I'm a 32C bra size and I know that my cup size is correct but the straps on my shoulders keep falling down and I can never get the right tightness on them. I'm rather petite and lots of straps do not stay on my shoulders but even when I tighten the bra straps the band gets pulled up and my boobs wont sit correctly in the cups anymore. I have very little knowledge on how bras actually work, as I just now started wearing bras that are not sport bras, and I am getting fed up with how uncomfortable my bra is starting to feel. Any advice or really anything would be greatly helpful.

Hi everyone! I've always worn a 32B or 32C (depending on my cycle), but the calculator suggested 28D, (or sister size of 30C)

My measurements (inches):

• Loose underbust: 28
• Snug underbust: 27.25
• Tight underbust: 26
• Standing bust: 30.75
• Leaning bust: 33.75
• Lying bust: 31.75

My biggest issue is comfort. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes significant neck and shoulder pain. Racerbacks are by far the most painful, but honestly even having regular straps on my shoulders hurts.

Tightening the straps makes my shoulder pain worse, especially when lifting my arms. But if I tighten the band enough to take some of the load off my straps, I start getting rib pain instead.

I used to wear mostly Victoria's Secret underwire bras, but eventually gave up and switched to cheap, stretchy wireless bras from TJ Maxx because they hurt less. At this point I really only wear bras to work or the gym because I have to.. otherwise its braless or pasties.

I'm looking for advice on:

• Whether 28D or 30C sounds like a better starting point
• Styles that provide support without putting so much pressure on my shoulders or ribs
• Whether a properly fitted underwire bra might actually be more comfortable
• Stores where I can try on bras in person (located in NYC/Long Island)

I'd appreciate any recommendations, especially from anyone who has figured out how to navigate bras with chronic pain!

​

I was thinking ive tried a handful of G and H bras and they are all too big my breasts dont fill them its comical how big they are.

So I actually just got a bra online from Penningtons 42 DDD Lace underwire Plunge Deesse collection - it was on sale.

Well I think 40 or even 38 would have fit because I was on the tightest hook and it was still not quite snug enough- but my breasts didnt fill the cups. I had huge gaps at the top! Smaller than my measured size.

I have spent a LOT of money on bras in the last year trying to find something that fits and is comfortable- ive gone to lots of stores and tried on lots of bras but never find anything I like.

I have a PILE of bras with tags still on just sitting because they dont fit right.

Also as a side note why are all the bras im coming across sit IN the armpits? Its so uncomfortable and I hate it!!

**edited with measurements Loose 41 Snug 40 Tight 39 Standing bust 50 Leaning 52 Lying 49 All inches!

Hello all, I’m a 36 DD, and a college soccer player and struggling to find a sports bra that I don’t feel self conscious in. All the ones I’ve had previously are just adidas or Nike not specific sets but “high support”. I really need some advice on good high supporting bras that reduce movement mainly for my games as it’s all I see when I watch footage. Ideally ones I can buy in stores such as dicks or on Amazon!

I am in love with my Elomi bra, I have never felt so comfortable and content. However, the bra is unlined and my nipples show through. I have been using nipple covers (brand nippies) but it’s honestly a hassle.

Does elomi or a similar brand have padded options? It’s not clearly noted if the bras are lined or not and my “smooth molded” bra is unlined. Or are there any simple solutions? The nipple covers are huge to fit my boobs and taking time in the morning to get a good fit then handwashing at night is just not ideal or feasible in every circumstance. They also retain sweat or something

ETA I don’t care at all outside of work, but I am a healthcare profession in a setting where (unfortunately and sexistly!) it would be inappropriate

#2 again thanks for the responses! I know a lot of women are okay with nipples, but it is not an option for me on work days and I don’t feel like I need to defend myself on that. I’m asking for your tips and tricks. I work with kids, and in healthcare it’s just not appropriate to do anything that could detract from the patient. Not my fault that they stare at my nipples sure, but we have healthcare to do. I have been using silicone covers and I have taken pads out of sports bras so I will continue to do so. I free the nip in other areas of my life. I am also 25 and it attracts unwanted male attention

Hi, can anyone please recommend good bra brands that not only fit my cup but also back band without using bra extenders? I've been struggling with this problem for a long time.

I'm a 34A and any bras that I've been trying on so far are either fit my cups but back bands are too tight or cups are too big but back band fit. I normally wear wireless bras but if anyone knows any brands that have good underwire bras that the wire won't poke my skin, please also let me know. Thank you!

