there are so many things about boobs and bras that i didn't know about lol. i'm still fairly confused about the breast roots. also, if i have breasts that sit low on my body, point outwards, with low nipples, which bra would fit me best? it would be something like a plunge, demibra, or half cup right?
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I ordered a Comexim Andromeda in a size 28HH (60L) from Breakout Bras. The band barely stretches to 26in (65.5cm). BB said that customers have said the band runs very snug. What do you? Size up in the particular style since it’s running snug? Or use an extender until it stretches?
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Depends on where I am on the band spectrum, honestly. I'd been on the smaller side of a 30 for a while in most brands (Polish 65s are usually totally fine, though), but now at, last I measured, 28.2 inches around snug I've found myself wanting to move to the second or third set of hooks on certain bras rather quickly. I think I'll try some 28s the next time I get a UK bra.
So tl;dr if the bigger size feels in the realm of 'ehhhh I wish this was a liiitttlleee tighter, might move to the second set of hooks in a few weeks' I'd probably stay on the bigger size--beyond that I think I would(/I will) get the smaller size and use an extender if need be.
So how do you ladies manage getting a snug band without creating back rolls? When deciding between sister sizes, what do you do when the smaller band size FEELS comfortably snug (can fit two fingers under band) but LOOKS too tight (back rolls, hooks straining, giving you BACK CLEAVAGE along your spine) while the larger band size FEELS a little loose (can easily fit whole hand under band) but LOOKS like it fits (less intense back rolls, doesn't look stretched, no back cleavage)???
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i only get back rolls when a band is 2 hooks. if i could get bras in my size to be 4 or more or actually 1, then i don't get back rolls. but most of my bras come with 2 hooks and that is what makes fat rolls on me, regardless of band tightness.
I’ve wondered this! I feel like I always have back rolls regardless of the size of my band!
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Is there a difference in sizing between Breakout Bras and ordering direct? I got a 3HC in 75F from Breakout that fit pretty well save for slight gaping on my smaller side. On the recommendation of a Bratabase user, I ordered another 3HC direct from Comexim and had them lower the cups by 2cm... it’s perfect on my smaller side, but my larger side quads and is almost spilling out, with the wire is sitting on breast tissue.
Should I try again with a 75G?
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Try the bra back on and pull in your breasts aggressively (more so than normal). That is what I had to do when I was fitted at Breakout Bras. They are amazing if you are in the area. I picked up the Gloria and Elise today. If not, the best advice I can give is to pull in all of that tissue (aggressively) and see how many cup sizes you feel you are off. You will get a good feel for it because you know what it should look like. BB is great at taking in returns so long as the bra hasn't been worn. If you are 2 sizes off then definitely go with the G. If it's just one then go with the FF. Play around with the band. I actually had to go down a band size. I knew that sucker was fitting a little too comfy.
faeriequeene , hmm. this is interesting. I know you posted a couple months ago, but maprilwilson just responded.
I was wondering myself if the alteration "lowered cup" affects volume, because I think I have read both. LOL. If I'm reading your ? correctly, you want to know if "lowered cup" alteration affects cup volume in the padded 3HC?
And it seems like there are always questions about Comexim alterations.
This is in a difference size, but I was just discovered all of these Comexim reviews. https://brogwithadog.wordpress.com/tag/comexim/ I believe she mostly wears plunges though.
I know Erica at S.P. (she made a lot of Comexim youTube videos) talks about alterations, but these are mostly the padded plunges. https://youtu.be/METoV07IF6A
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Since the topic came up on various adventures and bra reviews I thought I make a dedicated post to gather all info in one place.
Elomi bras used to have very wide and flexible wires. I call them pudding wire. Often the wires stretched far beyond my breast tissue and ended up my back. This is an example on how ... it looked: http://bra.pe/IHed/
So while the bras were comfy to wear, the fit wasn't as great and the shape got really wide an east west.
That kept me from getting more into Elomi for years when in 2019 I gave them another chance and discovered that the wires are much better, they are more sturdy and don't stretch out that well. I think they are comparable to other big bust brands like Fantasie, Freya (they also improved their wires check out my other post on themhttp://bra.pe/AFPS/) and Bravissimo.
