norajane Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 "Start off with a great foundation!" is the purpose of this section, and that's what I'm trying to do. It's time to do some bra shopping, which is not one of my favorite tasks. After wandering around in Macy's for a bit, I ran out of the lingerie section all confused and could use some help from any bra experts out there (D-Lish, I'm hoping you'll chime in!!). 1. Bra size. I've heard of two ways to measure for a proper fit. I've tried both and get two very different results, and I want to at least start off the trying-on process in the right ballpark. Which method is right?1a. Measure under your arms, pulling the tape tight. Then measure around the fullest part of the breasts. Each inch of difference between the two measurements is a cup size. My result = 34D. 1b. Measure under the breasts, add 4 if the measurement is even, 5 if it's an odd number. Then measure around the breasts, and each inch difference is a cup size. My result = 34 C or 36B. I may be doing something wrong in my measuring. 2. Construction. This is where it really gets confusing for me. I'm amply endowed and don't want to look bigger. The girls are naturally large, with natural bobble and bounce, and I just want them to be comfortably supported and have nice shape under clothes, with lift and separation. At the same time, I don't want to take off my clothes and look like I'm wearing a harness - pretty is important, too. I don't wear granny panties, and I don't want to wear granny bras.2a. My inclination is to avoid those molded foam cup bras because I think those would make me look bigger because of the foam. Am I wrong about that? 2b. What is a contour bra? I've seen that description when looking online at Bare Necessities, but I can't figure out what that means. 2c. I think seamless is the way to go, to avoid any seam lines showing through clothes. Is there some benefit to bras that have seams across the cups that I should be aware of? 2d. I feel like underwire probably offers more support, but I don't want to end up hating my bra by the end of the day because it's uncomfortable. Is there something I should look for in the construction to avoid chafing and pinching? 3. Style. I like the looks of plunge bras. I want to avoid the uniboob effect under sweaters - would plunge styles do a better job of that, or some other style? What are your favorite bra brands? Where do you shop for them? Any and all advice welcome!
You'reasian Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 would anyone care to post pics..... for visual learners, of course.
Star Gazer Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 IME, the first method (D-Lish's method) absolutely does NOT work for me. Following that method, I'd only be a 34B. That is absolutely not accurate, no matter what brand you're talking about. I've always been measured at Nordie's, and I'm consistently a 34DD or D depending on my weight at the time and the brand of bra. Every bra I've purchased there has fit perfectly and made me look thinner and smaller.
Author norajane Posted November 9, 2008 Author Posted November 9, 2008 IME, the first method (D-Lish's method) absolutely does NOT work for me. Following that method, I'd only be a 34B. That is absolutely not accurate, no matter what brand you're talking about. I've always been measured at Nordie's, and I'm consistently a 34DD or D depending on my weight at the time and the brand of bra. Every bra I've purchased there has fit perfectly and made me look thinner and smaller. I hate how pretty much all women's clothes vary in sizes, so even if you 'technically' know your measurements, it's so hard to know your size because all manufacturers are so different! Men's clothes are all about inches, so they're consistent. Why can't they just do that with women? What method do they use at Nordstrom? And do you have an opinion of the molded foam cup bras? Do they make you look bigger?
sunshinegirl Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 I'm no expert but when I was measured at Victorias Secret a couple years ago using the 1a method above, I came out a 32D... and have since found some really great-fitting bras in that size. I had previously been buying 34DD which was way too big: one sign of too big is that the strap rides up in the back; another was that there was a lot of "gapping" in the cup itself (if that makes any sense). I have found demi-bras (underwire) to be good fits for me... the demi part means I'm not putting on a tent's worth of fabric b/c they're lower cut.
Author norajane Posted November 9, 2008 Author Posted November 9, 2008 I'm no expert but when I was measured at Victorias Secret a couple years ago using the 1a method above, I came out a 32D... and have since found some really great-fitting bras in that size. I had previously been buying 34DD which was way too big: one sign of too big is that the strap rides up in the back; another was that there was a lot of "gapping" in the cup itself (if that makes any sense). I have found demi-bras (underwire) to be good fits for me... the demi part means I'm not putting on a tent's worth of fabric b/c they're lower cut. That happens to me a lot - the strap rides up in the back. I was measured at VS, too, and it came out 34D. I don't like their bras, though, so many of them have padding, which I do not need! I've seen the demi-bras, and a lot of them look nice. Do you end up getting spillage over the top?
sunshinegirl Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 That happens to me a lot - the strap rides up in the back. I was measured at VS, too, and it came out 34D. I don't like their bras, though, so many of them have padding, which I do not need! I've seen the demi-bras, and a lot of them look nice. Do you end up getting spillage over the top? Sometimes, so I don't wear them under thinner fabrics. Unfortunately I have not found a way to avoid having any tent-like bras in my drawer.
