Please be nice to me, I'm autistic and bras are already a sensory nightmare.

This is my second post on this sub. My first post was 5 months ago when I was 20 pounds heavier. Last time, the advice people gave me was to make sure I was measuring correctly, because we were pretty sure I was doing it wrong. This time I tried really hard to get it right: I bought a brand new more expensive tape measure, I measured multiple times, in front of a mirror, and in cm.

MY NUMBERS:
Loose: 96.5 cm / 38 inches

Snug: 92 / 36

Tight: 90 / 35.5

Bust: 108 / 42.5

Leaning: 113 / 44.5

Lying: 112.5 / almost 44.5

RESULT: 38DDD

This is way better than my last result of 40H, I really must have been doing it wrong + the weight loss. I'm down 60 pounds total. I'm afab. Before this I was wearing 40A (or XL sports bras) but is it possible that the calculator is wrong about the band, still? am I still doing something wrong?

I've bought so many bras in the last months and the one I hate the least is a 36 band.

Do styles within the same brand vary band size? because within that brand (Calvin Klein) I've also tried more 36s and 38s, and the 38s either fit ok circumference-sise, or are wayyy too loose and stretchy. People here say that the support is supposed to come from the band, not the straps... that if I had a well fitting bra that the straps won't dig in. Correct?

like a month ago Nordstrom measured me a 38DD EDIT, the ones I bought linked below. They look good but the wires dig into my armpits... people on this sub that if the size is right, that shouldn't happen, but going bigger seems like it would exacerbate the problem. this is why I feel dumb, I'm confused lol

I also ordered some new Calvin Kleins in 38DD and a 38D. The D fits way better, like so so so much better. Am I dumb to keep it? Should I send it back since that's not what the calculator says? The DD looks huge and does that ripple thing. They don't make DDD.

Is everything I have too small? or too big? Any brand in a 38DDD should fit me, yes or no?

The reason I like Calvin Klein is that they're smooth and slippery, bows and details I can't ignore (that's the autism.)

Bras I like in 36D and 38D: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/womens-calvin-klein-perfectly-fit-lightly-lined-full-coverage-t-shirt-bra-f3837?ID=1560182 https://www.calvinklein.us/en/final-sale/attraction-lightly-lined-perfect-coverage-bra/QF7837O-TQO.html
These are the ones where a 38 band feels bigger than the 40s I used to wear! https://www.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-womens-perfectly-fit-full-coverage-demi-bra?ID=25355385
Tape measure: not sponsored just for reference https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDKLMLTW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

I'm open to suggestions. My shape is that I can usually fit my whole fist into the cup of the bra on top of my tissue, I guess I'm bottom heavy but not droopy.

EDIT:
What I have from Nordstrom. Fit but hurt my armpits
Natori Liquid Full Fit Balconette T-Shirt Bra in 38DD
Natori Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Basics Bra in 38DD

Hi all, a short while ago I posted here, asking for advice after trying on some bras in my calculator size. Most recent measurements are: 77, 71, 68, 87, 93 & 89cm. Calculator suggested EU 65E/F or UK 30DD/E.

I’m very center-full, full on top and I think I have short and average to narrow roots. I thought I was on the projected side, but after trying on a bunch of bras I’m starting to think I might be more shallow. I have slightly softer tissue; this is why I initially started ordering most bras in the smallest suggested size.

I unfortunately already deleted my previous post, but to summarize it:
- Panache Ana: shape mismatch in both sizes: lots of wrinkling at the sides, the DD was too small and the E had some pointiness at the nipples. Wires seemed too wide. Still some inner spillage at my bigger breast with the 30E.
- Panache Envy 30DD: didn’t look too bad, but gore poked in breast tissue. Wrinkling at the sides & empty space just above the underwire.
- Freya Hallie plunge 30DD: too small; bad look overall. Wrinkles at the sides. Haven’t ordered a bigger size because the wires already seemed wide.
- Panache Nina 30F: accidentally ordered the wrong size. Bra was obviously too big, but felt like it had potential. Gore didn’t poke in breast tissue; only problem seemed to be wrinkling caused by the bra being too big.

I listened to the advice I got here and ordered the Panache Blossom (along with some other bras):

Panache Blossom in 30DD was too small. It has some vertical wrinkles at the sides too. I cannot figure out what causes this & it happens in so many bras! Will this get worse if I order it in one to two sizes larger?
Freya Fascinate balcony in 28E made me look really flat. The band was fine; I ordered a smaller band size because the site told me it runs big. Maybe I should try a 28F, but these wires already felt really wide (I believe they went way past my IMF).

