bbws or larger breasted women..... Need bra advice

[WaitWhatt]

So ever since these things grew, I am having a hard time with bras. Last year I finally found one that felt comfortable and didn't make me bulge out at the top. I was wearing a 44F.

Went to bra store a few days ago and the saleswoman insisted I wasn't that size and insisted on measuring me. She said I was the same size as one of the girls who worked there and put me in a 40H. I admit, I looked "smaller" and somehow tucked in more. But I've actually tried that bra before but in a different size. It is uncomfortable and doesn't stay in place. I've read the reviews on their website and everyone has the same complaints as I do - The straps do not stay up and any bend and normal day movement pops them back out and you have to stuff them back in every 10 minutes. The bra looks good the first day. 3 days now and it's happening all over again. I don't know how this bra is even still in business. They also hurt like hell and swell up in it from being so uncomfortable when I finally take it off.

I decided to stick with the size and try the bra I like in a 42H(They did not have 40's in stock) And I am bulging out at the top again. It also seems too loose.

Went back to the original bra I like in a 44F.. Not sure if maybe I lost weight or I got used to the feel of the other bra.....But this one covers the top and there's no bulge in the top but I am bulging out the sides/arm pit area.. UGH

I have no shape. Being this big, yes they "hang" so that means they flop over in a bra. My goal is to lose weight....then eventually get breast reduction surgery. But in the mean time, I can't lose weight when I can't even find a bra I am comfortable walking in and don't have to adjust and tug at constantly. I feel like I deserve to be uncomfortable for letting myself get like this but it's not helping me to fix it. So far my only solution is wearing a sports bra/wireless bra over the bulge to help hide it and keep it in place. Anyone else go through this and have any advice? I've been to a couple bra speciality stores and it's the same story every time !

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Yup. Forget sizes/numbers you think you are. Go to a shop wearing a softish bra you're really comfortable in.

Get measured. That's under the breast to get chest size (inches), then over the nipple to get cup size. Breast measurement minus chest size gives cup size.

Try bras around your size. Manufacturers don't have standard sizing. Cup size varies enormously from one brand to another and from one type of bra to another. Also, most women have breasts of slightly different sizes.

Usually women take slightly different sizes depending on the type of bra they're looking for. It's different for sports bras, push up bras, underwire bras and so on. The only way to be comfortable is to stop saying, 'I am this size', but to try different brands and different models around your measurement.

Iwrote a how-to on this.

 

[qrayze]

I started reading the "how to" to see if I needed to add anything, but as I was reading, it seemed more of a story/rant so I stopped. Sry if what I'm about to say contradicts/repeats what the "how to" states.

How to measure your bra size:

1. Put on your most comfortable bra.
2. Take a tape measure and standing sideways in front of a full length mirror, measure horrizontally (not slanted) around your ribcage underneath your breasts. (or on the band of the bra you have on if it is parallel to the floor)
3. If the measurement is an even number, add four inches; if the measurement is an odd number, add five inches. The sum will be your band size. (if your measurement is 39 inches, then your band size will be 44 inches)
4. Next, measure around the fullest part of the breasts (also, make sure it is a horrizontal measurement).
5. Subract your band size from the measurement. The difference is your cup size. 1 in = A cup; 2 in = B cup; 3 in = C cup; 4 in = D cup; 5 in = DD cup; 6 in = DDD/E/F; 7 in = DDDD/F/G; 8 in = G/H/I; 9 in = J; and so on...

If you're having trouble with "spillage" make sure you are getting a full-figure bra. You want the band that goes under your arms to be around 3 to 4 inches wide, and you want the lowest part of the neckline of the bra to reach the top of your cleavage.

If you buy a well-made bra and it fits well, you shouldn't have a problem with it stretching out. It should last you a long time. Also, buy at least two.

 

[SweetErika]

Yeah, I don't have a problem finding bras, but trying on different sizes in different brands is absolutely key. Some brands' sizes are way smaller than others.

I've been wearing nursing bras for over a year now, but pre-baby, I think I had good luck with certain styles of Vanity Fair and Playtex. Some Cacique (Lane Bryant's brand), too, though some of those are really poor quality, so you have to look for the ones that fit AND are made well (of course that's true for any brand).

I'm not sure what discount department stores you have in your area, but I've been buying my bras at Ross for a long time. Yes, I have to try on a million of them (I usually buy a bunch to take home and try on with clothes and such, then return the ones that don't work well), but for under $10, I can usually find at least 2 or 3 bras that are super comfy and will last quite sometime.

