Bra fitting help » Gravity

• #1
• #2
• #3
• #4
• #5
• #6
• #7
• #8
• #9
• #10

Flirtelle » Camilla Balconette Bra (FL1036) » 32J 32:13

---

You must be logged in to leave suggestions

• New user?

  Get an account

• Have an account?

  Sign in

---

Suggestions (4)

• 3
  helpful

  You don't have to pull the tape as tight as you are when measuring your ribcage. Though you can get it as small as 29.5" that does not mean you would need this size. You have to factor in daily weight changes from eating/drinking and breathing. In regards to how to get this number, "Exhaling, arms down and keep the tape tight and parallel to the floor" are the instructions on this site. When it says "keep the tape tight" that just means snug. You don't want it strangling but you also don't want it to have any slack. Seriously...would you wear a bra that stretched to only 29.5"? You'd be dying to take that thing off.

  That being said, your band looks way, way, way too small! Notice in the photo taken from the back how strained the hook/eye closure is? Although there is space underneath that doesn't mean the band is too loose. How far away from your back can you pull it? I know you say the support is lost in a 32, but it might be the way you're adjusting yourself into the bra. Migrated breast tissue is not just on top of the band but also underneath. If you pull all of this to the front, how does it fit then? It could make all the difference in band and cup fit, and get rid of the loose cups you have in this bra. Try leaning over and pulling/scooping, if you aren't already. Then stand back up and scoop (or "wipe) with your index finger from the center front going out to make sure the gore isn't on top of tissue.

  The underwires definitely look too wide. Typically they should stop about in the middle of your underarm, even with a wide root. Have you tried this bra in a 32H or HH? It could also be the style, as far as the cup fit goes. They do look a little high in the center. Have you tried different cup styles?

  If the underwires are turning away, or if the fabric is curling away from your body, that means there is too much pressure on the band, it needs to be looser.

  The centimeter-inch isn't that bad. Maybe you're thinking of stretched band length? That's usually what a bra is sized at. So a size 34 bra would measure 34" at it's max stretch. If you see or are getting otherwise (like, more than an inch or two of difference) then the bra has been stretched beyond it's maximum. Your ribcage is listed as 82cm (32.3 inches) on here. Is that what you measure at when pulling the tape tight according to the instructions on here?

  Bottom line, IMO you need a larger band and smaller cup. I know it sounds probably backwards to you. But how comfortable are you in that bra? Does it slide up or around on you if you take the straps off? If it's sliding down automatically, or if it tends to slide down throughout the day while you wear the straps then the band is too small. This is because the elastic is naturally going to the smaller area and is being pulled there. But if you ever notice the band sliding up without lifting your arms, then the band would be too big. Unfortunately I can't offer any suggestions for styles.

  Updated on August 4, 2012 Flag this

  
  

  • Actually: When I ask if the wires are too big I'm thinking that maybe 0.5-1cm too big at the most. I might not be typical but it's still the shape I get if I scope like a mad person.

    My boobs are like big hills and then "side hills" that's nearly as wide and as I have sized up they seam to starting to rejoin my boobs.

    A month ago my Freya Pollyanna 34F would not cause bulging in front (that's why I never thought of me being in a too small size to begin with) but now it does. It clearly lies on breast tissue even when I hadn't scoped. It never did before.

    But the growth of my boobs could be just due to pms. However I have never bulged out of my 34F bras in the front before and I am not on a higher weight or anything so something just seams to be happening.

    I can put my "side hills" outside a bra or inside a bra. I can pretty much "chose my shape". Different kind of fitters will prefer different kind of sizes on me cause really it's hard to tell what's boob and what's just fat.

    I have almost never bulged at the front of my cups and that's probably why fitters that even had bras in bigger sizes would think everything was ok. 36D no bulging. 36DD no bulging. 34F no bulging. 32H no bulging. In the front. But to the sides I always bulged.

    So I thought I would try something different this time: put it all in the cups and see what happens.

    The big question is how to treat the "side hills". If they are boobs then my boobs start really far back under my arms. If they are not then well I just have underarm and back fat as a part of my shape. That may be totally possible.

    Most bras even in the larger sizes are not constructed to carry a really heavy bust. If they were they would have larger back panels and more hooks and being sewn from fabrics that didn't stretch. I have already thought of making alterations like that.

    But then as I am fat I would still have needed to compress some of my fat to stay in the cups.

    Gravity is gravity and a bra construction cannot hold a really large boob without being constricting in one way or another. Bra construction after all cannot defeat the laws of physics.

