Bra fitting help » Straps/underwire cause armpit chafing on every bra
Thirdlove » 24/7 Classic T-shirt Bra » 32G 32G
Issue resolved
I avoided buying any wired bras
Original problem
32G (US)/32F (UK) - This bra feels like the straps are set too far apart and the underwire goes up too far around my boob where they both dig in around my armpit crease, especially when I move my arms around. The cup size looks good and no spillage or wrinkles, but I have this recurring problem with every bra I try in this size. If I go down a cup size (32DDD), it does not work and boob spills out on top and on sides. The band size is comfortable on the loosest hook and going down to a 30 would probably suffocate me. Would appreciate some other bra recommendations to address this recurring issue.
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Suggestions (6)
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helpfulIt looks as though we are twins. In all of the most important measurements, we are identical. ( I did not take some of the others) And even my shoulders are only 10.5. I just opened Bratabase and saw your note. Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer. Yes, the straps on your bra do look to be set quite wide. Narrow shoulders— uug. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Just a few weeks ago, I was fitted into a Fantasie full cup support. Size 32f. I think the size is not right for me. It is so frustrating. Fitters do not necessarily know what you need and their job is also to sell you something. Tomorrow, I have the chance to go to a Nordstrom. So I’ll try on several Fantasies, hopefully, to get a correct size. Maybe a 30G, if they even carry such a thing in the store. I’ll order one that is specifically for narrow shoulders. I’ve read that center cup straps should work the best for us. But the pickings are slim for that. And that side or “wing” on yours is 4”. Those pinch me too under the arm. Probably because I’m petite. I totally empathize with you and I wish that I could be of more help. If I come across anything that may work, I will let you know.
Updated on April 25, 2022 Flag this
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I just ordered 3 Fantasies. I will let you know how I make out and also the wing height. P.S. I just noticed from your pictures that the separation between our breasts is different. Your look very close together and mine are average (I think). So that may make a difference in what works. Hopefully, I'll have the new bras by end of week!
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I just tried on two Freya bras in 32F (UK) and they were too big. I am ordering a 30F and 32E to try in the same type, however the fit was pretty comfortable for me minus the cup size being too large. The straps were not too far over and the band was very comfortable. Have you tried them yet? The two I tried were the Idol Underwire Molded T-shirt bra and the Fancies Underwire Balcony T-shirt bra. More trial and error on the way...
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None of the Fantasie bras worked. They were all too long in the cup. Meaning the bottom of the cup sat on my rib cage, almost one inch below my breast tissue. I wonder if this means the cups are too deep? Must continue on my search.
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Hello again! I’m still on the search. I am working with Bare Necessities via phone. They are very nice and are allowing me to make free returns while trying to find a fit. Have another order arriving on Monday 5/23. Thanks for your above note!
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After so much trial and error I had paused my search. None of the Freya or Fantasie bras worked for me, and I spent so much time buying and returning. In the meantime, I've been finding comfort just using simple bralettes around the house and even outside the house - I'm just so sick of underwire cutting into my rib cages and armpits. Have you had any luck yet?
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Hi! This is Carol…. I too tried maybe 50 from Fantasie, Freya, Panache. ALL straps would fall down. Finally, I got a virtual fitting from
Levanabratique.com. Contact Judy, the owner. She works with you by email. If you have taken any pictures of your fit issues, you can send them to her. It’s best to get fitted in a soft cup, cut and seamed bra. A molded cup, which is what your Third Love is, rarely fits anyone well. Believe me, when they fit well, the seams and lace barely show through a white tee. She charges $25.00 for the fitting and her choices for you to try. If you order, the $25 is refunded.My first order of bras did not work, but my second try did! Everyone’s breast shape is different, but this the one that fit me and the straps stay put! It’s A Polish brand. Ewa Michalak “Tulip Lace BMB”. And the “PL Biszkopty Biscuit Bra PLZ. The Polish bras are comfy, beautiful and uplifting. The Biscuit bra is quite an ooh La La look. The straps look wide, but they stay up on me. Give Judy and Levanabratique a try. Gotta go, but I’ll send you another note later. -
Hi again! I wanted to mention a few other things, but ran out of time this morning. Do you follow "A Bra that Fits" a facebook group? They offer lots of information about bras and fitting. However, they insist that the Ewa Michalak brand only fits those with narrow roots. If it weren't for Levana Bratique, I would have never have found my "Bra that Fits". I don't believe that my roots are narrow, but average to wide. However, when you have my breasts on a very narrow frame, if my shoulders were to become wider, (more normal), then my roots would be looking more narrow. Maybe that's why the Polish bras fit me. The point is, everyone's shape is different, and there's no telling until you try on the bra. Also, the wings-sides of these bras can be high, 4" or more, but they are not anywhere near my underarm. (it must be something to do with the entire cut of the bra). So that problem is gone. Many of the Ewa Michalak bra do have wide set straps, but the style that I mentioned earlier works for me.
