Bra fitting help » Wrong cup, wrong band, wrong style?
Cleo » Maddie Moulded T-shirt Bra (7201) » 32E 32:6
Issue resolved
Purchased bras in 34D and 32DD. Depending on the bras these fit much better.
Original problem
Still trying to find a bra that fits correctly. Any help would be appreciated!
1.) Can a person be in-between bands?
2.) Does the band look too tight?The 32 band in this model feels a little tight...but the 34 model has to be tightened to the tightest hook so it seems like after stretching out the 32 will last longer with more hooks available to tighten. The 32E and 34F have similar looks and the same problems. These photos are the 32E.
3.) Why am I getting a gap sometimes in the cup?
The first photo shows it the worst because my body was twisted. The cup fits fine if I move my shoulders back and stand straight or if I slightly pull on the top corner. Otherwise there is a gap you can see in some pictures...this gets worse with wear and can be seen under clothes. It almost feels like the straps are too far apart. Do I need a smaller cup? Different style?
4.) Is there something wrong with the fit that's causing the weird underarm bulge shown in the photo? (photo shot from the front with one cup showing and left arm slightly up) Not sure if the bra is not fitting in some way or if this is normal.
You must be logged in to leave suggestions
-
New user?
-
Have an account?
Suggestions (3)
-
2
helpful
(1) Of course a person can be in between band sizes. Ribcages do not come in 2" increments, whereas bra bands do. It is a myth that everyone should always be able to find a good and comfortable fit the at the loosest set of hooks. For some the middle or even tightest set works better and others prefer to wear an extender. At any rate, it is advisable to wear a bra only as tight as needed to prevent it from riding up or otherwise shifting around, not as tight as possible.
(2) It doesn't LOOK to tight, but with those numbers I myself would go with the larger band. This is purely a matter of personal preference, though, and not a value statement of any kind. If you are more comfortable in this band with an extender then that is absolutely fine. Bear in mind, though, that a tighter band can also make the cups appear smaller/shallower and the straps placed further apart.
(3) That kind of gap is VERY common with padded/moulded cups, especially in combination with smaller breasts. There are a number of reasons. One is the fact that the cup simply doesn't move with your body and are not 'weighed down' enough by your breasts. When you move your arms and shoulders the cups are pushed out at that spot, causing that gap. Strap placement definitely plays a part in this, but in many cases this, unfortunately, is as good as it gets. I do have to say, though, that these cups look slightly roomy on you and the numbers (horizontal perimeter and cup depth) seem to confirm that. It is rare that someone needs a cup depth GREATER than their horizontal perimeter, so I am wondering whether part of the problem here is simply that these cups are a little large for you? Too large cups can cause a whole host of issues of their own, the two most obvious being gapping and straps that seem too far apart.
(4) That underarm 'bulge' is again something that is very common. It doesn't really signify anything wrong with the fit per se, but rather has to do with the natural movement of your skin. When you move your arms and shoulders backwards, your skin stretches smoothly allowing it to slip out from underneath the cup edge and strap, but it doesn't slip back due to the relative tightness of those bra components. Instead it 'bunches up' like you see in your photo. In most cases it really is just skin and it doesn't have anything to do with displaced breast tissue. Sometimes loosening the straps a little bit might help, but again, in many cases this is as good as it gets. I, at least, haven't found a way around it -- it's definitely worse in bras that fit more snugly, but it seems to be a bit of a trade-off between a more or less 'correctly' fitting bra.
Updated on February 20, 2014 Flag this
-
0
helpful
I think that this bra style just happens to have a tighter band and perhaps you may not be too used to it. If you have a band extender you can wear it with the bra to stretch the band out over time.
However, judging from the pictures it seems that this bra style doesn't work. It looks as if you have shallow breasts and there's just a bit too much depth in the cup. Have you tried swooping and scooping?
You may want to check out http://www.investinyourchest.co.uk/ as Cheryl also has shallow breasts and she does reviews on bras that work for her.With regards to the underarm bulge, I think that's caused by the tight band and perhaps the cup wires don't come up high enough for you.
Not to discount everything I've just typed but this is just my speculation. Hope it helps
Updated on February 19, 2014 Flag this
-
Today was day three wearing it (after I posted this) and the band feels comfortable! yay....so I think it just needed a few days to stretch. I think I'll try an extender if anything for other styles. I get really annoyed by a stretched out band that can't go tighter :)
I did do a swoop and scoop and it fits great! at first.... then I finally realized today what it is doing....the cups under my arm before the wing are digging in! That causes 1) pain and 2) the front of the cup starts gaping. Really weird....
Thank you for your comments and the blog recommendation!! I think this style just isn't for me :(
-
-
0
helpful
It seems like this bra band runs a little tight, but I think you're right that stretching it out (perhaps with an extender?) would be better than starting with an almost too big band.
I also think that the cups might be a little big for you, but I think if you went down in cup size the wires would be too short or narrow.I think overall I would chalk it up to this style not being the best for you.
Updated on February 19, 2014 Flag this
-
Thanks for confirming my initial reaction... I just hate to start with a 34 and have it stretch out and have no recourse but sewing. Today (day 3) the band definitely is WAY more comfortable.
I finally realized today what the bra is doing....the cups under my arm before the wing are digging in! That causes 1) pain and 2) the front of the cup starts gaping. Really weird....
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I think you're correct and this style just isn't for me :(
-
Another questions.... In general do you know how long a band will hold up without needing to be moved to a tighter hook? 34 fits good on the tightest hook I was just worried about longevity. I guess I could always attempt sewing if it became a big issue.
Thanks for the great info--especially about the measurements. I don't have any clue yet how to choose a bra based on measurements so that was very helpful. I do seem to be having a problem with straps feeling far apart so I think I'll try more 34 bands and size down 1 or two cups.