  • http://www.bratabase.com/troubleshoot/dhik9/ This is me in a 34F btw :)

  • There is a 5 cup size difference between the 34F swimsuit top (which Freya runs small in anyhow) and this 32J bra. Why such the jump?

    You would benefit, then, from a longline style bra. Freya's only go up to a G, but Panache goes up to H - they're hard to find though and I don't know if they have any more plans of making them. I think you would probably fit best in 32GG, H or HH (UK sizes). It's going to be different across various brands and styles of course. Look for bras that have side support in the cup and wings that are taller than 3". 2 hooks are sufficient enough for larger busts, the key is to have the correct band size. If the side wings are taller then so will be the back closure by having hooks/eyes spaced further apart or just more of them (depending on manufacturer).

  • No I would most certainly not benefit from a longline bra. I have ribs curved outward. That and my fat is probably why I look tucked in. However I can put a hand under my band. Take it out more than 5 cm. This is a bra I have bought to try on. My 32H Panache Andorra I wore on the tightest hook after a few days as it wouldn't support me otherwise. I can put two hands under my Andorra in the back, get it out 10 cm.

    Everything that's put on my ribs will curl upward as the rolls under my bras will press from underneath. And it will still not sit straight as I curve out under the bust. Look at pictures of Bettie Page. She has the same body shape as me, she was just thin. http://www.bettiepagemovie.com/bettie-page/bettie-page-photos.php

    The underbust is smaller than the rib beneath it.

    I don't know who taught you that anyone would get more support from getting up in band size as it's against the laws of physics, but you sound like one of those fitters that would suggest adding 2 inches to the band size.

    That never worked. For anyone.

    Also: you should me more careful with telling someone what's typical. People comes in different shapes and sizes. If I looked like in my pictures for real your advice might have made me feeling like a total freak.

    Actually I did. I looked at women in CK bras for that entire day, thinking something was wrong with my shape and not your advice. But yes, there are women with boobs that far back.

    I am probably one of them. I never knew there were people looking like that. But there are.

    The shape in the CK Princess suit me better but the lace is so uncomfortable. However it's the first time a bra ever stayed put without needing to lift it with my shoulders. And as 80% of the support is supposed to come from the band I just thought that maybe then a 30J is better than a 32HH as the bra models in that size I've tried didn't suit my shape.

    I probably have gotten really wide but shallow boobs. (As that is what's growing out of this Panache Andorra I'm wearing.) And that's maybe why I can wear a tighter back size.

    The bra I'm trying on here though probably is just the wrong shape for me. But I wouldn't know as I never tried a 30 band for real. Because I never ever thought I would be that small in the back. Becuase I don't look that small.

    Meausuring myself at my tightest was the only way I would ever have found out what the heck was wrong. I might be smaller than I look, I don't know, I just know that everything points at me being in a too large band size.

    Fat will certainly put more pressure on the band as well, making it look more uncomfortable than it is. And it will certainly stretch out faster.

    I might be clueless but I'm not a n00b on bras. I'm just new to boob migration.

  • Well, I don't know if you're looking for help or looking to argue. I gave you suggestions based on "modern" measuring = adding 0. Your ribcage here is listed as 32.3", so you can try a 32 band. You are not supposed to strangle yourself when measuring. I'm not a noob either, there is no need for name calling. The word "typical" should be taken with a grain of salt. It does not mean that is the case for anything and everything. I never said there was anything wrong with your shape either, but Thank You for putting words in my mouth. Every woman is shaped differently and I gave you advice based on yours. If you didn't want people commenting on any issues you might have, then why ask for a fit suggestion?

    The reason I said you needed a larger band is because...take a gander at the back closure. It should not look like that! I could understand maybe it would if the cups were really tight, because tighter cups can make a loose band feel like a good fit or even make it feel too small, but your cups look a little too big so the obvious answer is that the band is too snug. Again, I also mentioned adjusting yourself in the bra correctly, if you're not doing this it won't fit as it should, it can make everything seem loose, cups, band and straps so of course you'll be able to fit a hand underneath the back.

    My comment on boobs going that far back you took out of context. Your boobs can start whereever they please, but the underwire of a bra SHOULD end about the length inbetween the middle of your armpit - and that's where the word "typical" was added, I was talking about the wires not breat tissue! Women who have narrower breasts with a more forward projection don't need the wires that far back because their tissue is more in the front rather than on the sides. But TYPICALLY women with larger and/or wider breasts do. When you adjust yourself properly, any migrated breast tissue is held infront of the wire. If you require more support, look for a bra that has boning in the channel seam where the back band and side wings meet.

