Bra fitting help » Loose band/quadraboob: how many cup sizes up?
Calvin Klein » Unknown Model » 32B 32:2
Issue resolved
Will try to find some 30 C/D/DD bras to try on in person and then order the corresponding 28 size online, thank you all!
Original problem
Hello! I suspect I'm a 28 band, but I'm not sure what cup size I need. Obviously I am spilling out of a 32B cup and need more coverage all around. I'm guessing a 28DD would be a good option, although maybe a 28E would be better? If I'm not mistaken those cup dimensions are up 1 and 2 sizes from a 32B, respectively. Any help would be greatly appreciated - thank you!
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Suggestions (4)
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Oh wow! Your measurements are nearly the same as mine! My ribcage is 28" so yes, in a typical UK sized back you would be a 28 band.
Breast perimeter is real close as well. I have my breast perimeter listed as 8.5"... but that's really an avg of the fluctuation of my breast perimeter throughout the month. At my smallest it's 8" and largest I've measured is 9". Despite this fluctuation a UK 28DD usually fits me the best throughout.
I do think you would be a 28DD as well although since by your description of your breast shapes you may well have the fullness to have to go into an E cup. My boobs are more pointy and less rounded so that jump into the E cup comes rarely for me.
Now with CK the sizing changes a bit. CK's bands run small and I find a 30 back in CK to be just right for me. Comfortable and doesn't ride up my back unlike a typical UK 30 back which is still too big and will ride up my back.
I suggest trying on a 30D and a 30DD cup in the CK bras that have these sizes. I've fit into both depending on the model.
Updated on July 10, 2012 Flag this
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I never really find the breast perimeter and nip to neck measurements helpful... so this is just based on ribcage measurement and pictures.
You should fit a 28 band fairly well, but, for example, a Victoria's Secret 30D or 30DD could work for you, since they run a little small. The band in this picture definitely looks like it's riding up, so a 32 is too big. However, you might not need to go all the way down to a 28, since it doesn't look like you'd need a super snug band for support. But if your 28 measurement was a loose one, then go for a 28. Basically, it all depends on how the physics between the bra and your body... and, ultimately, what you find most comfortable.
Assuming you're somewhere where you can find 30Ds and 30DDs in stores, I'd try those out to figure out cup volume and then decide if a 30 band is snug enough or if you'd prefer a 28 band. If you fit a 30D in a store, it's likely that a 28DD will fit... BUT different bras fit differently, so you'll have to check reviews.
Updated on July 10, 2012 Flag this
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Thank you! I agree that I may not necessarily need a 28 band, especially since I have a fairly bony ribcage. However, these pictures are taken with the bra on the tightest hook, so I'm just worried that I wouldn't be able to start a 30 band on the loosest hook and work down. It certainly depends on the brand though!
Unfortunately, I'm not sure where I can find a 30D/DD in store, but I will do some hunting! I am located in the US and there is a Nordstrom store not too far away, they may have some 30 bands. I know there is a more specialized lingerie boutique, too, although judging by their website they carry brands that go to a 28 band and their fitters still use the +4 method. The mind reels. Maybe I can argue my way down to a 30 band, though! :)
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Ah, I didn't catch that. If it's pulling that far away on the tightest hook, a 28 will probably be your best bet. I suggested 30 bands only because they are somewhat easier to find and generally a bit cheaper. (You can always alter the band, if you find a really cheap one that works in the cup.) The Nordstrom near where I am has really good fitters, but I think it depends on the store. Definitely ask if they have any 28DD/DDDs in stock. If they don't, try on a bra in a 30D/DD and then order it in the 28 band.
And they shouldn't give you crap about band size... if you ask to try on a size, they should be fine with it.
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No worries, you didn't catch it because I forgot to mention it! I'll probably start with 28s, but if I find a 30 that runs very small in the band I'll try that too. This is also an older bra, it didn't start out this stretchy (although I'd like to keep any new bras I buy for a while, of course). Altering the band may work too, I have a sewing machine at home and already alter some shirts/pants.
I've never truly gotten fitted for a bra - just used 32 bands because they were the snuggest I found - obviously this is not the way to go about bra shopping! I'll visit Nordstrom sometime soon and see if the fitters here are good as well. I wasn't aware they might stock 28 bands, I'll be sure to ask about that!
