bra fitting and questions

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

So I was in Lane Byrant for the first time last week and I had my first "bra fitting". All of my bras have recently become too small since I've started HBC. I'm sure a lot of people would kill to be in my shoes, but I hate having to buy a whole new set of bras. They're so freaking EXPENSIVE! I'm just trying to figure out what size I AM though, first.

They measured right under my breasts and then measured around my breasts. They told me that for each inch difference between the two measurements equaled a cup size. Since I measured 35 and 45 respectively, I'm a freaking 36G according to the person who fitted me (I've been wearing 36DD). They didn't even HAVE 36G's bras.

Also, I was reading through an old post here:
http://community.livejournal.com/vaginapagina/4712622.html
and I noticed that that person used a different system to measure... by adding inches to the band size first? I'm confused. According to that method I'm back to like, DD which clearly doesn't fit me anymore. What's the "standard" for calculating bra sizes? I've been googling and reading different things.

I know everyone says the best thing to do is actually try them on until you find the right bra size... but how can I if nobody HAS my size? I mean, I thought if anyone would have it, Lane Bryant would. I guess I'll have to do the trial and error thing and order them online. Someone recommended figleaves.com, and I was wondering if anyone has ever bought bras from them before? Any other online (or non-online) stores that you'd recommend that would have unusual sizes? I've never even BOUGHT bras online before... what are the return policies like usually? I imagine I'll have to go through ordering a few before I find the right one.

(Sorry if these questions are too off topic... I searched through "bra" and "boob" communities but they either weren't active anymore or were... more visually oriented. I was hoping maybe some of you lovely ladies here might have gone through similar bra-fitting-experiences and might have some advice! It's kind of embarassing to talk to friends/family about- everyone rolls thier eyes at me and tells me to stop complaining about my big boobs. It's not as much of a blessing as they think though, you know?)

EDIT: If I didn't get a chance to reply to each of you, I just wanted to say thank you! So so much! I got a lot of different advice, which is kind of what I wanted! I have a lot more options that I realized! ♥

Comments

[hexeengel.livejournal.com]

I don't think there really is a standard measuring system, as I used to work at Avenue and we were given a little chart that told us a range of differences = cup size (for example, a difference of 2-4 inches was an A. No, I don't remember exactly, but it was that kind of thing). I was told at a Victoria's Secret once that I should wear a 38DD (I'd been wearing 40D), but at some stores I can still wear a D, and in some styles, even a C fits!

I definitely think that trying them on is the best course of action. Unfortunately, I don't know of any offline stores that carry bigger than a DD :/ Best of luck to you though, I hope you get this figured out.

[birdsangel04.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you asked this question because I was wondering the same thing. I went to Victoria's Secret recently and the girl who did my fitting asked what size I had been wearing (40C) and then for some reason gave me a 34C to try on because they don't carry 40's anymore... I went through trying on 6 bras which is what she said was the best way finally ending at 38DD. She had a measuring tape and didn't measure me at all. I was a bit frustrated to say the least.

[tydokia.livejournal.com]

Wait, she had the tape and didn't bother to MEASURE you?!?!?!

o_O

[birdsangel04.livejournal.com]

Yup... That's what was most frustrating. Also what didn't make sense is by looking at me you can tell there is no way a 34 would be big enough... so why bother??? why not start out at 38 and then go down if needed???

[tydokia.livejournal.com]

And that is why I don't shop there any more. They have really nice stuff, but what's the point when they either don't know what they're talking about and therefore can't help you or they don't have your size and again, can't help you.

*sigh* I need to stop before this turns into a rant.

Anyway, if you have an actual boutique near you, I would check that out. It's usually pricier, but most of them will get you a perfect fit if it kills them. :-)

[hardtogetover.livejournal.com]

I think VS has the worst measuring system on EARTH. I bought three 42D bras assuming they were right because they are VS, after all. I'm a 34G. I wasted 80 bucks because they did it wrong.

[t3h-b3th.livejournal.com]

amen. I'm a 36 DD and they really handed me a C bra w/o measuring me becaues i was wearing a hoody and they couldn't see my boobs (and apparently didn't *need* to measure me).

