Bra fitting help » Tightness confusion (32D?)
Elle Macpherson Intimates » Harmonies Contour (E72-314) » 32D 32:4
Issue resolved
Band is probably a bit small considering the brand. I might stick with a 32 band given my boniness, but I'll have to shop around. For now, it's stretching and getting less painful.
Original problem
Despite a 29 or 30 inch underbust measurement, I find this 32D to dig in what seems like it must be more than necessary. I don't store fat in this area, so I don't know what causes the flesh spillover both on the back (not particularly visible in photos, but it's there, especially in positions such as leaning on one arm or slouching) and on my ribs. My ribcage is quite bony, with visible definition at a normal weight. I am so perplexed by this. This can't be what bras are really supposed to fit like?
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Suggestions (3)
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helpful
Elle Macpherson is known for having very small bands. I remember once reading a blog where the woman had to go up 2 band sizes in order for her Elle bras to fit comfortably.
I'm tall and thin. My ribcage is very bony and 28". Some 28 bands are a wee bit tight but after 2 or 3 wearings and a good soak/hand wash they loosen up just enough to be perfect.
Calvin Klein bands run small too as the 30 bands in those are perfect for me. Curvy Kate and Panache IME run a tad tighter than Freya but not enough to size up.
If you really think you want the next size up and just can't stand it go for the next size up. Fit and comfort is always your goal.
I took a look at the band measurement for this bra. Unstretched you have it down as 23.5". Most of Freya's 28 bands measure 23-24" unstretched and are generally stretchy bands. So going up a band size might not be a bad idea.
Updated on June 18, 2012 Flag this
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helpful
As the other commenter said, Elle Macpherson notoriously run small. From your own measurements of the bra, it's clear that it's unlike a standard 32 band - the band only stretches to 31". This would be equivalent to about a 30 band size normally. If your ribcage is bony, you might well be a 32 band normally (unlike a squishy person with a 30" underbust), so obviously you'd need to size up in this model.
It could also be a problem with the style - such a thin band and maybe not very sturdy. Although of course the problems with thin bands are going to be exacerbated if you're wearing a size too small.Updated on June 18, 2012 Flag this
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helpfulDoes it hurt? If it doesn't hurt, then the "bulges" are not due to the band being too tight. If it does hurt, it could be an issue of either size or style (too thin band, too thin elastic sewn along band, etc)
But it really doesn't look like it's cutting in. There is a slight where the band is sitting... but if there isn't a slight indent, then the band is loose enough that it's going to move. Think of it this way: if a piece of clothing is held onto your body by a band, then the band needs to be snug enough that it can stay on. If there is no indent, then the bra band is barely making contact with your body. The bra in question has a very slight indent, but it's definitely not "cutting in".
(Side note: most bra models are photoshopped so that the slight indent is not visible. Check out butterflycollection.ca for images of well-fitting bras.)
Also, have you ever tried a 30 band? My ribcage is 30.5 inches and I was worried that a 30 band would be too tight, since I have "spillover" in a 32 band. But even with the spillover, a 32 is still loose enough to ride up my back. A 30 band is much more comfortable and makes my bras actually stay in place.
Updated on June 22, 2012 Flag this
