What size do you wear in what brands/stores

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by shcirerf

Bra's, forget it. I do not understand why bra makers think a 38DD need padding? I do not need padding, I need support! Hello!

Are you sure you're a 38DD? For your height/weight that would be a surprisingly large ribcage (we're about the same height and I'm quite a bit bigger than you still but my ribcage measures 31" so my band size is between 30 to 32). You actually might find a lot more support then (then you'd also need to go up in the cups quite a bit too).

ETA: Just to be clear your underbust measurement should be your band size (don't add inches!!) and your cup size is roughly the difference between your bust size and band size but it's best to try bras on because if your bra size is really off by quite a bit then you're not going to get an accurate bust measurement.

[shcirerf]

I found my tape measure! My ribcage is 34 1/2.

The last bra I bought was 38DD. The band is so darn tight, I can't imagine going down a size. I'll try on some other brands next time I'm in the store.

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by shcirerf

I found my tape measure! My ribcage is 34 1/2.

The last bra I bought was 38DD. The band is so darn tight, I can't imagine going down a size. I'll try on some other brands next time I'm in the store.

It's tight because your cup size is probably way too small, which makes the band seem tighter. What is your bust measurement? Try leaning forward until you're parallel to the floor and measurement without a bra on. You could also measure laying down on your back around your bust without a bra. If you measure with your bra on it'll probably appear to be smaller than your actually bust size because it doesn't fit right.

Also, if you try on some 34 bands they might feel tight but after a day or two they start stretching out. Make sure you try them on, on the loosest hook because the material will stretch out over time so you'll want to tighten as they age. Something like 80/90% of the weight of your breasts should be supported through your band, not your straps so you really do need something tight to give yourself enough support.

Good luck! And congrats on the loss around your ribcage!

ETA: Also, every brand runs different so it could also be just in that brand the band runs small...

[berryblondeboys]

My rib cage is now 35", so I bought a 36" band. Cup size is DDD or F, as DD is E. I started at a 40 G, so I've lost a bit in the boobage department and a lot in the rib cage department.

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by berryblondeboys

My rib cage is now 35", so I bought a 36" band. Cup size is DDD or F, as DD is E. I started at a 40 G, so I've lost a bit in the boobage department and a lot in the rib cage department.

I'm jealous. I seem to only lose in my ribcage and not in the boobs. It's making finding bras an absolute nightmare. I'm really hoping these last pounds bring me down at least a few cup sizes. I'd love to be a G since many brands don't make above G cups.

[sontaikle]

Runningfromfat you're such an expert on this, hope you don't mind another inquiry!

I think I'm going to have to go down to a 34" band soon. I've lost more on my ribcage. The 36s just aren't cutting it anymore and I'm measuring in at just over 34" at this point.

Because I'm a 36D right now, I should go down to a 34DD because my bust hasn't gotten any smaller (still 40") but a 34" underbust with a 40" bust should put me in the 34DDD or 34F range right?

Ahhh! confusing! I'll have to try on a bunch I guess Can you even find bras above DD in retail stores?

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by sontaikle

Runningfromfat you're such an expert on this, hope you don't mind another inquiry!

I think I'm going to have to go down to a 34" band soon. I've lost more on my ribcage. The 36s just aren't cutting it anymore and I'm measuring in at just over 34" at this point.

Because I'm a 36D right now, I should go down to a 34DD because my bust hasn't gotten any smaller (still 40") but a 34" underbust with a 40" bust should put me in the 34DDD or 34F range right?

Ahhh! confusing! I'll have to try on a bunch I guess Can you even find bras above DD in retail stores?

No problem. So a 40" underbust with a 34 band would be a 6" difference and would be 34E or 34DDD (depending on the brand). However, if you think the volume on your current cups are fine then you would be a 34DD. The thing is, though, it might be that your current cups are slightly too small because it's hard to tell if you aren't wearing the right band size. If you have an old 36D bra that you'd just toss anyways, you could try altering it down an inch on both sides to see how the cups actually fit. Then you'd have a better idea what volume you need. I'd suggest reading this on signs of a poor fitting bra before you try any on and this on how to put on a bra correctly.

Do you have a Nordstrom's nearby, I've heard that they have a wide selection. You don't even need to buy them there (you can find A LOT of great deals online!) but if you can at least establish a size that you like in a brand that you like then you can scour the internet for something you like.

Another thing you can do is check out http://bratabase.com/. You can put in your measurements and get recommendations from others who have the same (or similar) measurements to your own.

