Bra fitting help » Loose band and gapping in cup.
Cleo » Maddie Moulded T-shirt Bra (7201) » 28D 28:4
Issue resolved
I altered the band to be smaller, which resulted in some quad-boobs. Hopefully I can fine some bras that work more for my shape!
Original problem
This is my first bra after finding abtf, and is a much better fit than any of my previous ones. That being said, this is not without its problems. First off the band is much to loose, I can cumfortably put my whole hand in it. But I'm not sure if it's worth altering. I do get some back fat wearting this, and I'm afraid a tighter band would make that even worse.
Also, after I swish and swipe I seem to fill out the cup fully, perhaps even the teeniest bit of a quad-boob due to the thick padding. However after 10 minutes or so it seems to "deflate", causing gapping in the top of the cup.
Finally, I'm not sure but I think the wires may be too short.
I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I've heard that cleo bands run tight so I'm not sure I can even get a smaller one without special ordering something, which is out of the question.
In short: would tightening the band be worthwile to possibly stop the gapping, or would it just increase back fat; and where should I go from here?
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Suggestions (5)
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helpfulYou're definitely right, this band is huge on you. A 28 band should never stretch out to more than 28 inches and based on your measurements, you're definitely a true 28 (or even really a 26). Cleo unpadded bras tend to run tight in the band, but Cleo padded ones definitely don't. Your breasts "deflating" is probably coming from the loose band that's letting your breast tissue escape out of the sides and bottom. I really don't see any back fat, but if it's bothering you, you may want to try styles with a wider band or a ballet back. I find that those types of styles create less bulges. I think the wire length on the bra is fine for you. The tissue you're seeing by your armpit is your tail of spence and it does not need to be in a cup. I'm not certain what styles to recommend in your size range, but Saskia_C should be able to help!
Updated on September 1, 2015 Flag this
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helpfulSo the Cleo Maddie runs 1 full size large in the band. I think that if you were to find 28 band bras that run true to size you would be happier. You can also try 28 band bras that run 1 full size small in the band, but that might be overkill (if you do want to pursue this option, try the Cleo Neve or Cleo Koko in 28D).
You may have luck with Freya longline bras in 28D. Most Freya bras run 1 full size large in the band, but their longlines run closer to their true size.
Updated on September 1, 2015 Flag this
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Thanks so much for the suggestions!
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helpfulThe band is definitely too big on you. If the band isn't tight enough, you boob tissue won't stay in the cups as it should. That's why you are experiencing the 'deflating'.
You could try altering the band so it fits more like a 'true' 28. Shortening bands is actually not too difficult if one has basic sewing skills.
You might also want to try the Maddie in different colors - black and dark colored bras, for example, always tend to run tighter than light colored ones. This is because of the dyeing process - dye changes the characteristics of the fabric.When it comes to back fat, tighter bands (that sit lower on the back and don't ride up), and cups that are big enough to contain all your boob tissue both help a lot with this issue.
Also, "Cleos run tight in the band" is not completely true. Unpadded Cleos usually run tight, but there are some exceptions. Padded Cleos (like the Maddie) usually run looser, but there are exceptions to this rule too.
To make things even more complicated, tightness also varies between different colorways of the very same bra style.If you're not sure how a certain bra runs (which is completely understandable) it's helpful to check out the reviews on bratabase first, or ask a question on the 'adventures' page, or ask a question over at reddit's abrathatfits.
Updated on September 1, 2015 Flag this
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helpfulWelcome! I agree with the others. You would probably feel more comfortable in a tighter band. Don't be too surprised if once the band fits, if you find that you need a slightly deeper cup, too.
Also, my measurements are similar to yours, so if you're looking for more ideas, look at the bras I have tried.
Updated on September 1, 2015 Flag this
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helpfulThanks everyone for your suggestions, they've been so helpful!
I've gone ahead and altered the band so it's stretched measurement is 28 in. It feels SO much better now! However, now I'm quadding out of it! (I guess you were right runs_with_scissors!)
I'm thinking I should look for some in 28DD. Currently I'm looking at Freya Hopscotch Padded Longline Bra (1633) and Masquerade Antoinette Bandeau Bra (7151), both in that size.Updated on September 2, 2015 Flag this
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Looking at measurements on here, that Freya should work in 28DD. However, the Masquerade runs tiiiiiiiny in the cups. I would try 28E in that bra.
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For illustration, the Masquerade in 28D, on me: 28D - Masquerade » Antoinette Bandeau Bra (7151)
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Alright, sounds good! I wasn't sure weather a slightly smaller or larger measurement for bra depth vs the horizontal perimiter would be better so I thought I could try one that was slightly bigger and one slightly smaller (Freya is 7.3 and Masqu. is 6.9). But if it's better bigger then that's what I'll do.
I knew the masquerade ran small... but wow!
EDIT: Hmm, I can't find anywhere with a 28E in stock. *sigh* Another time perhaps. -
There are a couple of reasons I think the 28E Masquerade would fit. The cups run wide which makes the depth seem smaller than it is. Also, it looks like the 6.9" average for the DD is skewed by one person's bra that was way deeper than the others. The 28D was seriously suuuuuper tiny on me and I don't think one cup up would do the trick. Although, if you get them from a place with free returns, why not order the DD and the E?
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Yeah, a lot of manufacturers are getting ready to release their Autumn/Winter collections so stock is getting low on some sizes and models of bras.
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I've hardly ever seen the Antoinette working on someone. It's a "difficult" bra, and it usually shows through clothing because it has a very pronounced rim. If that doesn't bother you, give it a try.
If you can, try to get hold of a Masquerade Angie Balconnet Bra (7171) or a sister-cut (such as Masquerade Georgiana (5471), for example). These are quite wide, comfy to wear and work on many people.The Freya also sounds like a really good idea. Their vertical-seamed halfcups and longlines in general are worth trying.
Also, take a look at this list: http://www.bratabase.com/adventures/entry/2346/ It has lots of bras on it that are known to work on your boob shape. Good luck!
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Ooohhh, that list looks great bracrastination, thanks!
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Thank you for mentioning me :)
To be more precise, Cleo's moulded bras either run 1 full size larger in the band or 1 full size smaller in the band. The Maddie and Juna in 28DD and 28E that I had felt like 30 band bras. The Neve and Koko in 30D feel like 28DD.
I will put my recommendation for the original poster in a separate comment.