    You can certainly try a 30 band. But based off of how this one is fitting it may or may not fit. This video (one of the better ones) demonstrates how to adjust properly - http://youtu.be/it29EzYo24w There's another one that Sophisticated Pair has but I can't find it. Anyhow, take a look at how the other woman is redirecting all the tissue from the back back into the cups. Is this how you're doing it?

    I can't (and won't) offer you any more advice because I just don't know what you want to hear. I hope you find something that fits properly.

  • Forgot to add, I was referring to the longline styles out now from Freya and Panache. They're not very long. I also have ribs that stick out and I find these more comfortable than a regular full band because they support better. And if I suck in my gut like Bettie Page is doing I look just like her in the frame. (Most women did that back then for vanity purposes) You said you wanted more support, and longlines offer that. BUT...they do tend to roll up one someone with a fuller stomach, so in your case they probably wouldn't work too well. They're worth a try though.

  • Hi again :)

    It's diffucult to hear tone of voice and the like on the internet. Not my intention to be rude. I'm sorry.

    I was just mad out of feeling like an alien in my own body. My boobs even scares me a little now.

    As I'm writing this I am in the bra in the picture. As my boobs swelled out of my Panache Andorra 32H this very morning I thougt then maybe I have grown so this will fit me.

    And it kind of does. Not perfect, but probably good enough to be a migration bra. It's quite comfortable as the band has stretched a little (or maybe my underbust is actually getting smaller from putting some of it in the cups?!)

    As I have no clue what so ever on how big I will get I might as well have something I can grow into.

    I have never seen my boobs in full so this journey is scary for me.

    If I knew a forum where to discuss things I would rather do that than putting up pictures of myself in bras. I just haven't find any forums. And I am still too shy to start blogging about bras for real.

    When I look at my boobs everything is just very very scary because I am about to get a somewhat proportionate body. I am scared I'm in a dream or have become pregnant without my knowledge or something as I have never ever seen these boobs before.

    These wires do not press so I have some room to grow. There is still a risk I will be too big for this too.

    When I saw myself this morning I could see the old and the new crease of the boob.

    I will probably buy some slacking bras in 34 though. I would've never considered that if it wasn't for your comments so thank you :)

    Right now this...

    As I wrote this I thought I might as well go and scope even a little more to see what happens. It's warm outside maybe the boobs would swell.

    So yup :O I am starting to bulge at the top of this bra as well.

    Now I'm starting to become really scared of my boobs :D

    It's like I've done some kind of boob job.

    I desperately need new bras.

    And maybe I should remessure myself as I actually really might have migrated underbust tissue.

    I really need a sleeping bra now :D

  • Yup, my underbust is decreased with 2 cm or so. I think we have the explanation there :D

    I accidentally hooked some of the bras I'm trying on on the second hook.

    As my boobs really grow now it seams to be quite hard to know a size at all. They fill out on the top, on the sides, from the back, even from my underbust and stomach and they end in the front and bulge out of the cups. However when they get there real shape they might end up a cup size smaller and more to the front than I thought they would be :)

  • Um I would like to add that band sizes do NOT max out at their stated size. Every 28 band except for one bra stretches easily past 28". Most I can stretch very easily past 30". This is across the board with Freya, Panache, and Curvy Kate. Even the band on the CK Ella in a 28 stretches past 30". The only one I have in a 28 that won't easily is my sports bra and I run and do everything in it and in no way feel contsricted. I measure everything when it's new too so it's not an issue of the bra being near the end of its life.

  • Are you sure that's very easily? Max stretch would be what a bra stretches to comfortably and whenever I do that to mine there is a certain point where they get into over stretched. You don't want to be doing this.

  • Positive that's easily. I use my bad hand to pull for those measurements. My right hand has a compressed ulnar nerve; this leaves it with almost no power anymore. I can't even open already used jars with that hand or carry much of anything over 5lbs or it will scream in pain.
    

  • Overstretched is when the fabric starts to get taught and curl. Depending on brand this happens within an inch or two after the size. I don't have any 28's that I can easily stretch past this, and I'm fairly strong. Then again, I'd rather not waste the money spent on them, I'm not rich. I've had a bra with broken threads from stretching it out completely. Because then if you have 32 for a max stretch on a28, someone will come along with a 31-33" ribcage and think that will fit then when in fact it won't because you cannot go by the overstretched amount. Max stretch is what a bra stretches at comfortably.

  • I had some of these bras for nearly a year now and wear them regularly. None of the seams have ripped and the fabric isn't curling.

    If you are supposed to breathe out and measure snug for a band size there has to be room for the person to breathe.
    

