Bra fitting help » Is the band too low on my body or too tight?
Fantasie » Elodie Side Support Bra (2182) » 32F 32:7
Issue resolved
I did try some 30s in different bras, and they strain at the hooks, so I'm sticking with 32. It's great to zero in on the right size! I finally really get it that a good-quality, supportive bra in the correct cup size "lifts from below" rather than trying to "hoist from above"!
Original problem
This is a 32 that I'm sending back, but I used it to experiment with a tighter band sitting lower on my body -- I think I've always worn them too high! I fastened it on the tightest hook and wore it low enough so that it didn't move when I moved my arms. I think I could go down a band size, n'est-ce pas?
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Suggestions (4)
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4
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If you're wearing it on the tightest hooks, try going down a size. The band will stretch out over time, and be too big if you can't adjust it tighter.
Updated on August 8, 2012 Flag this
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When you take the bra off where are the underwire marks? If there is a space between where the underwire mark is and the bottom crease of your breast then you are wearing the bra too low.
If the mark is just outside of your breast crease then this is where your bra should sit and the band should be parallel to the ground at that height all the way around.
The band doesn't look too tight to me. Considering this bra is new and you can easily close it on it tightest hooks I'd drop down to a 30 band in this bra.
Updated on August 8, 2012 Flag this
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I love June's blog! I have gone back to reread that post. I must admit I still remain a bit confused. I am tall so I have a longer torso than most people would at my size but I wouldn't say it is out of proportion for me.
I'm thinking this is why I did and still do have a hard time comprehending it. I do prefer a continuous band over broken ones simply on the fact that I do find them much more comfortable. However, on me broken bands, while they do sit higher, they still wouldn't go over my shoulder blades in the back. I only have this problem when the band is too big. Even just one size up too big and I'll end up with the band wanting to sit on my shoulder blades.
Going by pictures and look only according to proportion where this band is sitting looks appropriate. I wouldn't say that it is sitting too low. I do think that you should exchange this bra for a 30 band. Once you get the band fitting proplerly it will be easier to see and identify any other issues with the bra.
I hope this helps.
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The underwire should sit near the breast root.
Instead of going down in bandsize I would suggest going up or keeping it the same. Your torso is much wider higher up, if you move the bra higher where the underwire is supposed to be the band will be less loose.
If the higher band is uncomfortable to you on your back, pull the band down only in the back. I know that all guides say that the band should be parallel to the ground. But in your case I think you might benefit from a band that is pulled down in the back towards your waist. Your torso would support this shape. This fit however requires a slightly longer band. You often see this fit on young women who wear a band too loose, they pull the band down in the back to prevent it from riding up.
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I ordered the Andorra in a 30 to try out, but I haven't sent back the 32 for the moment. It is hard for me to believe that I could be a 30, but the little taste I had of a bra staying still and not rubbing across my shoulder blades felt so good, I just have to check it out! Thank you so much for your input!
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Just a note because you measure 30.5".. If the 30 is a bit too snug to fully take a deep breath but fits well on exhale, try picking up a bra extender for the first few wears (from a local boutique, ebay, etc). It will likely help ease you into the newness of a snug-fitting band. I wish I'd done that when I first discovered the world of proper fit! ;)
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I don't think it's necessarily too low in the back, but there's not one level where you should expect all of your bras to sit. With a cami back bra the back should be more or less straight across all the way around. Leotard backs are designed to sit a little lower in the back than the front and tend to be a bit more supportive. The advantage of sitting lower is that they can really anchor in the concave part of your back and tend to ride up less (and show through clothes less obviously). As others have mentioned, if you're starting off wearing it on the tightest hooks you may not get much life out of the bra.
Updated on August 11, 2012 Flag this
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On the photos it looks pretty good. But as Jillie say, if you have to wear in on the tightest hook when it's brand new, it's probably better to get a smaller band size.
Updated on August 9, 2012 Flag this
Thanks for commenting, Deedlit! In the process of trying to figure out my correct band size (duh, not 36!), I came across a post from Braless in Brasil about long torsos that has me thinking. I think that just looking at my back (where my shoulder blades and lats are) my band wants to be in one place in order to lie still and secure. But my breast root is acually higher than that -- a horizontal line back from the crease puts the band on my shoulder blades and cuts across my lats in a bad way. Braless in Brasil writes that a body like this wants a continuous band to anchor the bra down on the ribs (the deeper a band the better, I'd think) while placing the cup up where the breast is. I think it means my breasts are placed high on my chest, I guess ...
Anyway, I've always worn bras too high, so I don't have a good sense of what looks appropriately low across a back, and that's why I wanted feedback!