Small band girls out there (26-30) what are some things you do to go around the problem of finding bands that are small enough?
I've gotten myself a sewing machine and have just been altering the bands myself. However i still struggle with making accurate estimates of how much to alter. And im also not a great seamstress thus messy seams and sloppy threads.
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I got some new bras recently at the local boutique and had to go back and exchange two of them as one was the wrong size (the salesperson accidentally gave me an HH instead of H) and the other was just not the best fit due to gore chafing and a band that ran a size too big. I was ... talking to my partner about it and he reminded me that I should try making my own bras. It's something I've been thinking about for a couple of years as I've seen some bra making books and a bra-making class on craftsy.
I'm curious if any of you sew and if you have ever made your own bra or if you regularly alter your bras to get a better fit. I know some of us tweak bras here and there, but I've never really studied bra construction to know how to actually take apart a bra and reconstruct it.
My size changes frequently and I'm in the G+ size range, so it would be nice not to have to buy a new set of bras every 5 months.
I'd love to know your experiences.
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Bra makers supply
Orange lingerie
Braphoria facebook page
Bodils wear(sweden)
Makebra.com (Finland)
I know there were a few that were doing it back when I first joined but they aren't active anymore. Sorry, I cannot remember their user IDs.
I know @Cupandahalf does alterations on hers including wire switch outs etc so she would be a good person to talk with about supplier options.
I also know @LeProfessor had talked about starting a bra company. Maybe she would have some helpful hints?
I know there was another recently that spoke of it as well, I want to say @Hugsforyourjugs ( or @Hugs4yourjugs) ? Sorry if that one isn't correct. She has a blog so you could find her under the "meet the bloggers" section at the bottom of the page as well.
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I recently lost some cup volume (and hopefully will a teensy bit more), but I think I am now even more between a 30G and 30GG than I was before--veering more towards 30G now.
My 70Gs EMs are now too large in both cup and band.
My 70FFs are still too small, especially on my larger side.
The 65GGs are now a perfect fit both cup and band wise...
I am so incredibly confused.
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Her 70G and 65GG are not sister sizes? How weird.
Oh not even close. The 65GGs are significantly smaller in the cup (and slightly shallower at the wire too!)
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Hii! I have a question, would you size down in the band for a bikini? Or are they supposed to be a bit loose? I bought a bikini in my size, but I feel like it's not tight enough, the band stays in place when I move around, although I can pull it away from my body and fit way more than a hand. Is that supposed to be like that? It's my first well fitting bikini top, so I don't know too much about this.
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I feel that would be dependent on the brand & style/model of bra , as well as your preference.
If this one feels supportive and secure enough to wear in public then there is no need to size down. But if you feel it won't stay in place or that there is a risk of falling out of the cups due to the looser band then definitely go down in the band.
You want to be both confident as well as comfortable in a bikini. Neither can happen if you worry about slippage of the band.
Thanks! I don't feel like it's going to slip, it's more like, I don't feel like I'm wearing a band at all, whereas with my best fitting bra I feel it snug (it doesn't bother me at all, and I forget I'm wearing a bra after a while). I tried moving and jumping around, and the bikini didn't ride up or move or anything. I'm just curious if it's supposed to feel that way, since I had never had a well fitting bikini or bathing suit.
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I guess this is more or less to due to a combo of me being FoT and my soft tissue (@corvidsandtea post about tissue softness got me thinking) but one thing I've noticed in bras with a rigid upper section or at least my Marcie (Marcie can longer fit me..but it's a reference) and Kris Line (more noticeable on Kris ... line because that one is big on my smaller side, and again a probably shape mismatch), is that standing normally and leaning over they will cut into the tissue. However when I bring my shoulders inwards, that kind of changes the shape and everything at the top more or less settles down and I have this empty space in the upper section despite it cutting when in a regular stance (really mostly on my smaller side but I'm just trying to narrow down things)
What I'm curious about is, is this a 'normal' thing for non-stretch bras, or is it characteristic of soft tissue, or is it attributed to something else?
