3
Okay, I freely confess this is more of a rant than an adventure - in case there are some bra designers out there doing market research.
I want 3 or 4 hooks on a bra, and I love when there are 4 columns. Being a slightly "fluffier" girl, I find that skinner bands are less attractive (even when perfectly comfy ... - Panache, Freya - I'm talking to you) when being worn. They are so much more likely to settle in between fluffier bits, or cause different fluffy bits to pop up, and it shows up as excess back fat under clothes. Okay, so it is excess back fat - but it is a whole lot less noticeable when snugly wrapped in a wider band. And I feel more supported. And I think it just visually balances the look of larger cups. So there.
Four columns of hooks is just a fantastic way to show your customer you care. For weight gains & losses, and hormonal changes, 4 columns ensures a higher probability that the bra will be wearable - whatever your circumstances. It's a thoughtful, practical detail and I wish it were the rule instead of the exception. Ewa Michalak incorporates this feature into some of their styles - love.
Another request: lining/padding, but not for increased size. This is a matter of some debate, with many ladies weighing in in favor of sheer cups. If my headlights were on at the same time, I might agree - but they never seem to be when I'm at the office. I prefer the smooth look and longer-term durability of a lined cup. Smooches to Curvy Kate on this.
I also want an engineering marvel: a front-hook bra. If a GG plunge is doable, why not a front hook?
One last wish-list item: a racerback option. I haven't found a Chantelle or Wacoal that fits properly, but they both offer this feature on some of their styles. I LOVE it; I want it, and I'd pay more for it.
Read more
Shared on Jan 09, 2013 Flag this
Have you looked at Ewa Michalak's new 3D (padded plunge) and 3DM (unpadded plunge) styles? These are supposed to be especially designed to flatter smaller busts. Of course, determining the correct size will be a bit of a challenge as there aren't many (if any) reviews out yet ...
I second MilkAndHoney's recommendation of Ewa, I hear she has great small band/small bust bras (especially the new 3D/M styles). Plus, if the size isn't listed, you can email her and she'll make anything down to I think a 24 band or an A (or B?) cup.
I'd also like to recommend Marks and Spencer, you can usually find them on ebay for pretty cheap. I just looked them up and there's a bunch of 28Cs for under $10, and I'm in the US. Also, their 28 bands are very firm, so if she measures under 28" that could be a good choice. The only problem I've had with them is that their sizing can be inconsistent, mostly in the cups--Once I ordered a 30F that turned out to be closer to a G. So I'd recommend trying a few different styles. Not a big deal since they are pretty cheap.
In general though, I'd say to keep an eye on ebay. If you save a search for "28C bra," you can get email notifications every time a new listing pops up. And, of course, the sort by price option helps too. :)
I hope I helped, I'm also a starving college student with a bra obsession, so I'm always looking for deals :)