Topic: Newbie bra advice

[josephine262]

I am fairly new to this and having a bit of a challenge finding a properly fitting bra.  I am sure many here have had the same challenge and I hope some feedback could help me solve my problem.  When I take some measurements, I've used a bra calculator and the results come back as a 38A or 38B.  Seems like 38A bras are difficult to find, I did find one and bought two of them, but the cup is too big.  I then found some B cup bras where the cup fits fine but the band is too tight.  The best fitting bra I was able to find are girls bras that fit my natural A cup perfect, but the band is a bit on the tight side.  Not horrible uncomfortable but tight enough to leave some skin indentations when I remove it.  I do love how they fit, I just wish I could find a perfect bra with better fitting band and cup.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  Not sure if it helps but I am 5'8, 160lbs and the measurement under my <not allowed> is 38" and around my <not allowed> it is about 40".  Thanks in advance!

[Jessica_Rose]

Strictly based on a tape measure I should be wearing a 36D/36DD, however I like to breathe occasionally. Going up to a 38 C/D was much more comfortable. Cup sizes are NOT equal. The cup on a 36D is roughly equivalent to the cup on a 38C. A 38D from one brand may not fit the same as a 38D from a different brand. Trying them on is really the only way to find a good fit.

For bras that are a little too snug, find a bra extender. These work really well, but I'm not sure if they are made for front-closing bras. I've discovered that for long drives, front-closing bras are much more comfortable than the standard back-buckle bras.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Northern Star Girl]

josephine262
Dear Josephine:
Bras.... finding the correct size certainly can be a mystery and many times can only be
solved by actually trying them on as our member @Jessica_Rose  mentioned
in her previous reply comment.

As you are certainly now aware, every bra, even the same size, will fit your unique body differently. 
I am a  C-Cup and I have a variety of bra styles and sizes that fit me well.  36C  38B  38C
The manufacturer and the style of the bra brings a variable into the entire matter of size and fit.

Perhaps you already know this, but there are what are called bra Sister Sizes so
a 36C bra has the same size cup size as a 38B....
This is true for most all bra cup and band sizes.... see the "sister sizes" chart below:     
Go to this link for more information:  https://themelonbra.com/bra-sister-sizes/
.... here is the easy to follow chart toward the end of the above linked page.
                (Left Click Image to Enlarge)


You can also find Bra Band Extenders that will allow the 36 band to fit a 38 underbust and so on.
      ...I have found bra band extenders at Walmart... and many larger chain stores.

          https://us.shein.com/Plus-Bra-Extender-Hook-Strap-6-pack-p-841640-cat-2356.html?url_from=adplaswbra04190906639one-size&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7uOio7mI7AIVex-tBh0aJg4vEAQYASABEgI-TPD_BwE
              (Left Click Image to Enlarge)


I hope that this information assists you in finding properly fitting bras.
Thank you for sharing and posting.
HUGS,
Danielle

[Maid Marion]

Walmart has bra extenders in the sewing section of the store.
You can look up to see if the nearest store has it in stock.  They will also tell you what aisle to look for it.

[CaelaNotKayla]

Strictly based on a tape measure I should be wearing a 36D/36DD, however I like to breathe occasionally. Going up to a 38 C/D was much more comfortable. Cup sizes are NOT equal. The cup on a 36D is roughly equivalent to the cup on a 38C. A 38D from one brand may not fit the same as a 38D from a different brand. Trying them on is really the only way to find a good fit.

For bras that are a little too snug, find a bra extender. These work really well, but I'm not sure if they are made for front-closing bras. I've discovered that for long drives, front-closing bras are much more comfortable than the standard back-buckle bras.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Josephine-

I've found the exact same thing- two bras with the same sizing (sometimes even from the same brand!!) don't always fit the same (just like all women's clothing)- and it can be a challenge the first time you walk into the intimate section of your local department store.  Trying them on is always the best option.   Taking advantage of the store's bra fitting service (if you feel comfortable using it) can help to get measurements and advice from ladies who know their entire stock.  And when I do find something that works I tend to pick up a couple of them in different colors.

Hugs!!

Caela

[ChrissyRyan]

Josephine-

I've found the exact same thing- two bras with the same sizing (sometimes even from the same brand!!) don't always fit the same (just like all women's clothing)- and it can be a challenge the first time you walk into the intimate section of your local department store.  Trying them on is always the best option.   Taking advantage of the store's bra fitting service (if you feel comfortable using it) can help to get measurements and advice from ladies who know their entire stock.  And when I do find something that works I tend to pick up a couple of them in different colors.

Hugs!!

Caela

Trying them on first is a good option, for sure.
I might buy two if they fit very well, same or different color.

But, good ones are not cheap.  However, if you wear them everyday you will need to have others so you can rotate the wearing of them.  If you wear them everyday, it is sooooooo important that they are comfortable.
If they are comfortable you can wear them all day too.