So I wanted to start a list on which bra new wires are, so you know what you will get when you buy them online. Not all bras have been updated (and I don't have any info by Elomi when and if they will - I assume there is also customers that liked the old fit so it makes sense they don't change everything. I just wish they be transparent which bras they changed) I only list bras I tried myself. Let me know which ones your tried and how the wires were and I will include the info here.
New improved wire:
Charley red and navy with embroiderie (the non stretch cup!)
Eugenie black with silver lace
Lucie Plunge SS20
Mariella Hidden Tiger AW20
Matilda Berry ss20
Matilda Flame
Matilda teal
Sachi in black
Sports bra (beige)
Tori Plunge
Old stretchy wires:
Caitlyn all colours
Charley bralette pink
Kim plunge bra in black
Lydia Bandless bra beige
Meredith bra black
Mariella blue print SS19
Morgan toasted almond (tried in 2019)
Orla plunge bra
Rosalind plunge
Tatiana banded bra
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Bratabase: Bra database where you can compare bras and see how they'll fit you.
http://bra.pe/IHed/
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Thanks for sharing! I love Elomi bras but I hate wires wrapping around my back.
Splendid idea, alisa !
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Hi there
This is my first post! I have a shallow bust, wide roots and mainly FOB. My real size is 26ff but this doesn’t give a lot of options. I’m looking for a comfortable everyday t shirt bra. Ideally moulded cups. Wacoal lace affair/lace finesse bras have been my go to for years in the moulded contour or plunge styles. ... They are sooo comfortable. However the band is just to big and it stretches out quite quickly. I’ve already tried Cleo bras like maddie - shoulder straps too wide, Koko spirit - mesh fabric really scratchy and uncomfortable. Generally the wires are a bit too firm and can dig in loads at the gore. I think that I may have tried a Freya deco years ago and there was too much projection/cups too deep but I can’t remember
Any ideas about other options people? Would any Freya or panache styles work for me?
Thanks so much! 😍
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Freya half cups are considered by many to be wide and shallow. This includes their regular padded half cups and longlines. Freya’s bands are also known to be stretchy, though, so if a 28 band fitting like a 30 would be a deal breaker, it would be a good idea to check the band measurement for that particular model. Sometimes black bras have less stretchy bands due to the type of dye used.
Oh and welcome to Bratabase! :D
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Hi! Anyone with projection have experience with the freya meadow jasmine molded bra?
https://www.bratabase.com/browse/freya/jasmine-meadow-moulded-plunge-bra-3144/
https://www.bratabase.com/browse/freya/jasmine-meadow-moulded-plunge-bra-3144/
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For was very similar to the deco line for me, so too shallow
Hi there - I am an older woman with typical issues: loss of muscle and fat and elasticity in the breast tissue. Your calculator puts me at a 30 E and yet I wear a 34A in Marie Jo and a 30C in Natori Bliss Perfection. I could never fill an E cup, having very little tissue up top any more. Thus, the shallow cup in Marie Jo. Any thoughts or suggestions on other brands for older women. They are rarely mentioned here.
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Sometimes the btb calculator can make mistakes. A fitting request with some pictures may help.
Building on what smjwzhan said, I would much sooner trust the abtf calculator (https://www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php) than the bratabase one, although the simple way of measuring of 'bust minus snug underbust' works for many people.
I've figured out that my perfect cup depth is around 29-31cm or so. This seems to make me around a 28H1/2 or a 28Hh lol. 30H cups fit me well for the most part but the 30 band is a bit too large.
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Those measurements are basically the same as what I look for! I look for around 11.7 inch (around 29-30cm) depth and fall in between a 28 and 30 band. I’m currently in mainly 30H bras which is fine in the cup but the band is too loose, yet 28HH feels too tight.
We should start a club!
Is it possible for a gore to tack with large, close-set boobs, or is that just something that's not going to happen even if the bra otherwise fits well?
