Bra fitting help » Straps fall, Gapping Cups
Victoria's Secret » Body By Victoria Perfect Shape Bra (303-185) » 32DD 32:5
Issue resolved
This bra just didn't really work for me. I let my mom try it out and she said it worked well for her, so I gave it to her.
Original problem
The straps don't seem to adjust tight enough and have a tendency to slip. I also get some gapping at the top, only when sitting and other times posture isn't perfect. I also have to wear the bra on almost the 3rd clasp, I could use the last one, but am trying not to in hopes of being able to use it longer. I tried this bra in a 32D as well and it was too small. I have some other 32DD that fit better but I like how light this one is while still shaping. I'm thinking I might want to try some other brands that offer a smaller band, but am not sure what size to try, I know probably a 30 band, but not sure which cup size to go with any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I had previously been in a 34C and realized the 34 band didn't really work since I always had to use the last hook and they seemed to stretch out quickly. I had planned on getting a 32D and when the fitter came in she recommended a 32DD, but another fitter at another store suggested a 32DDD, but in that size I felt like I didn't get any lift., not to mention lack of bras to try.
Here's a link to a bra I found that I thin fits much better, though I do get a bit of gap on the right breast. I haven't bought it yet though partially because the gap and partially that I don't typically do full lace (it is really cute and tempting though), but I have stopped at Norstroms and tried in on twice now. Let me know what you think. https://goo.gl/photos/evp2ZmNctrHQKMXR7 also this is a 32DD in Betsey Johnson.
You must be logged in to leave suggestions
-
New user?
-
Have an account?
Suggestions (4)
-
3
helpful
Hi! And welcome to bratabase! Volume wise, this doesn't look too far off, possibly a cup size small. Here's the deal with VS: Their bras are notoriously wide and shallow, and their bands are very stretchy. Have you tried any brand other than VS?
With this particular bra, you have a shape mismatch. The cup is too shallow at the bottom, which means the wires are sitting below your IMF. Here's what your IMF is: http://i.imgur.com/LrXugqr.jpg. This is forcing your boobs to push the cups down a bit, looking for more room. A properly fitting underwire should hold its place right in your IMF and encase your tissue on the sides without being wider than the root of your breast, or narrower which would cause it to sit on your boob. It's hard to tell with a molded cup, but I'd take a guess that these wires are a bit too wide. Molded cups tend to hide fit issues though. Contrary to popular belief, cup gapping can occur in a bra that is too small - and often times a too shallow & wide bra that isn't a good shape match for your boobs will push away from them, cause a gap.
Take a look at your horizontal perimeter, and the cup's depth. There's a full inch difference. This suggests there's probably not enough depth in your cup. Generally you want the cup depth to be closer to your perimeter, although it doesn't always have to be the same number.
In a molded bra, it's more difficult to determine your shape and fullness - are you even? Fuller on top? Bottom? I'd take a guess you're fairly even, with average projection and average roots. In a 30 band, the sister size of what you're wearing is a 30E, so I would tell you to size down in the band to a 30, and go up in a cup's volume to an F. I think 30F would be a good starting point for you. You may need to wiggle that a bit and end up with some 30Es, 30Fs, and 32Es in your closet... that's totally normal. I would suggest you check out Cleo and their unlined bra offerings - Marcie and Lucy, and Lily/Erin if you can still find one. Try to order one or two, and order them in a 30E and 30F, and/or maybe a 32E since some people find Cleo's unlined bands to run tight. If you absolutely want to stick with a padded bra, Cleo's Juna might work for you - it's quite shallow in the smaller size range but around size 30F or so, it starts allowing for more projection. I'd stay in a 30 band in that one, because its band is stretchy, and definitely an F cup at least since the cup tends to run small.
I know a lot of people are against unlined bras at first (I was!) but Cleo is very good at them and a properly fitting one can surprise you. Plus, if it doesn't fit, you can post another fit check and we'll be able to better identify fit problems and your shape, because they won't be hidden under layers of padding and molding! Amazon Prime is a fabulous way to try these bras with free shipping and free returns! If you don't have a membership, they offer a one month trial, and if you're a student you can get a 6 month trial and half off the membership cost after that.
