Nov 18, 2017
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Filed under Boob and body issues
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Bra adventures » Boob and body issues
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9
Binding with a Polish Body
It's been awhile since I was active on this site; reason? I've been seriously questioning my gender identity! Wheeeee!
It has become clear to me that my search for the perfect A Bra That Fits was a bit of a misdirect. My dissatisfaction with my chest isn't only, or even primarily, about the difficulty of finding bras. (Although that is legit ... difficult, which made the bra search a giant red herring.) Even after finding a perfect fit in 70G - Ewa Michalak » Bm Kleks (861) , I wasn't happy. Embarrassingly, the closest representation of my experience probably comes from an episode of Degrassi: The Next Class from last summer. Lola takes Yael to find a bra, and even when they find one, Yael isn't satisfied - until the salesperson (at what must be a VERY progressive underwear shop) points out the binders.
For the last 6 months, I have been binding. Let me tell you, finding a binder that fits is also a huge pain in the chest when you have a small ribcage and large bust.
There are many binders that only work for people with smaller chests; I didn't even bother with those. Many binder-needing folks swear by G2CB, with a few holdouts preferring Underworks (which was basically the only game in town for a long while.) Personally, I had the same experience with both. Size medium was too small and wouldn't even go on, and size large was too large in many dimensions (straps, ribcage), while still being too small in the front panel (the part that is supposed to go over the chest). The result is that my breast tissue got pushed out the sides into the armpit area, and to some extent over the collar, creating these giant bulges that were, if anything, MORE noticeable than just having breasts. It was completely unworkable.
I felt that I was stuck with an unbindable chest until someone mentioned that the Title 9 Frog Bra was back in stock. This is a sport bra with 32% spandex, more than twice what most heavy-duty sport bras have, and it's advertised as the ultimate option for people who do not want any bounce. It also happens to be a pretty darn good binder. For people with smaller chests, it binds completely. On me, it gets me down to a 35" chest measurement (from 40"), which is still quite a bit bigger than my 30" ribcage, but still: decent! It definitely looks OK under a button-down shirt. And the large is big enough that there is no weird bulging. The band is still too loose for me, but the bra is tight and firm enough that the breasts are held up where they need to be anyway. It is also very comfortable for all-day wear (which I cannot say about the other binders).
I could squeeze into the medium, but it created a little bulging and was not as comfortable, and did not really do any better of a job binding (I was still hovering around 35"). So I'm sticking with the large. I bought 4 and I am using them to bind 5+ days a week now that I am dressing male at work.
I still wear a traditional underwire bra 1-2 times a week to let my breasts rest. My anatomy hasn't changed, and underwire bras are still most supportive and comfortable - by which I mean, physically comfortable, not emotionally; it's becoming increasingly dysphoric to have my chest so pushed out and to wear frilly, froofy underthings. Despite the EM BM being technically a slightly better fit, I find I'm gravitating toward my 30GG - Cleo » Blake Balconnet Bra (9151) because of the relatively straightforward, gender-neutral design. The Blake uses brightly colored mesh instead of lace, and is nearly ribbon-free (just the center bow, which I simply snipped off.) I wish more bra companies would come out with bras that are neither matronly nor girly.
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8 comments
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I'm glad you found a binder that works :) I can imagine it's a much harder task than tracking down bras in a small band, large cup size.
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Kudos to you for coming out! I also find myself in gender neutral territory very often as well. Although I could not begin to fathom the emotions and the way in which you feel, but I do know that I quite often put on my smallest sports bra, throw on my guy jeans and my guy shirt, because that is who I am that day.
I have just begun my bra journey from wearing 32B's/34A's (or even smaller) for most my life... and now I have found correct bra sizing and have just received my first two 28D's... it's insanely difficult for me to try to get a bra that actually matches my depth (7-8") as opposed to the 6"6.5" inch depth of my current bras....