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It looks like you have two problems- the band is too big and the cups are too small! You definitely could use a 28 band, and in this particular like of bras, I'd say an E cup. But if you can, try both a DD and an E and see which is most comfortable.
However, Calvin Klein tends to run extremely small in the cups, so you would probably be more like a C or D in most other brands. I suggest going into a bra store with a good variety of sizes in 28 bands and trying on different bands to get a feel for the differences between cup sizes in each. This will give you a better idea of what to look like when you're bra shopping in the future!
If you can't find a 28 band, you can get a 30 and tailor it to a 28, but you can't really do that if it's more than one or two band sizes' difference, otherwise the straps end up too close together in back.
Good luck with your bra search!
Updated on July 10, 2012 Flag this
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Oh wow, I didn't know CK ran so small in the cups! Would you happen to know if this is an issue specific to CK, or if it also happens with some other standard "American-bra-store" brands like Maidenform? I have some Maidenform 32Bs and they are just as small. In any case, I'll be sure to size up in CK in the future.
I'm pretty certain there are no bra stores around me that carry 28 bands, but I'll keep on the lookout for 30s. I may also try to buy some cheap on Ebay or see if anyone I know has a 28 band I can try, if only for the band fit and not the cups. Thank you, this is very helpful!
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It's a little of both, really! The thing is, there is absolutely no standardization in terms of size. Take Victoria's Secret for example- their bands are absolutely tiny. Different brands have different standards, and sometimes those standards even differ within one company- for example, Panache bras and Freya bras fit quite differently, though they're both owned by the same parent company.
As far as I know, the only chain store that ever carries bras in 28 bands is Intimacy, but they're very expensive and the service is hit-or-miss; you can look up if you have one in your area, in which case I'd suggest you go try bras on, write down the models and sizes, come home, and get them cheaper online :P If you want to get bras online, for 28 bands I go to www.figleaves.com and www.brastop.com which both ship from England. Www.barenecessities.com and www.herroom.com are American so the shipping's cheaper, but their selection isn't as wide. And of course there are the listings here on Brastop! :)
I'm glad that I could help! Being comfortable in a bra is a big relief for a lot of women, so I hope you find some that suit you!
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So *that* explains why a dear friend of mine has a ribcage not much wider than mine and fits ok in a 34 band from Victoria's Secret. ;)
Sadly, there isn't an Intimacy in my state, or I'd go take a look! I will probably visit Nordstrom as mentioned in the comment above. I've been poking around Brastop recently and may end up ordering from them if I can't find anything at Nordstrom.
You are so right about the comfort - I figured I didn't need a perfectly fitting bra because my breasts are so small, but nobody ever told me that yes, better-fitting bras really do exist! :)
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Yeah, I was at the mall with my very petite friend the other day and she needed a new bra and went for the 34 bin. I was shocked and appalled :P
It's too bad there isn't an Intimacy, but Nordstrom's is good! My mother actually used to work there. If you find anything you like, but it doesn't quite fit, or you see something on their website you like but they don't have it in stock, or whatever, they can order your size from other stores (I'm pretty sure the ordering is free of charge.)
I know what you mean! Until I was eighteen or so I didn't realize bras could be comfortable. What a revelation!
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It's important when measuring breast perimeter to only measure breast tissue. (And this applies to Deedlit's comment as well). It is in no offense to you but your breast perimeter does not look like 8". Make sure you're measuring from edge to edge, you don't include your ribcage underneath your armpit (unless your breasts start that far back, but they would have to be significantly larger). Find the outer edge by pressing on your boob until there is a crease, measure from this point to inner corner where the other edge is (not to the center of your chest). Breast perimeter and cup depth go hand in hand. If you have an 8" perimeter then you would respectively fit into an 8" cup depth (give or take 1/4" to account for stretch in fabrics). Based on your ribcage measurement and the measurements of this bra and how they fit you I would estimate your perimeter is closer to 7", which would help with the Bradar recs, because you're probably getting much larger suggestions right now.