Fantasie Eliyse balcony in 30DD: after swooping and scooping the gore just completely sits on my breast tissue and I get “butt cheek” cleavage and quad boob. Some small wrinkles at the sides. When I gently push my tissue a bit to the sides of the wire back in the cup, the bra looks too big. It looks awkward, like I’m too flat for it or something, even though i fill the cups.

Panache Allure balcony in 30DD: too small I guess, or at least the bra sits very low on me. I think I’m too FOT for this bra. The wire also was pretty wide.

Panache Allure balcony in 30E: wires hurt! Bra still sat really low on me, and the wire was too wide. Such a shame because I really like the look of the bra and I absolutely loved the soft, stretchy lace.

Panache Envy in 30DD: looks decent, but I think it’s slightly too projected. After swooping and scooping, there’s two things that don’t look right. 1: a sliiiiiight pointiness at the nipple, and 2: empty space above the wire. I can fit a finger between the wire and where my breast starts. I just tried to push the underwire up and the bra then pretty much looks the same, the empty space seems gone but there’s a more visible ‘line’ above the wire if that makes sense (apologies for my writing, I have the worst headache rn). The wires seem okay at the sides, but it seems slightly too wide at my bigger side (although that probably doesn’t make any sense). It’s just that it’s probably slightly too projected (hence the pointiness) and that empty space above the wire. There’s also a bit of wrinkling going on at the sides, but I almost feel like this will happen in any bra at this point.

Freya offbeat Side support in 30DD: too small. Might order in a bigger size.

Unfortunately due to the amount of weirdos I don’t feel comfortable sharing pictures. Hopefully my descriptions are clear enough. I would like to ask (1) what causes all this side wrinkling, (2) should I try out more shallow bras, and (3) which bras would you recommend me to try out next? I was thinking about ordering the Blossom and Offbeat side support in 30E. I also liked the Freya flirt half cup, Freya deco plunge, Fantasie side support and the Freya Quinn plunge, but I have no idea if these shapes have potential. Is anyone familiar with these, and do you know if I should try them out?

Other suggestions or advice are very welcome, as I’m a bit unsure where to go next :).

If you live near the Seattle area you’ve got to check out the store “the pencil test”. There is also a location in Oregon.
The help at this store and the selection are both on the next level!! The staff is very professional and helpful, I was sized and got put in bras I would’ve never chosen for my self and one after another felt incredible. I could’ve easily bought 25 bras, the selection was truly insane and I’ve never felt so perfectly sized. I wound up buying 6 bras all around the $50-90 range which I was very happy with.
I had previously been a Victoria’s Secret wearer and sized at a 32D, turns out I’m a 32DDD-E!!! No wonder I wasn’t feeling comfortable.

Hi all,

I went on a measuring spree (got fit at dillard’s, local lingerie store that did fittings, and had a virtual fitting with a TikTok bra fitter) and I’ve gotten different sizes at each one. For the local lingerie store, she put me in a US 40H which felt comfortable in the store but I noticed when I was driving that it felt like my bra was coming into my armpit, which for me was a sensory nightmare. I also had it on the tightest setting to start out which I know is typically a no-go.

I then did a virtual fitting with a TikTok bra fitter and she suggested US 36K. I ordered multiple bras in that size (panache envy, fantasie Rebecca) and they felt uncomfortably tight.

I then tried the sister size, US 38J (panache allure spacer). The band felt almost too tight but there was .25 inch gaping in the armpit and once again the terrible feeling of having bra fabric in my armpits, especially when I’m driving.

I did the calculator and it gave me a US 40J. I’ll put my measurements below. Shape-wise, I’m full on the bottom and outer full. I’m worried the 40 band is going to continue creating the armpit crowding that I really can’t stand.

I’m at my wit’s end and would really appreciate any thoughts on size, or if it’s more of a fit issue, bra recommendations that would work.

Measurements:

1. 40.5 in
   
2. 39.5 in
   
3. 38.5 in
   
4. 48 in
   
5. 50 in
   
6. 46 in

Hi all! I am currently a 32DDD/E. I have gained a bit of weight and am finding myself in between sizes, with a bit more fullness at the top. I’m still fitting/measuring at the same size, but I know it’s time for a refresh soon.

