I'm sorry your feelings are hurt and I'm def. not denying your bra needs! :(

I'm not saying it's wrong for all. It's wrong for ME to add anything. I wasn't trying to be a fusspot about it. I guess I could have been more clear?

In my previous post, I linked to the nordstrom chart. That was my proof that both can work for different women.

I measure 42.5 inches, and I do fine in the 42 band. For me the measure IS pretty much the band size, just like the nordstrom size chart suggests!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-bras-fit

But I recognize that some people measuring smaller than me DO add some inches to get their band size that is comfortable.

You say you measure 32 and feel good in a 36 band. Well, that jives with the nordstrom chart too. It suggests a 34 for you, but you are on the upper range of the 34 bracket so moving up one to a 36 isn't a biggie if you like that fit better for your comfort.

For me, adding 4 inches and wearing a 48 band might have the girls falling out the bottom if I raise my arms and jump around. :o

So you add, and I don't. Both can work, and both match the chart.

I can't vouch for the nordstrom video -- I rarely bother with video online to download and steam. ;)

I also agree -- it's just guidelines in the end. Helps puts a gal in the ballpark and then she's STILL gotta go try a mess on in person to see where the fine tuning needs to happen.

But I think the adders and non-adders can live in bra peace :D

best wishes,
A.

A lot of bloggers are trying to get the companies to correct their sizing info. They recently got playtex to take down a bra calculator that added 5 or 6 inches to the band size (and thus, put me in a 36A!!!)

If a company doesn't stock below a 32 band or above a DD cup then they're not really a good company anyway. Nordstrom's is a good place to go to if you DO know your size though, since they have outside of that small range (just, you know, don't follow their advice)

It's about awareness, really. So many women in the US don't even know that there are sizes above DD so they think that they must fit in the 32A-44DD range or they're "weird." There are many band sizes (down to 26 inches!) and many cup sizes (up to L, M and more!) that women are just not aware of.

One of my friends recently asked me about bras due to my weight loss and I told her I was wearing a 30FF bra. She said "but your boobs aren't huge!!" Well no, DD+ doesn't equal huge boobs. That's why it bugs me that I have to shop in special sections due to my band size and cup size.

...but we did. You're just choosing not to read them. That's not our fault.

Here's some proof as to what a proper fitting bra can do to a woman. It will even change your posture!

http://www.thinandcurvy.com/2011/05/...-bras-and.html

There's more out there but I have to look for it. The right bra can even make it look like you're thinner, but unfortunately I can't find the post I was looking for that shows that.

Some of the women in the very smaller range (26,28, and below) probably do because they don't have much padding around their ribs so a tight bra would probably hurt them. I measure 30 inches and I need a 30 band...and I don't have much padding left though.

Sorry astrophe my frustration was not directed at you :hug: I found your post fair and compromising.

This could have turned into a very positive thread. I think I told many times that I may be wrong, that I was personally open minded. I still am. I will go out and try on the suggested bra size. -- You know your body, I know mine and someone else knows theirs..... BUT someone out there may need some guidance, and don't you think us women should try to help eachother instead of cat fights?

I am not dead set on my bra measuring and if you read back, you will see that.

I would like to raise awareness, tho. Feeling and looking fab starts with undergarments. Let's encourage everyone get a fitting. I bet most of the time, even semi illfitted, it would be better what many women wear, do you agree?

I hate to see women walking out there cursing their underwire, when in reality one should not even feel it, or the back riding up and straps digging in.

Peace.

I was unprepared for the hostility. That is all. Lesson learned. I will go back in my own safe corner now :D

ETA: And this made me LOL... I clicked on new post page and this add popped up http://www.leonisa.com/en/fit-guide.aspx
I hope you will find the humor in it. I did. How appropriate or not :D :D :rofl:

Cool. Glad we're good then. ;)

Sorry you weren't prepared for the "Aaaah! No adding!" vibe.

I guess I wasn't as surprised as you because I've lived both worlds and currently reside in plus land. When I was a 36C teen I added. As a 42DD adult I do not and since most of my life it has been in plus, my initial reaction is not to add because that's me. Been a while since I was a teen!