  • Exactly, so why would you overstretch your bra and strangle yourself when measuring? It just doesn't make sense. But whatever. I'm agreeing to disagree on this. (FYI: A lot of people complain of Deco running large in the band. The max stretch on mine brand new is 29". After owning it for 3.5 years, the max stretch is now 29.5". I don't know how many people can say that about their bras because I don't wear mine to strangle, I have to allow for eating/drinking and breathing room, and room for FMS - just last night this 3 years old Deco closed on the middle eyes was giving me tremendous pain in my 25" ribcage because of the FMS, of course not everyone has this issue - and I also take good care of them)

  • HLAleo: Oh, now I totally understand where you come from :)

    FMS hurt like h-ll. And what hurt us varies. I'm not diagnosed with FMS yet, but I will. However as I am retired due to other issues I have less pain than those who work. So my FMS is quite "light".

    I cannot wear anything that constricts me over the stomach at all, as I get nauseated. However in a strange way I have gotten used to tight underbusts. I have coats that are really tight at the underbust as well. Maybe I just like that corset feeling or something.

    I really wanted to have bras going high up on my back. I think "old granny style" is kind of sexy. Like some Triumph bras.

    About the overstretch: Maybe some of us just don't get support if the material isn't really stiff. And that's why we like to go beyond the stretch instead?

    And also, the bigger the band the more they stretch as there is more that can stretch. So it might make sense that we rather tuck us into tighter bands.

    When trying Ewa Michalek I will probably start at a 34 band as people claim they are more sturdy.

    I for my part don't understand why the back of bras are not made by stiffer material like these http://shop.holdme.se/shop/16081/art81/h9621/7219621-origpic-076d5e.png or something like it. (not in a flimsy version then, but in a quite styrdy one). That would make the weight pressure at least more evenly distributed. But then I do think there are a lot of big busted girls that want less material as it's for some strange reason considered more "sexy".

    And that's why all the Freya bikinis have so tiny tiny pants as well. (I hate that)

    To me it's a thin line between tacky and sexy and maybe it's just something I'm taught. I don't know.

    I would kind of like the bras that's made for fuller figured girls but I don't like the fact that it's stigmatizing fuller figured. And I don't like how Freya makes makes the cups in larger sizes different for no reason either. Even if I do think that some of them look even better in larger sizes. I just don't like the "ranking" factor.

    And I totally detest people hiding their bodies just because society don't think they are beautiful. I just have other ideals.

    OMG I think too much out loud :D

    Anyhow: there must be a way to make bras more practical and at the same time more comfortable and good looking at the same time. I like customized clothing :D

    So Deedlit and HLAleo: maybe the stretch of the band is about taste rather than science :)

  • I would advice you against Ewa Michalak, the wires of Ewa Michalak bras are relatively narrow. In the larger sizes they get even narrower relative to cupsize.

  add a comment

  Use @ to mention users, brands, models and more

  You need to sign in to comment

  
  
• 2
  helpful

  eliza: You've got some very solid advice from HLAleo already, it mostly is similar to what I would have written.

  I would also recommend that you go down in cupsize to a 32HH. A slightly too big cup can make the band feel loose. It is the "a too small cup makes the band feel tight"-effect in reverse.

  I would also strongly advise you against a 30 band. I read what you wrote a few days ago, then you gave your measurements in cm for underbust, tight as possible and loosely. The numbers you posted in cm are pretty much in line with a number of women I know who wear a 32 band when the band runs loose and a 34 band when the band runs tight.

  Since you want to gather the tissue to the sides into the cup I would stick with the larger cup and the 32 band plus and extension for the beginning. Reason: the tight band pulls the cup wider. Also if you go up in bandsize and down in cupsize the wires of the bra get narrower while staying the same cupsize.

  I currently wear a 40GG/H with Elomi. I could theoretically wear a 44FF/G (my crosssize) with the brand. Volumewise the cup would fit and the band would be supportive enough. But the wires in this size are way too narrow, they hurt like hell.

  So if you do need wider wires as you suspect, going with the larger cupsize and the smaller band is a good solution.

  That the bra doesn't fit is IMO an issue of style. I cannot fill out the upper cup of Curvy Kate and Flirtelle either. Wirewidth-wise I need a 40J with CK, but then the cup is way too big and becomes unsupportive. I can fill out the volume of a 40H in CK, but then the wires are too narrow. I am currently happiest in a 40H or 40HH Panache Tango, depending upon the time of the month. I also do well with Elomi, the wires of Elomi bras are very wide but not as high up as Panache.

  Another bra that you could try is the Curvy Kate Tease Me in 32HH. Since this is a padded halfcup you do not need to worry about not filling out the upper part of the cup. But if your breasts are too soft you might fall out of a bra in that style.