[hardtogetover.livejournal.com]

I know!! They measured my band size over two layers of heavy clothing. What a waste of time. My boobs literally slipped out of the (too small) cups and fell down through the (WAY too big) band. And that is what I get for buying bras without trying them on first.

[tydokia.livejournal.com]

I totally get you.... I've always had gigantic breasts and it's a real pain (don't get me wrong, I love them, but occasionally they make finding nice underwear and clothing DIFFICULT).

If there's a Cacique (Lane Bryant's lingerie store) somewhere near you, I'd try that. Also, not sure where you are, but there's a store called The Full Cup (http://www.thefullcup.com) in Virginia and they are WONDERFUL.

As for the ordering online thing, I'd say try ordering the size they measured you at and make sure the site has a good return policy before purcashing.

Good luck!

[geminigirl]

Grab your phone book and look for places that sell "foundation garments" to find some bras that might work for you to try on. You might also look at Catherine's, if you've got one nearby, which tends to carry a selection of large sized bras in a variety of brands. I'm a big fan of Goddess Brand bras, but there are others. I also like to shop the site Biggerbras.com, because you can search by size.

[quiltingdragon.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure where you are, but before surgery I was a 38K - I ordered my bras from a local store called Ann's Bra Shop - which can be found at www.brashop.com. They specialize in hard to fit sizes, both large and small. And if they don't have what you need, they will order it for you.

[malantha.livejournal.com]

Their size search thing only has band sizes of 32 and 34. What's up with that? :P

[quiltingdragon.livejournal.com]

hmm. I don't know. I know Mom needs to order some bras with pockets (for women with masectomies, they sew the pockets in free of charge as a service) so I'll ask when I call them tomorrow, if they are open because of the storm - an inch of ice and about 6-9 inches of snow on top.

[faeryguinevere.livejournal.com]

When I was pregnant, I went from a 34C to a 38E. I am breastfeeding now, and was measured at a 34 DD - but that size didn't fit - my breasts we squished in the cups. The 36D does fit though. So I think it's most important to try the bras on and find one that fits - because even if the measurements are accurate, the bra manufacturer might not be making bras that accurately fit your body/cup shape/etc.

[destinyawakened.livejournal.com]

oooohhh ok. well the way they did it is the way most bra places do it..i had mine done at Victoria's Secret and my bras fit perfectly now!
i have linked a couple of sites you may consider looking into for some new bras in the size they listed. most will take returns if it happens the size is, lets say, too big or too small. i hope it helps.
Making it Big (http://makingitbig.com/)(my mother use to work for them, awesome company).
This one (http://brasplus.com/products/products.asp?catID=5) which i just googled for you..
Lane Bryant (http://www.lanebryantcatalog.com/product.aspx?PfId=86874&DeptId=9435&producttypeid=1&ViewAll=1&affiliate_id=017&affiliate_location_id=01&WT%2Emc_id=k40132) i know you were just there, but their website offers a little more.
if i find anything else i'll post it.

[hyrkanian.livejournal.com]

I've bought from figleaves.com recently and am very happy with them. This is the bra-size calculator that helped me realize I'm not a 36D as VS and Frederik's measured me as, but really 34DD.

http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200511/tows_past_20051115_c.jhtml

I order several bras from figleaves and have been so much more comfortable since.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

This is also essentially the same calculator I learned about here (http://forums.vaginapagina.com/viewtopic.php?t=29), by whose measurements I'm a 38DD rather than the 38C of VS measurements and the 38/40C/D variation most other calculators give as their result. Since I've switched sizes, and since I've learned to purchase quality bras (for me, this means bras with additional support inside the cup), it's made a world of difference on my breast and underarm (no pokies!) comfort.

