Alas, another disappointing fit experience with Curvy Kate! I've wanted to wear their bras for ages but had a rather painful Showgirl bra a few years ago (I think it was a 30DD) and have shied away since. But...but...they're so cute! So I tried again with Starlet in 30F and 30FF.

(Note: I'm not standing off-kilter or anything in my photos; I have scoliosis, which gives me a high hip, protruding/twisted ribcage, and attendant issues. Thanks for understanding!)

Both bras left me with pretty serious orange in a glass syndrome, though it was, strangely enough, more pronounced in the 30F than this, the 30FF. I don't even know where to go with that. Obviously both will be sent back, and I've no idea where to go from here!

The straps seem to be a bit wide-set, but it's not too awful for me, but I have a pretty pronounced dip that seems to keep most straps in the right place (and as I've recently begun lifting weights again, this will probably only get 'better').

The fit is nice and firm even though, as always, I prefer a tighter band; sometimes I suspect that due to the spinal deformity, the tissue on my right breast tends to migrate back into the wing unless the band itself is tight. If anyone else has scoliosis of any degree, I'd love to hear your experiences with bra fitting, too!

It's a shame; this is a pretty bra in a molded smooth cup of all things; I really don't like unmolded bras and prefer the shape and modesty they provide. I also have to say that I'm not terribly fond of the cut of this bra—the cups seem large to me and cover too much, if that makes sense. It seems I'm shallow-breasted, though, and perhaps this just is not the cut for me?

So...what do I do? Perhaps try the same cups in a 28 band? Or is this just the wrong bra for me?

Frost/Boysenberry colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Apr 10, 2015 Flag this

• Show all comments (11)
• 1

  I have a similar shape to what you report and I have the exact same problem with Starlet's cups. I'd say the bra isn't compatible with your shape.
  Other smooth molded bras that may fit you include the Panache Black / Panache Masquerade Ardour, which runs a bit tight in the band, and Cleo Neve, which also runs a bit tight. Also the Deco variations, which it seems you have tried.

• 1

  I have a very slight degree of scoliosis, and it's in the "S" shape not a "C".

  Technically the breast tissue on the right isn't migrating into the wing per se, it's the torso + optical 'illusion'/perception of this. If you're not already working on strengthening the muscles in your back and abdominal area, consider it. I've found it helps me a great deal, and of course it's also a good idea for me because I wear corsets at least a couple of hours most days. Because of all the years I was in ballet, good posture is the default for me but with effort and paying close attention, anyone can train themselves to keep their back aligned to neutral/straight. Does it hurt in that aching sort of way for a while in the beginning? Yes, yes it does. But that's where strengthening the back muscles can help.

  Natori has a couple of t-shirt bra styles that may work - hidden glamour in particular, and Chantelle has a few which I'm almost positive are carried at Nordstrom - it may be helpful to find a place where you can try stuff on in person just until you get things worked out in terms of size and style without having to spend and return as much. If you've done so or live in a bra desert and I've simply missed the mention, my apologies. :)

• 1

  I have about a 20 degree curve in the form of an "S." I have one shoulder blade that is always erect, and the other is always tucked in, so my straps are never the same length in my bras. Also I have some related rib flaring that can cause digging with my bras when I sit, especially if the bands are too loose or the cups not wide enough. Part of my actual breast assymetry is at the root, which causes wires to dig into my right armpit if the cups aren't projected enough.

• 1

  I'm having a hard time understanding the erect vs tucked shoulder blade in a visual context...

  My left breast is about the width of one pencil higher than the right, but the right when I'm looking down looks bigger and I only notice the 'height' placement difference looking straight on into a mirror - a doctor once said it's kind of like the stickers on vehicle side and rear view mirrors: "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" due to the way our eyes work and how the brain processes that information.

  Now, I can't say that someone with a greater degree of scoliosis can 'fix' things like posture without a medical professional who has relevant expertise being involved, but core and back strength is important even for those without any scoliosis - sitting hunched over working on a laptop set up on a lower surface (like a coffee table) all the time has led to at least two people I know well to have that same hunch when standing up. Makes me want to follow around behind them with a cane pressed into their mid/lower back forcing them to stand straighter. :P ....I might be going to hell for that....;)

• valentine556 Ok, so you know how shoulder blades can stick out or lay flat depending on what one is doing with one's arms? My labour dervishes don't change position much, the left one is sticking out most of the time, whereas the right one lays flat no matter what. A doctor once referred to my right one as "dwarfed." My rib cage is somewhat uneven as well.

• Note: "shoulder blades" above, not "labor dervishes" (autocorrect)

• Ahhh ok, I think I understand now. :) All bodies have some degree of asymmetry to deal with, but with some creativity and research one may be able to find solutions that will at least make things comfortable and workable.

• Ahhh ok, I think I understand now. :) All bodies have some degree of asymmetry to deal with, but with some creativity and research one may be able to find solutions that will at least make things comfortable and workable.

• valentine556 You are right about hunching over...I spent some of this weekend sewing, and kept having to straighten myself up!

  @courtnelius Going to have to use 'labour dervishes' on my doctor during our next conversation just for fun. ;) My ribcage is also all off-kilter.

• Sorry, spent the day doing yardwork and my brain's not working well...

  @faustineli Thank you for the suggestions on various other bras to try. Deco and I do seem to get along—though I'll confess to fearing my being stuck with only those. Trying not to lose hope!

  @valentine556 Thank you for commiserating! I guess when I say the breast seems to migrate in that direction, it seems I am always re-adjusting the right 'girl'. It's really annoying! So far as posture...you are right about the exercises. I used to do them but stopped in order to do other things. As a former singer, posture is big for me too, but I have found myself scrunched over my sewing machine more than once (but at least I'm paying attention). Thanks for the bra suggestions—I have a few Natori "Feathers" and love them, just wish they had 28 bands and a wider range of cup sizes! The last Chantelle I tried was either mislabelled or their cup sizes are really small. Unfortunately our Nordstrom's doesn't carry sub-30 bands or many bras over DD (save the Feathers DDD). I'm seriously considering driving all the way from Ohio to Sophisticated Pair just to try on a wider range of sizes. Isn't that crazy? I'm tempted to fill a bus with bras and drive it around the country so women could try on bras!

  @courtnelius Hm, it is interesting that you say the cups can dig into your armpit—it almost sounds like the opposite of my problem on the right side, where I feel like the cup and wire are 'floating'! My shoulders are uneven as a result of my curvature, so the strap lengths are always uneven on me. As a Type A, I find this maddening, but...at least I am comfortable.

  Thank you all again for your help, it is really appreciated!
  

• 1

  ...No problem, I'll send the bill in the mail. ;)

---

add a comment

Use @ to mention users, brands, models and more

You need to sign in to comment