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It depends on the height and shape of the gore, the firmness of the wire, the cut of the top of the cup, and how close the boobs are. I’ve gotten Sculptresse by Panache bras to tack Very Firmly right into my touching breast tissue in size 42HH 42HH - Sculptresse » Dionne (9695) but 42HH - Elomi » Meredith Bra (4440) floats a bit because the wires are softer. Then bras with lower gores also tack on me no matter what because they fall below where my breast tissue touches.
I find that I have good experience with tacking gores in Ewa Michalak bras - they're pretty well the only thing that I have consistent luck with for my close-set 28HH/30H breasts. I try to branch out to other brands/styles, but I really find that the limiting factor is that things aren't close set enough, so I live in the SM styles.
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It is that time of year...the magazines and websites are all pretending that they know something about sports bras. I suppose it is a bit of a hate-read for me, I haughtily critique the articles in my head. "Ha! Yeah, I BET your tester is a 36D...probably really a 30F." "Seriously? You think THAT is what constitutes support? Have you ... seen a pair of breasts larger than a crepe?" "Diapers are more adjustable than this model." "Oh, you included SheFit as an option. Well, at least there is one semi-decent option for women who want actual support rather than a crop top with spandex."
Then I find myself getting annoyed because it does sound like there actually is some interesting technology out there that could make for a good sports bra, but looking at the sizing, the only way a woman with much up top is going to be able to try it is if she plays the plus four game (or worse), which would likely negate any positive effects of the bra. I also find myself wondering if the technology is actually any good, considering that it is likely that they are not sizing properly, so would it actually do anything if used in an accurate size, or does it perhaps just compensate for bad fit?
Also: can we stop pretending that you can have half your breast exposed and NOT bounce? That's not how they work!
Do you have criteria for whether these sort of articles are decent or complete garbage? Not just sports bras, but bras in general? I tend to take them a little more seriously if they include a brand like Panache as an option, or if a tester/author mentions she is a less common and/or non-matrix size. She might still be in the wrong size, but I give more credence to an article mentioning "Mary, size 30E" than one that mentions "Jen, size 36DD".
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Ha ha! I’m in complete agreement! Though I am hard on all the bras. I’m taking Pilates and I been trying to reserve my budget for the classes, and therefore not wanting to spend $100 on a sports bra.
I actually don’t need a ton of support. I just need something comfortable with a bit of support and containment. I have to be comfortable on my back as a lot of my exercises at this point are based on my back.
But it seems like in order for me to get a proper fit, I need a bra sized sports bra which is a little bit of overkill. If I want a pullover style, it’s either squish and slightly quad in a small with a band size that fits or I size up until I fit the cups and the band is too loose and my boobs want to fold down from lack of support or slip out t the bottom.
I have a blocked milk duct and I think it’s because of the bra I wore yesterday. I measure roughly 32G UK last time I checked. Yesterday I decided to wear a 32FF Freya plunge. It felt fine and everything fit in. Tighter than I’m used to, but no quad or sliding down wires. Today, I have a plugged duct and it hurts! Did the bra cause it? And are there other leas obvious signs of a bra being too small that I missed?
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Check to see is you have side boob? I have a few 30Fs in Cleo that appear to fit as I don’t quad but I have a bit of side boob showing.
Well, there is a good chance that the bra did not cause the blocked duct. But you probably want to lean on the safe side and wear wireless bras that run slightly big to accommodate your constantly changing breasts.
Otherwise, Freya is known for running big in the band and cup. Especially their plunge styles.
But here are some ways to check if a bra is too small. Push on your wires. Is all your tissue properly encased in the cups/wires? You'll know it is because when you push into the wires they will either push into torso/rib cage or they'll push into breast tissue. Is the gore laying flat or sitting on breast tissue? Is the gore floating? Are the wires laying flat or floating as well. Often times a bra that is too small will push away from the chest or ride down. You can spill out from all areas, not just quading. But there is always 1 thing in common with a bra too small. It is uncomfortable. A well fitting bra will be nice and snug feeling.
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I’m struggling to find that perfect bra. I am bell shaped with wide roots that go behind my armpits and 34DD freya offbeat side support is a close perfect but sadly, still digs into my side boobs a bit. I’m just above low income but still struggle financially as where a I live housing is thousands a month so I really hate dropping $50+USD on a single bra, but feel I have no other option.
