Bra fitting help » Bra cups rubbing at armpit with wires poking unless back is adjusted up
Wacoal » Embrace Lace Underwire T-shirt Bra (853191) » 32G 32:7
Issue resolved
Trying different sizes
Original problem
I am having uncomfortable rubbing by the top of the cup at my arm pits. The cup top is slightly empty. Tightening the straps to adjust for space makes rubbing worse. I was also having issues with underwire poking into my arm pits with unfilled cup at the side. After reading around here I tried pulling the wires in while leaning over and angling the band up slightly at the back. That has made the poking stop and has made the bra wearable.
I have tried on every Bra in and around my size at my local specialty store (who carry Wacoal, Anita and Van Elle)but of course there Weren't many options in the small band/big cup category to try. I have also tried Triumph 34DD and had the same rubbing and poking/no tissue in side of cup issues, the band felt loose but seemed to stay in place.
I can order my size in but to do that I need to narrow it down to a few styles/sizes that are most likely to work! Same issue to buy on line I need a good place to start! Please help I'm desperate to find a bra that is comfortable!
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Suggestions (4)
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helpful
If you're having trouble with extra space at the top of the cup, it may help to size down in the cup, even if the volume of this cup is pretty close. The smaller size will also have shorter wires under the the arms, so it won't poke as much. From your fit problems and your pictures, it looks like your upper back has a V-shape. That explains why it fits better with the band sitting higher in the back. Because there is more tension on the upper edge of the band than the lower edge, it will pull the wire further back at the top of the wing. The way the armpit is shaped, the further back the wire is, the lower it needs to be to not poke the fleshy part of your underarm. With the band higher in back, and therefore the wire more toward the front of your body, it is less likely to cause discomfort. Ultimately, this may not be the best style or brand for you. A band that is designed better for your body shape will help significantly with both fit and comfort. I wish I had some good suggestions for specific styles, but I'm not sure what's best in your size range and don't want to jump to recommending Polish bras that are both expensive and not easily accessible.
Updated on March 17, 2014 Flag this
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helpful
Strap rubbing in your armpit - I think the armhole of the bra is battling with the muscles you have there.
Some women have a long torso, these women usually also have large pecs. That is something the armholes of most bras are not made for. The wires poking might be more of the same, your muscles (or is this breast tissue??) bulge out and then the wires stab you.
Armhole issues are sadly very hard to fix, be prepared to try a lot of bras.
That said, some women have had luck with the Panache Andorra Fullcup in this regard. This bra would also be a good model to order for a first try, since it fits many women really well. I would recommend you try the Andorra around 32 F/FF or maybe better 34 E/F.
Updated on March 16, 2014 Flag this
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helpfulInteresting. I am someone who almost always has to pull the band up in the back because of my extremely tapered ribcage, but when looking at the photo in which this particular bra is laid out flat, it actually looks as if the cups extend significantly below the band, so in that sense it actually 'should' sit higher in the back than in the front, even on someone with a more straight up-an-down ribcage. In this case, therefore, I am inclined to think that it is a matter of the design of this particular bra possibly paired with certain body shape peculiarities that makes it 'fit' better when angled up like that.
Although I agree with ayoungpretender that the design of this bra may not be optimum for your body, if the bra is comfortable now, there are no significant other fitting issue left, and the angling up isn't interfering with support and stability then I see no reason to proclaim this bra at least wearable.
As to t_maia 's comment: I disagree that it is a long torso that causes these issues. Not saying that it per definition can't be, but I have seen many petite and/or high-set gals complain about exactly this issue: the 'armhole' of the bra simply isn't scooped out deeply enough towards the front and the too gentle curve (if any) between the wire and the strap is what maybe causing the trouble. I myself, for example, happen to have an extremely short upper torso with high-set breasts paired with very wide shoulders for my frame. My pectoral muscles really aren't over-developed (last time I saw a gym from the inside is over a decade ago), but due to my overall body shape they do flare out like 'wings' from my ribcage to my shoulder and I invariably run into 'armhole' problems with bras.
Updated on March 19, 2014 Flag this
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helpfulMaybe I'm confused but are you saying that originally you had empty space at the top of the cup AND the side? Is it possible this is just a too-large cup? Did you try the 32F? If you have pics of yourself in a seamed or unpadded/unmolded cup it will be easier for us (and you) to assess visually. These molded cups make it hard to see what the breast is doing inside and if it is being supported.
Updated on March 16, 2014 Flag this
Raising the back of the bra helped with the underarm poking issue but the rubbing in front of the armpit by the cup is still a problem. I have ordered a few more to try some with a smaller cup. In my small town lingerie store the in store options in the bands below 36 are very limited so haven been able to try more than one size combination in any one brand.