Bra fitting help » Cup is right, rest is not quite...
Cleo » Alexa (6631) » 30J 30:13
Issue resolved
I had the back taken in and the straps shortened, and now I really love this bra. It's too bad it had to be altered, but I am still grateful to have it!
Original problem
This bra is almost there! The straps are not nearly short enough even when tightened as much as possible, and I could put the back on the tightest strap immediately and pull it away quite a bit. But the cups fit! Honestly, at this point it feels like a miracle. I noticed that the cups actually seemed a little too big with the straps as they were, but when I pulled them up to the correct tightness (and pulled the back down, since it had ridden up a bit), the top of the cups sat flush with my larger breast pretty much perfectly. I plan on keeping it and just having the back and straps adjusted, but would love suggestions for sizes to try in other bras. I know this tends to run large in the cup, so would I generally want to try the next cup size up in other brands? Do any of you feel that the band on this runs large and I could stick with 30 for others, or am I pretty firmly a 28 now (28KK?)? I could maybe keep buying 30s and have them taken in, in bras that don't go smaller...
Oh, also, there is slight wrinkling at the bottom of the cup unless I do a lot of adjusting, but I think it's because I have a full shape down there - it seems like this happens in a lot of bras, even ones that are otherwise too small, so I'm assuming it doesn't mean the bra is too large, just that I have to figure out how to adjust into the bottom better...?
Anyway, would love opinions. I am SO CLOSE to being able to order new bras with confidence!
Thank you all very much in advance.
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Suggestions (3)
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I think that this bra looks perfect in the cups. With a tighter back and shorter straps it will definitly be just the bra you need and most likely a perfect fit. Which is great, as this bra runs really loose in the band so that part should be quite easily fixed when looking for other bras.
Cleo Chloe, Natasha, Marcie and Zia are more or less identical in the cup, also very open in the top of the cup, but a lot tighter in the back so here a 30J might be just what you need. You might still end up with too long straps, but sadly this is a risk in general at the J-cups no matter which brand you choose.
I would not suggest adding non-stretch fabric to the back. The bra needs to be able to follow your ribcage's expansion and detraction when you breath. Making it non-stretch will mean that it will end up too tight when it's tight enough to not ride up, and too loose if you want to be able to breath properly.
What you should to is to keep the stretch but actually take the band in, which enables you to keep as much stretch as possible. Or, if you can, aim at getting a version of this with a smaller band right away (=one of the styles mentioned before).
As this one runs really big in the cup it's very hard to find anything really that might work. Potentially a Ewa Michalak CHP could be good on you and give a similar shape. Your size in other brands will most likely be around a 30JJ/K in most of them. Curvy Kate will probably be too small, Bravissimo too tight along the top edge, the rest of the Panache bras that goes high enough in the cup will not be as deep as this one, Freya's won't lie flat etc. SO, apart from what I've mentioned above I don't have much more suggestions.
Updated on December 7, 2012 Flag this
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I just wanted to share my experiences with the Cleo bras mentioned above. I have tried them in a 30J.
Alexa is most similar to Meg in band and cupsize and has the same cut.
Zia does in my opinion run both a band and a cup size small. (I would need a 32J in this)
Nathasha is kind of in between. I found the band quite tight but not as tight as on the Zia (which I could barely fasten). Cup-wise Natasha runs a bit smaller than Alexa I would say like 1/2 cup size.
I hope this helps a bit.@Nesoa: Did you get your Cleos? Do they fit you? *just curious*
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No, I don't misunderstand you. :) I just think that the whole concept is really a quite bad idea. In smaller cup sizes and/or bigger band sizes, sure, there you will still leave a big enough part that stretches, but in these sizes we need all the stretch we can get to avoid underwires that dig in and to just be able to move around. :) There is a reason why 28H and 30H Rheas feel quite restrictive, the back panels are so small and stretch so little, that the room for it to follow the body isn't very large.
The professional way would be to resew the leotard part of the straps and move the adjuster. To actually do a 28JJ bra of it. :) However, adding powernet (a medium weight one that ctually still stretches but is quite firm) would probably still be a quite good solution as it would keep the stretching span and make it overall firmer. To get the best moving range this is probably really the best option. There is a reason why I prefer bras with really firm and layered back panels.
