Ok...so it seems I was wrong and it's not, in fact, that hard to find big-band/small-cup bras on e-bay.

But I'm worried about spending money on something I can't try on.

I'm aware of the concept that if you measure under the breast for the band, then measure over the nipples that each one inch difference is a cup size (right?)

Here's the thing though - I'm getting 48 and 51 and I know darn well the "moobs" are not C cups no matter what sort of bra you prop them up with.

So I'm thinking...buy a 48B? I really don't think they are B's either, I think part of the 3 inch difference is fat on the back more so than the breasts....and, in fact, there's the distinct possibility I'm just not getting the tape straight.

Thoughts?

(I could take a post a pic if your stomachs can handle it)


(measurement's updated something was amiss before)

Hi Laura,

This link will work out your size for you...

http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php

I suggest staying away from moulded cups and stiff T-shirt bras..

Look for under wiring and elasticity with deeper sides panels (band), and you should find something that will flex and make the most of what you have got.

Obviously if you want to use a little boost, then you will need to pick something maybe a bit lacier with heavier fabric to stop give-away bulges.

I agree..not really that all that easy to spot on an E-bay listing.. 

I gave up, and buy mine in department stores now...

Chrissty

What I'd like to have, ideally, is two seperate things. One would be something very subtle that I can "get away with" when I'm presenting a more androgynous look - but ven more than that, I want a legitimate bra for when I'm presenting female that maximizes what assets i have...push up or padded or whatever...and that one would preferably be pretty as well as serving the purpose.

E-shopping tends to work best when you know what it is you want to buy, so used book sellers, and sites to sell music do better than fashion, the more 'fashion' you want, the less e-commerce works because you do have to try it on.  I would suggest that you find out IRL what you like, what works and fits best, THEN work to find that on line.

Be very careful with bra buying online.

The standard for how they are measured has changed, some still add 4 or 5inches to the band, some do not.  Some manufacturers seams to be trying to adopt a new standard altogether (I saw one but I don't remember who). Of the ones I have tried, none added the extra inches to the band.

Also, cup size changes significantly based on band size since they are essentially based on volume.  1inch spread across a small girl is much more significant than 1inch spread across a larger girls chest. It doesn't balance out as you go up either, so some manufacturers add more to each as they go up.

Basically it is hit or miss in some ways as to what will fit.

Quote from: tekla on September 28, 2009, 05:43:31 PM
E-shopping tends to work best when you know what it is you want to buy, so used book sellers, and sites to sell music do better than fashion, the more 'fashion' you want, the less e-commerce works because you do have to try it on.  I would suggest that you find out IRL what you like, what works and fits best, THEN work to find that on line.

I have yet to find a real life provider in my area which stocks Bras that range into the upper 40's...and the ones who come close have D or better cup sizes.

The site Chrissty linked gave me a size of 52B but I'm not sure how it got that with a band measurement of 48"

(it even breaks it down as "band size - 52")

Weird.

You can also buy bra band extenders that give you a couple more inches there. Most department stores that sell bras will have them. I suppose you could even chain 2 or more together if you needed to in order to achieve larger sizes.

Quote from: Laura Hope on September 28, 2009, 05:54:16 PM
I have yet to find a real life provider in my area which stocks Bras that range into the upper 40's...and the ones who come close have D or better cup sizes.

The site Chrissty linked gave me a size of 52B but I'm not sure how it got that with a band measurement of 48"

(it even breaks it down as "band size - 52")

Weird.

..that is because they add 4" for even measurements and 5" for odd to get the standard size as Leslie said.

I do accept that it is probably difficult to find the larger sizes in a smaller cup.

The problem is, that if you use extenders or go too small, then the cups are positioned closer together, and if you are working with "moob" shape, then you get bulges forming under your arms.

From all that has been said, I would suggest you try a 48C Microfibre with underwiring and wide sides/straps (try not to go smaller than a 46C with an extender).

The wider staps should limit the movement without digging in, and the stretchy fabric should allow the C-cup underwire to adjust to the wider breast shape without excess material..

Unfortunately I know it will still be difficult to find the size you want..but Good Luck !



Chrissty

According to the above bra size calculator I should be wearing a 48A bra.  In another thread I posted that I could comfortably wear a 40B.  Bra sizing is a nightmare.
Do bras go up to a size 48?  Most of the bras that I have seen in shops are 34 and 36.  Most chain-stores do stock size 40 but they tend to be depressingly large and unflattering. 

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Post Merge: October 04, 2009, 05:46:54 PM

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Some TS friendly manufacturer should make bras discreetly for us that a sexy and stylish and will fit a genetic male torso.  We tend to need a large band size but a small cup size.  The bras on sale to genetic women take it for granted that if you wear a size 40 then you need a cup size that will support two watermelons. 

The bras designed for our community are unwearable* and no genetic woman would be seen dead wearing one.

*They are invariably exceptionally tarty in design with lurid colours.

Quote from: Stephanie on October 04, 2009, 05:39:57 PM
Do bras go up to a size 48?  Most of the bras that I have seen in shops are 34 and 36.  Most chain-stores do stock size 40 but they tend to be depressingly large and unflattering. 

You can find larger bra sizes if you go to the plus-size stores, such as Catherine's. (Its a chain store in the US, I am not sure where you live.)  The bras don't fit any better, but at least you can find a larger band measurement.

I've found high 40's and even low 50's in E-Bay so someone is making them.

yea when i  knw wat u mean

Bra extenders are great! you can get a smaller band size and sexyer bra. Word of caution, one extender is best any more than that you'll have trouble with the straps falling off
Sarah

I've been on HRT for 10 years and I still haven't got enough breast growth, so I don't bother to get a bra as there wouldn't be one small enough.

I did a quick search for "large band/small cup bras" in Google and got a few hits. Unfortunately looking at them, most of them are post-mastectomy bras, sports bras or leisure bras. There were a couple of regular bra styles, but they were pretty slim at sizes 46-52 AA-B. I did also find a page that recommended Goddess, Anita, Elia and Leading Lady brands. Not sure they're what you're looking for as Goddess tends to "industrial styling" and the rest aren't exactly what I'd call "pretty".

I also wanted to note that the above bra calculator isn't giving out the best results. I stuck my measurements into it and it told me I was a 40C.  My actual size is 36F UK...that's a 36H US sizing. So I'd recommend using whatever sizing guide the brand you're interested in uses. Their website should tell you how to size.

Hope this helps

WR

I decided to check out our local outlet mall. While going from store to store I went into a Hanes/Bali outlet store.The girls were awesome! One of them started showing me water and oil filled pads to increase my bust size. Soon she was asking what size I wore? Told her I had on a 48B. The other girl then took me in back and measured me. Turned out I was about a 48A at the time. She then walked me back up front and started picking out bras for me to try on. They had several in my size and larger. I got a great deal on a couple bra's and a set of water filled pads I'm a 44B now and love E-bay. Personally, I think bra's are way over priced!

QuotePersonally, I think bra's are way over priced!

Oh A-friggin-MEN to THAT sister!