Bra Shapes

[Lowena]

I hate pushed together boobs. I look like  a pouter pigeon 

[mudcat]

I can't stand seams in bras and used to hate the underwires.  For years I wore sports bras but with age and a bit of weight gain those no longer worked for me.  Then I discovered the Body by Wacoal Underwire Bra which is an underwire with smooth cup (no seams).  First time I ever found a comfortable underwire and now that's the only brand I will buy.  Sometimes I try some of their other seamless styles in various colors when they're on sale but none of them have been as good as this one.

[Ouryve]

Those moulded Cup bras don't always work all that well for those of us with spaniel's ears, @mudcat. I can try one on that is clearly too small and still have an empty bit at the top.


Though there is so much variation in shape and layout, for want of a better word, that two 32GG (my ballpark size) women can try on the exact same bra and it might fit one perfectly and only fit the other where it touches.

[mudcat]

@Ouryve spaniels ears? 

You're right ... they probably don't work for everyone.  I'm only a D cup so I've no idea about GG cups.  I just know I like a smooth look and no lace or seams that show through the knits I mostly wear. 

[LeilaMay]

Visited the size calculator page at BoB - good grief, is that really a size? And a tiny number? I'm not et convinced, but we'll see. The funniest part was having to ask my OH for assistance as to what shape bra would suit me, based on the bending over thing LOL

But seriously, I found that shape thing helpful and logical straight away.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I did one of those boob measuring things where amongst other things, you bend over and measure, made me a larger size cup than I normally have, so I dutifully tried one - no way could I fill it! 

Edit:  I've not tried this one yet, but will do.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Well, that is hilarious!
I must have very odd boobs!

I wear a 42B, I have a few that size, they fit.

The boob or bust calculator says I need a 42G 

[LeilaMay]

Yes, I can't think I'm the size they suggest either, but I can see that a re-fit could be helpful. I'm trying to work out what sizes (variety) to order online to find the 'right' size.
My band size is suggested as 4 inches smaller! and cup moves up many sizes LOL

[Acorn]

Well, that is hilarious!
I must have very odd boobs!

I wear a 42B, I have a few that size, they fit.

The boob or bust calculator says I need a 42G 

Somewhere to keep your sandwiches..?

I generally wear two different styles from M&S (not at the same time!)  One fits at 38D, the other at 40B.  I think the only thing to do is go and try a selection of neighbouring sizes on - although one of my styles isn't stocked at any M&S I go near regularly.

[Lachica]

@LeilaMay that doesn't surprise me. The band will feel very tight to start with and your shoulders will feel lighter as the weight is taken by the band. I went to 34F when I first measured as the 32 band was too tight but after a few months the spread out breast tissue migrates back to the front and the tighter band then feels ok. The cup size then increases again! The BOB cup sizes sound alarmingly big at first but there's a good explanation of how cup volume relates to breast volume on the BOB site. Good luck, you will find your ideal style but it may take a lot of trial and error. If you have a Bravissimo nearby they're very helpful & use BOB sizing.

[BrendaP]

I'm not convinced about the BoB way of measuring.  They say that the first measurement should be as tight as you can get it without the tape measure snapping, and then the second measurement to the standard of two fingers under, but then the size the calculator gives you has the band length of the first very tight measurement

Whilst the band should be firm it shouldn't be so tight that you can't breath!

This thread has prompted me to want to make bras again.  I know I'll have to start with a toile again; a bit of weight gain plus the added challenge of adding a pocket for the prosthesis, but today this popped through the letterbox as did two parcels containing bra kits; one from Sewing Chest and one from Fit2Sew.

[Kwaaked]

Depending on the brand and style I can be DD, E, F or G.  I came up a G on this one.

I am a certified bra fitter specialist in real life, and while the methods are all the same, you also have brands and styles you think of when sizing.  On one of the days I do this as a freelancer (meaning I am a fitter in a store and paid, but not an employee) I know the brands that they sell.  I actually wear one of the brands they sell.  In that brand and style I am a 38DD.  I switch to a different brand and style (plunging in this case and a higher end designer) I am a 36 G.  Another brand and style (t-shirt and at this point all my bras cost between 50-100 USD) I am a 40 E.  I also usually have to do some alteration to the bra itself to fit perfectly (usually I add a bra sling or at a minimum take in the center gore). 

There is no one size fits all to bra fitting.  Angled cups can push them forward, and cost of what you are willing to spend can play into what you need/get. 

[Ouryve]

The addition to your under bust measurement to get your band size comes from the days before lycra, when bras were much more rigid. I have bras with a 30, 32 and 34 band and they all stretch to about the same length.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I'm not convinced about the BoB way of measuring.  They say that the first measurement should be as tight as you can get it without the tape measure snapping, and then the second measurement to the standard of two fingers under, but then the size the calculator gives you has the band length of the first very tight measurement...

That's odd, cos for me it gave the second "snug" measurement as my band size.