I have successfully used the calculator in the past, but my bras have worn out and my body has changed and I'm trying to figure out what should work for me now. My previous bras were the Fantasie Fusion, and I liked them a lot!

A few weeks ago when I measured myself, the calculator said 40FF/G but 38G/GG might be more supportive. I ordered a 40FF, 38G, and 38GG, and none of them seemed quite right, but I also know I am not skilled at telling what kind of adjustments I need to make. When I remeasured today, it said 38GG but 36H may be more supportive (loose 40.75, snug 38, tight 36, standing 47.25, leaning 49, lying down 48, all in inches). The 38GG is one of the sizes I ordered before, and it's not terrible, but it's also not right, and I don't know if it needs to be adjusted or if I need a different size or a completely different bra.

The two main issues:

1. The cups gape just a bit at the top. One of the things I like about this bra is that it's stretchy lace, and when I've had them fit before, that was never an issue.

2. The top of the underwire is stabbing into my armpit, particularly on the right side, and especially if I bend over.

Photo links: https://imgur.com/a/8tLRd9S

What should I try next? Do I adjust this somehow? Do I try a different size? Do I try a completely different bra? I appreciate any advice you have to share.

Hey all I've always had nothing but issue finding bras that fit to where I basically only wear sports bras these days.. got what people describe as a "stocky" build because I'm short but thick yet extremely flat chested and I've got narrow shoulders. When I was younger I was fitted in a 12A.. but it was always so uncomfortable. In Australia most stores don't stock anything larger than a 12 with an A cup and even A cups would be gaping on me (basically pointy triangle boobs that can't fill anything)

I have put on a few kg to my normal weight right now but currently my measurements are loose 91cm/36" *snug 90/35.5 *tight 89/35 *standing 96cm/38" *leaning 98/38.5 *lying 97/38

This give me a 14C or 36C.. which is confusing considering all A bras I've had the cups have been gaping on me. If I was at my normal weight I would say I would drop down to a B. Also the other problem is according to Australian brand size charts sometimes I'm the largest size underbust according to measurements and its all very confusing.

Looking for light padded wire free semi-crop type bras like bonds seamless if anyone has recommendations

I’m a complete beginner in this sub and have always struggled with gaps in my bras since my boobs are relatively small. I got measured at VS before and they said I’m a 32C. I just used the calculator and it says I’m a 28C/D or a 30 B/C. My measurements in inches are 28.5, 28, 27.8, 30.5, 31.5 and 31. Do these sizes sound right based on my measurements?

Hello everyone. I have been wearing a size 38DD for a long time which was definitely the wrong size for me. The bra fit calculator gave me a size 34I, and going from there I found 36H to be a pretty good size for me. The cup size feels perfect, however the band feels pretty tight, and leaves red marks on my skin.

I figured it was too small, so I tried on a new 38G, but the band felt like it was riding up a bit with that one, and I thought it would be strange for my underbreast measurement to be 34in and still need a 38.

What do you guys think? Is this just normal for someone with large breasts? Should I just wait to get used to it?

Thanks!

i originally wear a 38DD but i know it’s too small

my measurements are

underbust:
loose 39
snug 38
tight 37

bust:
standing 45
leaning 49
lying 46

i have quite saggy boobs unfortunately so i don’t know how accurate it is with that? is this right?

Hello, I unfortunately don't have my measurements handy because I lose my tape measure but the calculator previously fit me at a 30 D/DD. I usually wear a 32D and have found 32Cs to be just a little too small? At least at VS! My boobs are slightly different sizes as well. I think one would fit a C better and the other a D (in size 32).

This is the Panache Envy Full Cup in size 30DD.

Does it look like it fits ok? Does it look too tight? Idk if my skin/fat around the band is supposed to look like that.

It feels fine so far, but I want to wear it all day to see how it feels then. It's obv tighter than I'm used to with VS bras, but it's not uncomfortably tight. The straps are not super comfortable and I still need to play around with the length.

Any first fitting thoughts??

Also, in the 2nd pic of my left side, my right boob snuck in the pic and it looks like it's a part of my left boob which is why it looks a bit weirdly shaped..The rounder shape is my left boob and the point is my right

Link in comments!

So basically am wondering:
- Does the band look ok? Is there too much skin squeezing out?
- If more experienced ABTF-ers have any comments on the fit!

Hello,

I unfortunately cant get the common recommendations of bra brands (like panache or freya) in my country (croatia) and I'm left with either buying some polish brands, which are returnable or buying second hand on vinted without Returns.

