talk about fitting yourself for a bra. I think it's best to do this yourself, not in a store by a trained salesperson. It's quite simple to do, and you may be surprised to find out you are not wearing the correct size. You will need to take 3 measurements, in front of a mirror, with a cloth measuring tape while wearing a bra.

First measure underneath your bust, where the band of your bra is. Check yourself in a mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the floor. You don't want to be able to fit a finger between you and the tape, but you don't want the tape digging into your flesh either. Write this measurement down, if it's an odd number add 5, if it's an even number add 6. That is your band measurement.

Next measure in the same manner, but above your chest--so that the tape is actually running under your underarms. This number should be the same as your band number. If it's not the same, you should remeasure your band size, you may have let the tape droop.

Now measure the fullest part of your bust--again making sure to do so in a mirror so you can be certain the tape is parallel with the floor. When you hold the measuring tape together, there should be enough slack in the tape, that it will slip off your bust. If not, then you are holding the tape too tightly. Now, subtract this number from your band number. Each inch difference is a cup size. If you are larger than a D cup (4 inches), it's important to remember that each inch is one cup, because different companies use different sizing once you get past the D cup. (but I'd like to talk about that another day).

When you use this method, you realize that you can't adjust the band size w/out it affecting the cup size. It's important to measure yourself everytime you are going to buy a new bra. An inch difference in you band size can greatly affect the cup size.

I'd like to post more on the subject tomorrow. But if anyone has any questions, I'm more than happy to answer them.

General

41 replies

Latest reply was from Lucy10

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for your detailed bra post Nicole! I'd love to know 2 things:

1. Why you prefer to measure yourself
2. Which brands you've found worked best for your full bosom and why

Also, bra sizes aren't created equally. I'm usually a 32C, but sometimes a 30C or 32D. And even though I stick to one brand of bras ( Chantelle seems to give me the best fit year after year), I've found competent sales assistants very helpful in distinguishing the subtle differences between the fit of different brands. Have you found the opposite?

Nicole

Veteran

In answer to your questions:

1. I prefer to measure myself because I've been ill fitted too many times. On more than one occasion, I've had salespeople adjust my size based on what sizes they sell. For example, I am a 36 DDD. Many stores do not sell DDD cups, but if you make that 36 into a 38, a DD will be the proper cup size--but the band is now too loose. An easy fix for the sales person, she just fastens the bra on the tightest hooks, but in a month, that bra is too loose. I think if a person can learn to do it themselves, or with a friend--they will get a more accurate measurement. I remember going bra shopping and getting different measurements from one store to the next. It's the main reason why I researched the proper way to measure myself.

2. My every day bras are underwires from Fantasie of England --(and I have several bathing suits from them also). I like their bras because they are pretty (which is rare in larger sized bras), they offer seam free Tee Shirt Bras, and they manage to make a very supportive bra with a 2 hook back closure. (I remember crying as a teenager because all my bras had 4 or more hooks in the back!). I double up on bras for the gym. I wear a Glamorise active bra in my normal size, and the on top of that I wear a Shock Absorber Sports Bra in a size smaller than my usual size. (and if I'm going to be jogging, I wear a sport shirt with a built in shelf bra on top of all that!!)

BUt the most important thing for me in a bra, is how it shapes my breast. I always try my shirts on over a bra when trying a new style. I avoid anything that makes me pointy or gives me a monoboob. I like to keep the girls fairly high, so the straps have to be able to adjust quite high.

I agree that bra sizes are not created equal though. And many European brands have different sizing all together. As a matter of fact....Fantasie does not run D, DD, DDD they have D, DD, E, F .... It took some trial and error to figure out the sizing. That is why I'm fairly brand loyal when it comes to bras.

Hope this answers your questions. I'm sorry it's so wordy. I tried edting both posts, but as I've said--I have bra issues...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brilliant information Nicole. Thank you so much! I am going to look up your favourite bra site immediately. They sound like the bra dream for well endowed gals

Eva

I don't think sizing is consistant. I have had bra fittings at Chantelle and Victoria's Secrets. And they size me differently. I am not overlly endowed. I am 29 inches below my bust so I get put in at 32 band, but then Chantelle sizes me a 32C and VS puts me in a 32B. I have traditionally wore a 34A with VS (which reinforces your comment about band and cup comparison) but the bands get large fast . The 32B VS bra seems to squoosh (techinical term?) my breasts in and push me up more than I'd like even, though the band fits. So I just purchased a 34A again. I must confess, I like VS's prices and selection. How should you look in the bra? Is there a standard or is it personal choice?

pinkcobra

This is a great post...information every woman needs! A correctly fitting bra makes your clothes look so much better and is great for posture too. Eva, my thoughts on fit is that while some of it lies with personal choice, you always want the cup to fit smoothly over the breast. You don't want it to cut into the breast causing it to bulge over the top of your bra. You also want the little swatch of material between the cups to lie flatly between your breasts. HTH!

