Bra fitting help » band too big? wrong cup style? wide/tall roots & small/splayed breasts
Curvy Kate » Smoothie Moulded Bra (CK2401) » 28D 28:4
Issue resolved
looking into other styles/brands with tighter bands and tall-root-friendly cups...
Original problem
This is my first bra that's anywhere close to fitting me, so I'm very happy about that. However, I feel like it's still too big in the band. I measure less than 26" around my ribcage, but it's very difficult to find an affordable bra that has a 26" band. But I assume that my main problem with this one (a 28D) sliding up is that the band is too big. When it slides up, which it seems to do more and more every time I wear it, the underwires can become uncomfortable on my sternum and also along the front of my ribs. I am confused about the gore, since it seems to pucker at the top (I tried taking a photo of this). When I first put the bra on, it feels slightly too tight on top; but as the day goes on, the cups move slightly away from my breasts as the bra slides upward. I think my roots are rather wide with splayed breast tissue. I assumed I was FOB, but there seems to be some room in the bottom of the cups when I have this bra on. I don't appear to be full on top, since my breasts are so small, but I do think that my roots are relatively tall (as my breast tissue extends to about an inch below my collarbone). Despite having rather wide shoulders, the straps cut into my armpit area and I wonder if this is because my frame (apart from my shoulders) is quite petite and my breasts sit high on my chest (I think). My thought is that maybe a different style cup (perhaps demi/half-cup), along with a tighter band, would help the problem. Any suggestions about where to go from here? Ideas about what bras would have a tighter band and/or better shape cup for me? What do the puckering gore and uncomfortable armpit area indicate? I appreciate any input you can share!
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Suggestions (5)
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helpfulThe Smoothie's band runs stretchy in my experience. I would try a Cleo Marcie or Melissa for a tighter running band and FOT shape. But I think they're discontinuing 28 bands? So hurry...
Updated on April 23, 2015 Flag this
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thanks for the suggestions with the tighter-running bands, courtnelius! i'm not even positive that i am FOT...would you say that having a tall root qualifies me as being FOT or not necessarily?
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Tall roots don't neccessarily make you FoT, nah. It depends on where your fulness is, e.g. if one has drop-shaped boobs these often have high roots, but are fuller on the bottom.
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Where did you hear that they were discontinuing 28's? I spoke to a Panache rep recently, and they didn't say anything about this. In fact, she hinted at possible styles in 26's in the far future. I'm just curious.
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It was confusion on my part based on the fact that they limited 28 bands in some sizes this past season, referenced here: http://www.bratabase.com/adventures/entry/6613/
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Phew, I was worried for a little! I have noticed that there are styles that are removing sizes. For example, the Porcelain Elan Lace will start at a 30, rather than a 28. The Koko is also starting at an F in a 28 band, and I believe the Marcie is not making as many smaller cups in a 28 band, but I can't remember for certain. Oh yeah, and the Eclipse got rid of its 28's all together! So frustrating!
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helpful
The gore is not laying flat because the cup is MUCH too closed on top for you. It's becoming most visible in picture 6/8.
You seem to be shallow and/or have high roots. Bra cups whose rims are slanted inwards a lot (like this one) are not going to work for such a shape without cutting in.
Halfcups are usually more open on top, and you can also try some Balconette shapes. Refer to this list http://www.bratabase.com/adventures/entry/2346/ for more information.
If you're looking for a moulded bra, check out the Cleo Maddie or Cleo Koko/Neve.Updated on April 24, 2015 Flag this
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that makes sense. it's funny how it takes a bit of time before you notice those small details, but once someone explains it, they really jump out at you!
do you think that my bra is sliding up because of the band being too loose? or could it be that my high roots are pulling the cups upward? i'm not necessarily looking for a moulded bra (although thank you for the suggestions!); i just wasn't sure where else to start. so now i'm not sure if it's more important to try a half-cup shape or to get a tighter band...it seems difficult to find a bra that has both (other than a customized size from Ewa Michalak, which i can't afford right now). -
Umm, since your loose ribcage measurement is A LOT smaller than the stretched measurement of the bra, I'd highly suspect its riding up because of being too loose.
I have high roots too and they never make my bands ride up, lol :DGood news are, that most manufacturers make much tighter bands than Curvy Kate, so you'll be fine in a 28 or 30 in unpadded Cleos or a 65 by Ewa Michalak.
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Like others have said, it appears that your roots are too tall for this bra. It's not a terrible fit, but it could be better. My suggestion is a Cleo Neve. I say that because I also have tall roots and would be better in a 26 band. The band of the Neve is the tightest 28 I have found yet. I love it! (25.5 UB) The neve also accommodates my tall roots. My only issue with the bra is that the cups appear to curve outward a bit.. Worth it for the tighter band and tall root friendly! Also, the wires are a bit wide, so that could be an issue for you. I think it's still worth a try, though. You can usually find them on amazon for around $30.
Updated on April 26, 2015 Flag this
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I am a similar breast perimeter as you except with a slightly larger rib cage. I think Cleo Minnie Balconnet Bra (7431), Cleo Marcie Balconnet Bra (6831) , and 30B - Cleo » Izzy Balconnet Bra (7721) would work for you in 28D if you're willing to try unpadded bras. The bands on those run tight and the 30C works for my 27" rib cage. I also had luck with the Panache Andorra Full Cup Bra (5675) in 28D, the band even on that bra is a lot more snug than this Curvy Kate one and a lot of us in this size range do well in that bra.
Keep an eye out, I have a Tutti Rouge Nichole Bra in 28D on the way to try out, I'll post results hopefully next week.
Some of the Polish brands such as Comexim and Ewa Michalak run tight in the band AND go to 26 and maybe even 24 bands. I haven't tried any of those bras, but I hope to once I feel I can splurge a little.
Good luck with your search!
Updated on April 27, 2015 Flag this
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helpfulThank you for your help, everyone! I think I have a good place to move forward from now. I really appreciate all the sizing advice and the specific bra suggestions! Excited to find an even better fit
Updated on May 7, 2015 Flag this
Cleo better not be discontinuing 28" bands! Whyyyyyyy? It's hard enough to find the proper cup size much less a 28" band.