I’m looking for recommendations for everyday bras - hopefully, with these features:

- Coverage that keeps everything in place but isn’t constantly peeking out of shirt necklines. I don’t want to wear t-shirts all the time!
- Minimal spillage when bending over, so I’m not constantly readjusting.
- primarily looking for wireless, but you could potentially convince me with a REALLY comfortable underwire.

My current favorite wireless bras are from Evelyn & Bobbie; however, I do struggle with spilling out of the middle when I bend over. I also find that the band isn’t quite tight enough, even when I’m purchasing the size based on my band/cup ratio.

I have one underwire bra that I actually find comfortable enough to wear all day, which is the Série Pretty Joan Spacer Bra by Mey. I find it gives a great shape under most clothing and doesn’t dig into my shoulders or underbust. I’ve been considering just getting another one of these, but I want to see what other wireless options might be out there that I don’t know of!

Would any of you have any recommendations?? Any unicorns I may have not discovered yet? I appreciate any insight!! 🍒 ❤️

*Edited for clarity

Band (inches)

Loose 27.5

Snug 27

Tight 26

Bust (inches)

Standing 31

Leaning 32

Laying 30

Calculator says 28D - which is a new discovery for me. Always thought I was a 34A with strange breasts bc bras never fit. Now I know why 🤯

Anyway, I must be an idiot because so many people seem to like Negative bras, but I don’t understand their sizing (specifically for their wireless bras).

There’s a column for underbust - great, I’m 26-28. Now for the confusion. The next column says Bust and it starts at 30 then goes down to 42. What is this number? Maybe +4 to band? Why label it as bust? Ugh strange.

And then the next columns go from A to G. So if we ignore the bust column, and go to D, I’m a 2?? Seems too big. But then if we don’t ignore the bust column and look at my sister size 34A, it says 1. This makes more sense to me. BUT my OTHER sister sizes are a 30C/32B which would make me a 0!! Making me soo confused. 😵‍💫

Can anyone who has purchased from Negative help me out here. Also forgive me because I seem to have some trauma related to buying bras online. TIA!

So my measurements are
Loose underbust 34
Snug underbust 33
Tight under bust 31

Standing 38.5
Leaning 41
Lying 38

Size UK 34E

But where can I find a bra under 50 dollars. I just don’t have that kind of money for something like that. I stoped wearing bras after a broken rib and just haven’t picked them back up. But now my shoulders and back are hurting all the time and I’m not sure if it’s from not wearing one. I am extremely bottom heavy with almost nothing up top. Bras never fit right cause of this massive gap up top. And I’m in the US so can’t find Europe sizes and is 34DD doesn’t fit. I was in a 32G but that is too tight now. I have a 36DD but it makes my boobs look so wide I hate it.

Hi all, got my first “real” bra. I went to a boutique and they fit me into this.

According to the ABTF bra calculator, I am a 30F?

Loose Underbust: 29.5”
Snug Underbust: 29”
Tight Underbust: 28.5”
Standing Bust: 35”
Leaning Bust: 37”
Lying Bust: 34”

Let me know what you think of the fit. It feel pretty good.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a padded bra? And where I can try some on and has a good return policy? I don’t have Amazon prime.

Like the title says, I have always worn beginner friendly or sports bras and never really switched to actual bras. Now I want to. But I don't know where to start. There's no many types and I am not sure what would suit or fit me. I have kinda far apart or wide set breasts and I usually wear the sizes 32B or 32C. If you are someone with similar size, please recommend me with something so I know where to start. Thank you!

Hi! I am currently wearing 34b bras, and I find they fit okay, but I’m using the innermost hooks on the band most of the time. I have tried 32c bras, and depending on the brand, they’re usually quite tight in the band. My main measurements however are about 29/30 inch under-bust and a 34/35 inch bust. The calculator website for this page gave me the sizes 30D and 30DD US. What I’m mainly wondering is, if a 32 band felt too tight, how would I fight into a 30 band? Along with that, where can I even find places where I’d be able to try on a 30-band size in person? I truly am just on a quest to find a bra that actually fits me perfectly. If it helps any, I feel like I am more of a bell/teardrop shape.

Hello, I went to Nordstroms yesterday to get fitted for a bra for the first time in a while. I have quite large breasts and for the past few years I have worn sports bras. But im 23 now and I need support. Nordstroms was amazing and fitted me as a 34I US and sold me the 34G(UK) Elomi Matilda Bra. It felt great in the store. The underwire is flush with my sternum and the straps line up well with the underwire. I have no side or front “seepage”. I left the store feeling grateful.

