Feckin' BOOBS

Tunage

Ahhhhhhhh I need SUCH a rant after today's escapade of the dreaded bra fitting.

To start, I'm a big busted girl. Depending on the brand I can go from a FF to a H and between a 32 and 34 back. THIS is where my problem lies.
Why the hell is it so fecking hard to get a decent bra that fits these monsters that I have to lug around all day??
I've always been measured as I've always been big. I really believe in having a good bra that will give support and shape regardless of what clothes I'm wearing. I'm not lucky enough to be able to go into Penny's or Dunnes and just pick something off the shelve for little over €10. Mine have always been between €45 and €50 so to say I have a limited number in my drawer is an understatement.


Today, I headed off to get a new bra because I've been steadily losing weight since the beginning of the year, the one I bought in February is as useful as a chocolate teapot and I'm heading to America in June so wanted to get a decent fitted bikini while I was at it.
45 minutes and 10 bras later I finally decided (had to pick) on one that was a whole cup size bigger than I've ever had before and smaller back which I've haven't been since I was probably 15.
This was before going near bikinis. When the lady came back to offer me some bikinis I was just done. I was angry, fed up, planning my breast augmentation in my head and ready to do a Charley Dimmock on it and just forget about bras altogether.

With all the money, all the designing and all of the effort that so called 'specialist' large bust bra manufacturers put into making us feel like they'll change our lives, why oh WHY isn't there a decent bra out there??? If I had any knowledge of fashion, design, architecture etc... I'd be sitting here designing the perfect bra for me but I have to put up with these awful days of bra shopping that make me feel like absolute dung.

Sorry for the rant girls but I figure someone in here might be a bit empathetic and have the same trouble as I have?
I've come home with 2 bras that are a totally different size than I've ever had before, not a smooth cup which I'm raging about because the design comes through tops/t-shirts and still no bikini.
Pass the wine my way.....

fits

If they fit it doesn't matter what size they are. I too have gone down in back size and up in cup size. Overall volume is probably the same...

Tunage

Ah yeah, I'm not worried about the size but it's the hassle of getting one that fits right and well. No spillage and a smooth cup that will actually hold everything in

OU812

Male so not an official boob card carrying member. The good news is you're heading to the US in the summer. Put some money aside & go to nordstroms, Victoria's, heck even target/Walmart/Kmart.

You'll find an abundance of pretty/sexy/cute bras in a variety of larger sizes for a lot less than you'll pay here.

Obligatory boobs are great comment.

fits

There's a great shop in Kilkenny if you are ever down there. Owner knows her stuff

Tunage

OU812 wrote: »

Male so not an official boob card carrying member. The good news is you're heading to the US in the summer. Put some money aside & go to nordstroms, Victoria's, heck even target/Walmart/Kmart.

You'll find an abundance of pretty/sexy/cute bras in a variety of larger sizes for a lot less than you'll pay here.

Obligatory boobs are great comment.

Maybe that's where I'll look for a bikini, don't get me wrong, I love my boobs but would love them even more if they were held up right and looked better under clothes! Thanks for the advice

Thanks fits, if I'm ever down I'll have a look out for it

Faith

OU812 wrote: »

Male so not an official boob card carrying member. The good news is you're heading to the US in the summer. Put some money aside & go to nordstroms, Victoria's, heck even target/Walmart/Kmart.

You'll find an abundance of pretty/sexy/cute bras in a variety of larger sizes for a lot less than you'll pay here.

You certainly won't get larger sizes in Victoria's Secret!

Tunage, first things first, measure yourself properly using the calculator and information here: http://www.brasizecalculator.tk/

Then, when you have figured out your size for sure, Debenhams is a great shop for attractive, larger-sized bras. I imagine they also carry a decent range of swimwear.

The next best options are online. www.figleaves.com is a great place to start for a huge range of both lingerie and swimwear.

The proper sized bra will make you and your boobs look great, I promise. If it fits right, your boobs will sit properly on your chest and not down your torso/under your arms/wherever else. The correct ban size will give you great support and the correct cup size will prevent overspill or anything else that contributes to boobs not looking fantastic.

metaoblivia

Yeah, I've never seen Victoria's Secret carry an FF or an H. They're also crap at sizing, so don't let them go near your boobs with a measuring tape.