Hope all this helps!
Updated on July 24, 2015 Flag this
-
Fabulous then! I'd say try to track down one or more of those Cleo bras from Amazon or some place returnable, or check the listings here - often times there's some listed here for fairly cheap.
-
Also thanks for mentioning the IMF, I forgot to mention that and didn't realize there was a term for it. I seem to have issues with most underwire sitting to low.
-
1
helpful
Hmm, maybe http://www.bratabase.com/browse/cleo/maddie-moulded-t-shirt-bra-7201/30F/
but in this, you get the same cup depth in a smaller cup http://www.bratabase.com/browse/cleo/lily-balconnet-bra/30DD/
http://www.bratabase.com/browse/cleo/meg-balconnet-6751/30D/ is on amazon for $20 . . .
anyways, thats the idea behind the cup depth - it should about match your perimeter. you have some variation in your perimeters tho, so you kinda have ot experiment
Updated on July 24, 2015 Flag this
-
1
helpful
In the 30E, 30F range you actually have a lot of choices nowadays. If you are in the US and have access to a Nordstrom's, you will find that many of their big brands (Chantelle, Freya, Fantasie, Panache, Cleo) carry 30 bands. Cleo runs tight so you may be able to get away with a 32, but in the others you will probably prefer the 30 for the most part.
If possible, I would just head to Nordstrom and warn the sales assistant you'll be trying stuff on for a while--then try on everything in your size range. This VS monstrosity is clearly not a good shape for you, but it's hard to make a lot of comments about your shape beyond that since it is molded and conceals most of the fit issues, apart from the gape and the lack of room at the center/neckline.
Updated on July 25, 2015 Flag this
-
A Nordstrom Rack store just went in near me, I will be sure to check it out. Also I added a bra and reviewed it, but can't request fit help because I was just trying it on and didn't have a way to measure it. It's not molded and unlined here's a link and all the pics for this bra are of me (white lace, tag on 32DD) http://bra.pe/ME67/
-
My Nordstrom Rack went from tons of 30s to almost none to, I think, none at all the last time I went. So you'll need to see how yours does with 30s. But a regular Nordstrom usually has lots of choices.
The Paramour you reviewed--well, it was better in the cup than this VS one (I'm assuming it was tighter than most 32s?) but still not a great fit. It looks like the cups are too tall for you, because the whole upper cup was wrinkling. I think you can do better--no need to regret leaving it in the store!
-
I went to Nortstrom Rack today and found a lot of 32's, and tried on quite a few bras. I found one I somewhat liked it was a Betsey Johnson, but I still left with nothing. I tried Von Maur and they also had a decent selection of 32's and a couple 30's I tried on a B.Tempted by Wacoal in a 32DD and 30DDD, I felt like the 30DDD was a bit of a better fit although a the band was a bit too snug considered getting it, but thought I had seen in online for less. I also went to Kohls again and they had a few more online returns, nothing that was a perfect fit, but I got to experiment with some more brands and sizes. Many of the bras I tried were too full coverage for me, I like a decent amount of cleavage.
You are correct that it was a tight 32, also I tried it again while at Kohls and got measurements of it as well.
-
Some Wacoals also run really tight, like the Embrace Lace unpadded in the black colorway.
B. Tempted is sold in a LOT of places online. I hope you can find the one you liked! A band that is too snug can be worn with a $2 extender, whereas a band that is too loose will require alterations and all sorts of extra effort.
-
I used to wear Fredericks bras more frequently than Victoria's Secret, but beyond those two brands I haven't tried any of the brands that carry more sizes with smaller bands. After realizing how much better a 32 fit than a 34, it got me thinking that I may want to possibly try something in a 30 since some 32's seem a bit big. I just discovered this site and figured some recommendations might help before I just order something and have it not work out. I'm not opposed to an unlined bra, I would like to get more variety and I am looking for something lighter since I do work long hours outdoors in summer.