Side note: I'm also beginning to wonder if my smaller side has a different shape than the larger..lol..it certainly has less center fullnes..but that could be attributed to it being smaller overall
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That sounds like in cup quadding to me.
@Sovavosi I thought in-cup quadding occurs when when that upper section is quadding/bubbling over the seam of the lower section, but not actually cutting into the tissue above the bra (not quite sure how to explain it, 🙈) ?
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How does one determine how soft the breast tissue is? I know people talk about it all the time and I've caught how it affects cup fit, especially in relation to projected sizes (because I'm projected myself so that's where my knowledge lies, though I am working on learning about shallow sizing and fit). Does soft tissue behave differently ... when in bra cups?
What defines whether the breast tissue is soft or hard, or malleable or stiff etc? I'd consider my breasts soft after my period because they lose all the water retention, but they still have a set shape that doesn't necessarily behave much differently in the bra cups.
What tools or rules do you use to determine tissue firmness? Are there any rules of thumb? What sort of things do you look for, and what do you look for by feel and by eye?
My shape is very much one that can only be determined by supporting the breasts, as at first glance when standing I'd look pendulous, projected and maybe center full - but when leaning over or supporting the breasts when standing you can see more clearly that I'm very even on top and bottom. This is most evident when trying on a bra because if it's closed on top, I'll be quadding. For example, a 28F Cleo Blake has me quadding on my larger breast and a 28FF when I'm on the smaller size still has me quadding because the diagonal cup edge isn't super tall. When supporting my boobs by making a platform with my hands, they look flat from the top and just kind of turn into horizontal disks.
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My breasts are firm. I always pretty much have the same shape regardless of the bra. For example, a CHP always tries to force my boobs up to give that cakes on a plate look, but my boobs will not move in that direction and I can feel them fighting with the bra. I just end up feeling smushed. I also don't really get quadding. I just get an indentation if a bra is too small. I don't think it's as black and white as firm/soft. It's a range. You can also have softer parts. The area under my nipples is the softest part. My top slope is the firmest.
When your breasts are really soft like mine, they are super malleable so they take on the shape of whatever bra I'm wearing, within reason. Soft breasts sink into a bra and fill it from the bottom up. They are super jiggly and very compressible, so that bra calculators overestimate my size and tell me I need an H/HH cup when I really need a G/GG, although that's also because they are also short. And if a bra is even a little too small, quadding is bad because they are so easily indented. I've heard Calluna refer to hers as pudding boobs, and that feels pretty accurate for me.
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So i'm thinking of trying Kris line again (I saw their spring/summer catalogue from MagdaBras4you and they have sports bras! And also regular ones that I'm interested in).
Does anyone know how their sizing works? My previous try was an epic fail. The 65KK (from what I can remember) was too big, yet I still managed to ... have overspill 🙈. Gore didn't tack breasts were smooshed together (and not in the way advertised) and the band was super stretchy. If I can find it (idk if I still have it) I'll probably do up a fit check/fit request. But in case I can't, I'd like to hear your experiences (I have also been looking through the reviews here on bratabase)
MamaPagan I know you had the Betty and as much as I want to look at the depth as a judge, the Brilliant 65KK was 14.25 inches Max stretched but still seemed to have extra space going on :/
I'll probably go down a cup size in a different style for the order. But I am interested in hearing everyone's experiences with the brand.
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I just had Magda get me 65G and 65GG in the soft style called Lizette to try. I'll post when they arrive.
Thanks @AprilGoulding
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Hi i need help. I need a bra that gathers my boobs from the side but all sorts of T shirt bras, full coverage bras etc comstantly dig into my underarm area. Balconettes/half cups/strapless dont give me enough side support. I have rather wide set breasts. Any recommendations?
