Bra fitting help » Overflow...
Betsey Johnson Intimates » Bow Lace Demi Bra (723544) » 34DD 34:5
I've been wearing this bra without any trouble for the past month, all of a sudden this happens. It's also the first time i've done the "grab and lift" since I tried it on (My bad). *Clearly* I need a bigger cup size, but how urgent it it? I don't have much time to get re-measured, and I always do a poor job measuring myself. Does anyone have a size estimate or tips?
You must be logged in to leave suggestions
-
New user?
-
Have an account?
Suggestions (10)
-
8
helpfulI would say that it is atleast 3 cup sizes too small, maybe even more. There is a huge overflow in the middle, and it seems as if you have a lot under the arm too, only that you probably haven't seen it before.
Since this happened when you did the scooping, are you sure you wear the right band size? Scooping does make a difference, but usually not this much. Does your band ride up in the back? Can you comfortable wear it on the tightest setting in the back? If so you need to go down in band size too. And, remember for each band size you go down you need to go up a cup size to keep the actual size of the cup.
Also, when you do wear the right size and grap/lift/scoop evertime the breast tissue that have been pushed down under your arm will migrate back to your boobs where it belong. So, you will most likely need to go up atleast another cup size extra then...
Updated on February 11, 2012 Flag this
-
6
helpfulIf you want to get a rough estimate of a good size starting point for when you go to get better-fitting bras, I would suggest trying to at least measure your band size yourself. Get a flexible tape measure (or if you don't have one use a ribbon/string/etc you can measure later.) Exhale and measure your ribcage right under your breasts fairly tightly. Don't strain your tape measure/ribbon, but this should be firm. Use this measurement as your starting band size (do NOT add inches to this.) If you're an odd number try sizes right below and above this. So, just for example, if your underbust measures 31", try a 30" and a 32" band.
Now convert your existing cup size to this new band size. You'll add one cup size for every band size you go down, so 34DD -> 32E or 30F in UK sizing for this example. Finally, ADD two or three cup sizes to this since your bra is likely at least two cup sizes too small. So, for our example, the result would be 32FF (or G) or 30G (or GG). Your actual numbers will likely vary, but this will give you a really rough starting size to work with.
When you go in to try on new bras, grab several sizes around your estimated starting size from above. Just make sure the band doesn't move when you lift your arms or jump around, and you don't get quadriboob or side/armpit boob after you scoop. I also like to pull my elbows back, like I'm trying to touch them behind my back, and make sure I'm not getting quadriboob then too.
Like others have said, I would guess you could go up at least three cup sizes (and maybe down a band size) and after you get into a good size you might find you go up in cup size even more. If you're at least a 30-band you should be able to find some bras to try at Dillards or Nordstrom. If not, most lingerie boutiques carry better ranges of sizes you can try on.
Updated on February 12, 2012 Flag this
-
3
helpfulMeasure at the height of your sternum (just underneath your breasts) and ensure the tape is level around your back. You may want to exhale as much air out so that you get a tight measurement.
Since Betsey Johnson is a US brand and my guess is you need *at least* 2 cup sizes larger than your photos, I would say approximately 34DDDD or 32DDDDD, about a 34G(US) or 32H(US). Equivalent in UK sizes will be about 34F(UK) or 32FF(UK). Remember, once you find your approximate size the proper band/cup fit will vary with every brand & even different bras in each brand you try on.
I'd recommend visiting at least a large department store which usually carry upwards of a F-cup, or a specialty DD+ lingerie boutique. Call ahead to find out what size ranges they carry.
Updated on February 11, 2012 Flag this
-
2
helpfulI agree with Jimipe, the cups are way small, and I would also guess that the band is too big. It doesn't show in the pictures, but the cups don't seem to cover much the side of your breast (hard to tell from the side pic as it is a bit too high) and the fabric should be starting further in your back, which would happen with a smaller band.
Before solving the cup problem we need to solve the band problem and then see for real how many cups too small that bra is.
Updated on February 11, 2012 Flag this
-
2
helpfulLike the other respondents I think the cups are way too small, but before we even go there you have to get the band size right. I can't tell for definite from the pictures as I can't see if the band is riding up at the back, but I suspect that your band is too big. For a good starting point you need to measure your chest directly underneath your boobs - if it's 32" Then you will be looking to start off on 32 band bras, if it's between 2 even numbers then look at both bands.
