Bra fitting help » In need of suggestions for what to try next.
Panache » Tango Ii Balconnet Bra (3251) » 32F 32:7
Issue resolved
I will go down two cup sizes for my next purchase.
Original problem
Everyone told me "believe your ABTF size!" Yeah, no. Both the ABTF and bratabase calculators told me 32F which is clearly too big. After receiving this I measured again and the slightly different measurements are giving me 32E-UK with "34DD may be more comfortable" (ABTF) and 32D or 32DD (bratabase). I have broad shoulders and a large ribcage.
The band is a little tight but I have a feeling that is partially because of the wide wires in the cup (it feels uncomfortable across the front). I assume this will feel very different with a cup size that fits.
I have been wearing a 34A for almost 20 years so I have no reference point to know which cup size I should choose next. I am happy to try a variety of sizes within reason but if it is clear that I need to go down more than one size that would be helpful. Suggestions? Will the 32E still be way too big? Should I go straight for the 32D?
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Suggestions (2)
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3
helpful
I'd definitely bump you down 2 cup sizes at least. With your measurements, you could probably do a 32 or 34 band, really depends on what feels good for your body and whether the bra in question runs on the small, medium, or large side of a band. You could probably try either/both 32DDs and 34Ds. The good news is those are more common sizes in most places!
Updated on January 26, 2021 Flag this
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2
helpful
Welcome, and good for you trying to find well fitting bras!
Hoping to help: presumably your tissue is quite shallow; 'spread out' over your chest, if you will? With wider roots? This can definitely overestimate your needed size. Because not all of the available breast tissue will fill the bra, if that makes sense.
In that light, it's still interesting that your horizontal perimeter says 24.1cm. because with a cup depth of 22.9cm. on this Tango, that should definitely fill the cup out a bit more.
For sure your vertical perimeter seems like a better place to start, at 19cm. - and even then you may want to round it off downwards (because of your shallower tissue). So I'm guessing a 17-18 cup depth could work? Yes that would generally be closer to a 32D (but each bra and make fits differently, so I wouldn't focus on specific sizes but rather measurements).
Something like this might be worth a try, with stretch lace for a more forgiving fit: https://www.bratabase.com/browse/curvy-kate/ellace-balcony-bra-ck4401/32D/ Curvy Kate also has more flexible wires, that >usually< offer enough support, for sizes under G.
Concerning band size I'm not sure, you may be in between 32 and 34 depending on your preference and 'squish' tolerance. The Tango is a bra with pretty firm wires so I can imagine it's a bit uncomfortable. But with a tight ribcage measurement of 76cm. and a stretched and measurement of 71cm, you may prefer a 34 band. Again, this all depends on the brand and style, as the Ellace 32D I just linked has a 5cm bigger band measurement than this Tango 32F.
Good luck figuring out what works for you!
Updated on January 26, 2021 Flag this
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Thank you bubblegum for your feedback. Reading your post was a bit like reading Shakespeare. Lots of cross referencing what each thing means (and converting units). Thank you so much for taking the time! I am learning a lot and hopeful that my next try will be closer.
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Haha sorry if I was being overwhelming!
When you've been into the 'bra science crowd' for a while... I tend to forget what makes sense sometimes!And yes I've been in the US for a year now but inches still don't make sense to me, so I feel you on conversions.
Don't get discouraged though I'm sure your next try will work better !
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Sorry to hear Panache Tango did not fit. ABTF has a comment of this bra on the Beginner's Guide: Panache Tango II Balconette (Please Note: This bra does not usually work well for those in the small band, small cup range) (28-40 D-K, 42D-J, 44DD-FF). So it is a bra for full on bottom shape, large sizes. Second thought from your photo, are you shallow shape? Then you really should try Natori Feathers, Flora or Natori Conform Full Fit Memory Contour Convertible Underwire Bra (not a seamed bra, so maybe not the first choice).
If you have figured out your shape, the Beginner's Guide on ABTF has a list of bra recommendations to start from, and maybe the list also can help to rule out bras not to try as the first choice.
Hope you will find a bra that fits soon!
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Thanks happycat for the suggestions and information. I feel like I have spent at least 15 hours trying to read through everything and some things stick and others don't. It is super helpful to have specific reminders and suggestions. I am still trying to figure out the "shape" part. I appreciate the suggestion for the Natori brand. I will look at those for sure.
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IMO, the Tango is a really roomy bra. My calculator size is 36J, and the Tango was still pretty big on me when I tried it in 36HH! 32F might work in another brand or size, especially a more shallow one, or you might be a 32D or DD.
I'm afraid I don't know what bras in your size range are good, but the good news is that D-DDD has a huge and very affordable selection! And most of them are made for shallower shapes, to boot. I have the opposite problem, so I admit to being a little envious. :)
I would just try on several different 32 C/D/DD bras, maybe in a big eBay or Poshmark lot or on clearance via Walmart pickup or similar, and see if anything comes close to fitting. It's a lot easier to finetune once you start finding measurements that almost work. But don't throw out your calculator size completely yet! The Tango is a fairly unusual shape and size. I'm not even sure Elomi makes bras in F size, but if so, you may or may not need to size down with theirs also, as they tend to be very projected and Full-on-Bottom-friendly (meaning extra space up front like the Tango).
Good luck!
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Thank you bustyand for your suggestion. As I said, I've been wearing a 34A for basically my whole adult life so don't have a good reference for the difference in cup sizes. I will try two steps down and see where that gets me.