Chrissy

[SheShe]

I seem to gravitate towards the front close bras  (Glamorise brand ) that are unlined, I have found I work best with 46/B or 44/C and a small insert.   I have a new style Glamorise that has a too big cup for a C and it is not comfortable so it gets sent back.   This supplier has free returns and shipping so you can not go wrong with trying on different styles.

[ChrissyRyan]

I seem to gravitate towards the front close bras  (Glamorise brand ) that are unlined, I have found I work best with 46/B or 44/C and a small insert.   I have a new style Glamorise that has a too big cup for a C and it is not comfortable so it gets sent back.   This supplier has free returns and shipping so you can not go wrong with trying on different styles.

When returns are made easy, that I think makes for more purchases.

Chrissy

[Maid Marion]

Breasts come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.  Some online companies will add shape as another variable.
I've heard that Victoria's Secret has a fitting room in which they have a sample of every bra size/shape they offer.

The biggest issue with VS is that they cater to smaller women and don't have wider band sizes with small cups.

[valerie anne]

Try to avoid bra band extenders!

Firstly the pitch of the hooks is likely to be different between your bra and the extender. I don't think there is an international standard for bra band fastener spacing!

Secondly, a spacer will set the rear anchor points of your bra straps too wide, so they may slip off your shoulders.

Thirdly, spacers create a lot of bumps under your top and look so frumpy.

As a general rule, I have found that a bra which seems impossibly tight & uncomfortable on initial fitting becomes a "go to" bra after it has been broken in.

[Northern Star Girl]

@valerie anne
Dear Valerie:
I agree with your last post reply regarding Bra Extenders.   
Sometimes however, they are an acceptable solution for some fitting problems for
some wearers so I won't entirely discount their use.

As you stated, I agree, and I too always like a snug fitting Bra (or Bikini Top)... 
...  they stay in place, don't ride up, and look better under my tops.   

They do stretch out a little with use so I always start with a tighter fit, I like the
feel of being held together.

Underwire styles are what I like because it enhances the shape, uplift and
separation of my breasts

I am not huge on top, usually just a 36C, or 38B & 38C but I have a very active lifestyle
so I wish to have support and comfort.

Thank you for sharing and posting,
HUGS,
Danielle

[SheShe]

Valerie,,,,

I discovered the need to break in a bra as well,, I have one that I hated but forced myself to wear it and get my money's worth.    In time it started feeling more and more comfortable until it is now my favorite bra and it fits me perfect.   Same with  a pair of shoes getting broke in to fit your feet.

[ChrissyRyan]

The band seems to stretch out over time, I have not noticed any cup size change over time.


Chrissy

[Paulie]

Hi Josephine:

I know this is an old post and you may have already found something that works for you, but I went through a similar process looking for a bra that fits.  Band size, cup size, and cup spacing.  No one talks about cup spacing.  I finally found a brand called Timpa in a 38A.  Lots of positive reviews about finding a bra that fits a small chested woman on Amazon.   

I tried the unpadded Duet Lace.  You can get one of the bright colored ones for about $25.  It fit well and I just about filled the cups, close enough.  The unpadded cups are very thin and the strap adjusters are in front so they don’t show through your shirt.  This was a concern when I first started wearing bras. 

I eventually move up to the Duet Lace Padded bra. I wanted a little more up front.  Because the cups are shaped, I don’t fill them quite as well, so I have to put just a little something in them.  The strap adjusters are in back on these, but the cup spacing is right.  The largest A cup in these is also a 38 band.  These only come in black, white and beige, and run $50.  They do go on sale at times.  (Amazon and HerRoom.com)

My 38A fit may not be the same as yours, as others have alluded to, but I tried a lot of 38A's and this one was different.

Paulie

[Sandrajiggle]

Just adding my dimensions as sharing helps.
I measured myself recently 40 inches around where the bra band sits.
All my favourite bras are 38c I have one 40ç which is a good fit.
My wife just gave me a brand new 38c Playtex and it is really too tight.
Easily 2inches too short.
I'm realising that most of my bras are actually technically too small but have stretched through use

Why do the measurements guides suggest measure yourself and add 4 inches?

[Jessica_Rose]

Just adding my dimensions as sharing helps.
I measured myself recently 40 inches around where the bra band sits.
All my favourite bras are 38c I have one 40ç which is a good fit.
My wife just gave me a brand new 38c Playtex and it is really too tight.
Easily 2inches too short.
I'm realising that most of my bras are actually technically too small but have stretched through use

Why do the measurements guides suggest measure yourself and add 4 inches?

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[Courtney G]

Why do the measurements guides suggest measure yourself and add 4 inches?

As I understand it, the "add 4 inches" method has been deprecated. My underbust measures 33" (tight tape) and the 4" rule would have me at 37", rounding up to 38". But I also read that one should measure above the breasts, below your armpits. When I do that, I come up with around 36", maybe 36 1/2". I have a couple of 38A bras that seem to fit well, but they're my first ones, so I have nothing to compare to. I'm looking to try a couple of 36B bras at some point.