Even though it can be a gamble, I'm a 30E and I've found some great bras from Amazon. They have a much larger range than you might find in regular stores and for decent prices.

ivytwine

My rant is why do bigger bras tend to be so FECKING UGLY!! I want the pretty bras I used to wear before two ginormous sandbags decided to settle on my chest

Penny Tration

Op, go onto Reddit, go to /r/abrathatfits and use their 5 step measuring guide. I honestly didn't realise how uncomfortable my 36F bras were until I followed their measuring system and found bras that fit!

Also, most places in Ireland can't fit bras to save their life. I've been told I'm a 32D in Ann Summers, a 34E in Debenhams, a 42(!)F in Marks and Spencers, then I eventually measured from reddit's guide. I just picked out 36F bras for ages and wore them.

I now wear incredibly comfortable, perfectly fitting 36Gs in most styles, the occasional H. I've never ever felt such an awesome fit on a bra til I did it.



As for pricing - sales! I got a 36G, wired, padded, blue and pink lacy bra for €11 in Debanhams a week ago!

Go in when sales are on and stock up.

As for the person asking about pretty bras - honestly, all of mine are really pretty. I don't own a single plain nude/black/white bra. Again, try sales, or look on figleaves, bravissimo and bramora.

rainbow kirby

Nth-ing /r/ABraThatFits - incredibly useful. For those in NI or GB Bravissimo are fantastic fitters.

I buy a lot from Amazon - there are always a few going cheap if you know what to look for. £10-15 Curvy Kate bras got me through a six cup size increase (30FF to 32J) while I was pregnant without breaking the bank. They aren't ugly either, even at the upper end of their size range.

Tunage

Thanks for all the replies. I totally hear what you're all saying, it's just so frustrating. All my life I've been an awkward in between size. Some brands sizes are SO different to others. I eventually came home with a Panache Tango 32H. When I put it on today, I remembered why I stopped wearing the Tango years ago. THE WIRE DIGS RIGHT UP INTO MY ARMPIT and the leaf design comes through clothes especially tight vest tops.

The Fantasy moulded smooth cup can be hit and miss for me due to overspill at the front but they're so good under tops plus the lift and shape is amazing. I tried on 4 or 5 of them yesterday in all different combinations and none of them worked. The other thing was that if I was to go for a 34 back which would have fit better in that brand the cup doesn't go up to a H.

Faith

If you increase a band size, you decrease a cup size to maintain the same volume. So a 32H = 34GG.

Tunage

Yeah, so the lady reckoned I was a 32 so we went up a cup because I was in 34GG in the bra I bought in February but it just didn't do anything for the girls re lift, shape etc..

about 12 of the 32 back bra's she gave me were awfully tight then she came out with the panache and it was grand but I had just forgotten how horrific Panache are with their incredibly large underwires that like to poke armpits.

Faith

Ugh, that sounds awful. I'd recommend heading over to reddit.com/r/abrathatfits and ask for fitting advice there. Post your measurements and a bra that fits you well (or one that fits badly!), and they should hopefully be able to point you in the right direction for well fitting bras. They've helped me out several times!

DM addict

I agree with heading to reddit.com/r/abrathatfits - there's lots of good info there.

I also agree with NOT going to Victoria's secret in the US - not good for the larger breasted. I go to Soma (soma.com) but their stuff isn't exactly cheap either.

OU812

Faith wrote: »

You certainly won't get larger sizes in Victoria's Secret!

metaoblivia wrote: »

Yeah, I've never seen Victoria's Secret carry an FF or an H.

DM addict wrote: »

I also agree with NOT going to Victoria's secret in the US - not good for the larger breasted. I go to Soma (soma.com) but their stuff isn't exactly cheap either.

OK, based on my own experience (& still not a fully boobcard carrying member of the sorority), but I was able to buy E cups in the flagship store in NYC last year

It's HUGE. There's at least four floors in it, possibly five.

Tunage

Penny Tration wrote: »

Op, go onto Reddit, go to /r/abrathatfits and use their 5 step measuring guide. I honestly didn't realise how uncomfortable my 36F bras were until I followed their measuring system and found bras that fit!

How did I not know about this website until now! Thank you for sharing!

Faith

OU812 wrote: »

OK, based on my own experience (& still not a fully boobcard carrying member of the sorority), but I was able to buy E cups in the flagship store in NYC last year

It's HUGE. There's at least four floors in it, possibly five.

Confusingly, US bra sizes are different from UK sizes above a D cup. A US E is usually the same as a UK DD. Whereas UK cups go AA, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH and so on, US sizes tend to go AA, B, C, D, DD/E, DDD/F, G, H, I... - and even then, it depends on the specific brand as to how they do their sizing! In general, the UK system is the most standardised. So it could have been what we'd consider an E cup in VS, or it could have been volumetrically equivalent to a DD .