You may want to try cotton/t-shirt material bras, or others that allow the cup to stretch at least a bit so your girls aren't packed in there like sardines. I have a couple of those that are especially comfy when it's hot outside. They don't do much to hide the nips under a thinner shirt (and I prefer lightly lined bras for this reason), but they could be a good choice for you if you need something that flexes, to hang out at home in, etc.

 

[lady_poisyn]

even store mesurements can fail very badly, my grandmother measured out as a d cup when she is infact an a cup, and the last time i was mesured i came out as a c cup- but putting on anything smaller then a d or dd was out of the question i felt packed in and ready to pop out, so what feels right to you is what you should stick with, but as the others have said try other sizes and styles from diffrent makers as they will all very, and if one boob is bigger then the other fit your bras to fit that boob- you can always pad the other one if need be.

 

[dollface007]

If your bra is not fitting correctly, the typical rule is you need to go down in band size and up in cup size. The band has to fit snugly around your ribs to provide support. Maybe the person who fitted you had the right idea but the quality of the bra is not so good? I'm sorry to say that you are not at a size where you can go for a discount bra.

I've found that I like "T-shirt" bras the best. They are "molded" bras, so they don't add padding (because obviously you don't need any), but they do hold their shape better.

The place to go where I live for a proper bra fitting is Nordstrom. Do you have one where you live? I went and got a fitting at Nordstrom, then once I found a brand I like in the correct size, I buy them online. Fantasie is my favorite brand.

For the record, according to the gals at Victoria's Secret, I am a 38DD, when I'm actually a 32F. The people at VS have no clue what they're doing, and keep in mind that they are owned by the same company as Lane Bryant. Finding the right bra can really improve your life!

 

[CutieMouse]

1) The 44F feels "right" because you're used to it.
2) The 42H is too loose/you're spilling out the cups because every time you go up a back band size you need to grade down a cup size (42G instead of H).
3) It takes 5-7 wearings for the back elastic in a bra band to begin to relax.
4) 90% of your support comes from the back band - which should be worn even with the under-wire, low across the smallest part of the ribcage.
5) Ignore measurements unless absolutely necessary (no other option). I measure 31" ribs/37" breasts. By the formula suggested earlier, I'd be a 36B; I'm actually a 32D.

 

[sensualgrl]

1) The 44F feels "right" because you're used to it.
2) The 42H is too loose/you're spilling out the cups because every time you go up a back band size you need to grade down a cup size (42G instead of H).
3) It takes 5-7 wearings for the back elastic in a bra band to begin to relax.
4) 90% of your support comes from the back band - which should be worn even with the under-wire, low across the smallest part of the ribcage.
5) Ignore measurements unless absolutely necessary (no other option). I measure 31" ribs/37" breasts. By the formula suggested earlier, I'd be a 36B; I'm actually a 32D.

I'm a 34N, but 34M bra size fits better, I'm 33" ribs/ 47" breasts. I can wear both sizes, but the 34M bra has a better fit.

 

[Sonchyenne]

The majority of my bras are custom jobs from Decent Exposures. At present, I wear a size 46E and need slightly longer straps, lined cups and an extra 1" cut into the arm holes.

 

[joyselyn]

Yeah, I don't have a problem finding bras, but trying on different sizes in different brands is absolutely key. Some brands' sizes are way smaller than others.

I've been wearing nursing bras for over a year now, but pre-baby, I think I had good luck with certain styles of Vanity Fair and Playtex. Some Cacique (Lane Bryant's brand), too, though some of those are really poor quality, so you have to look for the ones that fit AND are made well (of course that's true for any brand).

I'm not sure what discount department stores you have in your area, but I've been buying my bras at Ross for a long time. Yes, I have to try on a million of them (I usually buy a bunch to take home and try on with clothes and such, then return the ones that don't work well), but for under $10, I can usually find at least 2 or 3 bras that are super comfy and will last quite sometime.