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Honestly it might be easier to get help if you did a fit request with pictures and measurements. what bra will fit you is completely dependent on your size and shape - which is really hard to 'get' from a short description like this
So I'm wondering if I should just stick with the 65 bands in Ewa. I know I have to hook it up to the second tightest hook for a comfortable band when using the 65K, while with the 60 band I can hook it up on the loosest. So it's technically the better fit. But the 65 band feels comfier? ... ...the plan is to try one more bra, but this time a 60KK (since the 60K was too small..), and then I'll take it from there, and then I'll compare the fit and comfort level of both bras.
on a side note, my SF is now in the country and I should *hopefully* be able to pick it up tomorrow ^_^ I really hope this one fits..because right now my only well fitting bra is my Bezowa Perla (65K). I wear the Klejnot (60K) but eh..it's not really a go to bra for me.
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I'm a big fan of wearing the loosest band that still offers support. My comfortable underbust is around 27-28" but I actually really hate bras that tight and crave a nice 29" band, so I buy Ewa's 70s. Sometimes they run small and I can wear them on the loosest hook, sometimes they're more TTS and I need to wear them on the second to tightest. In my personal experience, Ewa's bands don't really break in for me and I tend to stay on whichever hook I start on.
If you're still supported in the 65s, and they are more comfortable for you, then stick with those. An awesome technical fit means nothing if it isn't comfortable on your body.
The 60s might last longer though. As the 65s stretch out you’d only have one more hook set before having to toss it or use a Rixie clip.
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I’m a 30DD, short roots, projected, soft, “saggy” breasts. They have a 32D, and a 30E(sadly no 30DD). If anyone has experience with freya swimsuits or tankinis, which size would you recommend I go with? I’m worried the 30E might be too big in the cups and therefore funny looking, but then I’m worried the 32 band would ... be too lose. I’m really leaning to the 32D strictly because I feel it would be looser and less form fitting on my body (I don’t have the flattest stomach). Help! 😬 I would order both but it’s coming from the UK and no returns.
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I took some photos of the 60J-60KK S bras I have. They are not the same bra, but I wanted to illustrate how the cup height grows and the strap placement gets set further out. These bras are: 60J - Ewa Michalak » S Syrena (790), 60JJ - Ewa Michalak » S Zielony Pieprzyk (796), ... href="/bra/diqn6/" class="mentioned-item">60K - Ewa Michalak » S Jagody (1194), and 60KK - Ewa Michalak » S Porto (1401). The only bra that actually fits my shape 60J, as my breasts do not expand upwards when compressed. The bras are really shallow on bottom until you get to the 60KK where there is a double vertical seam and there is a lot of immediate projection. The 60J's straps are too wide but bearable, the 60KK's straps are set so far apart that the bow is past my armpit and somewhere on the side of my torso. This pushes the top of the cups off of my body and makes the top gaping a lot worse. I thought the photos would be interesting to share for folks thinking about getting the S cut in the larger cup sizes (don't do it).
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60J, 60JJ, 60K, 60KK
https://imgur.com/a/FAmhLnT
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And at the point that you need above the 60KK, you realize it doesn't have the projection you need but in order to get that projection you have to size up until the top can't possibly be filled......it's a never ending issue, right? I am debating trying the 60LL but fear the top won't fit even if the bottom works.
If she would move the straps in to the 60J position and reduce the cup height, it might be fine.
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Im wondering about the fit. True to size? Shallow or projected?
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Wish I could help but there doesn't seem to be much info about this bra at all.
From my experience with Fantasie, cups have a lot of apex projection, not enough at the wire for me. Cups also seemed to be closed on top causing quad boob in just about any I tried. If I bought one now, I'd size up in cup.
Wires are average width.