AmyPL

DM addict wrote: »

I agree with heading to reddit.com/r/abrathatfits - there's lots of good info there.

I also agree with NOT going to Victoria's secret in the US - not good for the larger breasted. I go to Soma (soma.com) but their stuff isn't exactly cheap either.

Yep. My experience with Victoria's Secret measuring service is that they will always magically fit you at a size they carry in their store. Which means squishing F cup boobs into a the wrong sized cup and a loose band (somtimes using an expander) to compensate. Before I got myself properly measured I thought being able to slip a whole hand under the band with room to spare was normal

DM addict

OU812 wrote: »

OK, based on my own experience (& still not a fully boobcard carrying member of the sorority), but I was able to buy E cups in the flagship store in NYC last year

It's HUGE. There's at least four floors in it, possibly five.

As noted below, those probably US E cups. Their range of back sizes is pretty poor too if I recall.

You can get decent stuff in Nordstrom if there's a sale on. Or head to a Nordstrom Rack.

OU812

Faith wrote: »

Confusingly, US bra sizes are different from UK sizes above a D cup. A US E is usually the same as a UK DD. Whereas UK cups go AA, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH and so on, US sizes tend to go AA, B, C, D, DD/E, DDD/F, G, H, I... - and even then, it depends on the specific brand as to how they do their sizing! In general, the UK system is the most standardised. So it could have been what we'd consider an E cup in VS, or it could have been volumetrically equivalent to a DD .

DM addict wrote: »

As noted below, those probably US E cups. Their range of back sizes is pretty poor too if I recall.

You can get decent stuff in Nordstrom if there's a sale on. Or head to a Nordstrom Rack.

Well then the missus's rack is US sized, because they fit (& look spectacular)

KikiDee

Penny Tration wrote: »

Also, most places in Ireland can't fit bras to save their life. I've been told I'm a 32D in Ann Summers, a 34E in Debenhams, a 42(!)F in Marks and Spencers

+1 to this!!!

It's an absolute headwreck!!

Debenhams tried to put me in a 36F...now ladies, you would have gotten my head into the cup!! I actually had to argue with the woman in the changing room to go get me my D or E cup. B!tch please!!

mojesius

Do m &s not do decent bras for your cup size OP? Granted I'm only a D but I'm my boobs are very bouncy and find their bras the best in terms of support and style. Bought a Penney's bra once and was like bouny Betty after 40 mins

Tunage

I went back to the shop today to return the bras and thought sure while I'm there I'll try on some more... just to see what the new lady thought.

I've decided I'm going to email the store and just express my dissatisfaction at their service. The lady today (different from the other day) measured me and came up with 36. I measured myself last night and was coming out with 33. I tried a varied range of cups and band sizes but nope, nothing was working for me. The shape, fit and look of my girls in the bras she gave me was just horrific so I came home with nothing.

Why is it so hard to get a decent smooth cup moulded bra for a bigger bust? I don't want a bra that a child could trace their finger over the design if I'm wearing a top.

I'm in a rural location and dont have the joy of having all those lovely stores like M&S or even Debenhams nearby but I'm just going to have to put a day aside for boob day, and go further a field to hopefully get a proper bra. I'd prefer to have one that fits well before I head stateside and then pick up some when I'm there when I have a decent fitting bra to go by.

I find it far harder to find dresses to fit.
Size 10/12 on bottom, but a lot bigger on top.
Dresses only fit the top or the bottom half!

Tunage

bubblypop wrote: »

I find it far harder to find dresses to fit.
Size 10/12 on bottom, but a lot bigger on top.
Dresses only fit the top or the bottom half!

Oh I hear you girl!
I've got a tiny tiny waist but round hips and big ould round bouncy boobs. I'm your definitive hourglass.

intheclouds

bubblypop wrote: »

I find it far harder to find dresses to fit.
Size 10/12 on bottom, but a lot bigger on top.
Dresses only fit the top or the bottom half!

Can only wear stretchy material dresses because of this.

Such a pain, it's only a rare dress that fits me properly.

Penny Tration

Tunage wrote: »

I went back to the shop today to return the bras and thought sure while I'm there I'll try on some more... just to see what the new lady thought.

I've decided I'm going to email the store and just express my dissatisfaction at their service. The lady today (different from the other day) measured me and came up with 36. I measured myself last night and was coming out with 33. I tried a varied range of cups and band sizes but nope, nothing was working for me. The shape, fit and look of my girls in the bras she gave me was just horrific so I came home with nothing.