You may want to try cotton/t-shirt material bras, or others that allow the cup to stretch at least a bit so your girls aren't packed in there like sardines. I have a couple of those that are especially comfy when it's hot outside. They don't do much to hide the nips under a thinner shirt (and I prefer lightly lined bras for this reason), but they could be a good choice for you if you need something that flexes, to hang out at home in, etc.

very interesting, hehe

 

[hotjavagirly]

http://www.herroom.com/

this site has been a "god-send" for me
im short and "fluffy" as well as large breasted
when i was thinner i had to have brassieres custom made(long before the
internet)

this site has a nice guide on measurements and always has notes is the sizing is different for a particular brand
they also have photos of the bra on someone from front,back, and side angles

good luck

 

[Luna_Bella]

I am usually a 38 D,

I say usually because there isn't a Size that is the same , it depends on the brand, on the store, on the bra itself and the material it is made of. so its a try it and see.

if your straps are falling off of your shoulders often I know they sell little plastic rings to gather them in between your shoulder blades, it provides extra support and keeps your straps from always being down on your shoulders.

 

[CutieMouse]

I am usually a 38 D,

I say usually because there isn't a Size that is the same , it depends on the brand, on the store, on the bra itself and the material it is made of. so its a try it and see.

if your straps are falling off of your shoulders often I know they sell little plastic rings to gather them in between your shoulder blades, it provides extra support and keeps your straps from always being down on your shoulders.

If the straps are constantly falling off your shoulders, it usually means the back band is too large, and/or the bra is sitting higher on the back than intended.

 

[NippleMuncher]

This vid seems informative, though the guy is a little creepy. You can also do a "bra fitting" search on YouTube to find similar vids on how to measure for and fit a bra properly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGvIlYJOcRE&feature=player_embedded

Being an avid fan of boobs, a properly fitting bra really helps to enhance your assets, regardless of size. To me, few things look worse than a bra that's 3 sizes too small.

 

[WaitWhatt]

I've always gone for full figure. I couldn't get away with anything else. It's not that I'm stuck on "I'm this size", it's that even after trying different ones and playing the buy online and return game.. I still can't figure it out. There's only one specialty store in the area that has "bigger bras" but not much success there either. Actually the last time, they put me in one of these -

http://images.herroom.com/items/goddess-god001-6041-gs.jpg I liked it because the entire breast was covered but I could not get used that lower riding band. I kept fidgeting. I think maybe it was so uncomfortable because it was resting on a fatroll that moves. lol My skinny friend said the same thing though..some styles have the band/wire riding lower and it presses against your ribs and is uncomfortable.


Compared to something like this which is supposedly "full coverage" but I've worn similar and I end up spilling and flopping or puffing out on top. The model likely has normal breasts so they wouldn't have that problem.

http://images.herroom.com/items/elomi-elom01-8120-gs.jpg


ugh.. still looking. This site has me wondering if I should try a "40I" since I haven spillage/bulging problems with most other sizes except when the band is way too big.

 

[NippleMuncher]

ugh.. still looking. This site has me wondering if I should try a "40I" since I haven spillage/bulging problems with most other sizes except when the band is way too big.

Wish I could help, other than to say that I don't believe that you've been properly fitted yet. "Normal" is in the eye of the boobholder, in that while you can say that there are generalities upon which bras are manufactured, in reality, ALL women really face the same issues when trying to find good bras that are comfortable, fit well, and do the job they're designed to do.

I get that you're a larger girl and that larger bras that do their job are harder to find, I've know a great many "normal" girls that have the same complaint as you. My mother was a 34C and was complaining forty years ago of the same problems you are.

In my last post I suggested some YouTube vids that may help you determine your actual size. If you know how to measure yourself, know how to fit yourself, then when you're shopping, you know what to look for in a good bra that will suit your needs. You may need to go the route of custom bras and forget off the shelf shopping altogether.

I wish you good luck in your search. While I'll never know your anguish, I most certainly empathize with your problem.

 

[SweetErika]

I've always gone for full figure. I couldn't get away with anything else. It's not that I'm stuck on "I'm this size", it's that even after trying different ones and playing the buy online and return game.. I still can't figure it out. There's only one specialty store in the area that has "bigger bras" but not much success there either. Actually the last time, they put me in one of these -

http://images.herroom.com/items/goddess-god001-6041-gs.jpg I liked it because the entire breast was covered but I could not get used that lower riding band. I kept fidgeting. I think maybe it was so uncomfortable because it was resting on a fatroll that moves. lol My skinny friend said the same thing though..some styles have the band/wire riding lower and it presses against your ribs and is uncomfortable.


Compared to something like this which is supposedly "full coverage" but I've worn similar and I end up spilling and flopping or puffing out on top. The model likely has normal breasts so they wouldn't have that problem.

http://images.herroom.com/items/elomi-elom01-8120-gs.jpg


ugh.. still looking. This site has me wondering if I should try a "40I" since I haven spillage/bulging problems with most other sizes except when the band is way too big.

