Is this because of my bands being loose?
Hello everyone,
My beloved 30JJ - Panache » Ariza Balconnet Bra (5051) bras are leaving painful red marks under my boobs like a welt almost. l think it may be from rubbing because the bands are more like 32s (run big past J cup) and I'm more of a 28. The marks are near the outer edge of the wires where they curve into the band/wings. I plan on shortening the bands anyway, but I'm just curious about whether or not it's rubbing from a loose band. I bent the wires more the BIHAL way and it has seemed to help a bit. I'm wondering also if it may have been a combination of rubbing and the wires not being person-shaped
Filed under Boob and body issues
I'm in the same kind of size range, and I can get terrible pressure sores from bras. My skin integrity directly below my breasts is kind of bad but I'm not really sure what to do about it, as wearing a bra is kind of compulsory.
I theorise it's happening because of a combination of factors. Firstly, bands which may not be firm enough like you said. I currently measure about 26 inches super tight, so my preference would be for either really snug 28 bands (like stretched length of ~27"), or a loosish 26 band (not that they make those). I do think that adds to the rubbing.
I think that other reasons though are strap placement and wire width. I find that straps are way too wide-set for my body, so I have to angle them in, and that creates a point of pressure on the very edge of my torso. Also, the wires tend to be far too wide, and so they're forced to bend in ways which they should not bend. Even in a bra which had an otherwise correct band, the wire/strap issue has come into play.
What's helped a little? Moving my straps into a more natural position, and narrower wires, either by purchasing Polish brands or substituting in old wires. Bending the wires is also very good, like you've done. Altering my bras is a kind of enforced experimental thing, as they've gone through an insane growth spurt and definitely cannot fit into a 28K any more. Some of the things I've found though, I wish I'd been doing to my bras since I was about a J cup.
If I don't bend my wires I get sore from pressure too. The wires and straps aren't too wide for me in my Arizas thankfully. As for alterations, I have to do at least one or two (often three) for every bra that I decide to keep, but I don't expect my bras to be perfect (I wish). Needing a small band and big cups is getting more and more frustrating each time I grow, which has happened pretty consistently every few months since I started wearing bras that fit (2 years ago). I guess that's one of the joys of being in my early 20s :P I just wish they'd pick a size and stay there. I'm really hoping to get some decent wear out of my 28K/30JJ Arizas before I grow again.