[br0ken_dolly]

ive been fitted twice for bras and both times they were WAY off. the last time, it was at a jc penny, and when i tried on what she suggested, it didnt feel right, but she insisted that was my size and it didn't feel right because i wasn't used to it. well, i need bras desperately, so i spent a fortune on a half dozen of them, and within a month or so i realised they fit all wrong!! grr.

these days i tend to buy bras almost exclusively from lane bryant, mostly because they are near me and sell larger sizes, and i am able to try them on before i buy them. depending on the style of the bra and even the material in some cases, my sizes can vary from a 40DD to a 42D or 42DD. a friend gave me some that didnt fit her any more and i even fit into a 38DDD.

so, that said, i'd grab a variety of styles and sizes you like, and hole up in a dressing room for awhile and try everything on and see what works and what doesnt. basically, find something where the wires don't dig into your armpits (though some gals have suggested if the bra fits in every other way to snip off the end of the wires with cutters!), and make sure you don't have the quadri-boob thing going (i hate when i fall out of the TOP of the bras!), and that you don't fall out of the bottom of the bra either (maybe it's me, since i have droopier boobs, but that seems to be a problem when they're too big around my torso).

there's basically a million things to consider, but find something that FEELS good, and try to find stuff around that size range for you. and keep the tags. after a day at work maybe you'll decide it's not quite right. heh.

good luck tho. i TOTALLY feel your pain.

[dragonsong.livejournal.com]

If you can find one, stores that cater to odd sized chest are wonderful. I'm in your same boat(just try finding a 32H!) and that kind of place a lifesaver. I've ordered bras online before, but only styles and sizes that I already knew worked.

Make sure that you go by the measurement guidlines on the website, I know that some of them differ from "normal" measurements.

Bra fitting is yet another thing that I envy men for. Not only do their pants come in actual measurements, but they never have to worry about finding a damn bra that fits and doesn't cost as much as everything else you're wearing combined.

[pinkdamselfly.livejournal.com]

I'm a 40 HH/I :) It's very hard to find bras.

[spacedlord.livejournal.com]

i can't help you with any of the larger size issues [or cite the following] but somewhere on some other bra sizing question someone posted about sister sizes. basically and 32a is a smaller cup than a 34a which is smaller than a 36a etc. so at times going up a band size and down a cup size [or vice versa] can help.
also frederick's of hollywood is supposed to have a decent selection of larger sized bras.
and sometimes people "trained and certified" to fit bras just suck. and must have received their certifications from a crackerjack box.

[pinkdamselfly.livejournal.com]

some places you might try for ordering a bra are

http://www.jms.com/
http://www.barenecessities.com/Bras-36G_catalog_nxs,31,size,972.htm

Believe it or not, Amazon.com has a lot of 36Gs and then you can see the brands that actually have that size.

Good Luck

I'm a 40 HH/I so I feel your pain. :O)

[celticdaisy.livejournal.com]

Look in your phone book under "lingerie" for specialty shops. These are the types of places that you walk in and women look at you and know what size you should be wearing.

This is what I did. I was wearing a 36D after being measured at a department store, when I should have been wearing a 32E and when I was properly sized it made a HUGE difference. My posture improved, my back pain went away, and my body looked a lot more porportionate.

I only shop at specialty stores, and while the cost is more, I usually buy two bras a year that fit well and are extremely comfortable and well built. Specialty shops are the kind of places where the sales ladies will come in with you to help out. I wouldn't try the internet until you've tried a shop in person just so you can get a handle on what size you really should be wearing.

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice! I've gotten several comments that are leading me in the right direction towards finding a specialty shop in my area!

[heartsarts.livejournal.com]

I've had some crappy experiances bra shopping. Other posters have mentioned bad times at Victoria's Secret & I couldn't agree more. Last year I spent a whopping 3 grand on bras. My size just kept changing and no bras fit, I'd have "back fat" "oozage" "visible hard nipples". Nothing good! I'm a busty girl a 36DD. I also had 4 breast surgeries removing lumps so I have scars in funny spots that bras can kinda aggravate.

Finally I said enough is ENOUGH. I went to my local Macys & got fitted and properly measured by a charming older woman. She helped me pick out bras, if they didn't have my size she ordered them from another Macys & had them express shipped to my home. My favorite brand of bra ever is called Wacoal. They are pricey, $50+ but personally, I'd rather spend the money on a decent bra that lasts than a dozen cheap ones.