@alisa, just got Natalie and Zia. Both are gorgeous and a quite good fit. I need to force the adjuster over to the ribbon part for the length of the straps, and the curve of the armhole is a bit to straight for me but otherwise their fine. Natasha fits best on closest setting, which is a bit worrying, but then I'm between a 26 and a 28 band, so it isn't really uncommon. So, I'm now officially a 26J/28HH in these bras. :) Glad I've found something non-plungy that works!
(Natasha is definitly tighter than Alexa, I would consider Natasha normal and Zia tight, while Alexa definitly is loose for its band size. I would never be able to wear a 28-banded Alexa, while a 28 Natasha definitly is wearable.
Based on what I've tried in Chloe and Alexa both Natasha and Zia definitly belong to the cathegory that runs a cup size big, just like Chloe and Alexa. I used to be able to wear the same size in the old version, all old version, but the 28HH George I still had left was way way too small, so yes, they still run big.)
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So much good information here, thank you! Now I just need to take notes to keep everything straight, heh. I think I will try a Chloe next...? Based on what you all are saying...?
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Yes, a Chloe would probably be just perfect on you. :)
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Nesoa:
Congrats on Natasha & Zia :) I'm happy they fit you.
Do you mean that the Zia & Natasha run big compared to older Cleo styles like George etc.?
When I used to wear 32GG/H, I had a George in 32H and it was always kind a weird fit, I also had a Brooke in 32H and I found it to be incredibly small.
So maybe older Cleos did run smaller.
But in my opinion Zia does run a bit smaller than Alexa/Chloe/Meg. It could also be the cup-shape that makes the difference. Meg/Alexa/Chloe allow more volume on top.@Cellosubmarine: Chloe might be a good bra for you :) Maybe you just have to try some Cleos to find the one which works best for you. All of them give a good shape, but each one fits a bit differently.
I would however avoid Lucy/Bonnie/Brooke, they are not full-banded and the wires are quite wide. I don't find them that supportive in our size range. (Although the Lucy give a spectacular round shape, I have a lot of issues with it.)
You could maybe take also a look at Panache Jasmine. -
alisa. Definitly big compared to George/Eleanor and the rest of the older full-banded Cleo bras. Based on the Bratabase measurements, it seems comparable to Chloe. However, this is in a 28HH, and it might scale differently ust a few cup sizes up. Natasha actually measures a cm more in cup depth, don't know if it's an error in this specific bra, but it might be worth noticing. The difference to Alexa though is that these bras has the laminated bottom cup plus a really well lined uppper, so they have absolutly no stretch what so ever, while Alexa probably can be slightly more adaptable.
And, I'm definitly glad they fit as well! :) Finally some bras with a descent shape and bras that don't try to kill me. :P And that I'm actually one cup size from the largest size being made in my band size... Which is quite a relief. :P
I can also agree with avoiding the partial banded bras from Cleo. Apart from having more trouble keeping it's shape and the other things mentioned earlier, they alsohave a very wide center gore/bridge, that in larger cup sizes always gives problems more or less unless you take it in.. If you still want to try them I found Lucy the most generous depth-wise though the top edge is restrictive, but Bonnie is quite a bit more open, and the embroidery makes the cup more supportive I would say. I found it very generous (but still probably smaller than Alexa)but the band runs big as well.
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Nesoa:
I don't mind that the new Cleos run a bit bigger in cup - size than older styles and that the bands run tighter (like Zia). I'm at the end of my bandsize and if a 30J does not fit me, I can at least try a 32J, if the bands runs tight. :)
Did you also try the Marcie?@Cellosubmarine:
Lucy's material is kind of stiff and needs some time to break in.
Although I find the Bonnie more comfy than the Lucy I would not recommend it. It just has the stretchiest band on all Cleo bras im my opinion. Even I had to size down to a 28 band in this style. (I normally wear a 30/32 band) Overall I'd say the full-banded Cleos are more supportive in the J-Cup range. -
alisa, I haven't recieved my Marcie yet, still waiting for it. My older full-banded Cleos did run really tight though. George seem random, som runs tight and some loose, but my Eleanor was really tight... But yes, I definitly agree on that it's better to have tight bands rather than loose ones. That enables us on the smaller side of the size range to wear anything at all, and also, like you said, enables peope to size up in theband if they don't fit into the cup range just about. And honestly, it's easier to wear an extender for a while than taking the band in, but that might just be my opinion based on being outsized of so many bras...