VanessaRidley

(website)

I am almost 26 years old and have been the size I am now since I was 12 years old. Since I am only 5 feet tall, measure 26-27 under my bust, and my bust measurement is 35, I have never had a proper fitting bra. The straps fall off my petite shoulders, the band is always riding up, and I always seem to be popping out of the cups.

I am confused by the differences in sizing depending on where you go. VS told me I was a 34C once, and when I tried it on, it was way too small. The saleslady didn't know what to do and just told me in the end she didn't have my size. I was measured at a Bali store once, and they told me I was a 34DD, but I never found anything that stayed put, the band would always ride up. Finally, I measured myself using the measuring method you suggest, and determined that I was really a 32DDD. I could not find the size anywhere and ended up squeezing into a 32DD minimizer (which is what I am currently wearing). Most recently I was measured at Nordstroms who measured totally different. They told me I was a 28E or a 30E. And no, my weight was not different each time I was measured. Nordstroms told me that the measurement under your arm is your band size and that you do not add any inches. Unfortunately, Nordstrom did not carry either the 28E or the 30E so I was not able to try anything on to be able to disagree or agree with their sizing.

I have looked everywhere for a size 28E and have only found the size on the figleaves.com website. I have yet to actually purchase a bra, but don't want to since I've never found a great fitting bra and don't want to go through the hassle of spending $140 for two bras that I wait two weeks to get only to find they don't fit and I have to return them.

Any advice?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

$70 for a fab bra is a price that you can expect to pay. Buy 3 excellent bras and look after them. If you are unsure of your size, buy one and try it out. After trial and error, Nicole found her perfect bra size on-line. Unfortunately, she had to expend the energy and expense because she has a special bra need. But I do believe that it’s worth it. Dressing well begins with the best bra that you can find.

It has been my experience that Nordstrom tends to fit you tighter around the under bust. I'd order a 30E on-line Vanessa and see what happens. It's such a nuisance when retailers don’t carry what you need in stores.

I like the selections at VS and the prices are good, but the experiences that I have had there have been very disappointing. Plus they don't make a 30C or 32C in any of their fun colours. The bras that I have bought fell apart in 2 weeks and I launder my bras with care. Their marketing is impressive, but unless you are a good old 32B or 34B, my suggestion is to look for a better bra brand.

Sarah

Great post Nicole. I too have struggled with finding the correct bra size. I have never been professionally fitted though. I did just try the measuring instructions you suggested. Sadly, they didn’t come out right. My under-bust measurement was 28”. Adding 6 inches to that makes 34”, which is a far cry from my over-bust measurement of 30”. The fullest point of my bust is only 32”, 33” if you add a thick bra. There is no way I’m a D, which is what I get subtracting from the first measurement. However, I would be a 32B if I go with the over-bust measurement. After many years of wearing 34A’s and 34B’s I have found that 32B is the only size that fits my tiny bust correctly. Perhaps someday I’ll get fitted.

Sarah

Oh, and I forgot I had a question. My sister is a 32DD. Any idea where she can find that size? VS doesn’t seem to carry it, and she has a very hard time finding bras.

Nicole

Veteran

Vanessa, according to your own measurements, you should be a 32C. Not all bras are sized the same though--and you may be a full C. I would go to a store that sells different brands of bras (VS only sells VS brand). Find a style that you like--and try that style on in a 32C, a 32D, a 30C and a 30D, and 34C and a 34D. It may be time consuming, but if you work with one style and one brand at a time, you should be able to narrow down your individual size for that particular brand. (Since I know that Fantasie of England and Glamorise sizing works for me, I buy my bras online at http://www.barenecessities.com). But buying online can't happen until you know which brand fits you best.

A few other stores/online sites that I have had luck with are Lady Grace, Biggerbras.com, and Figleaves.com. It really is a matter of trial and error. Don't be afraid to order a bunch of bras online, try them on, (keep the tags on) and return whatever doesn't fit.

Eva, I think your band size is probably 34. Since you didn't give a bust measurement, I'm not sure about the cup. If the difference is less than an inch, then you would be "barely A" (yes it's an actual size). If the difference is 1.5" then you'd be "barely B". The trick is finding a company that makes your size! (Try googling the bra size like "34 barely A bras".