I have gone off track. I think it would be very beneficial for you to measure and input all your binders, and post pictures if you're comfortable doing so. I know i have found myself looking for something binder just for me. But the lack of information out there sort of "scares" me away. Thank you for your post and I hope that you do input your binders here on BtB! -
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5
good read, i also size up in a band because of my body type
http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2013/08/lingerie-advice-for-mesomorphs-women-with-muscular-builds.html
http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2013/08/lingerie-advice-...
http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2013/08/lingerie-advice-for-mesomorphs-women...
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4 comments
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This. Yep. I exercise carefully to avoid building more muscle. When I was 12, I could squat more than I weighed and I attracted way more attention regarding my gluteus maximus than was comfortable. No more weightlifting for me. ;-)
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That was a good read
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Moving closer together?
Can correctly fitting bras move your breasts closer together? I don’t remember mine being this close together but now they are almost touching at the top. Maybe it’s just the PL cut?
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9 comments
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I'd say yes and no.
A properly fitted bra can help migrated breast tissue move back from under the arm to its proper place up front, but how your breast tissue is connected to your sternum should not change regardless of how a bra fits.
That being said, spending most of your life in wide gore bras (US/UK) and switching to the narrow gored Polish brands can allow your true center gore distance to shine through.
The wide gores can push the tissue close to the gore down, especially after years of wide gored bras, giving the illusion that your gore was wider than it really was all along. :) -
I spent most of my life in VS bras until 7 months ago. How long does the migration thing take?
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How can you Tell if you need cookies?
Hi,
Most of my life I've been the same size and never really noticed any difference between my boobs, but since my size changed, I have. So I've been wondering from a difference of how many cm do I need a cookie? I have a bra that seems to be too small for one boob and too big for the other, ... but when I wear a smaller cup bra, the cups are too small on both sides. The band seems ok on both bras, but the gore never sits flat. It's my 1st adventure, so I hope I'm using it right.
Thanks so much
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9 comments
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If adjusting the straps doesn't work, then a size change (& cookie for the smaller side) may be the way to go. Try loosening the strap on the larger breast & tightening the strap on the smaller side. If your bra is still too small for the larger side, then you should upsize the cup, or try a different style. Bras with stretchy upper lace are an excellent option for asymmetry. Kinga semi soft bras have the stretchy lace top, as well as Envy by Panache, and Ellace by Curvy Kate to name a few. Demi/Half cup styles are also good for asymmetry since the top of the cups are open, you tend to not get the overspill. Comexim half cup (2HC & 3HC) & Ewa Michalak CHP are good examples. Ewa's CHP comes with cookies & cookie pockets while Comexim's does not.
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Thanks for the comments. I don't wear lacey bras if I can help it as they're too itchy, and as you said stretchy, thus they wear out too fast and are not too comfortable for me, especially in the summer time.
I did adjust my straps, but the bra seems to be too small for the bigger boob, which means I need to buy a new one, through I bought this one just a month ago.
But how many inches/cms does a cookies give you?
The straps thingy (I have No idea what its name is) goes all the way to the back on the bigger one and is in the middle of the straps for the other one, this way the bra fits the small one as long as I don't move too much. By the way, this way on both sides the straps dig into my tissue, not my shoulders, but below it, just above armpit level. I measured only a 2cm difference, Could it just be the fact this bra is a plunge? -
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Weight loss progress, boobs not budging
I said I would give y’all updates on my weight loss adventures.
I’ve lost 4lbs so far out of my 10lbs goal (for now). I lost a load of boob weight in the first 2lbs I lost but now I’m stalled, I think.
My Freya Plunge Balcony in 30FF is starting to gape a little in the top of the cups, but the 30F Plunge Balcony I have is still clearly way too small.
Here’s to hoping I lose more boob weight.