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Hi Unica, and welcome!
Hoping to help out: there's many places online to find discounted bras in your size! There's certainly options in the 34DD/E range for around $20 per bra I'd say.
You can also post a fit request on here first, to narrow down your best size?
Online bra buying may seem a bit daunting at first; but when you measure a well fitting bra / your breasts, and compare with measurements of the same brand & bra style on Bratabase, you're much more likely to purchase a bra that fits!
There's Brastop, Lingerieoutletstore, PourMoi lingerie and other discounted resellers on eBay. Amazon (prime) does free returns as well.
Oh and try the 'listings' section on here as well where members sell their (sometimes new/unworn) bras!
Good luck!
You can also try Poshmark for second hand bras that are cheap to try on, if you’re open to that. Good luck!
Is Comexim half cup smaller than 3/4 full cup? Anyone above+Ncup can you give me some tips for making order?
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Why is it that when I input 35 for rib cage and 41 for bust size the Adore Me calculator says I am a 36C?
Anyone else want to pull their hair out? I ordered 36D and will probably regret it. I am 36DD. These brands need to hold a Zoom meeting and settle on one standard method of sizing for all.
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That's a function of bra companies that make 'standard' sizes, not a bug, unfortunately. They're trying to cram as many people as possible into their size range.
during the course of a monthly cycle, my breast go from 30DD to 34D! how do u deal with breast size changing so often? i gave up and wear those one-size pullover seamless bras most days because if a sized bra fits one day, it will not the next week, and vise versa. does anybody have a tips or tricks or bras that work on several size range? any advise would be helpful. thanks.
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Since my Ewa Michalak BM’s have a stretch upper cup, they can be very accommodating to breast swelling during my time of the month. If I feel uncomfortable in the band I just add an extender.
I second having bra extenders on hand, so helpful. They also make the cup feel a bit bigger. I have stretch lace bras or if you can have 1-2 seperate larger bras in your collection for that time of the month.
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Have any of you lovely ladies purchased bras from Honey Birdette? I gave my husband my true size but their size chart appears to do the add 4" thing. I'm afraid he spent over $300 on an outfit we'll need to return. And they insist you return the entire set, not just the bra.
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Way small. The brand clearly believes in adding 4 to the band. The 34" band is more like a 30" And the cup was tiny for DDD
Does cup width really matter? Why or why not? What is the easiest way to tell if a cup is too wide for you?
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It definitely matters to me. If a cup is too wide the wires dig into my sides too far back. Along with this, the side of the cup where the cup meets the strap is also too wide for me cussing it to dig into my armpits. It’s just an over all uncomfortable experience for me.
@v41kyr13d wire width does matter because it affects the overall fit making more adjustments needed based on your unique bust formula. Wired have to do with the “root” or how your titt attaches to your chest wall. The left to right root consideration is referred to as wide or narrow roots.
Wide roots take up more space on your chest and they need wider wires because if the wires are too narrow they sit on the breast tissue and it is painful. Many times wide roots are shallow or don't need as much depth from the wire. It is also possible to need that depth even though your breast tissue takes up a lot of space on your chest. Think of this as a flatter bowl or a deep bowl sitting on a chest
Narrow roots take up less space on the overall chest and most of the tissue is focused on the very front and none on the sides. If wires are too wide they usually end up being too long and painfully poke in the arm pit. You will constantly need to up the bra size because there is not enough depth at the wire because the bra is too shallow yet there is extra space in the sides. Eventually it will still not work because the wires will get too long to ever give a decent fit. Narrow roots need more projection and depth at wire. Think of them as a coffee mug or a mason jar.
Top to bottom roots are referred to as tall or short roots and wires of course play a part in that as well. My point is wires are more important than you would think lol
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If my horizontal, vertical & laying perimeter are all a bit over 11 inches, should I look for a cup depth of the same distance? All of the bras that are recommended to me have about a 10 inch depth and I’m wondering if I should size up or if bras just compress the breast tissue. I know shape plays into it too.
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For me personally, I find a cup with a 10”-10.5” deep cup works best, but they have to have narrow wires for it to fit me well. I measure out about 10.5”. I’d say maybe a cup depth of 11” would be a good starting place and go from there.