I can't speak for all of course, and this is a generality... but I'm going to put forth this guess.

Not all people (maybe even some bra fitters) know this quirk about plus bras?

What DID surprise me was the Nordstrom chart including plus size people! You can clearly see regulars do add some to some degree and the plus people no longer add much to their bras besides the comfort inch.

It is a very frustrating thing for plus size bra shoppers not aware of this quirk to visit places like Macy's that only list the bra fit suggestions for regular sizes. (Adding to band size. No acknowledgement plus people exist and have other things going on in plus size bra world. )

If plus size shopper takes that adding advice they end up in bad "riding up the back" bras because they don't actually need to add.

Of course, there's other women that don't neatly fit into the general idea that "regular sizes add, plus don't." There may be some plus that DO add and some regular that DON'T add. We come in many shapes with breasts that are equally diverse. I know my own mom reports shopping woes from Petite World too.

This is why I'm going to stick with the adders and non-adders can live in bra peace. :D

We just need to save the energy to cruise the clothing racks and endure marathon fitting room sessions! :lol:

A.

Well, in case anyone cares, I will show you all my bra. I measure 32" ribcage and 38" fullest part of breasts and am currently happily living in a 34G. And any back fat showing through my shirt is, well, back fat and not due to any ill fitting bras. :D

You know... I was thinking about this thread and this discussion of bras fitting that I've seen over and over on 3FC and one thing struck me. People who tend to be vocal about it are those who are more endowed in the boobage area. And it is those of us who do have larger breasts that feel more passionate about it and sizing as we have received the short end of the advice.

I truly believe that for women who wear a B or C cup that having a tight band or loose band really doesn't matter much. Or better stated, it doesn't matter as much.

For someone like me who has very large heavy breasts, it matters a lot to have good support. I felt awful when I was wearing nursing bras and the back strap within an hour or two of wearing the all cotton bra was way up almost at my neck and my boobs were at my waist. What was the point of the bra? The cotton was too stretchy for my size breast and the band was too wide. She had me in a 44H. I went to a different store. She didn't have an H so she came out with a 46g. I wanted to cry and scream.... Didn't they hear me? The back strap was riding up my back. Why would I buy a bra with a larger band and why would she suggest it after I showed her my problem?

I found the online site, talked with the lady who owned the site and she told me to try 40H and to skip the cotton. I wanted to kiss the woman through the Internet when the bra arrived. Finally a bra that fit!

But Sum I agree most women have no idea what size to wear. My mom was one of them and it's probably why she came home and immediately took off her bra as she felt they we enormously uncomfortable. Well now I know why. She was wearing a 38DD when she weighed 280 pounds at 5'4" and she was evenly sized (big all over). That band was way wrong and too tight and so was the cup size.

I see my mother in law who has a TINY rib cage. She recently bought a 38" band. I measured her rib cage after she asked me to. She needs a 30" and even with your adding 4" the most she would need is a 34", but she likes things to feel loose. She has a small C cup (was flat or an A most of her life) so she doesn't really need much support, so she returned the 38" band for a 36" band. I simply can't do that, even at 76 her breasts are perkier than mine and she can get away with it. And most shoppers at Victoria Secret are the average size woman - not those with very big breasts or the plus sized.

Oh and you asked if the bra leaves marks? No, not really. And I get less problems with chafing and heat rash with a tight fitting band too - my skin is not touching skin in a good fitting bra. Before I had a tighter band, I would get terrible heat rash under my breasts as the bra didn't hold my breasts right.

Anyway, I'm sorry you felt attacked. It wasn't intended that way.

Honestly, I should be having mine custom made.
My left boob is a DD and my right is a C-cup. It's extremely frustrating. This may be ridiculous to some, but I'm waiting until I hit goal to buy all new bras. I don't think there's any point in sinking $100 every 4 months on bras.
I plan on going to Dillards and having them fit me when I reach or get close to goal!
<3

princessgina00 -- Can't open the pix for some reason.

berryblondeboys:

I was thinking in terms of plus size band size but maybe that is more accurate thinking in terms of plus size CUP size?