I still have 6lbs to lose so we’ll see.Filed under Boob and body issues
6 comments
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Great job on losing the weight so far! I recently lost a bit of weight too, and all my bras gape now except maybe 2 of them. I just re-ordered new bras so I have something to wear again. Unfortunately for me I didn't want to lose boob weight, but oh well....tradeoff I guess....Good luck on the rest of your weight loss journey!
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Best wishes to both of you!
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4
One breast sits higher than the other
This may be hard to explain, but I'm going to try my best. One of my breasts (specifically, my smaller breast) attaches to my torso lower than my other breast. It also has a small slope up to where more of the breast tissue is, whereas my other breast kind of just immediately starts with some breast tissue.
I'm wondering ... if this is going to impact fit, since the underwire won't sit at a straight line if I actually line it up with both underboobs (unsure of what to call it). Or, if I do put it straight, then there will be empty space between the underwire and breast that sits higher.
I think that it might already be affecting my current bras, since I find sometimes the bra is sitting on some of the tissue that begins to slope on the breast that sits lower. I guess I'm just looking if anyone has advice on how this affects fit, or if they have a similar issue!
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10 comments
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I have one breast higher than the other aswell! For me it is my smaller breast sitting higher. In some bras it's so annoying and I can't wear them for a longer time, as I m always trying to adjust the wires. But I found bras that work for me, and I m sure you will find some aswell! :)
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it will definitely impact fit! i have conical, splayed, close set breasts with one smaller breast that is also higher up, more projected, and narrower, and the base curve differs from my other breast. i mainly have to wear wireless bras because it can be uncomfortable. i hope fitting will be easier for you :)
...under boob line is called Inframammary fold or (IMF) -
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10
Crisis averted
A couple of weeks ago, I outgrew this bra I had just bought, which meant I had no bras left that fit, like, 0, niet, nada. And I was starting to get sick of my breasts growing so much, and I decided I should lose weight (I am 5'2", weighed 136lbs) since I gained 14lbs in the last 2.5 years ... (was originally around 122lbs).
I started about 2 weeks ago and lost 2lbs already (exercise + restricted diet). And, I tried on the Freya 30FF bra again yesterday and... it fits again!!!! So, no pressure on me to buy new bras *right now*! And that means I can keep most of my 30F bras because I might be able to wear them again in a few more weeks!
Thanks for hearing me lol. There aren't many people around me who are open to discuss these things. :')
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7 comments
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Quite the weight-loss motivator!
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Good job on your success already! Very inspiring! I always make the plan but never stick to it. Any chance you would post again as you meet your goal?
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Another rant u.u
I gained like 3lbs and i went up a cup size (maybe even 1.5) and i haaate this, again only my period bra fits :C I can feel my boobs are heavier too which honestly bothers me. I wonder if it's some kind of temporary water retention. Hopefully it's gonna be like last time when i randomly went up a size and after like a week it was back to normal.
Is this gonna happen more often as i get older? I hope not. Second time this year, bleghFiled under Boob and body issues
7 comments
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My weight fluctuates between 58 and 72 kg (not within months, but 2-3 years). After every "cycle" of weight gain/loss my breasts are different at the same weight, e.g. I weigh 68kg now, but my breasts are 2 cup sizes larger than last time I weighed 68kg (no, I did not wear way too small bras, I really had smaller breasts). You cannot influence where your body puts/loses fat, you can only influence the total amount of fat. It`s completely normal that breasts change size and shape as you age, even if your weight stays the same.
It`s also normal to temporarily have increased water retention (non - menstrual cycle related). The reasons can be a different diet, hormones (stress), sports you do etc.
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It's bothersome because this is literally the second time it's happened, I'm 21 and 1 or 2 years ago my size didn't change at all aside from my period :( I guess I should expect it to be more common now.
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9
I've never been so excited for cooler weather!
All of my favorite bras are too hot for summer. I'm SO looking forward to wearing these comfortable bras SOON.
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20 comments
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A hearty amen to that! I loathe summer weather, and my strongest, most slimming bras are lined.