Nicole

Veteran

Also, a great feature at Bare Necessities is you can shop by size. So, even if you are a hard to find size, they can locate the brands that do carry the size. Sarah, they do have 32DD as an option. Searching by your bra size saves you from looking at bras that wont be available in your size. Beware though, because different brands run sizes differently. So you may have to search using 2 or 3 different sizes. (I search 36DDD, 36E, and 36F--because some brands go D,E,F and some go D, DD, E). I know it can be overwhelming, but once you know how to work the system, it can really make bra shopping much easier.

I'd also like to comment on bra sized bathing suits. I think it's a common practice in Europe, but US markets are just starting to catch on. For smaller sized busts, finding bra sized bathing suits is fairly easy. (Macys, Land's End come to mind). But if you are larger than a D cup, it can be difficult. Again, I've had luck finding bra sized bathing suits in my size at biggerbras.com

Also....use Google to your advantage when it comes to finding hard to find items. I have found several specialty stores that I would never have heard of if I didn't google specific requests.

Hope this helps and good luck!!

VanessaRidley

(website)

Nicole, I am confused again. How is my measurement a 32C? My band measurement is (I just rechecked this morning) is 26 inches and my bust measurement is 35 inches. That is a 9 inch difference. Doesn't that technically make my cup size a G? Or do you subtract the band size, plus the 6 inches?

Nevertheless, I have tried a 32C and a 32D and I spill out of both. I am barely squeezing into the 32DD bra that I am wearing now.

As suggested by Angie, I went online and ordered a 30E from Figleaves.com and will see how that works since I have never had the right fit on anything I've tried on so far, and the 30E size is the only size I've never tried.

Thanks for all the advice!

Nicole

Veteran

Vanessa, The rule of thumb for measuring is to subtract the fullest part of your bust (35") from the band size (not the measurement, but the measurement plus 6). So 26+6=32 35-32=3 3" = C cup

But oviously this is not your size if you have tried this size from different bra companies and they don't fit. I hope the 30E from Figleaves fits though. Don't take the tags off when you try it on, in case it doesn't fit. You can return it and request a new size. If it doesn't fit, let us know, and maybe we help you recalculate based on that size and how it didn't fit.

Sorry my formula didn't work for you.

Kit

(website)

Okay, I have a question. I don't know how common this is, but about every six years, I grow 2 inches and a cup size: at 12 I was a 34B, at 18 I was a 36C and now at 24 I'm a 38D. And no, I'm not gaining weight. I've gained about 2 pounds from 12 years ago, and I figure my growing bust can account for those two pounds. Now the problems this causes are at least threefold: 1. For about 4 years, while I'm awkwardly in between sizes, my bras simply don't fit right, and all the "almost..." sizes I've found fall short of mine. 2. It's extremely hard to find non-underwire padded bras. I HATE underwire, but I'm having very little luck finding what I need in non-underwire styles. I go for padded becuase they seem to wear the best for me (though heaven knows I don't need the extra padding!). 3. I really don't want to wake up at 30 being a 40DD. I have back, shoulder and neck problems, and a growing bust is only going to add to them.

Not that anything can really be done about #3 (short of an eventual reduction), but I'm hoping for help with the first two.

Nicole

Veteran

Kit, I never liked underwires until I tried different brands. Not all brands are created equal. I suggest you look at http://www.barenecessities.com and check out what they have to offer. I know alot of the upper end bras make the same exact bra in an underwire and softcup version. (The Fantasie of England bra that I wear is underwire, but they have the same version in softcup). You may have to pay a little more for your bras, b it's well worth having a bra that fits. Especially if you are a D cup.

I don't think it's unusual to increase in bra size as you get older. I'm sure you will eventually stop growing.

VanessaRidley

(website)

Nicole, thanks for the help - I will be sure to keep the tags on and keep trying until I find the right size. No one has ever told me I could be a 32C (I just always hoped I was and had tried on the size, just in case). I may go out today and try on some different styles in that size just to be sure.

Thanks, again.

Nicole

Veteran

I am so excited! I found a bra sized bathing suit top at Bigger Bras and it came in the mail yesterday. I couldn't wait to try it on and I was so happy with the results. It is a perfect fit and it will definately become my favorite bathing suit. It's amazing to me how confident I feel when I find something that fits so perfectly. (The bathinsuit top was under $50 on sale!) I think we are going to see more bathing suit manufacturers start sizing bathing suit tops by bra size.

pinkcobra

I generally buy my bras from VS or La Perla, but I was looking on figleaves.com and saw some really cute ones and was wondering if any of you have any experience with Elle MacPherson, Chantelle and/or Aubade? I'm a 34C and I can do pretty much any style without discomfort. Do these bras hold up well and are they quality built? Any problems with wires popping out or threads coming lose? Thanks!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How brilliant Nicole! Finding a cozzie that fits is rare especially on-line.