Bigger boobage = heavier boob. Probably best not to add to the band when in large cups since 90% of the support is coming from the band.

That totally makes sense to me. Esp since a lot of times, plus band is ALSO plus cup -- like I am!

(Though not always -- there's large cup small band people. They'd want to not add to the band too.)

tessendicott -- you don't have to spend $100... but think about keeping up with your sports bra needs at minimum. Exercise in too loose a bra is an "OW!" when well endowed. The girls need the support for high impact stuff for sure!

A.

If you look at the total original post, you will see how I talked about finding the right cup size. I think cup size is where the term "art form" comes in. -- Most stores do not ask you to bend over to figure out all breast tissue.... again, it is an art form and only a suggestion.... :rofl: ( I need to write disclaimers from now on; "Posts by members, moderators and admins are not considered medical advice
and no guarantee is made against accuracy".)-- I read some blogger's blogs; interestingly enough, one of the girls here who was quite vocal how wrong I was (I may be :D, not denying it...lol) , gave me this blogger's link and the blogger herself advised everyone to measure cup size that way as well.

It is very individual process. -- Obviously adding some inches seem to work for me, and I find it comfortable and supportive. Not adding works for someone else.

I am sorry if I got so frustrated.... sometimes people are incredibly harsh when using computer. I bet if I had had this conversation in person, many would have respectfully disagreed :D

I think at the end of the day, maybe we have helped someone out or even raised awareness. -- I am a huge snob what comes to right fitting clothes. -- I wore sweats for about a year because I was heavy and I did not want to spent the $$$ on new stuff...but I am a huge snob what comes to buying brand new clothes too small (well using them as a goal is a great thing, but intentionally denying what size person actually needs, is another thing)...anycase... I had a thread going about a muffin top...the awareness part here; there was one girl who said she was about to reach to her size 10 jeans that she knew were too small and showed bulges...instead she went for her 12's that fit perfect and looked good because she was part of the ill fitting forum....awareness :D

I appreciate all input. :hug:

I'm coming into this really late but I'm someone who is a BIG, BIG, BIG advocate of starting with underbust (measured tightly)=band size. Here's why:

- It's the best place to start. Yes, some women need to go up a band size or some (like myself!) need to go down a band size from what their underbust measures as. It depends on if your ribcage flair out above your underbust or not. Personally, I have a very rounded stomach and my ribcage is narrower than my stomach so it's impossible for me to get a tight enough measurement of my ribcage.

- For big breasts (especially) like berryblondeboys, it's very, very necessary to have a tight band. The problem is that many, many women are D cups and above and don't even realize it. So they would benefit from a tight band and they have no clue. They might think they're a C or D cup when in reality they're not. There's a great post of a former A cup who is really a D cup here!!

- There's a difference when it comes to firm and soft breasts. Firm breasts can get away with a poorly fitting bra more easily, especially if they're small. It's not that they necessarily couldn't benefit from a better fitting bra BUT they might not as get as much pain as an older women with softer breasts.

- Many times you can get the right cup size with a too big band and underwires can dig into your breast tissue on the side. For me I look like I need a smaller cup when I'm wearing a too big band. However, this leads to pain in my breasts while wearing them because the underwires dig in.

- It's important to put you money where your mouth is. Many women NEED smaller bands than are offered in stores. Personally, I wear a 28HH at the moment and I may get into the 26 band territory when I'm done losing. I'm not going to spend money on larger band sizes even if I could get away with it because manufacturers need to see that 28 bands sell and there are those of us out there who need them!!! If women continuing to buy bras that don't fit well, bra manufacturers will continue to sell a very limited selection of sizes (cough Victoria's secret cough).

- Realize too that while adding may work for you that one big reason that manufacturers are so reluctant to change it is that adding more sizes makes it more difficult for them. If they can squeeze more women into a limited size range (and that's exactly what adding inches does!) then they can stock a smaller size range and spend less money.

Ultimately, it takes practice and patience. Sure, there are some women who can go with adding inches to their band but in my experience women with D cups and above NEED a tight band. The friends/family of mine who get away with too big bands all have very firm breasts so they don't get the same pain issues.