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I can confirm that this bra runs large in the cup, bc it is very open on top. It tends to gap in the right size, just like it did on you before you adjusted the straps.
I can also confirm that the band is relatively loose. I would strongly recommend sewing some non-elastic fabric into the band to keep it from stretching too much. Ideal would probably be doubling it with a second layer of powernet.
As for how it fits... On the right, smaller side the lace sits flat, but the cup is too big. You can see this on the sides. There is empty space near the wires and the fabric wrinkles, also the wires are too wide.
On the left, larger side the lace cuts it, but otherwise the cup looks ok, maybe pulled a bit too wide. That the cup is pulled wide would explain why it cuts in. Usually when I see this my first thought is to try a larger bandsize (or add an extender) and go down in cupsize to get narrower wires.
Could you adjust the straps so that the lace is ok on the bigger boob and take some more pictures? I'm trying to figure out whether it is the bra or your breast shape.
Updated on December 7, 2012 Flag this
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Pictures added! Not sure if that is what you meant, but let me know and I'll take more if needed. More comments soon - have to run for a moment. Thanks so much!
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Okay, back finally. Did the pictures help? As for the band, it's already really loose, so I would definitely not want to go up a size. It rides up almost immediately on the tightest hook. Maybe the wires are just too wide for my breast shape?
Thanks again!
The smaller boob side is slightly too large, yes. :/ But I'm supposed to be sizing for the larger one, right? It's much less too-large-seeming once I pull the straps up, at least, which is good.
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Sorry for not replying sooner, but I have to work on weekends. :)
Is the quadboob gone on the larger breast? I cannot tell from the pictures. If yes and you feel comfortable in it, I pronounce this bra as good. :)
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Sorry I disappeared! The holidays are INSANITY in my line of work. The quadboob *is* gone, and I am hoping to pronounce this good, too, as soon as I get it back from being altered. The back started riding up a TON after a bit of wear, so I'm having it taken in. Thanks again!
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I'm glad this *almost* works
I got this one in 28J although I wear a 30 in almost everything else so, yeah - loose band.
You might want to loosen the strap a bit on your bigger side so you prevent the cutting in.
I don't really think shortening the straps will have any affect except cutting in at your shoulders because they are so far apart.
And the wires seem to poke your underarm so it's a no go.So, as Branarchist stated, you really do look like my boob double but in cup up
This is why I would suggest the panache jasmine and bravissimo budouir beau, both in 28K or 30JJ. Note that they will have a lot more coverage.Bravissimo Alana and Eva Michalak PL cut, both in 30K.
Cleo's sadly end at J cup and I think that alexa 28J might be too small on you. You can also try cleo meg and cloe in 30j that have similar cup depth but firmer bands. cleo marcie, natasha and zia will be smaller in the cup too so I wouldn't go there.
Updated on December 7, 2012 Flag this
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Thank you, this is really great specific advice, which is just what I need. The problem with loosening the straps or even keeping them the same is that my boobs are sitting way too low and not being supported with the current length. Fixing the back should help with the support, but the shape and height will still be all wrong for me till they are shorter. :(
Anyway, yay boob doubles! I am going to try at least one of the bras you recommended in the size recommended, and hopefully I will finally be there! How do you compare to Curvy Wordy? I have been trying to compare things with her and I am guessing I am one cup size smaller and two(ish) band sizes, maybe? It seems like Cleo Chloe is being recommended by pretty much everyone, so I might try that one, along with the Boudoir Beau.
I REALLY want to try the Ewa Michalak ones, but I'm determined to be completely sure of my general sizing first. Gruh.
Thanks so much again!
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Wow, you and Vee indeed DO look like boob doubles;) The same depth and very strong projection. But I already suspected this:) Although I think you are a bit less close-set and indeed around a cup size bigger.