Aw thanks for the reply! (Also happy holidays to you!) I have one fantasie that the cups are too shallow, but it also won’t sit right at the top of my breast. The other fantasie I have is a plunge, has good projection and fits great(also closed on top is great for me)! I went ahead and ordered the Aimee in my size and a size up to be cautious. It’s sooooo pretty I hope one of them fits 🤞 I can’t wait to measure it and leave a review. I can’t believe there’s no info on it here.
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So I added my review of the Bravissimo Inspire sports bra in 30K but forgot to list as an adventure..so if anyone roaming the far reaches of this site is curious. Please see the below link
http://bra.pe/X0Db/
http://bra.pe/X0Db/
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Hi ladies,
I have a Comexim plunge in 60HH (blue magic that came from the lovely Sonya ) and it is almost a perfect fit. The straps and height of the cup are perfect. The band is dreamy. But, my breasts feel a little smooshed at the bottom of the cup. It is not massively uncomfortable - I ... just feel a little compressed.
Does anyone know if it possible to order a plunge with addition room at the wire? If so, how do I request the customization - does anyone know the polish phrasing?
I feel like I need the depth of a 60J, but for every other part of the bra to be a 60HH. I have tried a 60J but the cups were way too tall and the straps were comically wide.
Any advice? They have the Sonya plunge on the website and I think I need it.
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You can request the deeper cup option, this person wrote how they did it: https://www.bratabase.com/bra/dinqw/
Sovavosi Amazing! This was exactly what I was looking for :)
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Ok, so I have decided on trying this bra from Ewa. It is PL style (I know, I hate padded bras, but you know, they wont give me what I want in nonpadded for so it is what it is). So I'm going to be order the 65 band for ease of return. Should I order the 65C or 65D? ... I worry that there will be significant change in height and width of the bra between the two sizes. Though I do fit the Natori's Feathers in a 30DDD, which I know runs small and shallow and Ewa is like waaaaay projected in even the PL in comparison to the normal US/UK Plunge bras. My best fitting bra right now is my 30DD - Claudette » Paramour Underwire Bra (101015008) . But I also know that my breasts do not need as a much depth with a lower coverage bra in comparison to a fuller coverage bra like the Paramour. My 28DD shoulder bra and 30D comfort bra are starting to feel a bit tight, but they are also full coverage. I can't wear my 28D - Cleo » Minnie Balconnet Bra (7431) anymore because it's just too small and constricting. I can still get away with my 28D - Cleo » Maddie Moulded T-shirt Bra (7201) but it feels like it crushing me while still having the very top of the cup not mold to me very well. Whatchu guys think? 65C or 65D in PL?
And, I was thinking about 65B in CH Cherry due to the wide open top and projection. I'd say my breast comes out at about an 80% degree angle (from the wire) on my "smaller side" and a 75% angle on my "larger side."
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Do you think you could order a D from a store in the US/CA? And then return if it's too large? Imho it's so much easier dealing with a bra that is too large than one that is too small. For large you have cookies, you can take them in etc, small are just small and there's not much you can do about it.
What I'm saying is ideally you wanna try both, but I personally would start with a D cause it's just easier sizing down than sizing up.
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I am hoping for help translating across brands. My best-fitting bras are EM CHPs in 80GG... should I try Kris Line in a 36H? I've seen references to the bands being tight in smaller sizes and true to size in smaller cups, but also a couple saying the bands are stretchy in the larger sizes and the bigger cups run a bit small....
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It really would be dependent on the style you are looking at in Kris Line, and how the CHP fits your breasts currently.
For me, I size down in CHP for a more rounded mound (28:15) and because she won't make the style in a 28:16 haha. Yet I wear a 28:16-28:17 in Ewa's other styles.
In Kris Line I wear a 28:18 though, but it's the only style they make in my size and not really comparable to Ewa's CHP style.
I see you have one CHP, but tried a second that didn't fit in the same size. What were the fit issues in that 2nd one and how did it differ from the first? Do you have any other bras that fit that could help us guide you?
Also, which style/model of Kris Line were you looking at getting?