I also want to add...


the reason so many of us are very, very passionate about this is that we've but pushed our whole lives to wear the wrong size, we've been told that we look slutty because of our breasts (and how freaking hard it is to find tops that aren't too low cut!!), we couldn't find clothes that fit well, we were told we were fat when we were not etc.

I remember going to Victoria's Secret once and was made to feel like I was a huge fat cow by the sales women because they didn't carry my size (or anything even remotely close to it!). She was extremely, extremely rude to me. There needs to be a whole lot more sensitivity and knowledge when it comes to bra fitting. Now a days the most common size sold is a 36D/DD. Most of those women could really benefit from going down at least 1-2 back sizes and going up 1-2 cup sizes but retailers are not offering those sizes so instead women make do with what they find meanwhile feeling crappy about their bodies. This was mean FOR YEARS.

I can't tell you how much a life changing experience it was for me to have a well-fitting bra. However, starting off the bat with adding inches is so, so wrong for many women (esecially with a population of women with larger breasts!!!). It's fine that you need it but please, if you work in lingerie, start with the underbust measurement and then go up if needed.

I'm reading through everything here but in case nobody mentioned this... a 32 band will feel too tight if your cup size is too small. The equivalent to a 36D cup is a 32E (UK sizing) and I know VS doesn't carry that. If you try on a too small cup the band is going to feel too tight too.

Realize too that bands stretch out fast and they vary from brand to brand (especially depending on the material type). Another thing, how are you putting on the bra? Do you twist it around your waist or do you lean forward and hook it that way, scouping your breasts into the cups? I used to hook in the front and twist and tight bands were impossible doing that! However, once I started hooking it in the back, I found that they fit much more comfortably.

Materials matter!!! I have a lot of skin sensitivities and things with itchy lace DRIVE ME NUTS. When they stretch they're just not as comfortable and feel tighter. However, bras made out of nicer materials (Ewa Michalak bras are HANDS DOWN the best ones in this sense!!!!) are so soft and comfortable that you don't even notice that you're wearing one. ;)

ETA: I get marks on the itchy/lacy bands. The Ewa Michalak bras don't leave marks.

Again apologies if this has been mentioned but check out my resource page!!! I wear a 28HH so I know all about 28 bands and where to find them, PM me if you have any questions. ;)

Check out in particular:

Ewa Michalak
brastop
Ebay UK
figleaves
bravissimo

I'm too lazy to find all the links but they're on my resource page.

As for proof of the plus four method failing:

http://www.brastopblog.com/bra-measu...of-size-charts

Check out that blog, in general, because they're currently having a series on the perils of the plus-four method.

Look at any of the blogs linked to my blog. Thin and Curvy is great as well as Fullerfigurefuller bust to see a comparison of women with different body types too. They're all women not adding four inches. Personally, I don't have any back fat (my underbust measures as 29", I wear a 28HH but in some brands I might need even something smaller).

Back fat is typically comes from not leaning over and scoping your entire breast tissue into the cups, they you have breast tissue migration (this can also happen with underarm fat). My bras don't show up underneath my shirts (well, unless they're the wrong color!! ;) ) and you can see any of my clothing pictures on my blog to see that. I don't post pictures of myself in my bra because I know my husband would be less than thrilled with that but there are lots of ladies out there who do. Curvy Wordy is another great blog where you can see how well the bras fit her.

I'm glad you weighed in, RunningFromFat! I placed an order at Figleaves and can't wait for it to get here!

Okay...Here it is.

I went and bought the suggested size, and I was in utter misery for 8 hours. My cup size felt great, but the band cut into me and left marks that lasted for 2 days. So, going by under bust measurement is obviously not meant for me. Maybe it is my body type? -- I tried on at least 10 or 12 different ones, and bought the one that felt the "best" out of the bunch. In general, I had hard time even hooking them.

I also bought the next "right" size up 34G, I am giving it a go in a few days. I need to heal from my 32 bruises and TOM is here.

I will report back.