  @HLAleo: That the underwires should stop in the middle of the underarm is a myth. The underwires should be as wide as the women wearing the bra needs them. This can be very wide almost to the back with 12 inches or more between centergore and end of wire or very narrow almost to the center of the chest with only 2 inches between centergore and wire.

  Updated on August 7, 2012 Flag this

  
  

  • t_maia: Oh I have sitten here waiting for you to give your opinion again. I remember you saying the wires in tighter bands are wider so it has been on my mind.

    Right now at least when gathering it all I do need wide and high wires. And I don't think I can go with the Tease Me at this moment. I am totally spilling over in my CK Lottie in the same size.

    Another problem is that I need wires with almost no separation what so ever. My boobs push pressure on the wires in the middle almost instantly.

    It happens in the CK Lottie 32HH. It happens in the Freya Lauren 32HH and it happens in my Panache Andorra 32H.

    I don't know if it's because my boobs are so soft, the plunge styles/side support or the width of the wires. Without a bra my boobs totally goes to the sides so I'm thinking maybe there is where they want to be? But then they also likes to be way lower so I'm not sure ;)

    In this Camilla bra it doesn't happen. It doesn't happen in CK Princess 32J either and I'm thinking they have smaller separations in the center gore.

    I am thinking that if I bought a Panache Andorra in 32HH (the wires in that one is supposed to be 39 cm and 20 cm wide but just 32 cm deep in the cups and to me it sound so comfortable :D

    It's just... the separation adds another 4 milimeter and that's what usually makes one of the wires rest on breast tissue at the center gore.

    Also: My boobs really don't fill out any bra in the bottom. I am still not sure if it's due to the longer torso or me being fuller on bottom.

    So we have: Wires turning away at the center gore. Not filling out the cups in the bottom and the need for high and wide wires.

    I'm thinking the safest choice would be Panache Andorra 32HH?
    

  • Could you please post pictures of yourself in the Panache Andorra in 32H? This gives me another frame of reference when trying to match what I know about bras and breastshapes.

  • Getting to it :)

  • http://www.bratabase.com/browse/panache/andorra-full-cup-5675/32H/ There are the pics.

    I didn't add a front view as these new bigger boobs also have gotten way higher nipples :O

    Seems I'm quite high on chest if I put them where they once belonged so to speak.

  • I have no idea why the photos of the wires are upside down as I rotated them and saved the new version. Really sorry about that.

  • Yup, 32HH seems about right on the Andorra, maybe 32J. The Andorra runs a bit small in the cup, it also generally gives a better, rounder if it is a tiny bit too large.

    A bra that you could try in 34H(UK) or 34K(US) is the Goddess Keira. Goddess bras are (when bought in the US) significantly cheaper than Panache bras. If the 34 band is too loose, handstitch in some nonelastic fabric into the band.

  • Hi again

    I am a swede so the Andorra will be cheaper. I bought it from the seller I trusted the most on Ebay UK. As there were no 32HH from any trusted seller I went for the 32J.

    I do think I really don't know which one will fit me better but as you say it runs smaller in the cup I think both may work.

    I have 17 bras from brastop at home as I really needed to find out my size. When I ordered them I didn't know Andorra was small in the cup, I just knew that as it was too small. Also I didn't have a clue how much there would be on me to put in cups that wasn't already there. So I only bought two 32HH bras to try on. All the others are larger sizes.

    The LottieHH probably "fits" but I spill everywhere.

    What I really don't understand is how a bra I cannot fill out will still feel more supportive than a bra that seems to fit better? Why is that?

    If boobs are fuller on bottom then the tissue on top will be more jiggly? Right? So I will kind of need support on top even if I won't fill the bras out?

    Also: If I need really wide and high wires then a bra in a too large cup might be more comfortable because of the wires even if it will look like h-ll?

    Because in every single bra I've tried on that's not a J the wires will rest on breast tissue at the wings, and even if I'm extremely hollow in the tissue under my arms I would still need those wide (and high) wires? Even if they seem like even ridiculously far back and even if it would look as if I don't fill them?

    Because that would somehow make sense to why I constantly want to push the wires back in H-HH bras. Also that could also explain why my cups are not filled in bottom. Because looking at the old and new creases of the boob I seem to be migrating somewhat from my underbust/stomach as well.

    To me it makes sense that boobs on a wide ribcage and a long torso will take more space then on someone with a smaller ribcage and shorter torso. They would also be more shallow.

    I've been a body shape nerd since like forever and I have found the pages about implants gives very clear information of what body shape give what kind of boobs. I would never have understood my body shape had it not been for those pages.