The cups on this are too small, I would say by 1 size. The band is too large, of course you realize this already. I would try 28DD. Take a look at the Panache Cleo line. The cups are wider and spaced a little further apart than other brands, and they're also shallower too, which may help with bottom heavy breasts. I find some of their bras to be a cup size too small, but that could just be my experience, so you may also want to try an E. Also look for bras that have a full band as opposed to a partial one (like this bra), and bras that have side wings. You may find they help to tack against your ribcage better than ones without. This bra appears to have a continuous one and what can happen is even if it were the right size, it would feel like it's digging in and riding up at the same time. It has no stability. Some of the Panache bras are like this, such as the Porcelain and Cleo Jude so you may not want to try those. Their seamed/lined bras (Juna, Sadie, Poppy, etc.) have a full band with side wings. Although you'll see descriptions for them about being for the fuller busted, they start at a 28D and can be worn by small-average busts. If you're after more of a t-shirt feel with no seams or frills, take a look at Freya Deco. You might work better in the padded half-cup rather than the plunge. I can't give suggestions for other brands as those are the only two I'm familiar with.
(Just a minor note: The reason I recommend remeasuring is because I have a 9" perimeter pretty much at all times. Though I wear 28F/FF depending on style. I am constantly getting recs for much smaller cup sizes than what I would possibly fit into, I've tried these smaller cups before and it's absurd how small they are - because there are a lot of women on here not measuring correctly. It not only messes up the fit recs for you, but also those for other people. And YES this does have a lot to do with fit. If it didn't then there would be no reason to include these measurements and determine what cups fit. If people think otherwise then chances are they don't have their numbers right either or understand how they work.)
Updated on July 10, 2012 Flag this
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I cannot say anything about the person for which this fitting request is for. I do not take any offense so please don't take any offense to mine.
I have measured my BP many times. I'm not measuring into my armpit. You seem to be operating under the assumption that everyone's breast tissue distribution is evenly spaced in a hemisphere which is how most cup sizes are done.
However, there are many of us whose breast tissue distribution resembles that more of a cone than a hemisphere. This can greatly change the BP measurement greatly while still keeping the volume the same.
The volume of a hemisphere of a 34 sized underwire (which is what would be used in a 28DD) is 23.81 cubic inches which has a circumfrence of 7.07 inches.
With a cone of the same volume (23.81 cubic inches) the slant height is 5.01 inches(assuming a right angle between the radius and height of the cone). Since this is only one side of that measurement it needs to be doubled to 10.02 inches which would be the equivalent of the BP.
Both of the objects have the same volume but their outer perimeters vary quite a bit. This is why my BP will always be bigger than perimeter of the cup I am filling. I'm actually changing the distribution of breast tissue on my chest. (Temporarily anyways, lol)
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None taken. That would change if you were leaning over though, which would make most breasts in the shape of a cone anyhow. I suppose though if one had more of a cone shape that would indicate they might be more bottom heavy, since when leaning over everything would just fall forward. Even still, that should fit with a similar measurement to the cup depth of the bra, not be more than it. I'm under the assumption of gravity =)
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My BP is taken bent over as the instructions indicate. Whether I am standing or leaning the shape of my boobs resembles more of a V than a U shape.
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Oh, no offense taken! However, my breasts are pretty far apart and (perhaps because I've been in the wrong size and haven't been properly scooping my breasts into the cups) the "crease" you mention really does start underneath my armpit. I think their shape is wide and shallower - round without a ton of depth. I will absolutely remeasure once I've found some well-fitting bras, as I suspect the tissue might migrate back to the front a little bit.
Thank you for the model recommendations! I was looking into Cleo, but wasn't sure how much variation there was among their individual models. I'll see if I can try those out :)
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Thank you so much! You're correct, my boobs are quite round, really not pointy at all. However, since my breast perimeter is a little smaller than yours (I tried to measure during an "average" fluctuation time for me), it does sound like a 28DD or 30D would be best. I may try a 28E too just to be sure.
I agree about CK bands. This one is a bit stretched out since I've had it for quite a while, but it's still snugger compared to other bras of mine. I didn't know they ran that small though!
Thank you again :) I don't have many smaller-backed bras where I live (definitely nothing below a 30, I'm not even sure I'd find a 30 back) so I will probably have to order online. If I can find 30s, they will probably be CK, so this is quite helpful!