What I am learning from this; I may have given "wrong" advise, but I am starting to think there is no right advice. The "old" advice has been to add 4-5 inches to this measurement - perhaps, adding 2-3 inches may work for some women, maybe adding all 4 will work for someone else or not adding any to the measurement may work wonders yet for another....

A some mentioned; the band is elasticated, and because the bra band needs to fit snugly so it can provide about 80-90% of the support for the breasts - and then the straps (shoulders) only carry about 10-20% of the load. I think I would have been able to pull off lacier version in size 32 without serious bruising, but I wanted to experiment with durable everyday kind of a bra.

What I definitely learned; one can not be pig headed :D I will never tell another woman that she has to fit into a certain size. I learned my lesson :)

ETA: Advise vs advice? :D :D --Pun intended ;)

:woohoo:

I hope the bras fit perfectly!!!!

I think that's the big lesson here. :) Ultimately, when it comes to fit it's best to look for the following rather than a certain number (which can vary from brand to brand):

- You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the band, but not an entire hand
- The center gore is flat against the sternum
- the cups enclose all of the breast tissue
- there is no underarm/back fat (and you make sure you to lean over and scoop all the breast tissue into the cups)
- you should always try on bras on the loosest hook because the bands stretch out with time.

Like I said before ribcages do vary so it might be that your ribcage flairs out (if you can try to look at yourself from the back in the mirror you may be able to see that. For me I can clearly see that I widen as I go down and that my back side behind my breasts is quite a bit smaller so it makes sense that I need to size down in bands). What brand of 32's did you try? Are you 100% sure the cup size was correct (as in you scooped all of your breast tissue into the cups, there was no back/underarm fat etc). What material was the band made out of? Like I said I have sensitive skin and for me the material really matters when it comes to marks on my skin.

Another thing to consider. Some brands work better for different breast shapes. For instance, I have long, narrow breasts so I purposely seek out bands with narrow wires (freya, fantasie, ewa michalak etc). Whereas younger women tend to have wider, shallower breasts and do better with Panache or Curvy Kate. However, I can wear those two if I bend the wires to make them more narrow (but the bras aren't as comfortable as my Ewa Michalak bras).

Oh, and good call not trying a new bra during TOM! That always messes with your size. :lol:

Just wanted to update this real quick... Had been wearing a 36D and then a 34DD and having all sorts of problems.

Ditched the old methods and ordered a bunch of bras on Figleaves.

I'm sitting here in a 30G and OMG. It forces me to sit up straighter, my shoulders don't hurt, there isn't boobage spilling out all over. I tried all my tops on and they even fit better! My boobs are up higher than they've ever been :D.

So thanks for this thread, it gave me the motivation to try again and not keep settling on bras that didn't do anything for me :).

:yay:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

That's great to hear and I'm so glad that you were able to find bras that gave you the support you need!!!!

Hey running, did you see this post:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4238222-post28.html

I used all the measuring guides and got different measurements for everything. What are your thoughts? I especially thinking about swimsuits too as I get closer to summer and want to get a right fitting bra top.

No, it is not 32" clasp to clasp as it has elastic. And yes, cup size makes all the difference in the world on how the band feels because if you don't have all your boob IN the cup, it will spill out and will affect how the band feels.

So, I can wear a 34G comfortably. If I tried a 34DD, it feels too tight as there isn't enough room for my breasts and they start to spill into where the band should be sitting flat to my skin - but now it is catching a bit of the side breast.


My 34" band without stretching it is 27" long. With stretching it while holding it can stretch to 38" (and it is a new bra). So there is a LOT of wiggle room in there!

I have a question regarding band sizes. If you measure from clasp to clasp of a 32" bra is that measurement going to be 32" no matter what the cup size right?

If it's always going to be 32" then I don't think the "don't add 4 inches" thing works for me (at least not for the brand I tried on today). I have an underbust of 30.5 inches and I was worried I was going to snap the 32 I tried on, the cup size wasn't perfect but I can't imagine a bigger cup would have made enough of a difference. But at the same time I know the size I normally take (34A) isn't right for me either.

Oh bra sizes, why must you be so difficult?!

