Bra fitting help » If I downsize the band, should I go up in size in the cup?
Freya » Gem Balcony Bra (1361) » 38F 38:7
Issue resolved
Cup size up, band size down
Original problem
ETA: I now wore the bra for several hours straight and unfortunately the band is riding up AND I have overflow in both cups
So the cups are the problem, too!
I bought Freya Gem in 38F.
After trying it on at home, I realised the band is a bit too stretchy, so I could downsize it.
But what I worry about, is the cups.
My smaller breast fits in the cup perfectly, my larger one overflows ever so slightly, but after few hours of wear you can see it starts to overflow visibly (under the shirt).
So if I downsize the band to 36, what cup size should I go with?
Thank you!!
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Suggestions (4)
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4
helpful
In general, if you go down a band size, you'll go up a cup size to keep the same volume, so if you wanted to swap this for a 36 band, you'd go for a 36FF to keep the same volume in the cups.
However, based on your measurements (assuming that the ribcage measurement you've given is your comfortably firm one), and the pictures given, I honestly think that a 38 band in this particular bra looks like it's fine on you. Your ribcage measurement given is actually larger than the stretched length of the band of this bra, so based on the numbers alone, there's no need to size down. You don't have to wear a bra as tight as possible, just firm enough to be supportive. Of course, all of our preferences are different, and I know I personally prefer bras on the firmer side of supportive but not so tight it warps the cups. So, I wouldn't say a 36 band would definitely be too small, but there's no need to dogmatically stick to wearing the tightest band you can possibly fasten if you don't wish to. Does the band stay in place when you wear it? Do you feel comfortable? If so, there's no need for a smaller band.
If you go up in cup size, it will probably be noticeably too large on your smaller breast, though you could compensate for that with an insert. This size is probably the best compromise between your two breasts, but a bigger size will contain your larger breast better.
If you wanted to stick with the same band size and fit to your larger breast, I'd try a 38FF. If you definitely wanted to go for a smaller band size and fit to your larger breast, I'd try a 36G.
Updated on January 23, 2014 Flag this
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Hi Ereshiy,
I added photos of the bra after wearing it for couple of hours. Can you take a look?The band is definitely riding up and the breast tissue is overflowing in both cups. So I think I will go with 36G (which was my usual size, but for some reason the lady at Bravissimo told me Gem was good in 38F)
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helpfulHow are the wires? The sliding down you're seeing may be caused by too-narrow wires. Going up a cup size and using inserts to pad the smaller breast is probably the best choice.
Updated on January 23, 2014 Flag this
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Hi, the wires are good, I don't see any spillage on the side nor it's poking into the flesh.
What do you mean by 'sliding down'?
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helpfulIf you want a smaller band but not That much smaller, get it in a 36 and just wear it with an extender until it stretches out. You get a lot more wear and extenders are super useful, especially if you're between band sizes
If you feel you need a larger cup, then go with a 36G and an extender, and you can always tighten the strap to your smaller breast accordingly Updated on January 27, 2014 Flag this
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helpfulAre your measurements still accurate? If your ribcage really measures bigger than the stretched band length, then I don't see how you could size down in the band. What do you mean by you realized the band is too stretchy? is it looser than your other 38s? (freyas do run a bit loose) Does it ride up and provide inadequate support or is it just a different feeling from your other bras?
Updated on January 23, 2014 Flag this
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I measure in cm, so I don't know if it's calculated properly in in. The fitting lady at Bravissimo put me in 38F/FF.
By too stretchy, I meant it doesn't give me enough support when on the first hook. I can hook it on the second hook without problem.
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When the band gets really tight there starts to be a vicious circle of overflow, then getting a bigger cup to compensate, then a smaller band to compensate for the bigger cup. That would be my concern if going to a 36. This bra looks plenty tight on you and the numbers support that. However if it doesn't feel supportive that's absolutely valid and I think Ereshiy gave you good advice.
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Hi, I added photos of the bra after wearing it for couple of hours. The band is definitely riding up and the breast tissue is overflowing in both cups. So I think I will go with 36G (which was my usual size, but for some reason the lady at Bravissimo told me Gem was good in 38F)
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Thank you for your suggestion. I wore the bra twice and the first time I had a feeling like the band is riding up. But I'll wear it a bit more to be sure.
Also, I will keep an eye on the bigger breast and the spillage.
Maybe I rushed with asking for fitting help, without wearing a bra for a while. After two wears, I panicked and wanted to check.