So I tried to test the water with some polish brands.

Unfortunately the fit of most of them were I think too projected for me (Torpedo bust lol).

The best fitting of the ones I've tried Was the Gorsenia Paradise in 65H (EU). The one in 65I was too big all over.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/MRS8nLB

A few questions:

Is it still too projected for me?

Why is it wrinkling at the straps?

Are the cups too high for me?

Are the wires too narrow? How can I tell?

My measurements:

Loose underbust: 75 cm

Snug: 72

Thight: 70

Bust standing: 96/99

Bust leaning: 99/102

Bust lying: 96/99

Suggested size : 30G/GG

Any polish brands that could fit me better?

I got this bra a few months ago and have been wearing it regularly since mid-August. It seemed to fit well when I tried it on, but began having issues when I wore it regularly. The band feels relatively loose, which I think might be causing the underwire to slide down or lift up throughout the day. My larger breast is also spilling out pretty badly.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/B25VWY8: the first two pictures are from August, the last two are from today.

My measurements are roughly: underbust 37/36/33, bust 43.5/47/44. I have pretty soft tissue.

1. Is there anything I can do now to help this bra fit better?

2. If I look for a new bra, should I try a smaller band/larger cup in this one, or look for a different bra entirely?

The skarlett minx entice side support allllllmost fits perfectly. I love the shape and support it gives me BUT the wires/straps bug the crap out of my tail of spence. What could be an option that is similar but with shorter wires? The calculator has me at a 34dd and it’s true to size for me!

Hello! I have so many bras from Understance and was devastated by their closing as a busty gal who likes Lacey pretty things :(

I'm a 32K (whatever sizing that they used I honestly have no idea) I am looking for suggestions ideally in an affordable range! (I keep finding $120+ Bras and am praying there is something cheaper that isn't beige)

Edit to add measurements!

While wearing the bra that fits most comfortably without padding I have a 40in overbust and 32.5in underbust

I haven't been able to really find any company's with this sizing haha

I recently measured myself, and I am about to start looking for bras. The problem is that bras in non-traditional sizes are soo expensive, and I'm not sure that they sre going to fit right because my left boob is significantly larger than my right and I feel like that screws up the measurements. How are we dealing with this? Using a smaller size and having a boob spillage, or a bigger size and having one side gape?

Finally figured out my size with the help of this sub! I’m 30DD in the calculator and ordered a be tempd by Wacoal bra but their 30DD is too tight so I’m considering the 32D which I also got from them just in case as that’s my sister size. I am not sure the cup is right on it though - it’s definitely not tight but also I apparently know nothing about bra sizing and it looks like maaaybe I could use a bigger one if it’s inly sliiighly bigger? Do you think i’s worth it to order a 32DD? I feel like the cup fits better on 30DD but the band is tight, compared to the 32D.

Also, my other bras look positively *ridiculous* now compared to these. I put on the “best fitting” one I had to compare, and it’s just comical how missized it is. But I am kind of in a funk now because the cut of these new bras is exactly the same as many of my old missized bras but the cups look kinda huge and honestly boring (I need patternless to wear under tops) and I just am not excited to wear this.

So, do you guys think I should try 32DD and do you think my funk over these bras looking kinda drab is not warranted or should I try a different style? It’s just too much coverage? Maybe I’m just having difficulty coping with the sticker shock. Wore 34A all my life, for reference.

I'm an 8E (aka 30E) and have been very comfortably wearing the single 8E bra I managed to purchase soon after finding this sub. However, I want to branch out and return to having a range of bras like I did back when I thought I was a 12B.

However, no one stocks them!! I went into Victoria's Secret yesterday, and the girl working there looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if they stocked 8E. I've looked at Storm In A D Cup's website as well , but between the high prices and 8Es being uncommon to find even there, I've figured that maybe I just need to find an alternative size for when the retailers are letting me down. Apparently this is possible? I would appreciate any help!

Hey everyone! I recently measured myself at a 32D. I have shallow and soft tissue with wide roots. I’m looking for some recommendations for unlined bras. Any suggestions from people with similar shape/size? I tend to prefer balconette shaped bras, but I’m open. I’m a stay at home mom so we live on one income, so I can’t really justify spending a ton, but I’m willing to spend a bit for something that lasts, is comfortable, and fits well. Thank you in advance!

