Bra fitting help » 30 not a small enough band?
Freya » Nieve Balcony Bra (4062) » 30K 30:15
Issue resolved
Most bras in the larger cups are just going to be made different which is unfortunate but true.
Original problem
So I have this bra in a 30K and while the cups kind of fit (the gore does not sit against my chest) I feel there's absolutely no support...other that that, this is the only Freya bra I've tried where the cups don't sit away from my chest. I used this one because I realized that even my precious Tango has fit issues that I seem to have with every bra and was wondering if anyone else had this issue and solved it.
The biggest problem is wrinkling underneath the my where my boob sits...the wrinkling (which I couldn't get a picture of in this bra) starts toward the side and continues about a fourth of the way under my boob. Is this typical? I measure a 34HH but I'm usually sized in a 32JJ or 32K, partly because I like the support I get from a smaller band (my rib cage measures 33 inches) and I just so happen to spill out of the top of J cup. I'm wondering if this means a 30KK in Freya would work (or an altered 32JJ)? Or do I just need to keep trying different bras/bands?
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Suggestions (2)
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helpful
Additional pics with more light would help--these are a bit underexposed and personally I can't see well enough to give fit feedback!
However, in the J/K and up size range, yes, cups buckling or wrinkling under the breast is a common problem. Most of the time it simply means the cups are not robust enough to support the weight of the breast fully; this can be down to the design, the materials, etc. Occasionally it means the cup is too large and/or the band too tight, but I would definitely not be able to hazard a guess about either of these things based on the current pictures.
Even in my size range (32F UK) this can happen in the case of a particularly flimsily built cup. I have a nursing bra that is underwired, but constructed of absurdly stretchy material, and my boobs basically crush the bottom 1-2 inches of the cup under their unremarkable weight.
Re: your band size, I'm a bit appalled that this so-called 30 band measures 30" at rest and stretches to 34" (have you double checked?) If it does, this is the reason it's riding up--because it's a ridiculously large and stretchy band which has no business being labeled as a 30! That's pretty bad even for Freya (please note I'm assuming you got this new or in like new condition, if it is pre-owned this would be closer to normal). Based on your measurements, I would say that this freakishly large band on this one particular bra is a one-off and should not give rise to any generalizations about how 30 bands should fit. I might add that if you prefer a snug fit, and if you tend to have issues with bands riding up (which seems almost inevitable in a K cup) you might want to steer towards brands known for firm, snug bands (Panache for instance) and/or the higher end brands known to use better quality materials for their bands which therefore stay put.
I don't think I would advise trying 28s based on this one experience--you don't appear to be particularly squishy around the torso based on your measurements, and while I'm not one to advocate a plus-anything sizing system to anyone who prefers a snug band, a minus-6 approach does seem a little extreme and seems like it could be unproductive in your case (I'm not saying you lack the intelligence to know when a band is hurting you, but since you're unlikely to find a comfy fit in most 28s in most brands, it would be quite a waste of time and money).
Updated on March 27, 2014 Flag this
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Well, my view is that measurements are just a start... fit is everything (as long as you are taking both comfort and support into consideration). Some bras will be way off in terms of how you might expect them to be sized so you will have a range of sizes. Also, in your size range a lot of brands are SUPER inconsistent and also do not do the best job of offering constructions that are suited to smaller torsos/large cups. So it's not your imagination--it really is hard to find models that work well.
If you have a 36G that does a good job in the cups but is too loose in the band, consider altering it or getting it altered. At least you will be comfy while you search for the perfect bra(s) in the right size!
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helpfulI know when the Nieve first came out, some bra blogs who reviewed it found the sizing/fit was seriously wonky compared to other Freya models at the time.
http://sophiajenner.wordpress.com/2011/08/27/my-search-for-a-nieve-that-fits/
Updated on March 27, 2014 Flag this
I tried pictures with lighting but for some reason my camera refuses to use flash if there's a light on in the room (I'll try with the light off and see if it will adjust itself and post more later today). I have some Panahce's, that's usually the only thing I wear and then I saw a really good article on fit and realized I was have issues. I'll do another with my Tango on, you can see the wrinkling really good in that one, and see if that helps. I'm frustrated that I keep trying on bras in bigger and smaller sizes and none of them working correctly...the only bra I currently have that I actually like is a 36G so my band isn't very supportive but the cups fit pretty good. I guess I'm confused about whether I go by my measurements in most bras and then fit in others.