1
Advice for fluctuating sizes and clothing options
I'm 20 years old and a 30E/F (UK) bra size. 2 years ago, I was measured at a specialty bra store in my area as a 30D at the time (this was enough for me), and they haven't stopped growing. It's super frustrating for me because I never wanted big breasts, and since I don't fit into matrix sizes, when I go up to the next size, it costs a ton of money to buy new bras.
I feel as if it's so wasteful with the number of bras that I have bought in the past 2 years. I don't even come close to really wearing them out before I'm in the next size, so I usually just end up donating them. Though I feel very self-conscious about wearing a cup size that is too small, because I am fuller on top, and I quadboob pretty easily. I don't feel quite justified in bra shopping because I never know how long it's going to be before I need to go to the next size. In general, there are a few key problems that I have when my breasts get bigger:
1. Sports bras: None of the sports bras I used to wear as a C/D cup are supportive enough for high-impact activities like running. Therefore, I feel the need to buy new, more expensive ones because I don't want to be restricted in the types of exercise I can do
2. I have a small waist and a fairly hourglass figure, but I feel that a lot of tops and dresses just hang from my boobs and don't show off my waistline at all. I don't like this because I think it makes me look heavier than I am
3. I want to feel confident wearing a bikini, and the S/M/L ones from chain stores don't work, for obvious reasons.
4. Like I said, I quadboob pretty easily when a bra is too small, so when I go up a cup size, I pretty much need to start all over again
I've somehow come to the conclusion that providing myself with more wardrobe options will somehow make me happier and help me to accept my body the way it is. However, I've started to become concerned that so much of my self-worth has become based on buying things. Does anyone have any other advice on how to deal with fluctuating sizes, other than giving into consumerism and constantly feeling the need to spend lots of money?
Filed under Bras ups and downs
24 comments
I only have sympathy. I struggle with not wanting to be so materialistic, but then, realistically, only having 1 or 2 bras that fit without making you miserable . . thats just not cool. You arent basing your self-worth on buying expensive things, you are meeting your needs. Your body is such that its harder to fit, and thats just an expense you have to bear. Its not vanity, its actually practical. If you have bras that work, you dont have to think about it and it frees you up to focus on your life and what else you can do!
and fwiw, there ARE women here who just love buying pretty bras and want to buy ALL THE BRAS and encourage the rest of us to, also! You can look on ebay and here for second hand bras in good shape, too - I think your size is fairly well represented here
I actually enjoy buying bras, but I understand what you are going through with increasing bra sizes and having a problem with clothing. If you are concerned about the consumerism aspect, a good thing to do would be to purchase some previously loved bras here on Bratabase or on eBay. That way, you aren't spending as much. And secondhand shops and a good seamstress could be your best friends. The money you save on clothing could be put towards alterations and you have the added benefit of supporting local businesses.
This thread has 24 comments. Log in to read them