When it comes to brand recommendations check out Panache, Freya, Fantasie (you can go to their websites and see if anywhere near you carries those brands). Curvy Kate and Ewa Michalak are also supposed to be great but you'd have to order abroad from them. You can also check out my resources page. Many places have good return policies so most people recommend ordering a lot of bras around your size and then returning the ones that don't fit. It's a pain but worth it once you can find your right size.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works!!!

ETA: if you want links on altering your bra band let me know.

ETA2: I see you're in NY, are you near NYC by any chance?

[MariaMaria]

If you're in New York City try Town Shop on the UWS or Orchard Corset on the LES. DD and DDD are easy to find in specialty stores.

[sontaikle]

Originally Posted by runningfromfat

No problem. So a 40" underbust with a 34 band would be a 6" difference and would be 34E or 34DDD (depending on the brand). However, if you think the volume on your current cups are fine then you would be a 34DD. The thing is, though, it might be that your current cups are slightly too small because it's hard to tell if you aren't wearing the right band size. If you have an old 36D bra that you'd just toss anyways, you could try altering it down an inch on both sides to see how the cups actually fit. Then you'd have a better idea what volume you need. I'd suggest reading this on signs of a poor fitting bra before you try any on and this on how to put on a bra correctly.

Do you have a Nordstrom's nearby, I've heard that they have a wide selection. You don't even need to buy them there (you can find A LOT of great deals online!) but if you can at least establish a size that you like in a brand that you like then you can scour the internet for something you like.

Another thing you can do is check out http://bratabase.com/. You can put in your measurements and get recommendations from others who have the same (or similar) measurements to your own.

When it comes to brand recommendations check out Panache, Freya, Fantasie (you can go to their websites and see if anywhere near you carries those brands). Curvy Kate and Ewa Michalak are also supposed to be great but you'd have to order abroad from them. You can also check out my resources page. Many places have good return policies so most people recommend ordering a lot of bras around your size and then returning the ones that don't fit. It's a pain but worth it once you can find your right size.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works!!!

ETA: if you want links on altering your bra band let me know.

ETA2: I see you're in NY, are you near NYC by any chance?

Thank you so much! It's funny, my 36Ds fit perfectly (none of the signs of a poor fitting bra) for a couple of weeks, but this past week or so I've noticed they are just...not quite right anymore. That's why I measured myself. Of course my bust has not gone down!

I'm going to check out nordstroms. I'm pretty sure there's one nearby.

I would love links on altering my bra. Any way I can make it stretch, the better. I do know how to sew so anything involving that is ok.

I'm right outside of NYC, so I would be open to trying out shops anywhere in that vicinity.

Thank you SO much again

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by sontaikle

Thank you so much! It's funny, my 36Ds fit perfectly (none of the signs of a poor fitting bra) for a couple of weeks, but this past week or so I've noticed they are just...not quite right anymore. That's why I measured myself. Of course my bust has not gone down!

I'm going to check out nordstroms. I'm pretty sure there's one nearby.

I would love links on altering my bra. Any way I can make it stretch, the better. I do know how to sew so anything involving that is ok.

I'm right outside of NYC, so I would be open to trying out shops anywhere in that vicinity.

Thank you SO much again

Here's how I altered my bras (a longer method but I prefer it because there are no bumps in the back).

Some people just fold over a bit of the material and stitch it up (unfortunately, I can't find the link right now, I'll try and find it later).

If you're close to NYC definitely try Town Shop. I have no clue what their service is like but you can definitely find bras in a wide range of sizes and they carry a lot of great brands so it's a good place to start.

[FunSize]

What stores sell bras bigger than DD? Any department stores?

[runningfromfat]

Originally Posted by FunSize

What stores sell bras bigger than DD? Any department stores?

Nordstrom is the one I hear about the most. Otherwise look for specialty shops (I suggest checking out the websites of Panache/Freya/fantasie and see if they have a store near you). If nothing is near by most online stores have great return policies and the normal suggestion is try a lot of bras around your size to determine what you need in that brand. Do you have any sizing questions?

You can find online stores here. Good luck!

Also check out bratabase if you have questions about a specific bra or want to see what other women with your same measurements are wearing.

[losermom]

I've had good luck finding bras at Nordstrom Rack. Unfortunately the closest one to me is 1.5 hours away. I used to wear a 40D. My best fitting, and most flattering, bra is a Wacoal 32DD, that I found at Nordstrom Rack. My ribcage measures 31". I can sometimes get away with a 34D which are easier to find around here.

[toastedsmoke]

Originally Posted by FunSize

What stores sell bras bigger than DD? Any department stores?

When I was in the States, earlier this year, I found bras up to DDD at Macy's and Dillards. Not too many. But a few that weren't bad looking.