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Oh hey, I missed this one :)
Okay, so ad I am experiencing a bit of boob growth lately, I don't know how I compare to Curvy wordy anymore - but I have a pl Karmelki in 30K (one cup size down from Curvy wordy) coming my way so I'll be a lot smarter then :)
Until now, I have put myself two cups down from her - I think that still may be true - she is talking about needing 30L pl's - so I figured 30K will work fine :) If it does - 30KK for you! I think I am half a cup down from you now - and if you will be, like me, growing more boobs after getting in the right size, you can use some extra space.Meanwhile I can *HIGHLY* reccomend 30JJ panache jasmine for you :) I am pretty sure that could be your favorite bra after a few washes - it's a bit stiff at first.
I can also say you should forget the panache andorra - you are sized out there, just like me :(
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So I lurked lol I've been looking at all of the 30J Cleo bras and the 30J/JJ Jasmine and Andorra since there aren't any added in my size. I wear a 28HH in the Alexa (bought a 30H thinking it'd work for a bit then I'll alter it, yay eBay) anyway, fits great in cups, so I'm thinking I should try one cup up from there in the Jasmine and Andorra, so 30HH (28J Andorra). Does that sound right?
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cellosubmarine, I think the problem with Ewa is that almost all cup sizes above a GG in the smaller band regions nowadays are non-refundable/non-exchangeable. So, it's save to order one in a bigger bandsize with a sister size you think would be suitable for you. From then on it's saver and easier to decide which cup size combined with which bandsize you'd want to exchange it for. No idea what would be suitable for you. From the pics on this page and measuring data you entered, I would say you and I have the same cup size & bandsize. But of course you are deeper and narrower than me. My boobs are relatively short and very wide;) So things will fit differently...
Also their band sizing appently isn't very reliable. I have a PL Toffik in 60K. But it's much too tight for me and I only can wear it with an extender. Apart from this the cups are a bit on the small side. However the 65JJ I first ordered was much too stretchy and loose for me in the band. It's still a wonderful bra under clothes. It gives such an upfront, round and lifted look. I guess the narrow wires will be ideal for your shape
@Vee, I am curious how the PL Karmelki in 65K will fit you. The PL Burgund in 70H clearly was much too small for you, so I hope this will work.
By the way, I was browsing a bit on the Comexim site, because they seem to sell a lot of plunges, which are far more bearable than higher-gored styles with my very close-set boobs. Unfortunately apart from the HH cup (weird), they use the European size system, and their cup sizes in 65 end with a M. Also their cups seem to run very small, judging from the stats added on this page. For example the Magic Blue in 34K only has a depth of 30 centimeters...
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@asheand55 - I dont know how your ribcage in cm. Mine is 72-77cm tightest to loosest and I wear 28J in alexa and 30J in jasmine. 30j andorra is too small on me and I would say it runs one cup smaller than jasmine. So, if you have a smaller ribcage than me, you can take a 28J or stick with the 30Hh in jasmine - she does have a firm band. As for andorra, take the 30j and alter it down as it does stop at J.
@gervaise - I can't wait :) O do think there will be a long wait, holiday season + specialnorder, Ill feel lucky if I get it this year :)
I've given up on comexin after seeing it on curvy wordy. I am clearly sized out. -
71-73 cm :) thank you!
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Hi again! Sorry I disappeared! HOLIDAY MADNESS AHHHH. Anyway, Vee - I got a Panache Jasmine in 30JJ and will be reviewing it soon! The back is too big (going to have it altered down a bit) and I have to pull the strap adjusters past the elastic onto the ribbon bit, but otherwise it works! Does that make me your size? Or am I still a half cup or so up? I can't keep track, sorry. :)
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I think you misunderstand. :) I know that the band still has to stretch to allow breathing and movement, but you can limit this stretch.
Look at the pictures of user Gloria here: http://busenfreundinnen.net/viewtopic.php?f=132&t=567&start=60#p34127
She sewed some non-elastic fabric into *parts* of the band.
The professional way to do it would be to add Powernet (the material the wings are made of) to the band and doubling it, but this works too.
I second the rec for Cleo Chloe, but I am unsure about Zia and Natasha. Marcie most definitely won't work, I think it will be too shallow.