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I agree, except for some reason we are in a stinking heatwave here. Why on earth is it hotter in the latter part of September than it was in July & August?!? It just isn't right! I'm so ready for the snow and sweatshirts........
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6
Is That Really How I look?
I think we all have moments like this, where you see a picture and think, "Crap, I had no idea." It's like hearing your recorded voice and thinking you're the dumbest sounding person on the planet. So, since finding ABTF and Bratabase last January, my size has increased by nearly 4 cup sizes. I know it's hormones since nothing else ... on my body has changed and yes, everything has checked out healthy. I'm hoping it slows down (seriously, please stop already!). I'm having some picture shock with my size and trying to figure out the best way to dress so I don't look like a big boobed bowling ball. I think if I was pendulous, this might be easier (I'm sure they have their own issues and would disagree!). I'm short, curvy, and my breasts are firm, round, and wide root, so they stick out on the sides from my ribcage.
I could use some bra help. I miss having a round shape in bras with the breasts pulled more to the center. I'm close set. Gore wires often overlap. But I don't have much center fullness. Everything I try lately is making me look like I have wide set rocket launchers (too lifted on bottom, so I have almost a flat bottom boob look in tee shirts, with not enough upper fullness so I get a weird pointed look.) I did great with Curvy Kate for awhile, loved the Princess balcony, but now I feel like they are exaggerating my wide look. Portia was even worse and cut way too much in my armpit. I thought Panache was the answer and ordered Skye and Blake. Blake in a 30H was definitely too shallow giving me the launch pad look, while Skye was perfect in the bottom of the cup in a 30HH, but the rest was too big. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try the 30H Skye but I suspect it would feel too tight in the bottom of the cup.
While I love the UK bras, I'm reluctant to say I've gone back to wearing Lilyette Keyhole minimizer because it gives me a better rounded shape. The bra seriously doesn't fit since the bands don't come small enough and the cups don't run big enough. I wish I could combine the proper sizing of the UK brands with the roundness of the American. Am I just dreaming?
So, here's the TLDR version: I'm wide rooted, really projected, and I'm tired of looking overly wide-breasted yet pointy. Are there any brands/styles that will give me a pulled in, rounded look?
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14 comments
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If Skye was close I recommend Marcie in 30H. None of the silly rocket boob of Jasmine, Blake, Della, etc. Very round and up front with lots of depth at the bottom.
If you can get ahold of Curvy Kate Daydreamer (cherry print, not to be confused with Dreamcatcher) it is like Marcie in shape but more comfy. I would try it in 30H or HH.
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Thank you for the suggestions. I was under the wrong assumption that Marcie was shallow, so I'll definitely give it a try. Does the CK Daydreamer give a narrower appearance than other CK's? I have a ton of Curvy Kate, and even the swim balconettes give me a wide look. Would east/west be the right term? Yesterday, I put on CK Plain Sailing and sheesh, I almost looked ridiculous with pill shaped cantaloupes.
I was also wondering if Fantasie offers anything round and not coney? I have a Fantasie San Juan tankini that I love.
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Sep 09, 2017
Hello Bratabase!
I am looking for recommendations for sports bras for 42JJ. Right now Elomi's Energise is the only sports bra I know of that does the higher band and higher cup sizes, but they don't do 42JJ.
Help?Filed under Boob and body issues
7 comments
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Okay- They only one I could find is:
42N should equal your 42JJ. It's very pricy and I'm not familiar with the brand, but the reviews are favorable.
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Their N cup is a :12 cup index for Ulla Dessous Kate Wireless Bra (6028) , which is equivalent to a UK HH cup. I imagine BustyIsBeautiful is referring to a UK JJ cup? That would be a 42:14 which surprisingly enough we don't have any on the site :( So that 42:12 would be the best bet, maybe size up to 44:12 and adjust the band?
