Bra Interventionalists! If a 32H is just too tight

[MrsBoreanaz]

round the back, (but fits perfectly on the cup) what size should I try next? Or should I just use a bra extender?

Thanks!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

What do you measure firmly underbust?

[CapnMurica]

34GG. I wouldn't use a bra extender, they kind of distort the way your bra fits you.

[MrsBoreanaz]

32" statistically, maybe a smidgen over.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

sorry I should have asked which bra it is. Also what size were you wearing previously?

[MrsBoreanaz]

The 32H is a Panache Emily and I was wearing a 36DD before

[eurochick]

The bra intervention stuff doesn't work for me. It makes me a 32D. I find it far too tight and incredibly uncomfortable. I much prefer the 36Bs I have been wearing for years.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

OK, panache do run on the snug side sometimes, but I'm also wondering if it is actually too tight or if it just feels uncomfortable because you've made such a dramatic size change. It's a bit like when you first put on summer sandals after a winter in boots, and promptly get a blister - there are a whole bunch of new pressure points etc to get used to. So, it could be that this bra is a wee bit snug (try sister sizing to the 34gg), but it might also be worth giving it another try for short periods to get used to it. Whilst generally I don't recommend extenders, they can be useful when you're getting used to a new size. When the bra is on back to front, how far from your body can you pull the band?

eurochick. Bra intervention is about finding a bra which fits not about slavishly following any specific measuring approach. The starting measurement is a guide only and we say this very very often. The whole point is to understand what a well fitting bra looks and feels like. Also, some people don't like the feel of a bra which fits properly. My mum is one of them.

[LoveMyBoots]

I just measured myself using the guidelines on the Better Bra Campaign website and I'm a bit taken aback by the results to say the least.

Can anyone help me to check I've done it right? I measured 31 inches under and 38 inches over (using the bending over method) which would make me either a 30h (yikes!) or a 32f. This is a lot different to the 34dd that my most recent bra fitting put me at, although that was a while ago.

I'm going to go to Bravissimo and have them measure me, but it would be good to have an idea of what size I'm likely to be.

[MrsBoreanaz]

On the Loosest notches, about 3 inches if I pull the band hard... On the tightest about 1.5 in.

It's the right size, isn't it? I just need to get used to it??

[SorrelForbes]

LoveMyBoots You've skipped a letter somewhere. Try 30F/FF and 32E/F. The cup volume of a 34DD is roughly the same as a 30F/30E so not that much a change actually. However, the tighter band will give you more support. I wouldn't be surprised if at your Bravissimo fitting they try you in 30FF/G in some styles.

[LoveMyBoots]

Sorrel Thanks for the prompt reply. Now you mention it, I probably missed the DD/FF/GG sizes when calculating. 30FF/G doesn't sound quite so bad!

I last got measured in John Lewis, but it looks like they did the old fashioned way of adding 4 inches.

I'll definitely go to Bravissimo and see what they say.

Thanks again!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Yup, I think it is the right band size. If you're getting 3 inches on the loosest - which is how you should be wearing it when it's new, get it off those tight notches - then I don't think it's too small tbh.

[MrsBoreanaz]

Thank you statistically! Really appreciate your help. I shall persevere.

[fitz1503]

I was wearing a 36g, I then got measured and am now wearing a 32h, it feels a lot tighter but fits me in the cup so as this is only day 2 I'm going to persevere and hope they become more comfortable.