I find the style of #1 to be TOO full coverage and really limiting. I've had one or two that covered that much for working out and screwing around the house, but I couldn't wear them with most of my shirts (which are v-neck, square- or scoop-neck). Plus, my boobs don't generally fit in them very well - because they cover so much, there's very little room for size changes, the bra stretching, and they frequently compress the top of my breast, which I don't care for.

Anyway, there's definitely a happy medium in terms of coverage.

I'm wondering why you think you're a 40I if one of your favorite bras is a 44F. There's a huge difference there! Personally, I can usually go up or down a band size depending on the bra, but there's no way I could go down two band sizes.

I get that you're a larger girl and that larger bras that do their job are harder to find, I've know a great many "normal" girls that have the same complaint as you. My mother was a 34C and was complaining forty years ago of the same problems you are.

Psst...

The opposite of "larger" is "smaller," NOT "normal." "Normal" is plus-size (or bordering on it) anyway these days.

 

[NippleMuncher]

Psst...

The opposite of "larger" is "smaller," NOT "normal." "Normal" is plus-size (or bordering on it) anyway these days.

I did say that "normal" was in the eye of the boobholder (meaning barer ). The OP is the one that actually referenced to "normal", indicating women smaller than her. My contention is that size is irrelevant, most women regardless of size have difficulty finding comfortable bras that do their job. Skinny women may have it slightly easier only due to the plethora of garments geared to their size, but truly finding a well fitting, flattering bra, IMHO, is still difficult.

 

[CutieMouse]

I've always gone for full figure. I couldn't get away with anything else. It's not that I'm stuck on "I'm this size", it's that even after trying different ones and playing the buy online and return game.. I still can't figure it out. There's only one specialty store in the area that has "bigger bras" but not much success there either. Actually the last time, they put me in one of these -

http://images.herroom.com/items/goddess-god001-6041-gs.jpg I liked it because the entire breast was covered but I could not get used that lower riding band. I kept fidgeting. I think maybe it was so uncomfortable because it was resting on a fatroll that moves. lol My skinny friend said the same thing though..some styles have the band/wire riding lower and it presses against your ribs and is uncomfortable.


Compared to something like this which is supposedly "full coverage" but I've worn similar and I end up spilling and flopping or puffing out on top. The model likely has normal breasts so they wouldn't have that problem.

http://images.herroom.com/items/elomi-elom01-8120-gs.jpg


ugh.. still looking. This site has me wondering if I should try a "40I" since I haven spillage/bulging problems with most other sizes except when the band is way too big.

The top image is a full coverage bra; the bottom image is a 3/4 cup with a sweetheart neckline. Not every bra is cut for every figure, just like how not every vendor is cut for every body. Goddess/Elomi are a UK company specifically targeted to fuller figures. They fit slightly different from one another (as vendors),and depending on the bras cut [design] you may need to do a half-size (HH) instead of a full size (H). If the 40H fit properly in the store with someone assisting you, and you had spillage issues when putting it on yourself at home, it might be an issue of not knowing how to put it on. I know that sounds weird, but it's actually a pretty common issue.

 

[sensualgrl]

Linda the bra lady, her website has a bra size calculator, it calculates
your bra size for you in two steps.


http://www.lindasonline.com/bra-fitting-calculator.html

 

[NomadLady]

Bras

I only buy bras from plus size stores and they seem to have a better clue about how to fit plus size breasts and women. I have a great friend that is about a size 10 and swears but Wacoal bras but if they are so great and wonderful why do they run so damn small and why don't they make them larger than a 44 band?

Cacique is probably my favorite.

 

[Bestroika]

I'm a larger breasted gal, so I can agree with most of what has been said. There just aren't enough places out there that cater to women who are over a DD. Victoria's Secret doesn't stock anything larger than a 40DD I believe. Since I am a 44F I had to look elsewhere for comfort.

I hate underwire bras with a fiery passion. So, I wanted something that wasn't underwire, but gave me the lift I need when I am wearing a bra. So, I did a lot of research and ended up choosing Cacique.

I couldn't be more pleased with the two bras I purchased from them, at the same time though...damn, that was a lot of money for two bras. But, you get what you pay for.

Honestly as a big breasted gal I feel slightly discriminated against in these stores like Victoria's. I have threatened many times to get together with my friends that work at Hooter's, make signs, and picket them.