THE PROBLEM:

I just wore the bra for seven hours and I want to cry. It just felt so strange and wasnt comfortable. I felt it against my skin every second. I was hyper aware of its existence.

Areas of discomfort:

The middle of the underwire/directly under the center of my breast. The sternum area where the underwire appears from under the breast to where it ends(for clarification its not exactly poking or stabbing). And then the area between the top of the shoulder and where the bra straps begin in the back.

No sharp stabbing pain. Just mild itchiness, irritation, or discomfort in all the areas listed above.

THE QUESTION:

I havent worn underwire bras in awhile. Is this just a feeling I have to get used to? Can an underwire bra ever truly be “comfortable” for large breasts? Are the areas of discomfort related to the sizing or quality of the bra or both?

Hello I am looking for help on my sizing! For some background I have wide set breast that are fuller on the bottom and my sizing for bras have been all over the place like 34D, 38C, 38B. These are my current measurements,

Loose Underbust: 32

Snug Underbust: 31

Tight Underbust: 30

Standing Bust: 34

Leaning Bust: 37

Lying Bust: 37

My recommended size is a 32C, my fear is that the band will be to tight, i currently have a skims bra that is a 34D (probably not the best reference), and the band fits great. Would you recommend I stick with the recommended size 32C or try a 34C? Since my breast are wide set does anyone have any style recommendations for that?

I've found this new bra (Triumph india E004513) after searching for 50 and more and I feel it fits me like a glove.

I'm 30DD as per the calculator. This size is 32D.

These are my measurements

• Loose underbust: 75 cm / 29.53"

• Snug underbust: 74 cm / 29.13"

• Tight underbust: 71 cm / 27.95"

• Standing bust: 85 cm / 33.46"

• Leaning bust: 93 cm / 36.61"

• Lying bust: 85 cm / 33.46"

**Calculator result: 30DD UK

Calculated measurements:

Loose: 49

Snug: 47.5

Tight: 45

Standing: 57

Leaning: 60

Lying down: 62

Bra size recommended: 46 HH uk/46L us

I'm very overweight unfortunately, so I have a lot of fluff over my ribcage. On top of this I have inflammation issues that cause intense pain on flare-ups..anything even a tiny bit tight will have me on the floor. Currently I wear the ComfortBliss wire free (wires are an absolute no go) lightly lined bra in size 50DDD. My breasts are very heavy, lots of tissue to the side, wide root projecting, fuller on underside, flatter on top but that could be from sagging?

I'm having issues with shoulder pain, massive strap digging, and the hooks jabbing me in my back. I know I'm wearing wrong size but the fear of the inflammation issues makes it so hard to branch out.

I'm just hoping I did this right and not let the tape move.

Essentially looking for similar fits to my Skarlett Blue Minx, it fits like a dream and is soooo comfy, the only downside is that the lace/unlined makes it really noticeable under my thinner work shirts.

Plus being postpartum after breastfeeding 3 babies, my nipples could use a little more.. uh.. coverage? 🤣

Suggestions??

Hello, I'm looking for a brand recommendation for strong support sports bras and a lazy everyday bra (little support). Im just finishing my breast feeding journey and am having trouble with the transition back to non-nursing bras.

For sports bras im looking for good support and coverage,but comfy and not too restrictive.

Everyday lounge bras I am looking for a tshirt bra, no wire, not crazy support and something i probably wouldn't want to wear outside of the house. Think of like a bralette but for bigger breasts.

New size: 40DDD or 42F

TIA!

I’m seeking recommendations from people who might have experience in fitting bras after extreme weight loss.

I am currently wearing a 34D. I tend to stick with moulded balconettes with high bands. Due to the weight loss, I have a lot of loose skin. I used the calculator and it gave me 36DDD. At that size, the cups are not filling out because what I am working with is loose skin rather than fat, muscle, and tissue. Underwires are also a must as I fall out of the bra without them. I also can’t wear anything that has any sort of plunge, as I fall out in the center. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks to this subreddit over a decade ago I found my holy grail bra, the Freya Deco Plunge.

I've since been through several, in various sizes as I've gained weight.
Pre-pregnancy I wore a 36G(UK)/36I(US) and (I breastfed for 6 mo) I'm 6 months since weaning now and finding I'm slipping out the top of it all the time. It's not really overflowing or giving me double boob effect per say, but if i bend over there's a 90% chance my nipple is slipping out the top and I have to adjust after I right myself.

