5
Dec 09, 2022
I've been fluctuating with my measurements and gotten results between 75I to 75K (EU). Best fitting size from trying on many bras was about 75I (EU) (the bras UK size was 34G but I thought 75I = 34F)
I've tried over 100 bras (different styles, different sizes (anything between 70-80 G-K EU), different brands etc) and they ALL have the same issue. All of the bras poke my tail of spence/armpit. I have a relatively short torso so a sports bra or a full cup is too high for me and will be all the way up in my armpit and sometimes I'll even have extra fabric bunching up in my armpit. I've honestly lost all hope at this point. Every bra I try just hurts a lot. I've not worn a bra that fits in years. I'm stuck wearing some top with removable foam things and I'm spilling out, but it's the only thing that does not hurt. Nothing fitting makes me have even more body issues. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't have the budget to get a custom made bra. I feel like there's no painless bra for me at this point. (here's an illustration of what I mean: https://imgur.com/a/o0TVg8j the red line is how the bra sits on my frame, I have no issue UNDER my armpit but I do right in front/where my armpit starts if that makes sense. The wires do not poke under my arm)
On top of the armpit poking issue, I have very close set breasts and need a very low gore because any gore that reaches up between my breasts is too high. The gore hurts, it pokes, and my breasts fold the wires together so that it's not as wide and obviously that is uncomfortable. I've tried so many plunge style bras but whenever the gore is not too high, the cup edge still pokes into my armpit.
Elomi is an overall awful fit for me. 75I was an okay size, but all bands were too wide and the wires are way too wide. For Freya, the wire does not really sit in my IMF, so it's either not projected enough or the cup is too narrow. A lot of bras also look very East-West on me, and I really don't like the way that looks.
I feel like I need some combination of a plunge, half cup, center pull bra but I can't find it.
I'm not comfortable sharing any pictures so I tried to describe it as best as possible.
I hope anyone can give me any recommendations because I just don't know anymore at this point.
Measurements in cm (took them just now before posting):
Loose underbust: 90
Snug underbust: 84
Tight underbust: 80
Standing bust: 104
Leaning bust: 112
Lying bust: 105
Sizing EU
AFAB
Calculated size: 75I
https://imgur.com/a/o0TVg8j
https://imgur.com/a/o0TVg8j
Filed under Bras ups and downs
5 comments
I've not tried Elomi, so I can't compare, and I've only tried two Freyas but do you think that all sports bras are out? Some people over on ABraThatFits forum on reddit recommend, say Panache wireless sports bra, as a "lounge bra" - even people with quite small band sizes (26) so I assume they're petite will wear a Panache wireless sports bra, in a band 28 (I imagine).
I"m not sure how high they are on the side (wings!) but could probably look up the data by comparing measurements on bratabase.
Half cup and centre pull is going to be difficult to find IMO (*someone correct me if I'm wrong) b/c usually with the design of the half cup bra, the straps need to be on the side or it would just look *weird*
Also, needing both a half-cup and a plunge, hmmm.
Comexim 3HCs (customized even) *might* work??? Because one can request a "lowered gore" or "lowered wing height" I believe. sometimes one will rc/v bras from them without alterations though - it happens though.
I did a little write up on comexim alterations on this thread here. https://www.reddit.com/r/PolishBras/comments/z38znv/reasons_to_go_polish_with_your_bra_purchases_3/
If you are 34G UK , I think your Comexim size could be 75HH in padded plunges, and 75J in padded 3HC? It depends on the person though. They also have unpadded 3HCs which I find very comfy. You could ask for "straps moved in 2cm" or even "straps moved in 3cm"
I tend to be the Comexim /Ewa Michalak bravangelist though - because those brands work for me and I get tunnel vision and think - wow, they must work for everyone. which is not true (unfortunately)
But honestly, I would not give up yet b/c there are soooo many bra brands. Also, one could consider a "lounge bra" (bra without underwire), or some kind of sports bra + 1 in the cup and +1 in the band so it's not so tight as an everyday bra. Just my opinion.
I recently tried out this French sports bra - love it. It would 100% make an excellent lounge bra had I bought the right size. https://www.bratabase.com/bra/dnp6y/ I'm pretty sure I'm sized out of it as a sports bra though!
It's from a medical company and these are even used as post-op bras for people with breast reductions. the straps are the most "centre pull" I have ever worn! Plus, the straps are adjustable, which is different from most sports bras (like Panache Sport) The fabric is very comfy - it's like swimsuit fabric - I like the shape, and it has a front zipper, so it's easier to put on than many tight sports bras (still not easy though).
I would love to recommend this brand - I do really like it - but unless you live in France, it's hard for me to recommend it b/c I do think it "runs small" at least in the band. So, that makes the sizing tricky.
Okay, I have rambled on and on...maybe some other people will have suggestions, lol.
I just want to say that you are not alone with this issue and I 100% get your frustration.
Fantasie side support bras have been the least obnoxious for me, as well as Aubade half cups. Fantasie gores will likely be too high for you, but the Aubade ones don't run too high, at least compared to most half cups.
The worst I've found have been Nessa and Ewa Michalak. The straps for those literally meet the cups within my arm pits and it's just painful.
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