Size up the band, and then alter it down? Crazy advice?
Ugh, a pushy and weird fitter has scared me away from my local bra shop! Does her advice make sense in some way that I'm not understanding?
So I was fitted at this place several years ago, and it was a very positive experience. I walked out of the store with bras that fit properly for the first time probably in my whole life. I've got a relatively small bust, so this was hardly a life-changing experience, but still... I walked into the store in a massively uncomfortable 36A, and walked out in a 34C that fit like a glove (though little bit tight in one cup). The fitter thought I could probably move down to a 32D, but I had never worn such a tight band, and wasn't used to it. Hooray! I have gone back for more of my favorites a few times since then. These women never pull out tape measures. They size you up at a glance, and give you a couple basic bras to see how they fit.
Ok, cut to this fall: most of my 34Cs are stretched beyond usefulness, and even the newer ones don't seem to fit right anymore. I'm down 15 pounds, and an inch or two all over (except my upper bust, which is not budging): time to be re-fitted. I kinda thought they'd put me in a 32D or possibly a 32DD, but I got a different fitter this time, and she insisted that I still looked like a 34C, despite that every bra she brought me had to be fastened on the tightest hooks, and I was busting out of all but the most conservative cuts.
And then she just completely baffled me - she said "The trouble is that you're between cup sizes. The C is a little too small, but you are NOT a D." And then she brought me some 36C bras, which fit well in the cups, but were way too big in the band, and said I should get those, and they could alter the band to my correct size at no cost. At this point I was super flustered, and didn't feel like arguing with this supposedly professional fitter who is at least twice my age. But why on earth would she recommend altering the band of a 36C, instead of letting me try a 34D or a 32DD? I thought these were all the same cup volume, no? I hate shopping online, and prefer to support local businesses, but I'm afraid if I go back there, I'll get the same fitter again and I'll panic.
End rant.
**edit: Since this incident, I have taken my measurements, and used several recommended online calculators. Sizemapp suggested a 30H (which is definitely too big), and Sophisticated Pair recommended US 32DDD or UK 32E. The 32D I ordered from V.S. was too small in the cups, the 34 D too loose in the band and a little snug in one cup. The 32DDD was a little too big, so in that brand I guess a 32DD is as correct as I can get.
Filed under Bras ups and downs
12 comments
There's no reason you should buy a 36C and have it altered down in the band, unless you tried a 34D in the same bra and the cup fit was off, or the bra isn't available in your size but you really love it. Sometimes the cup shape can be different when you sister size, but without trying it
I don't see why the fitter would automatically jump to alterations as the only conclusion as you wear a pretty common size that's covered by a lot of manufacturers, unless they didn't have anything in stock in the size you wanted.
If it were me I just wouldn't return to the store, however, if you've have a good experience in the past and would like to try again, I'd suggest calling the store to complain and requesting an appointment to be fit by someone else.
This lady doesn't know much then, because a 36C is the same volume (give or take) as a 34D. 30H though? Really? Sizemapp gives me a way too big size too (30GG when what I really need is 32F-ish). I would try a 32 band just to see if that feels comfortable in the band. Then I would look into 32DD or 34D (depending on which you find to be more supportive), and then go from there.
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