Is this just a shape issue instead of a size issue? Am I better off with a balcony or full cup style?
I'm not committed to Freya and okay with other brands, but I do like a rounder, lifted shape vs a more cone or seperated shape. I'm also not a huge fan of the "lip" of the top of bra cup showing through shirts like it does in the deco plunge.

My natural shape is sorta pendulum/bell shape with shallow root so I like quite a bit of lift/support. I prefer to have something that won't show under light clothing, and ideally isn't going to poke out of a scoop or sweetheart neckline. I find lace/mesh doesn't often give me a great shape and shows through clothes more so i tend to avoid it.

Don't really need something cute or fancy but that is a bonus, and I live in Canada so if anybody knows of an online store that ships here reasonably or even are Canadian based thats a huge plus too!

Thank you everyone who has helped me!! A bra I had forgotten I ordered came in and I’m really pleased with the fit. It’s the Freya Love Crush bra in white, 32H. Band felt a little too tight at first, but it stretched after a day and now it’s comfortable to wear. The wire sits perfectly and encapsulates all my tissue, especially on the side. The gore tacks and the size of the gore is perfect. Cups sit well and band doesn’t ride up, only issue is that the straps can slide a bit— however I have very sloped shoulders so I kind of expect that with most bras.

Which brings me to my question- I know many in this sub have previously recommended me the panache Ana, (which I have ordered), Envy, the Nina, the jasmine, the blossom, and the Clara. All of them seem to be on the FoT recs with the exception of the Clara.
I just want a nice classy black bra with some lace and good support to wear under black tops. 🙂 I like the look of all of them besides jasmine but I will wear it if it works lol.

Just curious if this success might change any of those recommendations or place one over the rest. I’ve tried quite a few of the Freya unlined plunges/ balconette, with no luck, but I haven’t tried the starlight, the offbeat side support, and the cherish me. Or if there’s another Freya you think would suit- but in general it seems that panache is more often rec for my shape.
Measurements:
Loose 33
regular 32
tight 31
Regular fullest 41
90 degrees 43
Lying down 41

Shape: projected, close set, tall roots so FoT, slightly even to outer full. Wires with a comparable length to this bra specifically appreciated!!

I have always been well-endowed. I had gotten fitted years ago and they always wanted to put me in a 36 band, which I always complained that the would creep up my back. A few years ago I got fitted at a Soma outlet store and was told I should be wearing a 32 DDD/G. I just did the measurement tool and got the same result. That said, I typically wear size Medium bras or sportsbras.

My problem is that I always end up getting back pain below my left shoulder blade. I'm a breast cancer survivor and had a lumpectomy and radiation on my right breast. I had reconstructive surgery with an implant (under the muscle). There was later a recall on that implant, so I had to have a revision. I sized down on the implant and had a reduction on my left side. (One side is "supported" and one side isn't.) Of note, I was fitted at Soma after all these surgeries, so the 32DDD/G was accurate then and now.

I am retired and dress pretty casually/comfortably, and am in the gym five days a week, so I'm mostly in sports bras with varying degrees of compression. Lately I have found myself just taking off my bra at home. Today I got out the massager to work on the soreness. I will admit that I do a lot of sitting while at home and am somewhat kyphotic when seated, though I do have decent posture when standing.

I guess I'm looking for suggestions/recommendations. I don't really want to be braless whenever I'm home, but this pain/discomfort is really wearing on me.

I look wider from the front and I don't like it. My breasts go from my sides and then meets very closely in the middle too. From a profile veiw they look pretty small, but then from the front I feel like I'm all boob.

Is there any style of bra that would help keep them more pointed in front? I do have an issue with gores being too high and wide too. I can fit maybe one finger between when leaning over.

I used the calculator and got a surprising size, bought some bras from a UK site that ships to the US, and they arrived last week. I tried them on and they all seem to fit really well, but I did notice I can only wear them on the furthest clip. Is that normal? Is the band too small? Am I supposed to be able to tighten it over time? I don’t know how I made it this far in life without a proper understanding of something I wear everyday, but better late than never, right?

Hi there!

I’m hoping I can get recommendations on where to find a bra in Canada

Sizing from a bra that fits calculator (in inches)

Bra Size Calculator
Loose Underbust: 37

Snug Underbust: 36.5

Tight Underbust: 35

Standing Bust: 45

Leaning Bust: 48

Lying Bust: 45

Suggested Starting Size: 38H/I US

The sister size of 36I/J may be more supportive

I haven’t wore more than a sports bra in 6/7 years and need something!

Used the calculator and this is apparently my size but I can't find my size where I usually shop