I used to think I was 36C and lately, 38C. At the fitting I found out that I was 36DDD in Chantelle or 34E(!) in Simone Perele. My reaction was WTF??? How could I have been so wrong all these years? But to be honest, I had never been really happy with how my bras fit -- something always seemed to be slightly off, either the straps were falling off (and I don't have sloping shoulders), or there was some spillage and shifting throughout the day. The fitting was included with the purchase of one bra at my local lingerie boutique, and the fitter spent 1.5 hours with me, trying on different sizes, brands, and cup styles. And the prices were comparable to Nordstrom and the like. So yes, I now preach professional bra fitting to anyone who will listen.

I wear Chantelle full coverage t-shirt bras (black or nude depending on my top) and they are engineering miracles. And I think the straps are pretty! I recently tried the racer back model of the same bra and that was also good for certain tops. I wear 32DD and I had usually worn 34C before I was fitted a few years ago.

I used to wear 36B, then I got a dept store bra fitting and was told that I should wear a 34C. The new bras fit much better but I seemed to get to the last set of hooks very quickly. 2 years later I went to a bra specialty store because I liked a swim suit in the window. While there I had a bra fitting. She advised 32D, and maybe even to consider 30D. I was so dumbstruck, I went to another specialty bra store. I was told the same thing...and fit into a Chantelle 32D. I have a wide set pair, and there was always some squeezing at the top, with excess flesh at the armpit. All this fit inside the D cup, and there was no more chaffing or bulgingg at the sides. The T-shirt profile was awesome.

Of course, when I went back to the department store, they didn't have any 32's let alone 30's. I figure the bra fit person wasn't going to suggest a size she couldn't sell.

Though I paid $100. ish for the Chantelle, I actually got 2 very nice, plain (black, white) 32D's with only the tiniest bit of padding at La Senza for about $40.00 apiece. The SA was super helpful, and said they try to keep smaller sizes in stock, though they don't get as many regularly. She said they even sometimes get 28's ( which I'll never be!). She had a lot to say ( positive) about a good bra fitting, and was completely on board with the concept that a much smaller band and much larger cups is the way to go.

Just a note, the La Senza bra's do have wide set straps, so they could pose a problem for rounded shoulders.

Like Carolbee, I wear Unbelievabra Shapeez. This fantastic bra is made like a camisole and the straps NEVER fall from my narrow shoulders. It has saved me from the dreadful back fat that I hated so much. This bra is also 10 times more comfortable than all the "spanxy" stuff that I've tried. The quality is superb: I bought mine last year when I was in Quebec, wear it at least 3 times a week and it is still in perfect condition, it hasn't lost any of its elasticity. I just ordered 3 more that my daughter will bring with her when she visits me in Ireland in July (huge savings on duty, which is on the heavy side here!)

Ok it's not a sexy bra, but I'm sure that among all the suggestions you received here, you'll find something to make hubby "wink".

And Shannon, the beauty of it is that you do not have to order on the net because their site contains a complete list of retailers in every Canadian province.
http://www.unbelievabra.com/styles.html

I thought I remembered a thread about bras that Day Vies started some time ago. And I found it! You may find some more good information here, along with some links.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-bra-story

Even if you are a 36C, Shannon, I'd say, based on my own bra collection, that it's quite possible you might find that you need different sizes in different brands, and even in different styles within a brand. My current bra wardrobe ranges from 38C to 32E--but all those bras fit me perfectly. Sizing in bras is, unfortunately, as variable as sizing in any other clothing item.

I think the biggest reason so many women give up on underwire bras is because they are wearing the wrong style and/or size. Finding a gorgeous bra that lifts, separates, shapes, and, most of all, feels totally comfortable throughout an 18-hour-day takes a bit of effort, but is totally worth it. My everyday bra is an Empreinte Lorella Demi bra that is totally functional, but also very pretty.

Years ago, I read an article about the American fear of large cup sizes. In essence, not only were large cups with a small band hard to find, but cup sizes weren't accurately labeled because, supposedly, some women are freaked out by the idea of having wearing a large cup size. According to the article, Europe doesn't have this problem, at least not to this degree. I see that you are Canadian, so I don't know if the "fear" mentioned above applies in your neck of the woods. In any case, I can't find the article now. That blog may not exist anymore.

However...while searching for it, I found lots of articles about vanity sizing for bras, and about how bra sizing changed recently but the general public isn't aware of it...until they go in to buy a new bra. I didn't read all the articles because I'm at work, and they may interpret a pic of a woman in a bra as inappropriate around here. Anyway, if you are interested, do a search with terms like "bra cup size fear" and see what comes up. It's pretty interesting.

Lastly, if you can't find a bra you like with convertible straps (to get that X or racerback look in order to minimize slippage), I suggest looking around for one of those things that will connect your shoulder straps in back. Something like this. http://www.amazon.com/2001-Fas.....B000144M54

In a pinch, I've "macgyvered" my own solution using a bit of ribbon or elastic. I just loop it through the straps in back and tie it. I will sometimes add the strap first, then pull the bra over my head to get it on. Or I'll ask a friend to help me if I can't reach back that far. The thingie I mentioned above, or this make shift suggestion, would be a cost saving measure until your weight and bra size is stable again.

I used to buy 34Bs. Then I got a fitting and learned I was a 32C. Way better.

But then guess what? No regular stores carry 32C! This girl at Anthropologie tried to tell me it's the same difference. Anthro doesn't even make things in 32C.

Rachylou, so not the same difference, right!?! That drives me crazy. And therein lies my dislike of Victoria's Secret. They'll fit you into a bigger band and smaller cup size if they don't have the right one. I'd had the experience of too big a band and too small a cup, but I had no idea how common it was until I read through this thread. So many of us have had exactly the same experience. I always wonder when women tell me that they can't stand an underwire whether they are wearing the wrong size. I bet that they usually are.

Shannon, are you completely sold on the idea of a professional bra fitting yet? I love all the bra fitting evangelists here on the forum (and I consider myself one too!). I don't think that there is a better investment you can make than in your bra. Really, if you found a top that magically made you look 15 lbs slimmer, you would buy it in a heartbeat, wouldn't you. A good bra does that and you can wear it every.single.day. Plus there is the youthfulness/perkiness effect.

So right, K. The difference is gigantic! I was *all like* to the Anthro girl, No. They are not the same. I was very emphatic. Lol.

Definitely recommend Chantelle. Freya is another favorite of mine but in particular Chantelle has a lot of great options with Spacer foam and several options with wider backs. If you are smaller than a E or F then Natori can be good. I also like Marie Jo, but they are more expensive.

And a professional fitting at a really good shop is a huge difference for me.