Bra fitting help » Cups definitely too small, but by how much?
Panache » Wired Sport (5021A) » 32DD 32:5
Hello Bratabase community!
This is my first post, so I hope I'm providing enough info.Here we go... I ordered this bra in a 32DD because pre-pandemic I was a 32DD, but the cup size is waaay too small. The band is okay (I can pull it out an inch, maybe a bit more), but my breasts are coming out the sides, top and everywhere else possible. I don't really know the bra lingo, but the side of the underwire is not reaching my rib cage. In the center, the underwire is lifted 2 or 3 cm off my body and there is no separation of the breasts (in fact the opposite, there's excessive cleavage coming out the top).
I have searched the internet high and low to find the right bra size, which is how I found this lovely community, but I'm still at a loss. Bra calculators have told me everything from 32DD to 30GG (all in UK sizes). I've also had 2 virtual fittings- one said (for this bra) I should take a 32F and the other said a 32FF. Based on the measurements I inputted here, Bratabase suggests a 32G. So confused! Haha
Granted, I am a bigger cup size than I thought, but I still don't know which size to buy. Apparently, the cups of this bra fit a little large.
This time around, I want to try as hard as possible to order the best size for my measurements. I am ordering internationally (I live in Chile), so the customs, shipping and currency conversion add up quickly when I have to keep returning the items to other continents.
Thanks!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Suggestions (3)
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5
helpfulHi and welcome (:
We have super similar measurements; and I own this Panache Sports in a 32G, which works well for me! In general I'm around 32G UK, leaning towards 32GG depending on the brand and style.
From your pictures (in a bra that's much too small) I can't tell much about your shape; which can also influence size and fit; but going by measurements I'd recommend 32G-ish as a starter size?
Maybe 30GG if you prefer tighter bands.The easiest way to decide on which size to buy, and why Bratabase is so awesomely helpful, is by looking at measurements for each specific bra. Because not all brands size the same.
For most people, the cup depth should be similar to your breast perimeter - and the (stretched) band size should kind of match your ribcage measurement, with some breathing room.
Those 2 dimensions have been most important for me in deciding my size!Once you've tried a couple bras that fit better, you can also start narrowing down other measurements that are or aren't working for you; like cup height / wire length etc!
Good luck!
Updated on August 28, 2021 Flag this
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You're very welcome happy to help - fingers crossed for your re-orders!!
And yes I agree this community is pretty great!
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Hello and welcome! I agree with what was commented above. I have not done all my proper measurements yet for Bratabase, but at least visually you are fuller and larger than me. I have pretty shallow breasts, I usually wear a 32E/30F UK, in this bra I wear a 32F, and I know the DDD would have me spilling out as well. I agree with the suggestion of a 32G. 32FF at the smallest. I would not do the 32F I think it will still be too small on you. Best of luck. :)
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helpfulDo you have any other bras that it you correctly? Any by the same brand?
It does look like this bra is 2-3 cups too small at the very least. From what you describe in the band, I don't think you should go down, so stay at 32.
What kind of activity do you plan to do in this bra? I ask because there are chances that going anywhere from 32F/32FF/32G range may be either on the loose or tight side. So if you were to have an unperfect fit from your next bra, would it be better to fail on the loose side or the snug side?
If you plan to do high impact activity, maybe err on the smaller cup. Also, you mention that pre-pandemic your bra size was smaller, if it's weight fluctuation, maybe consider the variable as well.
Updated on September 6, 2021 Flag this
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helpfulThanks for your suggestions, Flowergirl16, Jj and bubblegum! I'm just waiting on my bra order, it should arrive any day now. I went a little overboard and grabbed a few different sizes because there was a 35% off sale (32G, 32FF, 30GG, 30G). I'll see what works (one must!!) and return the others
I'll be sure to give a report, and add pictures of the new sizes here (if I can).Updated on September 7, 2021 Flag this
Hi Bubblegum,
Thank you so much for the suggestions!!! Yes, this bra is shockingly small. I was way off :) Honestly, this is the best advice I've got for this bra. Your suggestion of checking the cup depth vs. breast perimeter is super helpful. I'm much more confident that I will find a much better fit. Also, this is a really cool community. I will have to buy more bras to interact more. Once I receive my new size, I will update the post.
Thanks again for your advice!
Edit- since I don't know your measurements, I checked out some of your bras and, yes, it seems we are similar :) I'm excited to try the new sizes when the arrive!