I have been wearing Chantelle for 10 years because their bras continue to fit me perfectly. Their cup sizes and band widths are generally smaller than other brands I've tried in the same size. Their 32C is more like a 30B in other cuts. I love their quality and they make an exceptional bra that launders extremely well.

Nicole

Veteran

I can back up Angie's comments on Chantelle bras being great quality, but sized a little small. I ordered one once, it was a high quality bra, but I had to return it, as it was a size too small, especially in the cup.

Kit

(website)

Thanks, Nicole!

kellchecker

Member

~First measure underneath your bust, where the band of your bra is. Check yourself in a mirror to make sure the measuring tape is parallel with the floor. You don't want to be able to fit a finger between you and the tape, but you don't want the tape digging into your flesh either. Write this measurement down, if it's an odd number add 5, if it's an even number add 6. That is your band measurement.~

Okay...that means that since I measured around at 36, my band size is 42?!?!?! That doesn't make any sense to me, because I do measure in at 36, with a C cup, and all my bras are either 36C or 38B (the sister size), and they fit me better than any bras ever had, my bra-wearing life. So the thought that I maybe should be measuring in at a 44....that's a little daunting because a 44 band size would fall off me!

kellchecker

Member

I meant to say 42 the second time, not 44. Duh. I *do* know how to add! LOL

charlotte

I had a fairly small chest until I hit my forties, now I'm a 38C and I don't like it. I am always looking for a bra that will really minimize and find I end up wearing my sports bra's a lot even for none sporty occasions. Anyone have any suggestions for good minimizers?

Nicole

Veteran

Kellchecker, I'm not really sure what to say about your sizing experience. As long as you are happy with the way your bras fit, I wouldn't worry about it.

Charlotte, the way a minimizer works is it reshapes the breast and actually pushes some of the flesh off to the sides. Unfortunately, this can make for an awkward fit. I have not had luck with minimizers, and the idea of going thru a trial and error process as I've done with my other bras is daunting. Maybe the bras you are wearing now are not giving you the support you need?

charlotte

Nicole, I think some of the bras I've tried are giving me support in that they lift my bust up well without hurting me But the result is a more prominent chest than I want. I'd like a bra to lft and flatten, but don't know if they make such a thing.

Steph

Veteran

For those who are having trouble finding bras with a small enough band size, I would highly recommend getting your bra altered. I have a small back size (32, so not as small as some of you) and a large cup size (DDD). Sometimes I find a bra where the cup is perfect but the band is too big.

If you go to a store like Intimacy Bra Fit Specialists (only located in Chicago, NYC, Boston and Atlanta) they will alter the band size for you for free and then ship you the bra. Their website is http://www.myintimacy.com. If the store you go to doesn't alter for free, take it to a tailor and tell them by how much you need it to be taken in. It will be completely worth the cost, and shouldn't be very expensive at all.

Also, Vanessa, if you are fitting into a 32DDD but the band is too big, I don't know that a 30E is going to work for you. I would think you would need a 30DDDD (or if you are wearing a 32DD with a big band right now, maybe a 30DDD). What is so annoying is that different manufacturers size differently past a D cup. So for some manufacturers it is a D, then DD, then E, F, etc., with the "DD" being kind of a "half step" between a D and E. Other manufacturers treat the "DD" as a full step between D and E. Other manufacturers just do D, E, F, G. Still others do D, DD, DDD, DDDD, etc. I hate it is and it a HUGE pet peeve.

Sarah, for your 32DD sister, that shouldn't be a very difficult size to find. Victoria's Secret won't carry it, but most department stores will.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brilliant news about the possibility of having the band of a bra altered. I did not know this and it sounds like an excellent solution.

christie

Charlotte--I tried a minimizer bra from Wacoal that I liked very much. I don't have much to minimize, but I am self-conscious about my chest at times. I found their bra to be very comfortable. In fact, when I went to Nordstroms to be fitted a couple of years ago, the woman fitting me was wearing that bra as well. You might check them out.

Chantelle, as everyone else has said, is an excellent company. I have been wearing their bras for 3 or 4 years now. And, even though this goes against everything everyone says about bras, I still wear those bras from 3 years ago.

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