I went on vacation for 3 weeks and my baggage was lost for 2 and a half of them and I ended up wearing the exact same bra for that long of time, washing it in my hotel sink (always handwash bras!!!) and the bra never lost its shape or comfort.

The ones for larger bust sizes are incredible, they have a light padding around the wire so it doesnt pinch into the skin, the straps lay really flat and they are SO supportive. After I wore one back to school after a break several people asked if I'd lost weight because my breasts where in their proper place :D

http://www.wacoal-america.com/
thats the link to their main site.

good luck :D

[uta-o-utau.livejournal.com]

I totally agree. I wear a 32D (a pretty hard size to find, though not so bad as others mentioned) and Wacoal is one of the few brands that reliably has them. They're super comfortable and durable, not to mention pretty cute.

Also, if one's in need of a good fitting I'd suggest Nordstrom's. I asked one of their fit specialists to help me find a 34B, which was what I wore at the time, and she just looked at me and said, "A 34B? Honey, you're a D-cup". I've been wearing a 32D ever since and they fit great.

[heartsarts.livejournal.com]

oh I also ADORE Nordstrom for bra fittings, after going to my local Macy's which is tiny and only had a few styles I went to Nordstrom and they were REALLY helpful & offered to remeasure me but once I told her what size I was looking for she said, "yup, that sounds about right" and helped me pick out cute styles.

Personally, I think high-end department stores are REALLY good with their lingerie departments, it seems like they are knowledgable & specifically trained to work in that department, not just random people from like, the shoe department filling in. Both the Nordstrom & Macy's mentioned that Wacoal had specifically trained sales staff visit each store to teach sales people how to measure and fit people for their bras.

:D

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

oh wow! I wish they had these stores in Asheville (NC)! Next time I visit my parents in the Raliegh/Durham area I'll check out Nordstrom- I'm pretty sure there's a store there!

[jasminelily.livejournal.com]

I was just coming here to recommend Nordstrom to you: it's where I buy all of my bras, and they have a GREAT section of larger size bras. Wacoal is a great brand, but now I especially like Fantasie, which is a UK based brand. Their sizes go up really high, AND they have really really pretty bras in those sizes, which is rare for those of us with big boobies. Definitely check them out, if you can.

[karenthecroccy.livejournal.com]

First off, if you're on the slimmer side (like, under size 14, you should probably try on band size 38. Try DDD first. You're most likely the F cup. See if you have any "pop" over the top of the bra in the DDD. Definately try a fuller coverage bra on, like the Sheerwear, the Ultra Curves or the sculpted full coverage. If there's a Lane Bryant store nearby that has a seperate Cacique store (that's the kind of store I work in -- I manage the Cacique side). These side by side stores have a fit station and in those fit stations should be SOME 38F, G and H bras in a variety of styles. If they don't have the one you want, you CAN order them from the store and have them shipped to your house. If they don't fit, return them to the store. Make sure you try them on the loosest hooks (that way, as they stretch, you get more wear from them) and that you adjust the straps about halfway to start. Some people don't move the straps at all.

Lane Bryant stores measure a little differently for plus size women -- we don't add the inches to the band size. If you're slimmer, we add the inches.

Also, look into Wacoal bras if you're bigger busted. They offer more coverage and probably among the industry's most comfortable underwires.

No, I don't do this 45/hrs a week, can you tell? ;)

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

ohhh, okay! I'm right at a size 14/16, which is probably why they didn't add the inches! I was browsing the Wacoal bras online and they look awesome.

I'm wearing a cheap DDD bra I somehow managed to find at Walmart until I have the money to get some better ones. It's a much better fit than my wardrobe full of DD's, but there's a little bit of spillage. :\ It might just be because it's cheap though. Thanks for the advice!

