Bra fitting help » Can anyone with similar boobs suggest more flattering bra options?
Chantelle » Rive Gauche 3 Part Cup (3281) » 70H 32:8
Issue resolved
Lots of great suggestions to work with, thanks!
Original problem
(feel free to scroll to the dashed line and skip the backstory!)
For a woman who's had [what Victoria's Secret would have me believe were] DD's since 9th grade, I know shockingly little about bras or breasts at all - especially mine. For the past decade and a half I've basically squished my chest into the tightest compression sports bras I could squeeze into if I left the house and existed in a uniform of built-in bra tank tops the rest of the time. About once a year when I'd have to attend a wedding or something that absolutely demanded an actual bra, I'd try on every available size and cut at department stores or Victoria's secret and after hours of failure I'd end up buying an outrageously priced, not-at-all fitting 38 DD monstrosity or something like that and would go home feeling like I was somehow deformed since nothing in a store existed that fit me.2 years ago when I discovered bratabase I used the site to buy a Panache Sport that sort of fit and I wore as my "fancy" bra until it broke a few weeks ago. I've also lost some weight this year and am feeling more confident and that definitely led to feeling more like I need a properly fitting bra. The fact that my neck to nipple measurement between ages 28 and 30 increased by an entire INCH is even more reason to figure out what size I am and finally abandon the built-in bra tops!
So - I put the bratabase system to work for me again ordered a few bras based entirely on the recommendations of bratabase (from my current measurements) and glancing through reviews of the suggested bras to help weed some out. As the bras I've ordered come in I'm trying to figure out what does and doesn't fit in order to figure out what styles do fit and what shape I actually am. Many thanks, ANY help would really be appreciated!
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Chantelle Rive Gauche 3 Part Cup - 70HI can get my breasts to fit into the cups, but they don't like to stay inside the elastic and inevitably creep back towards the center so I wind up with slight quadding and some looseness/wrinkling at the very top of the bra. The band is a bit loose as well, I'm already on the last set of hooks. Center gore is flat against my skin but the height irritates my skin a bit. I also feel like this bra forces my breasts down and out to the sides in a shape I don't find flattering. I'm accustomed to wearing sports bras though, so maybe I'm expecting a fit and shape I can't get with a regular bra?
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Suggestions (4)
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Just chiming in to say welcome and help will be forthcoming. I'm still learning too but if you're quadding the cups are too small. This may not be the right shape bra either given you move around. Victoria's Secret is terrible for cramming full busted girls into too small bras. That will never ever be comfy! Most of us are anti VS because of how they do not fit you properly.
Updated on September 11, 2016 Flag this
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again, cup depth is 11, not big enough, and bra shape is too closed on top.
Updated on September 11, 2016 Flag this
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THe Rive Gauche cups are made of somewhat stretchy material which I think is what's giving the illusion of a cup volume that's only slightly too small, whereas in reality it's a full size too small--I think you'd get a great fit if they offered just 1 cup size bigger. Unfortunately they don't (or didn't the last time I checked... H was the largest size offered).
I do have suggestions if you want a similar cup style but I'm not sure if you want that. This is a very traditional cup shape (I"m not dissing it, I personally LOVE full cups as they accommodate my center fullness well and I live in a cool climate anyway where low-cut tops aren't a staple 10 months out of the year). IF this is what you like, Panache Jasmine has a larger size range, as does Fantasie Jacqueline or Selina, with a fairly similar traditional full coverage shape (in nice fabrics).
If you want a younger, more fashionable and low-coverage style of bra, I agree with the suggestion of Cleo unlined bras although I am a bit concerned that the stretch lace upper cups will not be forgiving enough for your unusually full vertical perimeter... the apex seam could be kinda low for you as well. However the Marcie has been popular with people with a similar shape.
If you are feeling adventurous the French brands Lejaby Elixir and Empreinte in your size range really are designed for a shape that is both very tall and very full just like yours. They are expensive at full retail but ebay does have lots of options as do a variety of online discounters. You will want to study bratabase measurements carefully because they run HUGE. A 32G in either brand is often over 12" deep in the cup.
If you are comfortable buying used, the most popular Polish brands Ewa Michalak and Comexim could work in select styles but beware of plunges that will be too shallow for you at the center. In the right size and style, you will love the up and in boost from these brands. Kris Line could also be a nice one to try because they are also designed for a truly tall and full breast shape in your size range.
Updated on September 11, 2016 Flag this
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Yup, still too small and too shallow. Go with those Cleos I recommended and you'll be surprised at the lift and rounded shape, even if the size still needs tweaking.
Updated on September 11, 2016 Flag this