Your cups are almost certainly at least 3 sizes too small, so on a 34 you would need to start at 34FF (UK)/34H (US). On a 32 band you would need to go up a cup size to keep the cup volume, so you would be on 32G (UK)/32I (US); in the unlikely event that you need a 30 band, you'll be looking at 30GG (UK)/30J (US). This is just a starting point, you may find that you need to go down or up a cup size from these starting points. But at the end of the day, there's no substitute for trying a bra on before buying.
Updated on February 18, 2012 Flag this
-
2
helpfulHow urgent? Very urgent.
I can't see much of the band, but from the front it looks like it might be okay. (If it rides up, go for a smaller band!) If you measure your ribcage tightly, right under your breasts (while exhaling), the number you get should be your band size. Of course, if you try it on and it hurts to breathe, go up a band size. But make sure the back doesn't ride up!
Assuming that the band is okay, you should go up at least 3 cup sizes and try a 34DDDDD... which in UK sizing is a 34FF. If that is too small, try a 34G, etc. When trying on bras, always make sure to "scoop".
If you're in the US (I am too!), try going to a Nordstrom... I know Nordstrom carries great bras in these sizes. Don't always trust the fitters... Nordstrom tends to be good, but they can be wrong. Make sure the band is tight enough and make sure that the cup encases all of your breast tissue (no quad-boob).
Updated on March 11, 2012 Flag this
-
@ Chesty McV, I almost alway buy from eBay... :)
-
1
helpfulI agree with the previous comments and would estimate somewhere between a 32FF and a 32G in U.K. bra size. Try the company Bravissimo if there is no one local that can help. They are very quick with deliveries and are very helpful.
Updated on February 13, 2012 Flag this
-
1
helpfulI think it helps to measure for a starting point. The emphasis here is that it's just a starting point.
As mentioned, measure tightly under your bust after exhaling. That's your starting point for a band size. If it's odd, try the band sizes below & above.
Then measure across the fullest part of your bust. To do this, bend forward without a bra on so your chest/back is parallel to the floor, then wrap the tape around your bust. You do this so as to measure your bust at its fullest point (when standing up w/out a bra or a bad fitting one, the breasts may hang too much to get an accurate measurement). Hold the tape comfortably loose around your bust. Round up any partial inches.Then subtract your band size from this measurement.
Every inch is a cup size, which is one letter, until you get to over a D, and then some countries double certain letters (ie. DD). Google a cup size chart to see the conversions between countries.You try use this calculator too; it's pretty decent: http://www.atlastravel.nazwa.pl/mini/
Remember, measuring is just a starting point. You may find another band or cup size is generally a better fit. Every bra will vary a bit also, just as other clothing types vary (ie. you probably don't wear the same size jeans in every brand/style).
Updated on February 26, 2012 Flag this
-
0
helpfulOuch! How urgent it is really depends on how comfortable you feel. That looks super uncomfortable to me, though
Honestly, Betsey Johnson has some pretty weird sizing (the center gore has been unusually wide in all of the bras I've seen, and the cups are usually relatively small and super padded) so it's hard to guesstimate what you need. But you definitely need at least two cup sizes bigger, probably three or even more.
(I kind of want to make a Grinch reference here. "And her cup size grew three sizes that day!")
As everyone else said, there might also be some band issues going on, but it's hard to tell from the pictures; riding up in back is one major symptom, so if you've experienced that, you should maybe give a smaller band a try. If you can, go in to a bra specialty store or a big department store that has a big selection and try on bras in a whole bunch of brands and sizes to get a better idea of what you need
If there aren't any helpful stores near you, the internet is always here for you.Updated on November 29, 2012 Flag this
-
-1
helpfulI think the band size is big and the cups are too small.
I would try 32G first and see how that fits.Updated on September 8, 2012 Flag this
Already some great fit advice on here! Nordstrom is a great place if your in the US, and there are some smaller boutiques scattered around. (The one near me is called Ann's Bra Shop.) You will have to spend quite a bit of time trying on bras. BUT - after you find your size/brand preferences, try eBay! Some stores even take returns, and most are new with tags. It can be a much better way to try UK manufactured brands and others for a much better price. Bravissimo is great, too. If you order one and it doesn't fit, you can call and describe the issues, and they'll help you find a better size/style. Sometimes I get the same bras cheaper from Bravissimo than from Nordstrom since the prices are marked up so much!