[h0rsegurrrl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't know if I trust that lady chasing me around in the lingerie shop wanting to measure my titties. They ALWAYS tell me that I'm a 34B, but whenever I put on a B cup, the underwire is too damn tight around the base of my boobs and it pinches. When they measure, they don't take into account the fact that some peoples' boobs are wider at the base and therefore need a bigger size. I'm not going to wear a bra that's uncomfortable just because it's "OMGTEHRIGHTSIZE." Nevermind the fact that half the time they tell you you're a size that doesn't exist (like in the OP's case). I think I am capable of deciding what is comfortable on me, thankyouverymuch. I mean, what's next, are they going to have people in jeans stores chasing you around wanting to measure your ass to tell you what jeans size you should feel comfortable in? No thanks, I think I can figure it out for myself.

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

haha thanks for commenting! this gave me a laugh. ♥

[entelodont.livejournal.com]

Standard measurment, band size: Measure around the ribcage directly underneath the breasts. Add five inches to the result. That's the band size.

For the cup size: Measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Subtract this from your totaled band size. A difference of 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, etc.

The "standard" assumes a standard build, too, and obviously that makes it unreliable. I have an apparently broad ribcage by the standard and it gives me a result that's way too small. I'm only a B/small C, but shopping with my D-cup friend I learned that most lingerie stores will try to stuff large-breasted women into smaller sizes, since they have more styles in those sizes available. It's a matter of trial and error, ultimately.

[altheia.livejournal.com]

Find the biggest department store you can, if it has lots of womens clothes it will more than likely have a massive lingerie department.
The older the store, the better. I find that big stores with big underwear sections that have been there for years do the best fittings. Probably because the women who work there have been doing it for years.

[gunsforchildren.livejournal.com]

while we're on the topic.. anyone know any useful stores for smaller sizes?
I can't for the life of me find my bra size anywhere. D:
I'm a 30B/C (not sure because I've never been able to find bras with a 30" band, and according to those measurement websites I'm right between the two. :/ ) and I'm stuck wearing 32 B's which fit me awkward (straps too long, cups go into armpits, too far apart, etc. )

[hardtogetover.livejournal.com]

Seriously, try them on first. Bras have different shaped cups and you can't just go by band and cup size alone. Fit is important. Good luck!

[laughing-dreams.livejournal.com]

i've ordered from figleaves and have had wonderful experiences, i especially recommend a brand called "triumph" for people with smaller band sizes and and larger cup sizes

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

thanks! I've gotten a lot of people commenting so far saying how much they love figleaves... but it's nice to have a specific brand in mind!

[numbersnletters.livejournal.com]

Most measuring techniques tell me that I am supposedly a 34B or a 36A. However, the only bras that actually fit me are a 38B or even a 40B. (I'm slim but I have an enormous ribcage.) Breasts are not round balls, they are all shaped differently and one cup that supposedly is your size might make your breasts look odd or feel weird. Most women have one breast slightly bigger than the other anyway. I think the only way to be sure of what will work is just to try the thing on.

[sand-woman.livejournal.com]

I really like figleaves and I found that returning anything that doesn't fit is really straightforward. The bras are good quality and the site's easy to use.

[papermuse.livejournal.com]

I have been fitted at a place that specializes in breast prosthetics and odd sizes-they were recommended during my pregnancy by my gynocologist so maybe you could ask your gyno of any places like that in your area. They had a wide variety of bra's to choose from and good prices too.

[jigsaw-jazz.livejournal.com]

I live in Asheville and there don't seem to be any stores here, but I visit my boyfriend in Charlotte about once a month, and according to the search they have a location there! Next time I visit I'll check it out! Thank you for the advice!

[eternalvoyageur.livejournal.com]

You really need to try online, on places like Figleaves and Bravissimo. The bras there are inexpensive, and the size range is mind-boggling. I totally recommend ordering more sizes and models from one of these places than you need, trying them on the the peace of your bedroom, and sending back whatever doesn´t fit.

As for measuring, this is the calculator I use:
http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/
You are a UK 36GG or a US 36 J.
This is an explanation: http://weblog.xanga.com/eternalvoyageur/651169092/the-bra-matrix.html