I'm a 34DD and I love the natori t-shirt bra. It is underwire but very comfortable!

I'm a 30 E.

You should measure under your breasts around your ribcage. Some like to use that exact measurement for a band size, most will add about 4 inches to that for their band size. Using the exact measurement usually feels way too snug. I added 3 inches to mine and my bras are very comfortable on the loosest hook while still fitting properly, barely even feel like I'm wearing a bra. (27 inch ribcage, opted for 30 band size instead of 28)

Then, measure around your boobs, all the way to the "most sticking out" point (usually around the nips). If your saggy or deflated, have someone help you or use a counter or something to make your boobs stick up and out like they are supposed to if they had more tissue.

The difference between them is how you determine the cup size. There are some charts online that show this. I think the Breakout Bras site has one.

If you go down in band size, you go up in cup size and vice versa. (If I went for a 28 it would have been 28F)

To the OP, I would make sure your fitted properly and then try on different brands to find one that is comfortable for you. Definitely look for wider straps and a bra with at least 3 hook closures on the band. This will give you better support.

Well no I'm not your size....I'm a seriously deflated 40dd who is now a saggy 34 b- but bra fitting is bra fitting. It's harder with squishy boobs.

I went to nordies and they didn't fit me either. So try intimacy, because they seemed to have a clue.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Absolutely no interest in breast reduction surgery. I didn't say I dislike my body, I can't stand the bra I'm wearing. Plus, have you actually see what is done to your breast to have it reduced?

Okay, I understand. It was just a suggestion. To each her own. I know a few people who've been very happy with the results, but it's not for everybody.

Go to Coup de Fourde in downtown DC. Really phenomenal!
My bras fit perfectly and are comfortable as well as sexy
( DH said WOW).
I was told at Nordstrom that I was a 38C. Coup de Foudre sized me at a 36DD.
They are very professional there and make bra shopping painless and easy. The owner is French and very matter-of- fact. She gathered bras from the store that she thought might work, took them off the hangers and handed them over the door to me. I tried each one on and she adjusted the straps and then pointed out where it fit properly and where it didn't. Their bras are expensive but truly beautiful. I have always thought that if you were our size, bras were simply destined to be uncomfortable. I bought four bras there and except for the perfect support, I wouldn't even notice that I am wearing one! They also are not pushy whatsoever - she actually discouraged me from buying a gorgeous bra there that I loved but didn't fit properly, and it was the most expensive one I tried on!

Anonymous wrote:I'm a 32F and stopped buying the underwired bras for that reason.

I'm glad you understand. So what specific bra do you wear?

OP, I'm the same size as you. I found that switching brands relieved my pain. And I agree that it's hard to be a big cup/small band. I had someone at Nordstrom fit me as a 38C and then be flummoxed as to why the band sagged in the back and the cups ... well ... you can imagine.

The best line I ever found is out of the UK ... Curvy Kate. I used Brastop and just kept returning until I found the right size. They talk to you online to help you figure it out, and shipping's lengthy, but return and exchange shipping is free.

There are some good blogs out there if you want to do some research and comparison shopping. Invest in Your Chest is my fave.

Anonymous wrote:Yes Trousseau is a great store.

Any specific person there you like?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't take much more. I am a 32dddd and have been wearing an underwire bra by Chantelle, fit and purchased at Nordies for far too long (the brand and style). The bra offers good support and I think it makes me look better. HOWEVER, I often can't take the pain another day! I am aware that it's on, almost always, as it digs into my ribs and under my breasts and is far too tight in the back. When I get home, I can't wait to unhook the thing, so I can breath. I've often unhooked it while in the car, and I literally breath a sigh of relief when it's off. Clearly it's the wrong fit.

Does anyone with large breasts have suggestions for where I can get fitted for and buy a bra that doesn't make me have panic attacks, and that does not sound the alarms at airports? Is there such a thing as a comfortable bra for a large breasted woman? If so, what is it (no jokes please)?

And, what is the lifespan of a bra that is washed on gentle with special soap?

TIA!

How often are you wearing the bra? I have about 7 bras in rotation, so I wear them 1/week, and I handwash them, and I would say they last about a year before they start to lose their shape and become less comfortable. I'm a 32d or dd, so not nearly as big as you are.

Also, FWIW, I've never found Chantelle bras comfortable. The band really digs into my ribs, I've found. Try Sylene's?

I'm actually intimidated about Skylene's, although I've never been there. I just have visions of stern women working there. Do you have actual experience with the staff there? Okay, I also have about 8 bras and rotate them.

Anonymous wrote:Yes Trousseau is a great store.

Thanks for this store recommendation.

Anonymous wrote:If they're riding up, the straps might be too short. The band should stay put without strangling you: snug but not tight. Then the cups should provide support without the straps being tight: if you are bigger you want cantilevering! Only then do you snug the straps.

It is t only band size but cup spacing and support. The most comfortable bras I have come from gap.

OP again. And what size cups do you have? Gap does not sell dddd bras! Fortunattely, my straps aren't too tight, nor is the bra riding up in the back. I think my body is revolting against wires!

that would be seen.

OP here. Absolutely no interest in breast reduction surgery. I didn't say I dislike my body, I can't stand the bra I'm wearing. Plus, have you actually see what is done to your breast to have it reduced?

If they're riding up, the straps might be too short. The band should stay put without strangling you: snug but not tight. Then the cups should provide support without the straps being tight: if you are bigger you want cantilevering! Only then do you snug the straps.

It is t only band size but cup spacing and support. The most comfortable bras I have come from gap.

Does anyone know what the "real" rule for measurement should be? Yes, I know Oprah did a whole show on it and that we are all supposedly wearing the wrong size. I try to buy all of mine online. I follow their directions (and they are often quite different) and I get absurd results like 34A to 32DD. I try to order what the catalogue says should be my size, say a 32B, a 32C, a 34B and a 34C (all underwire) and they ALL ride up my back, which supposedly means that the band is too loose and I should drop down a band size, but it is too tight to begin with. I'm at the point where I'm thinking of going into target and grabbing 20 bras that look close and go home and try them all on and return the next day with the ones that don't feel right. I just can't seem to get a "right" measurement, and there's really nothing extraordinary about me or my bust.

And I agree about Nordstrom's sales people. Worthless. They run around with their little measuring tapes and show absolutely no interest in the customer until they come OUT of the dressing room to cash out and suddenly THEY grab the bras out of your hand so they get the commission. Yes, I called the store and complained.