I'm having the worst luck with molded bras now I'm in my proper size. The Freya Deco is entirely the wrong shape, and the Porcelain series has always flattened me weirdly. The Curvy Kate Smoothie fits really well, save some weird bulging at the base of the cup, but hurts if I wear it more than a day in a row. The Panache sports bra really IS my go-to molded bra, but being a sports bra, it often shows under necklines. Which leads me to today.

I just moved to Maryland and am trying to find a good boutique in my area, already mourning Loretta's Intimates in Dallas. I checked out Store #1 today, and I had a sinking feeling when I noticed that most of the bras in their Panache and Freya section were 36 bands. This only worsened when I asked if they had a stash of 32 bands, and they pulled out a drawer full of beige. I do give them kudos for not suggesting that I was delusional about my band size and coming at me with a measuring tape. The poor lady helping me must have found every 32FF (3. There were 3.) and 34F (also some 32F and 34FFs, 15 bras total) in the store, and she seemed so bummed that more didn't work. When they offered to order things in for me, I felt a little like crying, either due to PMS, or due to the fact that you go to a store in order to AVOID ordering things that you may have to return.

Sorry, I'm really discouraged. I'm sure you know the feeling. To my 28-banded sisters, I want to give you all a big hug right now, because this must be your life x10.

Anyhow, this bra came the closest to fitting, and it was like my old days at Victoria's Secret, when the LEAST ill-fitting bra came home with me so the poor lady who just spent an hour trying to get me into a bra wouldn't feel totally bummed. I paid $78 for this Porcelain Grace. Unlike other Porcelain models, it didn't squish or flatten me, and it initially looked fine with the scoop-and-swoop still freshly done. Weirdly the band was loose as all get out. I usually have to go to a 34 in Panache, but the 32 was loose. No 30s were available, though.

Still, I bought it. I took it home and modeled it for my husband, whose immediate reaction was "Um." Bless him, he's gotten to be a handy bra-fitter over the past couple of years and noticed right off that I was having to hook it on the closest row, AND it was gapping at the top. I swooped, I scooped, but after a few minutes (more minutes than I'd taken in the Dressing Room of Despair) my tissue had settled, as it tends to do, and left a gap and ridge at the cup's top.

I'm pretty sure it's my shape and not the cup size. I'll be driving back to return this tomorrow. I really hope boutique #2 has more in my size. At least there aren't disappointed salesladies on the internet.

Scarlet colorway

Updated on Jun 01, 2015 Flag this

• I feel you on molded bras. I really struggle with them as well. ... all those that you mentioned I had issues with. My best luck is actually with Chantelle rive gauche tshirt bra or Parfait Casey / Jeanie. Chantelle doesn't really come in my size or it would be my favorite. And I wear the same size in the Parfait as in Panache or Freya if that helps at all. I don't get as much top gapping, I actually have some cleavage and the wires aren't killing me. Have you tried either of those styles?
  

• Oooh, I haven't tried those! Thanks! Eventually one will have to fit, right?

• Wow, shops are so rough. The best shop near me is actually the closest, but they dont take returns AT ALL. The first girl I talked to there said they dont have her size and she has to order her bras on line. I think she was a 30 band. I'm a 32J, and they usually have about a half dozen, but nothing that I really like. Well, then again, I only really like panache Floris!

• It seems so! Its been my motto at least

• Sorry to hear you had such a sad experience, but your review is helpful. I don't know where in Maryland you are. Maybe you're close enough to go on a road trip to Sophisticated Pair in North Carolina?

  " To my 28-banded sisters, I want to give you all a big hug right now, because this must be your life x10."

  You make a good point here! I feel lucky I can wear 30 bands.

  It looks like you may have short roots. If you get to Sophisticated Pair, Erica can have you try on your correct band sizes and some brands/models more accommodating of your shape. I'd email her ahead of time and link to your reviews so she can prepare.

  You may want to mention the store's name so Bratabasers who have to have 28 and 30 bands can avoid it.

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