When you order from Levana, you do have to pay for shipping. But you may not be charged for tax, so it's a wash. Returns are easy and refunds come in 2-3 weeks. I hope all this is helpful and that you will soon have some very supported and happy "girls"!
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helpfulThere are fit issues with this bra. You can try the freya idol in 30H/HH uk to see if it works for you. Good luck! I hope this helps!
Updated on April 27, 2022 Flag this
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@ tater200 Hi thanks for the suggestion, I believe the sizing would be 30 or 32 F/FF UK. This bra is 32G US. There seem to be multiple "Freya Idol" bras, starlight idol, idol balcony, fancies idol, molded bra...etc.
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Bratabase sizing is wrong then. That’s true. Plenty of options available. Sorry I’m not much help.
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helpfulI hate that for you. Have you looked at the average size of the cup depth and wire length for all the bras you’ve found this problem on? I would start there, and buy/try on based on wire length and cup depth to see if that’s a solution. Have you ever found one bra where the wire lands right on you? Also, have you tried an extender on a smaller size? Measure across the front from where you want the underwires to hit, multiply that by 2 to get the band size to try, then try an extender on the back? Just spitballing ideas.
Updated on April 29, 2022 Flag this
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All 32G (US) bras do this to me, but I ordered some different bras to try via Amazon, will update if those work out. I have the issue where my bra tissue covers such a wide area of my chest that I need the cup to actually fully cover it, but not so much as to reach up to my armpit and irritate me when moving around. Any size smaller, the quad boob effect and nip slip happen. The straps being right above the edge of the cup (not sure of the terminology), make it difficult, also. Not sure if there are any bras with half sizes between DDD and G. Again, I'm in the US - sorry for confusion. Why are bra sizes different between countries? Gah!
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Of course if you tried going down on the band for an extender, you would size up on the cup to its sister size. But that’s just one possible solution.
I have found that balconette bras have shorter wings on the sizes, and the underwire does not rise up into the armpits as much. I prefer the fit of balconette bras most of all because of this. I am even fullness though. Fuller on top might not prefer balconette.
As far as straps, I do not think those go in drastically with balconettes. (They might.) A severe alteration could be just cutting the strap and sewing it back on closer in if and when you find a bra that is perfect everywhere else. The extender and smaller band size was suggested mainly to solve this issue (the straps being too far out).
I am finding and trying a new type of bra I’ve never seen before called “side support” that I am assuming (and hoping) might solve this problem for both of us. Pushing the side breast tissue in so it’s not directly under the armpit. I have not had a lot of experience with this “style” of bra yet, so I cannot say much on it, but I thought I’d pass it along.
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helpfulI have the exact same problem. Part of the reason Warner's bras are great for me and VS usually suck. Using an extender or altering your bras is probably the best advice I can give, but the part of the cup right by the strap, the apex, is hard to just chop off and re-attach since you'd be damaging the cup and exposing the foam it's one of the hardest issues to find a fix for there are few bras made close set. I think it's for versatility and to look smooth or something under shirts. But I would be happy if the strap connected closer to the middle of the cup on more bras for comfort and for better support.
Updated on May 6, 2022 Flag this
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helpfulI have this issue a lot, because I am petite and have wide roots. I need wires that go a little further back under the armpit, but it sounds like you don't have particularly wide roots and could use narrower underwires. Perhaps start with narrower cups instead? Also, side support styles might be helpful, along with styles that have straps that are centered over the apex (instead of at the side of the cup), or front closure designs. Avoid balconette styles, which have wide-set straps, and avoid tall plunge styles as the straps will be wide-set with the cups extending to the armpit crease area. Plunge styles with center-set straps may work better.
Personally, I find side support styles to be a pretty safe bet, or I go for my custom Comexim plunges with reduced cup height, moved in straps, and additional cup depth. Good luck!
Updated on May 10, 2022 Flag this
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helpfulTake a look at Panache Cari spacer. It also has a J-hook if you prefer the straps to be more angeled towards your neck. I don't have similar size but the bra itself is excellent. This spacer is a firm stretch so it does not expand as much as the Wacoal Basic beauty spacer.
Updated on June 21, 2022 Flag this
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The problem with buying a smaller band size and adding an extender is that it makes the straps even wider apart. I am a different size from you but I have bought and sent back over 40 bras in the last year and pretty much every one cut into my arms like yours did.
J-hooks work for lots of people but I am very low and the straps are never long enough to use a J-hook comfortably for me.
Elomi has a couple bras with narrower-set straps (Priya, Bijou, Cate) and Goddess has the Kayla and the Keira, but the wires are in the wrong place for me. They might work for you.
It would be helpful, I think, if bra measurements included the distance between the straps when the bra is being worn!
Good luck. It's hard not to get discouraged!
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Do you have a recommendation for a smaller wing bra? I haven't had much luck yet...I returned this bra. Hoping the next batch that come in the mail will be the one(s). Good luck to you, too.