Author norajane Posted November 9, 2008 Author Posted November 9, 2008 Sometimes, so I don't wear them under thinner fabrics. Unfortunately I have not found a way to avoid having any tent-like bras in my drawer. Yeah, I don't think you can eliminate granny tents entirely. It's so hard to be larger on top and have pretty bras.
Trialbyfire Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 nj, I've always bought for comfort, in that the rib cage size was too big, thus the back rides up. Also, when fitting, I've always fitted for the tightest hooks, where I should have been using the loosest hooks, since bras do stretch. These were two suggestions from D-Lish, which have worked very well. Regardless of being measured or fitted by an expert or yourself, each manufacturer and even each individual bra type, can affect what size works best for you.
Ocean-Blue Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 Yeah, I don't think you can eliminate granny tents entirely. It's so hard to be larger on top and have pretty bras. I concur. The prettiest ones I have are reserved for days/nights I know I won't out in public, bobbling.
Author norajane Posted November 9, 2008 Author Posted November 9, 2008 nj, I've always bought for comfort, in that the rib cage size was too big, thus the back rides up. Also, when fitting, I've always fitted for the tightest hooks, where I should have been using the loosest hooks, since bras do stretch. These were two suggestions from D-Lish, which have worked very well. Regardless of being measured or fitted by an expert or yourself, each manufacturer and even each individual bra type, can affect what size works best for you. So, the bra should feel a little tight on the loosest hook, when you buy? I always thought the back rode up because the straps were too tight, so I'd lengthen them, but then wouldn't get enough lift...
Trialbyfire Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 So, the bra should feel a little tight on the loosest hook, when you buy? I always thought the back rode up because the straps were too tight, so I'd lengthen them, but then wouldn't get enough lift... Yes, they should feel a bit confining. This seems to work for me. Try it with one bra and see how it works for you, over about a month's period of time, wearing and washing once or twice a week.
Star Gazer Posted November 9, 2008 Posted November 9, 2008 I agree with TBF on the hook issue. I buy it so that it's perfectly fitting on the loosest hook and tight on the tightest. With time, I eventually move it to the tightest hook. As for VS, the only bras I can wear - and actually LOVE!!! - are the BBV full-coverage and demi bras. Both are foam-lined, but I don't think they make me look bigger at all. At Nordstrom they use the under-boob method. That is, afterall, where your strap lies...not in your armpits. But the women who've been working there have been there for 10 years or more. One told me just by looking at me last time that I had shrunk and needed a smaller size. Like D, they're really good at just sizing you up by lookin' at ya.
iceis44 Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 The foam cup or shape is for lift and support , so many woman confuse that issue, I love teaching women about the right bra My saying is if you have had kids or over 35, when you lay your bra down it should not lay down flat. 90 percent of your bras effectiveness is in the back strap, the other 10 is the cup
Author norajane Posted November 19, 2008 Author Posted November 19, 2008 The foam cup or shape is for lift and support , so many woman confuse that issue, I love teaching women about the right bra My saying is if you have had kids or over 35, when you lay your bra down it should not lay down flat. 90 percent of your bras effectiveness is in the back strap, the other 10 is the cup I tried on some of the foamy ones and was pleasantly surprised. Other lessons learned: Contour bras have some type of padding or other in the bottom of the cup that pops the girls up to your chin. Not for everyday wear, just when you want to be noticed. And the D-lish sizing method seemed to work best for me - perfect fit with Wacoal and Bali. I'm going to try these for a while and, if they work out, I'll be stocking up so I don't have to go through this again for a loooong time! Thanks to all of you for your help!
D-Lish Posted November 19, 2008 Posted November 19, 2008 The 34 D sounds about right NJ. And the fact that measuring underneath and adding 4-5 gave you a similar measurement as going overtop, you're on the right track. Neither way of measuring is the wrong way.... over the top just usually saves you from having to add 5 inches. The over top measurement should not pass through your armpits... the tape should run beaneath the pits running across the top of your breasts My best advice is to go to and get professionally fit. A professional store will offer sizes from 28-48 plus back, and range from a AA to a JJ cup. Sizes won't be universal... But you'll know with a professional you'll get the best fit. Fit on the loosest hook so you can move the hooks as the bra relaxes. Make sure your breast doesn't puff out of the cup, and ensure there is no puckering in the cup. If you want uplift- try something with seams on the cup. A side panel that pulls you in, a center seam that pushes you up, etc. A really good brand is Freya from the UK. They make supportive, youthful and beautiful bras that last forever.
Author norajane Posted November 19, 2008 Author Posted November 19, 2008 Thanks, D. It would be great if all the sizes were standard and exactly the same, but it helps to at least be in the right ballpark for try-ons. I've been wearing too large a band size, so it's always riding up, but it didn't occur to me that they stretch so buying it snug on the loosest hooks make so much sense. I'm not a big fan of shopping, so I may have to wait for my sister to come into town for my next foray. She's great at shopping, and it's always so much easier for me when I go with her.
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