  • http://www.bratabase.com/browse/freya/lauren-balcony-4823/32HH/ I added some pictures of me in Freya Lauren 32HH for reference as well.

  • The Freya Lauren is either slightly too big or not quite the right shape. You got wrinkles in the cup near the underwire.

    First, try to straighten those wrinkles out. For this you need to refine your technique for putting the bra on: Close the bra band. Bow forward and gather in the tissue from the side. Stand up. With your left hand hold the wire of the left cup. Keep holding that in place. Use your right hand to lift your left breast into the cup. Push the wire of the left cup up as far as possible. Hold the cup in place with the left hand. With the right hand grab the fabric of the left cup. Your thumb should be inside next to your breast, the fingers outside. Gather the fabric of the cup together. Your fingertips and the tip of your thumb should be down next to the wire. Pull the fabric around your breasts in a round motion towards your ribcage. Do the same on the other side.

    Most women do the gathering in, and they also adjust the cup by pulling a bit on the rim of the cup. With breasts as heavy and large as yours or mine that doesn't work. On delicate fabrics such as the lace of the Panache Andorra that might even damage the bra. You need to do go down to the wire with your fingers and gather the fabric there.

    The wrinkles of the cup can be an indication that either the cup is too big or the wires are slightly too narrow. On me all Freya wires are too narrow, I get the same wrinkles because I get an orange-in-a-glass-effect from Freya wires. My breast root is too wide, I cannot squish it into Freya bras. Just like an orange that doesn't fit into a narrow glass I have empty space near the wire with Freya bras.

    Since you also have the same wrinkles on the Panache Andorra in 32H I think it might be an issue of putting the bra on in combination with slightly too narrow wires, ie the bra not being the right shape. Try to see whether putting the bra on the way I described above makes a difference.

    As for your other questions, take a look at my profile and the bras that fit me. Just like you I need the wire-width of a J/JJ, but I cannot fill out the cups. I make do with slightly too narrow wires, wearing H/HH-cups simply because that is overall the most stable and thus the most supportive solution. On the Tango in 40HH the lace flops around on the upper part of the cup, but since the shape is ok under a shirt I do not mind.

    Also bras are shaped differently, the volume they allow in the upper and lower part of the cup varies. The Freya Lauren and the Curvy Kate bras require quite a lot of volume in the upper part of the cup, that is a problem in your situation.

    My recommendation would be to try the Panache Tango II Balconette in 32HH and see how that fits you.

  • Tried lifting my Lauren as you suggested. Still wrinkles. And I can feel the wires on my tissue on the larger boob.

    So I would say it's too large, but also too small. That is; clearly the wrong shape.

    The Freya Lauren has the same depth as the Flirtelle Camilla 32J. I'd say it's probably about one cm too deep to begin with. And yup they are both the wrong models.

    I am now pretty sure that until my boobs are settled in their new shape I will rather wear a too big cup than a too small. Smaller wires are just too painful right now, I feel as if I would burst out of them.

    The Tango is something I will try in the future in that hot pink color. I had it at home in the wrong size and I fell in love with the look. It looks kind of childish hello kitty style :D

    I experiment a lot with clothing shapes and sizes, like cutting things when it's too boring. And I like visible stitches, rough edges and the like. So I'm already thinking of ways to altering bras more like some kind of punk rock style.

    But first I really long for my 32J purple Andorra.

  • The Tango in rapsberry supposedly runs small in the cup. Certain dyes shrink the fabric, it seems that the rapsberry dye has shrunk it more than average. I've been tempted to try the Tango in 40J for this reason, but I fear and am almost sure that the wires of a 40J Tango would poke me terribly into my armpit.

  • t_maia: I have been taking a look at your profile pic again. I have also read you want more stabile wires. I would say say we might differ in the last issue. I really like the stretchy wires of Flirtelle and CK. I just want them to be higher. However I do think they give me enough support.

    Also I wonder if you want the wires high and not just wide. Because I am thinking that half cups means wide and short? As you said you think the Tango will poke you in the armpit? Do you have a longer or shorter torso?

    I have yet to feel the poking of wires in my armpit. We'll see when the bigger Andorra arrives :)

  • I am very clear about my needs, boob shapes, measurements and body shape now.

    Boob shape: Not wider than their root really, but "big rooted" and round. Up to my armpits and back to behind my arms. Takes up a lot of space in every direction. Wires less than 19cm wide kills me. Also; With wires in line with my underbust I will still need them to be 14cm high above the underbust line. 33 cm deep cups prefered probably.

