Bra fitting help » Unsure of band size
Victoria's Secret » Unknown Model » 32D 32:4
Issue resolved
Band was actually fine, sized up one cup size.
Original problem
I cannot tell if this is a good fit or not. The cups feel all right to me, but I am concerned about the band. I think it may be too tight and give me rolls, but at the same time I can fit my entire hand through both the back and the front, something I thought was an indication of the band being too large. Any insights appreciated!
You must be logged in to leave suggestions
-
New user?
-
Have an account?
Suggestions (4)
-
1
helpful
The two most obvious signs of the band being too large are if the band rides upwards in the back and if the straps keep falling down.
The most obvious signs of the band being too small are if you get muscular pain and the feeling of being squeezed in and unable to breathe from the band.
Normally, it is recommended that the bra band be about the same length as your comfortable ribcage measurement. However, for people who are thin, bony, or more muscular than average, you may need 2" wearing ease, sometimes even 3" or 4".
Updated on September 29, 2017 Flag this
-
If you feel happy with your current bra then go with it. There are no formal rules, you should only do what makes you happy and comfortable.
-
1
helpful
Victoria Secret doesnt make the best quality bands - if it stretches really easily, you arent going to have an easy time finding the perfect band. Having a few bulges around the band is not proof its too tight, tho it may be. Sometimes wider bands do that less. it also looks like - ack, i'm not good with anatomy - but like your shoulders and upper back muscles are fairly large, so you come out above the band more than some women. again, thats not really a fit issue. We sometimes forget that finding our perfect bra wont make us look like the models who wear them!
Another way to check band size is to put the bra on upside down and backwards, so the band is in the right place, but the cups are hanging down towards your rear. then you can just make sure the cups are not masking a band issue. See if the band feels comfortably firm. It should be hard to move it but it shouldnt hurt. Exactly tightness is a personal choice, but as long as it stays put and doesnt hurt, its in a reasonable range
Updated on September 29, 2017 Flag this
-
Thank you so much for those insights! I actually a times have trouble with shirts due to my back and shoulders, for some reason I didn't think of that when it came to bras! I agree about VS quality, honestly not the best. And thank you for your tip about wearing the bra upside down and backwards. When I did that there was actually a little bit of slippage in the band, but it could just be this bra's quality (I was thinking age, but I realize its barely even two months old). Thank you so much!
-
-
1
helpful
32 could potentially be a good band size for you but I think these cups are too small FOR SURE (cf. the fact they cut in on the outer side--not good, do not wear this). Photo #3 also shows how the breast further away from the camera is not properly contained at the center either... in short it is just too small. I don't know if you've scooped all the breast tissue forward into the bra cups or not, but even if you have, I bet if you jump up and down, you'll be escaping from the cups--either at the sides or in the middle, or possibly both. I would size up in the cup, and if the band still feels a little too snug, try an extender or size up in band. A too-small cup will make the band feel too tight.
Updated on October 1, 2017 Flag this
-
Thanks so much for your tips! Never seriously considered that it could be the cup size. I actually did scoop my breast toward the center and that was the result! I will definately try a larger cup size. I actually went to the store today, and the woman there told me that the cups of a 32D bra (Betsey Johnson Plunge type) were too small (I wasn't quite convinced, but now I'm seeing the light!) l will definately try a larger cup size! Thank you for your help!
-
You're very welcome! Sounds like you really like this design so hopefully if it can just be exchanged for the bigger cup size.
You always want to scoop towards the center--since we put on the bra cups by bringing them close to our body, that tends to artificially push breast tissue back out to the sides, but if you leave it that way (believing the cups fit fine at that point) the tissue will creep back to the center afterwards as we go about our daily activities, and then suddenly you realize the girls are making a bid for freedom :-D Scooping to the center positions tissue the way it will naturally end up. So if you're not fully contained after scooping, you want to size up usually.
-
-
0
helpful
I adore this color on you! Gorgeous!!
For giggles, would you try this on backward and upside down? How does the band feel? If the band feels bigger upside down and backward, the cups may be a bit small. But, if you feel good in this bra and you have no pain, enjoy it!
Updated on September 29, 2017 Flag this
-
Why thank you! I saw the color and I HAD to have it! I tried your suggestion with the bra upside down and backwards. When I did that there was actually a little bit of slippage in the band, but it could just be this bra's quality. I may see how the sister size in the lower band feels (ha not from Victorias Secret though) I'm currently living in a lingerie desert, but thank god for online shopping. Do think I should try a larger cup size with a smaller band or first just try a larger cup size?
-
Yes and no. ;-) When you choose another model, hopefully, you'll find band measurements here. You may feel better supported in a band that stretches an inch....or three shorter. However, when a band fits more snuggly, so will the wires which will make finding a wide-enough wire a priority. Cleo models tend to run shorter, so a 32 may be appropriate. Panache varies by model. Curvy Kate, in newer models, are true to size. Try a 30 in their models. Wacoal uses higher quality elastic and both a 30 and 32 may feel supportive even if the stretched band is longer.
Hope your next bra is comfortable and supportive! But, oh how I would miss these dots. :-)
-
Thank you so much for the suggestions! They are super super helpful and I'll be sure to take them into account. I as well don't think I could say goodbye to these polka. So I think she'll stay in my wardrobe for a little bit longer at least! Thank you again for all your help!
-
Thank you so much! I'm not in pain at all from the band, just wondering if aesthetically it looks like its pinching! (I looked at picture 4 and thought is that what its supposed to look like?) To my eye, there is no riding up either. The band stays pretty level. My rib cage measurement is actually 30, but I usually wear 32s as that is what I find in stores.