Bra fitting help » First attempt at proper fitting. Suggestions appreciated.
Freya » Faye Underwired Balcony Bra (4202) » 32GG 32:10
Issue resolved
I'll be returning this one, maybe reordering it in a 30. I'll start looking at Panache (esp. Andorra) and Cleo in 32 to see if the band fits more tightly and the strap/armpit area works better for me.
Original problem
I've been wearing a 34 band all my life and it has been ok, but I think 32 is my correct band size. My underbust measures 30, but I sing and need to allow for maximum expansion of my lungs (about 33in/84cm), which is why I picked a 32 band. My left boob is at least a half cup size larger than right, so I'm prone to experiencing slight double-boobing on the left with slight wrinkling in the cup on the right, in addition to the center gore tending to shift slightly towards the larger (left) side. All of that is somewhat visible in these pics, but I think this bra provides a happy medium for my lopsided body.
So it seems to me that for the most part, this bra fits properly. Unfortunately, it's just a bit uncomfortable where the straps meet the cups in the front – the straps seem to be more widely-set than I'd like, wrinkling and jabbing me in the underarm slightly when I hold my arms out in front of me. I do not have an issue with the position of the straps on my shoulders. I have a similar yet less pronounced issue with my Freya Deco (34FF) (and yes, I'm aware the 34FF isn't the right size for me.) I'm thinking the fabric on the 32 might soften after a few washings, but I can't be sure.
So, is this bra a winner for me, or do I send it back? If I send it back, what brands/styles would you suggest I try? Are all Freya’s straps set so widely in front?
Thanks for any insight you can provide!
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Suggestions (3)
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helpful
That particular Freya (it's a Faye, right?) runs quite large and stretchy in the band. I suspect you would find a 30 supportive while still allowing breathing room.
People seem to prefer either Panache/Cleo or Fantasie/Freyas. Panaches seem to have have underwires that reach back further under the arm and cups that are a bit more shallow, with bands that are less stretchy. About half of the P/Cs I've tried have run small in the cup. Freyas seem to have narrow, deeper, underwires that don't go back as far, with bands that are more stretchy.
I agree that the Panache Andorra might be a good one to try, although note that the band seems to be firm/snug and the cups run a little small. It also has seaming that may show, but I don't know that it will any more than the Freya.
Updated on August 25, 2012 Flag this
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That the straps are so widely set in front is part of band pulling at the bra. If you put in an extension the problem should lessen a tiny bit.
That said, you might want to give the Charnos Trellis Fullcup and the Panache Andorra a shot. A friend has a similar problem, she wears a 32F and she has send countless bras back just bc of this. The above bras are a few that she doesn't have this problem with.
Try charnos.co.uk, they have the Trellis Fullcup in amethyst on sale for 7 pounds. Go for the 32G, this bra runs large in the cup.
Updated on August 24, 2012 Flag this
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Thanks for the suggestions. Though adding an extender might help with the strap placement, I think adding it would make the band too big (essentially bringing me back to wearing a 34), but I will definitely check out your bra suggestions!
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Hmmmm... I still think maybe the band is still just a bit too big. It seems to be riding up just a tad in the back. This will also help to bring the straps in closer as well.
I am a singer too (classically trained) and do not find any need to size up in my band. I even used to sing fully corseted with a 4-6" reduction off of my waist with no problems. My ribcage exhaled: 27.5", ribcage fully inhaled: 30" and I find a 28 band in Freya to be perfect. 30s are too big and ride up my back.
Besides, with proper head voice technique you shouldn't be expanding your ribcage that much and your abdominal muscles shouldn't move much either. It's all about diaphragm control more than anything else. ;D
Updated on August 24, 2012 Flag this
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I agree about the band possibly being to big - ideally, I think I'd wear a 31! I've tried on a few 30s (Freya) and I couldn't take in a good deep breath, plus they dug into my ribs in the front. Maybe 30's in a different brand would be fine? Do you think maybe I should try a 30 with an extender?
As far as singing technique, I, too, am classically trained, and have far more issues with my speaking technique (little support, sitting on voice) than with my singing. For this reason, the 32 may be a bit too loose for everyday wear (for now, at least, but I'm working on maintaining good support when I'm speaking too!), but it does allow for enough expansion to sing properly. The Freya 30s (can't remember the styles, sorry), were too constrictive, but again, maybe a different brand would have an in-between sort of fit? -
Freyas run a bit loose in the band. If they were too tight on you in a 30 I think you should do ok with tight fitting 32s. Panache generally has a tighter band than Freya.
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Thanks! That's good to know!
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Hmmm... I have a Panache Tango in a 34, which, of course, rides up in the back, but doesn't give the problem with the strap area digging in. Maybe I'm just a Panache/Cleo girl? I'll try some of those in 32 and play around with the cup size. Thanks!