    Long torso and high on chest. I slope down into the cups of Andorra becuase they are way under my underbust, thus wrinkling on the bottom. Same thing would happen with Tango, Harmony, Sienna, among others. And the Flirtelle Camilla also has this issue.

    No wires will ever poke me. They will just not be high enough.

    Anyhow:

    Scoped into Andorra I will still have boobs up to my chin. Litterary. Very nicely rounded on top of the so called "full cup" bra. But as the wires and side coverage are not high enough lift arms and boom! - gone to my armpits.

    I never thought boobs could even look like mine does. They really are everywhere.

    My good how I want a modest dull bra with coverage everywhere that actually fits boobs as big rooted as mine that are not too deep. In a 32 band. And cups in level with the underbust.

    Pollyanna in 32HH or 32J might work. But my god it's not comfortable. Are there any softer models in that family?

    Thing is wires, coverage and wings of Lauren 30K was perfect. However way too deep cups (36cm). And the ugliest bra I have ever seen.

    I've researched Elomi. Won't be a good choice. It really is too big in the band. I would have to stitch everything. Even Panache Andorra is indeed too big in the band. Being fat and not a plus size always was a tricky one for me since I'm a fat acceptance activist and blogger.

    Anyhow: At least now I know exactly what I need and every requirement I have. To find something catering to it though might not be that simple.

  • Sorry, I'm really mixing the words up. Of course my boobs has a wide root. They are just not wider than their root :D The root indeed is really wide in every single direction :D

    Thinking I might have overlooked one option though. I might actually be full on top. Thus needing more coverage higher up as they have gone to my armpits after years of wearing low cut narrow bras.

    My god, this journey never ends.

  • I think you forgot that I wear a 40 band ;) . There is a signficant difference in size between a 32HH and a 40HH. I'm going to take a picture just for you to illustrate.

  • Here you can see the picture: http://www.bratabase.com/compare/dhhf7/

    I compared a friends' 32H Tango against an old 38JJ-Tango of the same colour. I hope you understand better now why a 38JJ and a 40J poke me into my underarms despite the fact that I am 175 cms tall.

    Boobs in 40H are significantly larger than in 32J, the wires that work for you in terms of stability would fail on me in a spectacular way.

  • Ah, forgot about the wires being even bigger in even larger sizes. Stability I thought about however.

    Strange though that they don't make wider wires. There should be more than you needing them?

    I wish there were more customized production of bras. I would probably be prepared to pay a great deal of money for a customized bra.

  • I've read through all the comments above again and I really think you might want to give the Goddess Alice Underwired a shot. That bra only comes in a 34 band again, but it runs tight in the band and large in the cup. Many women take this bra two bandsizes up and a few cups down, so somebody who usually needs a 36K would take this in a 40HH. For you this would mean trying this in a 34HH (UK). You should be able to order the Alice through figleaves.

    Another bra to try would be the Curvy Kate Emily, here you could go for a 30K if you are so inclined. Curvy Kate is not as deep in the cups as Freya.

    A friend of mine is "boobs everywhere" just like you and she really likes Curvy Kate. The Emily works well on a lot of women.

  • Quick post: Ordered CK Emily 32J-K, Freya Antoinette 32J, Freya Pollyanna 32HH-J. We'll see how it works out in a couple of days.

    However I'm almost positive now that I don't fill out any cups lying under my underbust because it happens in every single bra I try in every single shape and cup and band size. Even when I lift the bottom. I've photographed several bras and it's the same allover.

    Longer torso probably is the best answer to why this happens. The lower the wires are below the root of my boobs the worse the problem. The root of my boobs particularly in the front is higher than any wires I've tried. I know it will be the same story with Emily and Pollyanna.

    Also the lower the wires the more the poking of ribs (and wrinkling at the bottom of cups). Alice Goddess would poke my ribs terribly. However I adore the nude color look so much that I probably will buy the wireless version even if it's not available in a smaller band size than 36. I'm thinking it might be ideal for sleep.

    The retro look is absolutely stunning.

  • CK Emelie 30J.

    It fits. I will alter the center gore so it won't go so much to the sides but it's a keeper!

    It's not perfect in any kind of sense as the straps are very far out on my shoulders and the fact that a lot of weight is put on my shoulders, but still: Comfortable, fit, I fill out the cups and I don't bulge in a way that makes it look ugly.

    I do have wrinkling in the bottom. But I have accepted that I always will wrinkle there.

    I like this bra for two reasons: I can sit down in it without getting wirekilled on my ribs. And I can wear lower cut tops as it doesn't cover that much skin. So I'll say this is my first party bra in my new size. We'll see how I like it on the shoulders after altering the center gore.

