In 2005, I measured a 36C at Victoria's secret. I got pregnant, had a baby, and sized up to a 36D because I figured I had gone up a cup size. A few months ago, I went into VS expecting to reduce my cup size from 36D to 36C as my bras fit funny. That 36D just never looked quite ... right. I just figured I had deflated a few months after having a baby. I went in, and wanting to be sure of my size, I asked to be fitted. They measured me 36DD, which of course I thought was BS and thought this must be vanity sizing, because the bra appeared to fit, and no way was an average sized me big enough for a DD cup. I did a bit of research and that is how I found out that the fitters at VS don't know what they are doing. How do they get away with this? I had already spent a great deal on bras and at the time, the bands were firm and the cups fit well, and they were all worn so I couldn't return them. I vowed to keep them until I needed new bras, then I would start looking around for the proper fit.
I recently lost about 20 lbs and my stretched out VS bands were no longer fitting. Oddly enough, I don't think I lost much in the boob area, but one thing was for sure, those 36" bands were not going to work. I went to Macy's and tried on a few 34DDD bras in the store, and they were all funny looking. They made me flat and the cups looked like triangles that were too small. Unfortunately, there are no retailers within 180 miles of me that sells smaller bands with higher cup letters. It is a hassle to find a 34DDD here, so I am stuck trying to work off of my base measurements to figure out what sizes I should be ordering.
I ordered a Freya Deco in 34DDD, and that one too had me in pain in a very short time. You know, I am really questioning that whole "sister size" thing. Every time I try to follow that, it never works. I have no idea why it doesn't work for me. I am wondering if a 36DD is really the same as a 34DDD in cup volume. I then started ordering 34F. I purchased a Curvy Kate Tease Me and a Freya Taylor. They both seem to fit me okay, but I do notice that the bands ride up a bit. I bought a Harlequin Tiffany in 32FF which seems to fit okay, I guess I just kind of wish there was a bit more cup. The band is loose too. I then bought a 32G Freya Deco, because sister sizing doesn't work for me. But, this bra looks so huge (see my fitting help request) compared to the others I am not even sure what to think of it.
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Shared on Sep 13, 2012 Flag this
What Panache bras did you try? They are very different from style to style. On me the Tango-bras are the worst, while Sienna and Confetti works fine. Masquerade and Cleo bras does in general work better as well, especially those more generous in the cup (Chloe, Alexa, Rhea, Delphi etc). :)