 

[Adrraiya]

So ever since these things grew, I am having a hard time with bras. Last year I finally found one that felt comfortable and didn't make me bulge out at the top. I was wearing a 44F.

Went to bra store a few days ago and the saleswoman insisted I wasn't that size and insisted on measuring me. She said I was the same size as one of the girls who worked there and put me in a 40H. I admit, I looked "smaller" and somehow tucked in more. But I've actually tried that bra before but in a different size. It is uncomfortable and doesn't stay in place. I've read the reviews on their website and everyone has the same complaints as I do - The straps do not stay up and any bend and normal day movement pops them back out and you have to stuff them back in every 10 minutes. The bra looks good the first day. 3 days now and it's happening all over again. I don't know how this bra is even still in business. They also hurt like hell and swell up in it from being so uncomfortable when I finally take it off.

I decided to stick with the size and try the bra I like in a 42H(They did not have 40's in stock) And I am bulging out at the top again. It also seems too loose.

Went back to the original bra I like in a 44F.. Not sure if maybe I lost weight or I got used to the feel of the other bra.....But this one covers the top and there's no bulge in the top but I am bulging out the sides/arm pit area.. UGH

I have no shape. Being this big, yes they "hang" so that means they flop over in a bra. My goal is to lose weight....then eventually get breast reduction surgery. But in the mean time, I can't lose weight when I can't even find a bra I am comfortable walking in and don't have to adjust and tug at constantly. I feel like I deserve to be uncomfortable for letting myself get like this but it's not helping me to fix it. So far my only solution is wearing a sports bra/wireless bra over the bulge to help hide it and keep it in place. Anyone else go through this and have any advice? I've been to a couple bra speciality stores and it's the same story every time !

You need Wizard of Bras

start with the Fitting School
http://www.wizardofbras.com/FittingSchool.aspx

The woman who owns this business has been ordering bras for me for at least 20 years now.

 

[CutieMouse]

I only buy bras from plus size stores and they seem to have a better clue about how to fit plus size breasts and women. I have a great friend that is about a size 10 and swears but Wacoal bras but if they are so great and wonderful why do they run so damn small and why don't they make them larger than a 44 band?

Cacique is probably my favorite.

Wacoal was originally a Japanese company that was bought out by a US vendor... I can't remember how many decades ago (and am too lazy to look it up). Besides which, they tend to flatted and spread the breasts wider than necessary (in my opinion) which makes one look wider/heavier, and while they tend to be comfortable from the very beginning because they're constructed with very soft materials - they wear out quickly because they're made with very soft materials.

Anyway - American bras stop at DDDD. Period. EU/UK bras go from an A - I. One of the reasons that American bras have such limited size runs is because the engineering behind a wider range of sizes = more time spent in R&D, more time spent in production, and a wider range of sizes resulting in a greater investment risk (projecting how many of each band + cup size will sell from a given collection, without overstock issues eating up profits).

I'm a larger breasted gal, so I can agree with most of what has been said. There just aren't enough places out there that cater to women who are over a DD. Victoria's Secret doesn't stock anything larger than a 40DD I believe. Since I am a 44F I had to look elsewhere for comfort.

I hate underwire bras with a fiery passion. So, I wanted something that wasn't underwire, but gave me the lift I need when I am wearing a bra. So, I did a lot of research and ended up choosing Cacique.

I couldn't be more pleased with the two bras I purchased from them, at the same time though...damn, that was a lot of money for two bras. But, you get what you pay for.

Honestly as a big breasted gal I feel slightly discriminated against in these stores like Victoria's. I have threatened many times to get together with my friends that work at Hooter's, make signs, and picket them.

VS bras don't fit me either... and I'm a 32D.

Of course I'm picky as hell, and know enough to know I can't wear a 32D produced in America, England, Italy, or Spain (every country cuts differently); I can only wear about half of the French vendors out there, and very specific Belgian ones. On top of that I have to avoid certain cuts of contour bras (the foam cup styles), can't wear full cup bras at all, have to avoid transverse seams (as opposed to vertical), and still come across things I *want* to fit by vendors that usually fit me... that don't. LOL

 

[bailadora]

VS bras don't fit me either... and I'm a 32D.

Where in the world do you find 32D bras? While I'm actually a 30B, I "make do" with a 32B and still seem to have trouble finding those, barring the offerings in the junior department.