No, it is not 32" clasp to clasp as it has elastic. And yes, cup size makes all the difference in the world on how the band feels because if you don't have all your boob IN the cup, it will spill out and will affect how the band feels.

So, I can wear a 34G comfortably. If I tried a 34DD, it feels too tight as there isn't enough room for my breasts and they start to spill into where the band should be sitting flat to my skin - but now it is catching a bit of the side breast.


My 34" band without stretching it is 27" long. With stretching it while holding it can stretch to 38" (and it is a new bra). So there is a LOT of wiggle room in there!

I'd probably try going with underbust 34 and bust 42 (simply because it's in between measurements). I have the same issue (underbust 29, bust ~40 but I end up needing about a 28J but 28HH's work on one breast, not the other) so that would put you in a

34FF (Uk size). IF you have the available funds, I'd go for both one size up and one down in the same band size (so 34F and 34G) to give yourself a nice range to try on.

---------------------------------

I see that you just posted that a 34G works for you so that seems right. I also have the same issue. ;) Ultimately, anything a bra calculator should just be a starting point because like your picture demonstrates the individual shape of breasts plays a large role here!! Also, some bras have wider or narrower wires and depending on the shape of your breasts it might suit them better (and thus you're able to go up or down a cup size). For instance, in bras that have narrower, deeper wires I tend to be able to size down whereas ones with wider, shallower wires I need to size up (and they give me a worse fit in general).

It's really a shame that every city doesn't have a nice lingerie boutique with a large number of sizes in it because bra fitting is such an art! There really is a lot of things to consider and it's hard to do over the internet. Most calculators can give you a good starting point and then trial and error takes you from there. :dizzy:

Wow and I thought I had the correct size on. I had always worn a 36C, and it was so ill fitting. It was not supportive at all.

A few years ago there was a discussion on another board about correct bra size. When I measured myself I came up with 34DD. This was using the over bust measurement as the band size. I thought these fit so much better. I've noticed lately that I have a little spillage in one cup. I wasn't sure if that was just weight gain, or if it's always been like that and I never really noticed.

Right now my measurements are 32/38, which puts me at a 32F. I just ordered a 32F from breakout bras. I'm excited to see how this fits.

It is a shame. I went to one and the selection is soooooo small. She had like two bras in my size - that's it. There is another store down the way that I should go to that people rave about but for now I keep hoping to land a deal at stores as sometimes I'm lucky.

I have on a 36DDD now and I have to stop wearing 36s completely. They just slide up the back now and that is sooooo annoying and uncomfortable.

One thing that is a recent development (and I did just lose an inch off my bust, so it's not just something I hadn't noticed), but it seems I lost some upper chest fat, so when I'm not wearing a bra, I seem flat chested at first. Like a "has been" and then below it fills out a bit. It used to be a bit more filled out in that upper saggy part. Didn't do much for my self confidence when I saw myself naked and in a nightgown.

And speaking of nightgowns - I HATE, HATE, HATE shopping for any lingerie. There is no cute little thing you can wear when your boobs sag down heavy like that. Those little cup things where breasts are supposed to nicely float in? Right... Mine sag below it. When I was getting married 19 years ago my BFF and I had hysterics as I tried on sexy little things (and we were looking at tasteful things). I FINALLY found something by Olga, I think, that was an elasticized chest/back with generous cups and a long flowy skirt. It, to this day, the ONLY sexy lingerie thing I have found. Well, not true. I once got a corset. I should try that puppy on as I bought it when I weighed 200... probably is too big now, but with all those strings, who knows.

Can I just say... :cp::cp::cp: THANK YOU all for the discussion in this thread. Seriously. I need a new bra SO badly.

Question for you who know about these things. I just measured and plugged it all in to the Ewa Michalak size calculator. It's telling me I need a 40F (90F), but I'm wearing a 40D from VS right now that I swear is too big (both band and cups). Any ideas?

