Bra fitting help » too big or too small? not sure how to find the right size
Panache » Jasmine Balconnet Bra (6951) » 32FF 32:8
Issue resolved
Ended up trying both an extender and the 34E and 34F sizes, confirming that the 34 band feels better overall, but basically none of them worked for me. 34F was closest, but I didn't like the shape on me, 32FF with an extender looked the best if I didn't move, but if I did it became clear the cups were too big. I'm returning all of them and trying again with some other styles.
Original problem
From the front view this bra seems to look pretty good, I think? I'm a little new to the bra sizing adventures, so I don't really know what 'fits correctly' looks or feels like on me.
Which brings me to the problem: I can't tell if this is too big or too small or both (too big in the cup, perhaps, too small in the band)? It's wrinkling/puckering around the nipple with the lace, but seems like maybe is not fitting on the sides-- I'm not sure how much my lumpiness under my arms is just being overweight and how much is ill-fitting bra. The band seems really tight for what I'm used to, maybe a little too tight, it's kind of on the borderline of 'might cause pain' over long periods of wearing it, but it could also stretch out a bit and be fine, I'm not sure. But I don't know if that's contributing to the problem or not.
I did also try on a 32F which is my supposed size by measurements, I believe, but that definitely seemed to be too small. Major spilling over the sides and mild quad-boob when I stretched on that one, but the front of the bra wasn't gaping near the nipple like this one is.
There's a separate problem of the straps being quite wide on me, so I'm a little reluctant to try to go up a band size, but I definitely wouldn't be able to go down one-- 32 is already potentially too tight. Any advice?
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Suggestions (3)
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The oozing out at the sides you're getting I think is because the bra doesn't have enough coverage there. This may not actually be breast tissue, some ladies have skin which is a bit mobile/stretchy under their arms, and it's much harder, and not needful from a support perspective to get this in your bra cup. If you do want to try and hold it down, a taller wing and cup will help you out.
Can you possibly double-check those measurements for the band length? If the bra really does only stretch to 71cm/28", that would be way too tight for you, to the point where I'm suprised if you could fasten it, and that would be causing fit issues (Also that seems really weird for a 32 band, which would normally stretch to roughly 32"). I think it's worth confirming the measurements on the bra prior to giving suggestions about sizing.
Updated on January 7, 2015 Flag this
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That seems more normal, thanks! It's possible this colourway runs a little snug, but that's within what I'd expect for a 32 band from Panache.
I'd say that to me, the cup looks borderline too big, but if you felt like the smaller size was too small, you may be between sizes in this cut and you would just have to decide which fit issues trouble you more.
As your comfy underbust is about 81cm/32", you may find that you prefer a 34 band, at least in styles which run a bit firmer like this one. I know you said you were a bit worried about strap placement, but a slightly looser band will pull the straps out less, plus a smaller cup (to maintain the same volume, you'd go down a cup size when you go up a band size) generally has straps closer together. So, maybe 34F will be a better size to try future bras in. (The cup of the Jasmine is pretty generous) You only need to have a bra which is firm enough to be supportive, it doesn't have to be the tightest you can tolerate. You could try the bra with an extender, but this will pull the straps even further apart, so it may not be comfortable.
I'm not super familiar with the offerings in your size range sorry, but it seems from your adventure that you're fortunate enough to be able to order and try a few bras at the same time, which is very helpful on the start of a bra fit journey. It often takes a few batches before you can get something which is good if you're ordering online. If you really want to try the Jasmine again, I'd suggest going for a 34E or 34F , but I think this is always only going to be an 'okay' bra on you, and that you'd be able to get a fit. I know that the Cleo Lucy is a solid performer for breasts with more lower fullness (like yours) in this size range, but it doesn't have a particularly high wing, so won't help with holding extra tissue in place. I'm sure that another user would be able to give you some more detailed suggestions of things to try out.
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With a comfortable measurement of exactly 32" I'd say you're a bit borderline in terms of being able to comfortably wear 32 bands in a firmer-running brand like Panache (certainly don't do it in Cleo, you will die!) If you were a lot heavier/squishier, it'd be a no brainer to do a +0, but I don't think it is working too well here--I can see signs of excess tension and the cups being distorted horizontally by the supertight band. I also think that the cup is a hair too big, but it's harder to notice it because the band being so tight kind of obscures that reality.
I would try both this size with an extender, and a 34E, and see what this reveals about the cup volume you need.
Updated on January 8, 2015 Flag this
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Yeah, I had one Cleo in the batch I tried and pretty much died, heh. I'll see about getting an extender, thanks!
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Good luck! I hope you can find a comfy fit.
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I would try 34E and 34F to see how they fit. It seems like the cup is too big and the too small band is making it appear alright in size, but you can do better.
Updated on January 8, 2015 Flag this
Hm, I tried to remeasure the stretched band and I did manage to get it out to 31.5... it might go further than that, but that was as much as I could get with trying not to lose the measuring tape while keeping it stretched.
And good to know on the sides, thanks.