Bra fitting help » Bra seems to fit, but not very supportive
Elomi » Hermione Bandless Moulded Bra (8120) » 38G 38:9
Issue resolved
Buying a different bra.
Original problem
Edit: I entered another fit request for Panache Andorra here: http://bra.pe/TDb/.
I also measured another bra of this same size/model that had not been worn after washing yet and the straps are adjusted properly. The stretched band is 43 inches. I also remeasured myself with a real tape measure (could not find it last time and used string and a cutting mat) and came up with 39 instead of 38 for the ribcage. I took pictures with the second bra as well, but cannot figure out how to add them to this page. Properly adjusted with the tighter band results in quad boob. Also forgot to mention that this bra does not lay flat on my sternum. It's about 2 inches away, which isn't noticeable under a shirt, so I haven't worried much about it. I have had bras with wires that actually poke out further than my breasts, so 2 inches is tolerable.
Original post:
I have always had bra fit issues, but motherhood has especially not been friendly to my body or my breasts. I am pretty sure I have bottom-heavy breasts. I am not pregnant now and we are done having kids, just fat and trying to lose the added weight.I initially liked this bra. I bought quite a few over time (1 to wash, 1 to wear, and 6-8 more to keep in the laundry pile.
Since beginning on birth control pills, the bras seem to fit worse. I have lost 15 pounds, but I think my cup size may have increased anyway because of the hormones. I'm having issues finding ANY bra that fits and gives a satisfactory shape to my heavy, droopy breasts. I will post pictures of a couple other styles/manufacturers' bras I have.
I live in rural Kansas, so going to a bra and trying on bras is impossible. I have to buy them online. I used to live in Denver and had several stores to visit that sold Panache, Freya, Fantasie, etc. in all sizes.
Thanks for any help.
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Suggestions (6)
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helpful
umm, that band must be too big for you??
When i first looked at the images, i thought, band too big not enough support for the ladies, thus they are drooping.. but looking at your listed measurements i now think that is certainly what is causing your problem. Which set of hooks have you got the bra on? maybe you could changed to the tightest if you are not using those already?
i think the shoulder straps need tightening too, although might you then get quad-boob? i am not sure.
Good luck in getting that band tighter!
Updated on December 15, 2012 Flag this
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helpfulI have the same problem heavy post babies boobs. I like my girls up there and I'm struggling to find a bra that lifts them as high as I'd like. I live in NJ so I have some brick and mortar stores but it's still the US so very limited. I've only tried the Hermione on in the store and I found it to give me an extreme east west look. Any bra that goes east west cant lift up. The super soft cup can't offer much in the way of support either. I'd suggest a bra I've suggested before. The Panache Jasmine. It's the closest to a perfect bra that I have. It gets the breasts up and they stay up. I fear I might need to go up another cup size though but the stretch lace on the top makes it work. Good luck. I will let you know if I find any other supportive bras. I'm always looking.
Updated on December 15, 2012 Flag this
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Yay! Glad I could help. There is another Jasmine coming out this spring/summer in a different color.
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helpful
I agree with cbear, the band is too big since it stretches to 45 inches while your ribcage is 39.
I think you should size down in this bra 1-2 band sizes if you really like this one,
and try bras that have cup seams and have lace because they tend to be more supportive with larger breasts.Updated on December 15, 2012 Flag this
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helpfulWhen I lost thirty pounds, I found that the tissue had not changed, but that I'd lost several band sizes. I would suggest trying a 36 band if there's enough 'give' around your ribcage.
You list your ribcage as 39 inches, and the stretched band as 45, which will not be supportive. How long have you had it? The bra may just be old and stretched out (lifetime for a bra varies, but at larger sizes I am generally familiar with six months to a year if you wear a given bra frequently).
Updated on December 15, 2012 Flag this
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I had worn this one all day when I took the pictures. I did measure another bra in the same size/style without wearing it first and the stretched band measured 43 inches. The one in this pic might be older. I'm not sure how old each is since I bought them at different times.
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helpfulI agree with everyone that the band is too large.
Also, the shape looks very uncomfortable.You might want styles that will give more lift such as half cup styles:
Masquerade Rhea
Curvy Kate Tease Me
Curvy Kate Thrill Me
Ewa Michalak CH,HP,HM stylesAnother suggestion is to try brands with wider wires, like Panache and Cleo. I've never tried Elomi, so I'm not sure how they compare in wire width.
I'd recommend that you try a 34HH/J 0r 36H/HH.
Updated on December 15, 2012 Flag this
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helpfulI disagree that this is primarily a band issue. IMO the bigger problem is that the cup is way too small.
The bra sits on the front part of your breasts like a hat on a head, when it should fit you more like a balaclava pulled down to the collarbones.
Your breasts have a lot of projection, they needs lots of space in front. This means deep cups and -from looking at your breastshape- narrow wires.
To get deeper cups you need to try different cuts and larger cup sizes. Having the centergore 2 inches away from the sternum indicates to me that you need to go up approx 4 cupsizes. This would put you at a 38HH or 38J (UK).
Depending upon the bra and the stretchiness of the band, you can then adjust the bandsize. From your measurements and my experience I would say that you are ok with a 38 band with many bras. Just maybe not with this one.
Now what bras to try: Many will tell you that Freya has narrow wires and deep cups. While this is true, most Freya and Fantasie bras are not really up to the task of supporting such large boobs. The wires are too soft and get bent out of shape. Freya really works best at around a 32F, which is what they consider their core customer.
That said, you could try the Freya Polyanna if you can still find it somewhere in your size. Some Fantasie bras like Kara, Karina and Serene might also work.
But IMO other brands are much better in regard to stability. I think you could give the SideSupport models by Bravissimo a try: Bravissimo Fleur and Bravissimo Linear Rose. The Bravissimo Boudoir Beau would also be good.
Another bra that I can highly recommend to you is by Debenhams housebrand Gorgeous. Look for item number 1500102043 at debenhams. Any other bra by Debenhams Gorgeous that you can find in 38J would also be worth a shot. Note that these models frequently sell out in a J-cup, but it is worth checking every other week or so.
Updated on December 16, 2012 Flag this
Bizzy, I just wanted to say you were spot on with the Panache Jasmine recommendation. Just received it today in 36J and it's amazing. One great bra. If you do find another that fits similarly, I hope you will share the news!