Yikes -- thanks for reminding me that I never finished documenting that @Magnolia! It is actually the best-fitting bra I own now... my other much-beloved EM is getting pretty worn out.
I found a Brilliant soft cup on ebay at a good price... it is technically a nursing bra, but it is really pretty and I thought I might give it a try.
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Everyone, I need help picking a size! I have been IN LOVE with this Swan Lake Maxi Bra from Mimi Holliday for a long time now, but it was going for 70+$ when it was available in "my size" range. But now it is on sale for something I'm OK spending with my 15% discount and free shipping ... worldwide with orders of 50 pounds (cause I NEED another 28DD shoulder bra don'tcha know...) I have obsessed over MH for a long time and so far I have good fits with the brand. BUT, these are the two sizes available for me 28F and 30DD.
I have a 28DD in their Bissou Purple Shoulder Bra and a 30D in their Reverie Comfort bra...
but what makes me think I could go for these sizes which are like HUGE in comparison to my others is the model. They normally shove that poor model into a 34B in every bra except the Maxi Bra. Here they have her in a 32F which is a full FOUR cup sizes larger than the normal 34B we see her in. Most of the other maxi bras we see her in she is wearing a 32E, so this one obviously runs fairly small. So that means for me that the 28F is 2 cups sizes larger and the 30DD is 1 cup size larger....and that's without factoring in that this bra runs small.
Help please! I gotta get it before it runs out again. I almost wish I had gotten it for the seventy some odd dollars when it was available in the 28E!
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This bra is true to its name - maximum support, maximum comfort and maximum sedu
https://www.mimiholliday.com/collections/all-lingerie/products/swan-lake-maxi...
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The bra and panties are gorgeous and so unique! WIsh they had my size!
Understandable dilemma! I am going to venture another potential query for you though. Are you sure the model didn't get new boob growth? If the photo session is later on this one than the others, it is possible her breasts just changed.
Such a bummer we don't have any Maxi bras added in those sizes to help shed light on this one, or any of this model added at all that I could find......
I would suggest giving customer service a call and asking if this one runs larger in the cup (& smaller in the band if they dropped her band on this one.)
But, if calling isn't an option, & you're confident the model didn't go through a size change, I'd say go for the 28F, as it sounds like the band runs big as well as the cups small. :-)
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Has anybody done this alteration? Do they give you cookies as well?
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No cookies, just the pockets.
Bummer. Do EM cookies fit in them?
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Im not very sure why ive been getting strain at the side of my ribcage when i wear bras. Doesn't really matter how tight the band is
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May be a rib articulation problem or a strain of the small muscles in between or abdominal musculature attachments. Can be from an event a while ago or more recent. Might need some sleuthing to figure out what it is and what to do about it! Good luck in figuring it out.
I agree with jazzypants , this sounds more like a doctor related problem and wearing the bra just makes the strain more noticeable than without. Hope a doctor is helpful!
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Anyone have reccomendations for brands of cookies or inserts to add for increased symmetry? Amazon has an enormous variety!
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That would greatly depend on what size you are (both band and cup), how much of a difference you have between your breasts(estimated such as a full cup difference, half a cup, or more than a cup), plus if you prefer padded vs unpadded bras (as thr bras ability to mask the pads under clothing will vary based on that). If you could provide that information, we would be better suited to give you an appropriate answer.
Oh, and what climate you live in matters, hot humid areas are not as silicone insert friendly for example.
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Have you looked into Comexim? They do down to a 24 band.
Also Ewa Michalak will do to a 26 band for sure, but are limited with style choicess at the moment. (They are trying to clear old stock.)
Both would be custom and thus not returnable, but wouldn't require self alterations.
Another option is taking them to a seamstress to shorten for you. From what I've read it isn't that expensive per bra.
Also, Ewa’s M cut bras can fit quite small in the band per given band size. A 65 will fit more like 26/28.
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