Hi friends! 27F here, been wearing 34D for years. Got measured at 32DD when I was 20 and skinnier but have since found that 34D fits me way better. I feel like most styles I find fit well are push up, and I absolutely do not need any push up for these boulders lol

I’ve been wearing exclusively Victoria’s Secret forever but find the style I wear (wireless t-shirt I think) sticks out on the sides (by my armpits) and makes my shirts look weird. I work in a corporate office so I like to look proper and be comfortable too.

I’ve worn similar styles without wires and they didn’t have that lumpy look, but these do. I prefer wireless but am open to trying something new as well! Any recs help :)

I just completed the most up-to-date guide/directions for measurements on this page:

Underbust loosely: 36in

Underbust comfortably snug: 35in

Underbust tight: 33in

Bust standing neutral: 41in

Bust 90°/leaning fwd: 44.75in

Bust lying down: 42.5in

Plugged into the calculator my bra measurement came out to: 36E/F (uk sizing)

I would love to know how this UK size would convert to US sizes, as it seems pretty similar to what I'm used to seeing in US bra sizes that aren't xs, s, m, l, xl, etc... I'm a bit confused, so thanks in advance for any help or clarification!

I've been wearing nursing bras/sports bras (both in sizes L and XL US sizes) exclusively for about six years, oftentimes my breasts will spill over the tops of these bras or they feel really tight and the straps dig into my shoulders and leave red marks. I breastfed a total of four of those years but as of today I'm 2years post-breastfeeding. I feel like I have really long/wide breasts with lots of soft squishy tissue, for my underbust measurements I had to really make sure the measuring tape was evenly tucked and and beneath my breast where the tissue folds/meets my torso (ribcage area?).

Ive found that even when attempting to wear normal bras, my breasts are kind of just sitting on top of the band and squished against me in the bra. The band and the cups of bras don't actually hold the entirety of my breast. I'm both spilling out and gaping from the sides at times, but I'm certain a lot of this has to do with the fact that I'm in the completely wrong sized bra.

Im searching for a comfortable and supportive bra, possibly unlined balconette style bra/open to comparable suggestions/recs. I really don't like padding but not completely against it if it means a more supportive bra!

Prior to having children balconette styles and bras that almost scooped my breasts from below have always been my go-to options. I think I once wore VS and Fenty brands, so they were usually lacy, dug into my ribs and weren't very comfortable but they at least held in/up my breasts well enough.

Recently I've been getting lots of targeted ads/influencer content on tiktok for something like a delmira or dobreva balconette bra, and the content describes a lot of similar issues I have with bras at this time, but I'm also very skeptical and put off by targeted ads and influencer content. So any thoughts or advice on these styles are greatly appreciated! Any other recommendations are welcome of course too, thank you!

I'm posting on mobile but it doesn't seem that I can add my current photo references. Ill try to comment the photos and current bra styles/sizes as soon as I can!

Thank you so much for any thoughts or advice that make come out of this, Ive been putting off buying new bras for years because the sizing issue has been a huge mental block for me, so I appreciate any help and confirmation that comes from this!

My measurements: (US sizing system)
Loose underbust: 36in
Snug underbust: 35in
Tight underbust: 33in
Standing bust: 38.5
Leaning bust: 39in
Lying bust: 38in

Calculator says 36B/C and I understand being amab I need to try on several sizes. Currently my go to is a Victorias secret wear everywhere bra in 36B. The band itself is perfect but the cup has gaps especially when I raise my arms. I also have a pepper bra that I bought when I was early in my transition in 38A (I don’t remember my measurements then but I do know my bust has grown.) the pepper bra has no gaps but the band seems tighter than my Victoria’s Secret bra…which I don’t understand since it’s a bigger band (the pepper 38A is wired while the VS 36B is wireless.)What I also don’t understand is that it should be the same cup size if I’m not mistaken so why does the 38A fit better in the cup than a 36B. I was going to try a 36A to see how that felt but also wanted to check in here to see if I was missing any helpful information. Maybe I just don’t know how to wear bras haha anyways thanks for any help and especially thank you for being so friendly to the trans community!

My boobs are a little saggy after years of breastfeeding. I find that a lot of bras don't help enough to life them, or if they life them they almost look too perky or too big. I really like the look of a sports bra. It lifts them and holds them in place and kind of flattens them a bit. However, sports bra straps tend to come in too close to my neck, so I can't wear a regular shirt without straps showing.

Can anyone recommend a bra that has the same lifting & flattening effect but has regular straps that can be worn with a blouse?