Why is it so hard to get a decent smooth cup moulded bra for a bigger bust? I don't want a bra that a child could trace their finger over the design if I'm wearing a top.

I'm in a rural location and dont have the joy of having all those lovely stores like M&S or even Debenhams nearby but I'm just going to have to put a day aside for boob day, and go further a field to hopefully get a proper bra. I'd prefer to have one that fits well before I head stateside and then pick up some when I'm there when I have a decent fitting bra to go by.

Have you done the 5 step measuring guide on Reddit?

If you have, as long as you're not a very unusual size, it should be fairly easy to find well fitted bras without much "pattern" in the material!

Once you have a correct bra size from the 5 step guide, try Curvy Kate for bras

Milly33

haha funny post OP... Feeling your pain, I hate bra shopping tis a fecking nightmare.
Always ends up in sweats and tears...

Have to have a plan of action for the day wear something loose fitting so you don't have to struggle getting in and out of clothes and defo go to one of those shops that will bring the rest of the bras too you or who go out and get them for you.

If you do get to Debs I must say the Freya brand I find it quite good loverly fit and they are pretty! Which is great for the larger over the shoulder boulder holders (as my nan calls them) some can be so plain...

Brown Thomas do them also..Normally I would not go near the place but I did find them quite helpful in Cork the last time... They will do a fitting for you also and the price is the same they do the Freya brand also, maybe not the funky coloured ones but they do a version.

Kash

Another vote for the abrathatfits on reddit. I hear you on the panache underwire woes. I'm a big fan of the Curvy Kate brand, they fit me perfectly and i'm in the 36GG side of things so that's damn rare.

For clothes, there are a few places that cut clothes for bigger boobs - check out:
Bravissimo (expensive, but regular sales- clothing can be a bit frumpy though)
Urkye (polish site, great for basics - not that expensive, and delivery is good)
BiuBiu (another polish brand for bigger boobs - some lovely stuff, even some maternity things)
DDatelier (My absolute favourite, can be expensive, but again, regular sales and some gorgeous stuff)

Tunage

I measured myself on the reddit measurment guide but didn't do the lying down bit so must do it properly again later.

Hearing lots about Curvy Kate so will definitely give that site a goo later.. thanks everyone!

On that note, any of you have a sports bra? I wanted to get a good one before I head away and also, I wondered your opinions on bikini's. They can be annoying for the larger lady as boobs and bums differ greatly in size i.e size 16 doesn't mean that they'll fit the boobs attached!!

Kash

Tunage wrote: »

On that note, any of you have a sports bra? I wanted to get a good one before I head away and also, I wondered your opinions on bikini's.

I use shock absorber sports bras, they can be quite tight on the band, so great if you can try before you buy. But they pass the jump test
Panache do a sports tank top that is cup sized which I want to try.

For bikinis, I'd go with Bravissimo or Figleaves, as they have bra sized bikinis and you can choose your normal bottoms size.

Tunage

Jogging is just NOT enjoyable at all without having some decent support!

Kash

Preaching to the choir on that one!!

rainbow kirby

Another Shock Absorber wearer here. Active Multisport in 34HH is about the only thing that keeps my massive nursing boobs in place for a run.

DM addict

Tunage wrote: »

On that note, any of you have a sports bra? I wanted to get a good one before I head away and also, I wondered your opinions on bikini's. They can be annoying for the larger lady as boobs and bums differ greatly in size i.e size 16 doesn't mean that they'll fit the boobs attached!!

I will check the brand on my sports bra when I get home. I got mine in REI in the states - v good for outdoor stuff generally, and the one I went to had a decent person working the bra section

makingmecrazy

Tunage wrote: »

How did I not know about this website until now! Thank you for sharing!

I never heard of it before either!

chuckles30

Kash wrote: »

Another vote for the abrathatfits on reddit. I hear you on the panache underwire woes. I'm a big fan of the Curvy Kate brand, they fit me perfectly and i'm in the 36GG side of things so that's damn rare.