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1
Help with breast root
I THINK I'm wide rooted but just wanted some feedback. My breasts are wider spaced which is more common for wide roots and the breast tissue extends well to the armpit.My boobs like to go past my armpits when I lay down.
My straight across measurement (diameter not circumference) on my chest above my breasts is 11-12 inches. My breast ... root of one breast measures 7 inches (yes I measured the root only. By feeling where the tissue attaches to my chest wall. If I measured over my breast tissue the measurement is higher). So 14 inches in total. So my breast root extends further than my chest wall.
I think this makes me wide rooted?
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21 comments
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It's a bit difficult for me to respond because I'm not sure what part of your breast root you measured (at what height and was it horizontal or diagonal). If you have a bra where the wires are wide enough for you, what width are they?
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i measured horizontal. Only where the issues attaches to my chest. Not actually over top of my breast.
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8
Self Image
Almost every time I see wearing-bra pictures for 28E/30DD bras, my first thought is "Crap, the cups must run large," because I don't think I have that much breast volume. I only just now realized that perhaps I am still affected by self-image issues about my breasts pre-r/abtf; that maybe I struggle to recognize my actual breast volume on other ... people because it doesn't line up with what I see in the mirror after too many years of hating my breasts for being too small.
Three years ago, the first time I tried on an unlined bra in my "new" size, was when I was finally able to start to love my breasts. These simple seamed bras were able to make my breasts look more shapely and even larger than my ill-fitting 32As that squashed all my tissue out to the side. I cannot even put into words how thankful I am for having learned about real bra fitting and having communities like you guys at my disposal!
Thanks everyone for reading, this is a very-late-night realization when I should be sleeping, LOL.
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5 comments
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I feel the same way. I continue to fall back to my size 32B and I got tissue pushed out under my arms and when it comes off the wire imprint is on my boob and not in IMF. I'm pretty new to this size due to hormones and I keep thinking its temporary so I'm reluctant to let go of my old bras. It's so funny to admit. Good to know I'm not the only one
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I have a mountain of bras that are too small in the cup for the same reason- I look at the pictures and think "I am not that big" and then order down in the cup......result being unsightly quad boob.........even when bras arrive, I always think "that's way to big to fit" only to be surprised when putting them on.....
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5
Roots
So I've never had a bra that made it so obvious before (and I guess I should be grateful to the wrong-size 30FF - Freya » Fancies Longline Bra (1014) I just got), but I've always assumed my crazy Nike swoosh was my side root. The line in the photo where the fabric buckles isn't quite along ... my curve - mine is a bit steeper and runs into the bottom of the cup a hair sooner - but it's pretty close! There is basically no change in fullness or any vertical dip between where most people's roots might be and my swoosh. The doorbell test (raise your arm, ring the doorbell) doesn't really move any tissue very far because it's already so spread out across my ribcage, so that doesn't give me any other indicators. I also know that lotsa-armpit-breast-tissue runs in my family, because my grandmother had a mastectomy and her torso completely changed shape because of it. Since it doesn't matter functionally, and I still need wires that can accommodate it, I guess I'm just looking for confirmation for curiosity's sake: Is it my root, or do I have a really fat/pronounced tail of spence, or what?
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78577813985f42e87766d7933915f1ab.jpg Filed under Boob and body issues
13 comments
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This looks so similar to the breast tissue under my arm. Although, your roots are more steeply curved than mine. When I tried to ignore it, whoa did it protest.
Where or where are the swoosh wires?? ;-)
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Not sure what your situation is, but according to my nurse practitioner, I have a lot of glands all through that same area where your Nike swoosh is. I was so nervous that they were swollen lymph nodes, but she said, "No, those are ordinary breast glands and ducts." But your photo is very clear. Have you had a breast exam with your physician or nurse practitioner? They might be able to give you an informed answer.