  • OK CK Emily 30JJ also fits. Some gaping at the top is not visible under clothing and it's far more supportive than 30J.

    When I altered the center gore the 30J gave me a little too much quadroboob, but as it is altered I will still keep it. And it's still a good party bra :)

    30JJ seems to do the job Andorra didn't do. Higher wires, more coverage. Keeps everything in place on top of the boob.

    But it's not as comfortable to sit in the 30JJ as in the 30J. Also the 30JJ feels way tighter in the band. However that's obviously what takes the weight of my shoulders!

  • Pollyanna 32HH also fits. I must have migrated because I now can now put the side hills of my boobs up on top of them instead :)

    So I do have a size in Freya balconettes now if I want to: 32HH

    However: In Panache and CK the lower section are cut lower on the chest. That way my boobs are held closer to my body and pushed up to their natural height.

    But as they are held so close to my body it's far more comfortable! In these bras I need to size up several sizes. I can fit a 30K CK bra and I might try out a Andorra 34J.

    I can wear both but I really do prefer the CK and Panache shape as it gives the feeling of wearing no bra at all :)

    However I will size up to CK Emily 32J and 34HH to see if it will be more versatile :)

    Sitting down I would prefer 34 bands. Standing up and partying I would prefer 30 bands.

    I will continue to like the wide wires even if I don't need 19 cm anymore. Must have migrated some of my tissue back up on top :)

    When there is a longline bra in my size I will try it out instantly!

    As for now: CK Emily 32J and 34HH is on their way as well as 30J Tease me :)

    I cannot upload pics of me in the new bras as my camera has now battery but I will start blogging now that I know what I'm doing and why :)

    Thanks for all the help :)

  add a comment

  Use @ to mention users, brands, models and more

  You need to sign in to comment

  
  
• 1
  helpful

  Hi!

  It looks like you've already hashed out this issue for the most part, but I wanted to add that Royce, Panache and Freya are now making soft-cup bras (Royce's are more utilitarian, Panache's and Freya's are super cute patterns) On figleaves.com they're cheaper than most of the bras available in your size, too, which is always nice.

  I'm adding this because you mentioned sleep bras. Plus they might be suitable for tiding you over as your breasts readjust to the new cup size! I've heard the bands are less stretchy than most underwire bras so they might fit you for longer.

  Updated on August 6, 2012 Flag this

  
  

  • Thank you, I in fact might try something of that :) I had not even given that a thought. It might work :)

  add a comment

  Use @ to mention users, brands, models and more

  You need to sign in to comment

  
  
• 0
  helpful

  This might sound odd, but here is some thoughts...

  In a 32J the cups of a Curvy Kate/Flirtelle bra should cover you up almost completly. All the breast tissue all the way up should be in the cups. That's just the way they are. Based on your measured breast peremetre you shouldn't size down in the cups either...

  However, what I can see is that the fabric at the armhole is cutting into your arm. Because of that you cannot tighten the straps more, even if you need too to get the proper lift. I think that if the armhole were better for you you might even need a 32JJ in this one...

  That does however lead us to the third problem, the fact that the wires are too wide. They will be even wider on you in a larger cup size.

  The fourth problem is probably the band. I'm not saying that it's too small, I don't think so. However Curvy Kate bands doesn't stretch overly much in the largest cup sizes, and there isn't much band, plus that the elastic along the band is quite narrow. You have a quite soft torso with a smaller ribcage underneth. Because of that you definitly need a nice and snug band, but you also need something that avoids cutting in.

  Because of this this is most likely the wrong style on you. I would avoid both Curvy Kate and Flirtelle as they are made by the same manufacturers.

  What I would suggest instead is Cleo and Panache, but mostly styles like Confetti in the later to give you the width. You will most likely need to size down quite a bit as Curvy Kate runs small in the cup and these styles if anything run big. A 32H or in some cases a 32HH is probably your best bet. Because of this you might actually be able to make a Cleo Sadie Longline work in a 32H or a 34H. I found that one quite tight in the back.

  Updated on September 4, 2012 Flag this

  
  

  • Now I've just marked this as resolved :D

    The thing is I do really need those wires. And yes I'm up at CK 32J. I know it looks odd and as I don't fill out those wires. But the fact is I do, I just need bras made for fuller on top boobs because they allow me to size up so my upper tissue will stay without falling to my upper arms and back.

    However I'm so tired of needing to tighten straps to make tissue stay in the cups. But maybe one day it will actually stay on top of my boobs by themselves. We'll see about that :)

  add a comment

  Use @ to mention users, brands, models and more

  You need to sign in to comment