For clothes, there are a few places that cut clothes for bigger boobs - check out:
Bravissimo (expensive, but regular sales- clothing can be a bit frumpy though)
Urkye (polish site, great for basics - not that expensive, and delivery is good)
BiuBiu (another polish brand for bigger boobs - some lovely stuff, even some maternity things)
DDatelier (My absolute favourite, can be expensive, but again, regular sales and some gorgeous stuff)

Thanks for the leads on those Polish websites - I am familiar with Bravissimo and find it expensive & as you mentioned it can be a bit frumpy. Just had a quick look now, but I will be back!! Just back from holidays, so the credit card is already melted at the moment :eek::eek:

OP - a visit to Debenhams if you can make it would be well worth your while. My favourite everyday bra at the moment are these guys -
http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_150020538686_-1
They're smooth under tops, so you don't have that pattern problem & I find them very comfortable to wear. You get the two packs in different colour combos which is handy for black, white, nude etc. I'm a 34GG.

Once you find your size, you could then order online. As others have said, keep an eye out for the sales, but I find the problem with sales is it can be hit and miss on sizes.

I haven't bought bikinis in years, but have a look on the debenhams website - it seems they do separate sized tops too - but from the quick look I had they're not cheap.

NamelessPhil

For anyone trying on their new band size and finding it really tight with side fat, it does loosen out after a few wears. If you keep scooping the sides into the cup the breast tissue redistributes itself after a while and the bra fits properly. I have shallow but wide boobs and find that as I've got older the balconette style suits me best. I need a wide wire to properly encase the breast tissue at the sides. Full cups leave me gaping at the top and plunge bras give me quad boob.

The reddit guide really does work, I haven't been "measured" for years and my bras fit perfectly following those guidelines. I also check my size every year as the shape of my boobs has changed over time and the old size or style may no longer suit.

Tunage

Thanks chuckles30 and NamelessPhil.

As usual, I've put it on the long finger and not been bothered trying to look for a new one after the debacle of last week. The newest bra I have fits me grand as in it's relatively comfortable but will definitely try and get to Debenhams and they'll hopefully have a better selection than the other department store I was going to.

NamelessPhil

No bother! I understand the frustration of trying to find a bra that fits properly. It makes such a difference to how your clothes fit and once it fits properly you barely notice that you're wearing it. No more "bra o'clock" when you take off the hated thing as you come in the door from work and fling it into a corner!

Now to persuade my mother that she most definitely is not the A cup that she claims to be, she's at least a D with a small back.

I'd recommend Debenhams if you can get to a larger store. Their range is probably the best at a reasonable price.

I've seen this site, www.brastop.com recommended elsewhere if you're a larger cup. They do returns so check their delivery options.

Faith

Tunage wrote: »

Thanks chuckles30 and NamelessPhil.

As usual, I've put it on the long finger and not been bothered trying to look for a new one after the debacle of last week. The newest bra I have fits me grand as in it's relatively comfortable but will definitely try and get to Debenhams and they'll hopefully have a better selection than the other department store I was going to.

Well, make sure you measure yourself before you buy any more, because otherwise you'l just continue to have poor and frustrating fitting experiences.

FizzleSticks

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Faith

Did you measure yourself according to the calculator I posted, and the info at reddit.com/r/abrathatfits or are you reporting shop measurements? 40B would be a pretty unusual size alright. I have quite a chubby rib cage and I wear a 12 (or a 14 at times) and I wear a 32 band. But if you're particularly broad or muscular around the ribs, it might be accurate. Have you ever tried on a smaller band, like a 36?

FizzleSticks

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Faith

Faith wrote: »

Tunage, first things first, measure yourself properly using the calculator and information here: http://www.brasizecalculator.tk/
.

Fizzle sticks, measure yourself according to the link above, and have a read through the bra fitting thread I posted (think it's still on the front page). Shop fittings aren't worth the paper they aren't written on. I find it really difficult to imagine a 40 inch rib cage would fit into size 12 clothes. The band of your bra is supposed to be very tight. You should be able to pull it a maximum of an inch from your body. That's where the support comes from. If it's looser than that, it's too big for you.

FizzleSticks

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Faith

FizzleSticks wrote: »

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Why would you try on a C cup when the results suggest a D or DD? that's a full cup size smaller than the smallest recommended size. It won't fit or feel comfortable.

I'd suggest trying on several 36 bands, to see how they feel. Try a 36DD first, and remember to swoop and scoop (http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,319,30.html)! Remember 32-36 bands are the most common, so if you can fit in a 36 band, you'll have a much easier time shopping in the future.

Good luck with it

FizzleSticks

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Faith

FizzleSticks wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I know it can be a bit overwhelming and confusing, but just eyeballing your measurements, there's no way a B cup fits you properly . Have a read through this thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057596541. Things like armpit and back fat can be a sign that your bra doesn't fit. If you feel that a B cup fits, then I'd suspect you're not bringing all of the breast tissue into the bra.