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sorry i'm short tempered...
i had to give up bratabse for about a year, then i came back. i fear i might have to give it up again. i will be taking another break. i still have a bra for sale if anyone wants it.
i have a hard time getting my points across and no one seems to understand what i'm saying and it's ... making me very upset most of the time. so that is not good for my mental health.
this is why i don't have any other social media. i'm the type of person you only really get when your in person with them.
thanks for all the help. but i feel like i've gotten nothing in return.
sounds like i'm breaking up with a partner.
my bratabase partner.
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7 comments
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Best wishes to you!
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That sounds very frustrating and I'm sorry :(
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Jun 09, 2017
Best minimizer bra in the 32FF-30G Panache range? What do you folks like best when you need to lower your profile a little?
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4 comments
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I think Fantasie Rebecca Spacer Moulded Bra (2024) and Panache Porcelain Moulded T-shirt Bra (3376) had low profile. I don't know how well it scales for 30:9 though
Fantasie looks less projected than the
http://www.bratabase.com/browse/fantasie/rebecca-2024/30G/pictures/?show_only=3http://www.bratabase.com/browse/panache/porcelain-moulded-t-shirt-bra-3376/30FF/pictures/?show_only=3
http://www.bratabase.com/browse/panache/porcelain-moulded-t-shirt-bra-3376/30G/pictures/?show_only=3 -
Thank you, Jj -- the Rebecca Spacer bra is one of few bras I've tried that just doesn't agree with me at all (it pushes itself down out of my IMF and is super uncomfortable after about an hour), but I haven't tried the Porcelain Moulded T-shirt Bra and Amazon has 'em in my size. Easy to test! :)
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7
Video about Body Image
I LOVE this video I found on the Satami blog website. (BTW - I am so excited about getting my first Satami bra!) I know I can struggle to feel comfortable in my own skin at times. I thought this video was very insightful. I hope others find it encouraging too. http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ofX8wMUXwSs
【Perfect In Your Way－Women’s love and hatred of letters】
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ofX8wMUXwSs
Filed under Boob and body issues
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thank you for sharing this :) I love this video.
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All the sizes the women think they are are off though. :|
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One breast sagging?
I've always had one breast larger than the other (though they have both previously been self supporting), but yesterday, I noticed that the larger one is self supporting no longer. Or, I guess, it has lost a bit of that as there is now a Noticable fold. The smaller one is no different to before, and this seems to be ... quite recent as it wasn't like that the last time I looked in the mirror :/ Is this anything to be concerned about? The only reasons I can think of is weight gain (nope), natural loss of support (I'm quite young, though), always wearing one size fits all sports bras that mash everything downwards (never been an issue) or increased scoliosis, though I'd have to wait for my next hospital appiontment to see. Now I'm even more lopsided haha *cries internally* I was quite fond of my self supported-ness, though I guess it wouldn't have lasted regardless.
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3 comments
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Ah - this is the way of things. As a person who also has one breast that's self-supporting (and another which is less so!), I wouldn't worry at all. It's been this way, for me, for many years and now I'm in my late 40s. As bodies change with age and stage, gravity kicks in. The wonderful thing about well-fitting bras is that the impact of this sort of asymmetry is imperceptible.
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It's good to know it's nothing to worry about, thank you :)
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4
The Breast Gallery
I really want the breast gallery to be helpful to me. I can really see how it can be beneficial. But I *know* for myself it is this way, it must be for some others as well... I don't see myself the way that I see others. I can look at myself and see what I'm dealing with but then when I get to that part of measurements or whatever.... I just can't compare me to other women's shapes/sizes/builds.. Please tell me someone else has this issue?
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10 comments
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Same! I can't recognize myself in any of the pics cause I know my own view is distorted. I can look through the gallery & see shapes I wish were mine though lol
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When I look at the Gallery I usually think some one looks like me until I look at photos of myself. When I compare my photos to others I get hung up on the minor differences and think they don't look anything like mine.
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Thank you for sharing this important link! :)