For what it's worth, my measurements were:
Underbust measured tightly [cm]: 88
Underbust measured loosely [cm]: 92
Overbust measured without a bra, in a bent forward position [cm]: 117

Oh wow, DON'T get a 40 anything with those measurements!!! I'd try a 34HH. Ewa michalak bras are amazing (ridiculously amazing for that matter) but I don't trust their bra calculator. I've heard that in larger sizes it works better but with a 34" underbust you should be fine with using that as your band size. That means if you want to order a Ewa Michalak bra try a 75HH to start with (if you can afford it order one size up and one size down and return the ones that don't fit). What country do you live in? I actually have a bra in that exact size (brand new) that I wasn't able to return because my daughter ripped of the tags before I was able to return it. :mad: But I live in Brazil so shipping would be a pain if you're too far away.

Ok, I have to get back to you on nightgowns but there are definitely some amazing options in your size!!!! I still need to eat dinner and I'll come back afterwards and post them. :D

I have always wanted to own a store....maybe I will open a bra store? With a fantastic return policy :) If it does not fit, bring it back :)

Elastic- of course :rolleyes: duh, didn't think that through did I?! I suppose what I meant is the cup sizes aren't going to make the band size any larger itself, as in, would a 32A and 32B be the same length or does a B have wider cups which add length overall? And now that I've phrased it like that I realise how utterly stupid that is. :dizzy:

I suppose the only real way to find out what works for me is to take about 10 different sizes into the fitting room and try them out...

Thanks! I can't even imagine a 34 fitting me at 220 lb, but what do I know? I've spent my entire life tugging at bra bands to stay in place, so I'm clearly doing something wrong. Gotta admit, having had a massive breast reduction over 10 years ago, the thought of an HH is a little tough mentally.

I'm in the US, so I can't imagine shipping being cheap. Thanks a lot, though! I do intend to check out Ewa Michalak. I think I'll take my measurements one more time just to verify.

Okay, HELP again! Haha... I feel like I'm in 6th grade again needing bra help.

I remeasured and came out as a 36I (US) or 36G (UK) according to this site that was posted earlier: http://www.breakoutbras.com/sizing

Ordering from Ewa, would you use the US size or the UK size? I'm thinking UK, but I don't want to be wrong.

Definitely check out bratabase (and enter in your own bras too!). Basically women have already entered in a lot of bras and how stretchy the bands so it might save you a lot of leg work. ;)

Order using your UK size! But just to check, what was you underbust measurement? I'd really go but whatever your underbust measurement is exactly and make sure not to add any inches.

Another thing. In case I haven't passed this on to you already check out Curvy Wordy's blog (there should be a link on the blogs I follow on my blog). She reviews A LOT of Ewa Michalak bras and she's between a 36/34 band size in Ewa Michalak bras so you can have a better idea of what to look for in your size.

If possible, I'd definitely suggest trying out a few different cup sizes and returning ones that don't work. It stinks but once you do figure out your cup size it's an amazing place to order (and even with international shipping I find the prices cheaper than most places in the states!).

I don't know if you saw the results of my underbust survey on my blog but it doesn't seem to be that rare for women to need 34 and 36 bands at your size. ;)

When I measured again last night, I measured right at a 36 underbust, pulled snug but not so tight as I had when using the EM calculator. I was 45 in. across the bust. So I'm probably a 36G, but should maybe also order a 36FF and 36GG to be safe? I don't mind ordering a couple of sizes and returning the ones that don't fit, so long as they're good about returns.

ETA: I'm only planning to end up with one great bra for right now. I'm down about 50 lb, but still have 50 or more to go. I know my size will keep changing (I also just weaned a baby, so my cup size may still be shrinking), so I want to wait before investing in several.

I think it sounds like a good plan. You *might* want to consider trying a 34GG too if your band size fluctuates that much (at night my band also goes up somewhat). Also, it does take awhile for the order to get from Poland to the states (because they actually make the bras once you place the order) so it doesn't hurt to get the smaller band size if you lose during that time.

For the returns you have 10 days from the day you receive your package to post it back to them. There is a form on their website (in English) that you need to fill out and make sure to keep all the tags on them. I think that's the only thing you need to know for returns.

Good luck with your order!!!! :D

Seriously, thank you SO much for all your help. I ended up just ordering a 36G and a 34GG. I figure even if the 34 is too tight but close, I can use an extender for awhile. Can't wait to get them!