My horizontal perimeter fluctuates between 10.25"-11", but I find that bras with a 9.5"-10" depth work best for me. I do have puffy areolas though, so they may "pad out" my breast perimeter.
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Folks, I really want to make a Comexim order, but I've never ordered direct and I'm unsure about whether to order the Elise 3HC bra in a standard size to first see what alterations I need to make, or whether to jump two feet first and order some alterations and hope it works. I wear Comexim's plunges in 55J/60HH and ... love them and don't really need any alterations to have them fit. I had the chance to try on a 3HC in store several years ago, and I remember it being an awful fit (too shallow, too wide wires, etc). But I just love the look of Elise as a 3HC instead of what I envision the plunge would look like. If I were to get the 3HC with alterations, I think I would go for 55K to get the depth that I need, but ask them to use 55J wires (so hopefully I can land close to 9" depth and 5" wires), and maybe also add 1cm depth at the wire and have the straps moved in 1cm for good measure. Do y'all think that would work for me? I have even fullness, tall roots, and my breasts aren't terribly close together, so I can wear most gores just fine. I'm fine with an average amount of projection both at the apex and wires, but not any shallower than that.
PS: I live in Canada and I'd be paying out the wazoo for duties and taxes, plus an exchange from across the pond would probably be a pain in the ass. I'm sure you know how it is.
PPS: I'm planning to order four different bottoms, all size small, to give'er a go. Also never tried their bottoms before. Will report back.
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3HCs are more shallow and a bit wider compared to the plunges. 55 and 60 bands are already custom anyways, so I don't think you'd be able to try a standard size unless you went with a 65 band sister size...in which case it'll probably not fit that well anyways, so in my humble opinion, you might as well get it customized so it fits better. I think your alterations sound good. I wear 60HH in plunges and 60J in 3HCs. I usually get straps moved in 1 cm and overlapping gore. I don't ask for added depth, but if you found them too shallow, then this would be a good thing for you to do, and swapping wires for the 55J is a good idea too.
I'm in Canada too, and shipping was always 20 zloty, but the last couple times it was 26 zloty for a couple bras. I'm not sure if it's because I've been ordering more than 2 pieces at a time, or if the cost went up, but it's super reasonable anyways. That's shipping and handling including taxes. There's never been any extra duties, customs, etc for me. When you order for BF it takes anywhere from 3-8 weeks to deliver, so don't be surprised if you don'g get it until Jan.
I wear a comemim medium bottoms, and my upper hip measures 35.5-36" and my widest part around my bum measures 38.5". I've only ever tried their thongs and the regular brief (I haven't tried high waisted or the cheeky boy cut).
Let us know what you decide! I thought about the Elise too, but I figure it's too similar to my 65J - Comexim » Natalie Half Cup (491) . I got the white gloria in a 3HC with matching thong, and the Patricia 3HC cause I've always thought it was cute and playful, especially in the Chritmas season. I ordered during their last sale. I ordered it on Nov 2, and it was shipped on Nov 16.
Definitely agree with the above ^.
Right now I’m in between a 65J and 65K cup in plunge, but definitely have to go with the 65K in 3HC cut.
For bottoms I’m 34.5” upper hip and 37.5” lower hip/fullest part of my butt. I wear a Medium in Comexim undies, in Ewa Michalak undies I’m a 38/Small. I’m a U.S. size 6 in jeans. Hope that helps. :)
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Welcome to Bratabase and your journey to better fitting and more comfortable bras!
AND welcome to the small boob club!
A good start to the adventure is measuring your body, recheck how to do that, and measure your body again. Doing the same with your bras gets those measurements and important dimensions in your head and a beginning in understanding how bras are constructed and what your body needs.
Get some pictures up in a bra that you think fits the best. The fitting help option is great for feedback but no need to show 5 bad bras! Good lighting, level shots without torsion and angle to distort the view is most helpful to folks making comments.
Start with buying a couple different bras and repeat the measuring, pictures and feedback. Put in the work to assess your body needs, bra sizing, and measuring and you are well on your way.
Good luck!