Why does my underwire snap?

[MyNameGotChanged2]

I'm annoyed... I've had this bra less than 6 months and the underwire just snapped. The only reason I have this one is because my last one snapped too.

Each time it's snapped because I've twisted my torso to the left and then down, in the seated position, to pick something up off the ground.

Is it because this kind of "acrobatics" aren't permitted? Is it snapping because it's the wrong size? Any ideas how to stop it (outside of not doing that manouvre... and in my defense I didn't think about it this time)?

In the interests of not drip feeding... the bra IS the wrong size. I don't have any options as no bras exist in my proper size so I'm just making do until I learn how to make them my damn self!

TIA!

[addictedtosugar]

What is the difference between current size and required size?
I've just tried to put ck something off the floor from your description. Can't feel that its putting a strain on a he wires on me, but then I've never snapped a wire (mine come through the central gore!!!).

[MyNameGotChanged2]

I should be in something larger than a 36KK (UK sizing) but they don't make them bigger than that (correction, they apparently DO and I've tried on this one that purports to be bigger and it put Madonna to shame while still not fitting properly... my husband thought it was hilarious :S) I did the "sizing" thingy that does the rounds on here and it looks like I should be a 36N.

My last one was a 36KK but too small in the cup but I wore it anyway (while searching for bigger) and ultimately the wire snapped.

The one I'm wearing now is a 44H (US sizing). It's the biggest back with the biggest cup that I could find in my immediate area at the time I was being stabbed by my other one..

[AnythingNotEverything]

Have you ever been fitted?

This comes in both a 34 and 36L, and a bra extender might get you the extra cup size you need:

www.bravissimo.com/m/#products/lingerie/sensational-sets/alana-bra/black/au01bl/

[addictedtosugar]

Hmm, I can see the size differential between what you can get, and what you need could cause the strain. Please don't shoot me, have you looked at nursing bras?? Might go a bit bigger in the cup sizes?

[TripTrapTripTrapOverTheBridge]

No idea, but I get that too. If I lean/twist to the side the wire snaps just down where it curves up to the outer side and digs in causing pain :(

[MyNameGotChanged2]

addictedtosugar you know, not lately... That's a good idea. No offense taken. Whatever it takes honestly!!

AnythingNotEverything many moons ago yes. They don't go "big enough" anymore though :S To be honest I haven't found a store in my area for the big boobed lot so most of what I have to look at is online... I may have to trek to Chicago (the nearest town I can think of that might have more than usual).

[AnythingNotEverything]

Do try a bra extender. As lightly bigger back can gain you a cup size. I used these on my nursing bras in the early days.

www.amazon.co.uk/3-Hook-Bra-Extender-Triple-Pack/dp/B0014QUNYW?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Didn't realise you were in the US. Bravissimo won't be much help to you there

[goodasitgets]

They're not the cheapest but here. Sizes in drop down list and custom up to MM cup I think
www.ewa-michalak.pl/eng_m_FB-full-bust-wzmacniany-na-fiszbinach-typu-balkonetka-202.html

[MyNameGotChanged2]

goodasitgets Okay I converted the price. Nearly had a heart attack seeing 360! US$95 isn't as bad in comparison :P Thanks for the link!

[addictedtosugar]

their nk this is a UK 36n, but i n the US?? Needs further investigation, but might be worth a look?

[MyNameGotChanged2]

Thanks addictedtosugar the problem I run into is US sizing is smaller than UK sizing. A 36K in the US is only a 36H in UK sizing. So a US 34N is a UK 36JJ :( I need about a 36N UK (going by the sizing guide thing where you measure the difference) which would be a:
US - UK
N -JJ
O - K
P - KK
Q - L
R - LL?
S - M?
T - MM?
U - N?

At this point who bloody knows!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

US sizing is much smaller, you're right. However, have you heard of Ewa Michalak? Polish brand, Popular with lots of big boobed ladies and they've recently released a fuller bust range (amusing as they already did sizes as high as UK brands!) which goes up to an L in a 36, or am M in a 38 as standard, but they will also do custom orders up to a 36N.

The style you're looking for is the FB, for example

I haven't tried the FB, but I have loads of their other cuts and they are really good.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Oops didn't see goodasitgets post!

[addictedtosugar]

I took the D11 to be 11 sizes post d, so efghijklmno. Yep. OK still not big enough. Sorry.

[MyNameGotChanged2]

So if the last size I wore was a KK, and I double-boobed (quad boob?) in that size, what size do you think I should try on the Ewa site? I'm concerned about picking wrong and being unable to return/expensive to return.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I'd suggest ordering something in the standard sizes first - yes you'll have to pay returns to Poland but at least you'll get a good idea of sizing. How bad was the quad boob? Normally quad is at least two cups too small IME, and mega quad is more. Ewa also run a wee bit snug sometimes, so I'm thinking up 3 cups at least which would be a 36M

Maybe try the 38LL or M (as they're readily available rather than non returnable customs) and see how you get on?As I mentioned their bands are a bit snug so the 38 might be fine anyway, but if not it will give you a pretty good idea of where to go from there

[MyNameGotChanged2]

Statistically I'd say probably between the two of those honestly and agree perhaps a 38M is the way to go there...

Will report back if/when I get around to doing this. It's still $$ and in my experience takes a few weeks to arrive from overseas.

Thank you to everyone in advance!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

It depends with Ewa - if it's in stock (the one I linked to is funnily enough in the 85M (which is the 38) then I find they normally take about a week. They are more expensive for the FB range but to be fair to them I can imagine it's taken a fair bit of development and they won't have the same sales volumes either.

Custom orders are normally 2 weeks plus shipping.

[BitterChocolate]

Have you tried Ample Bosom, it's where I buy my bras from and they go up to a wide range of cup sizes.

[TattyDevine]

I have problems where underwires occasionally snap, I also have a more common problem where the underwire starts poking out the point where it is inserted and stitched up during the manufacturing process. Expensive bras do it, cheap bras do it. I have taken to keeping the bag and receipt when I buy a bra and putting it away in a drawer to ensure I get at least 3 months wear out of a bra, and if something snaps or breaks before then then I consider my statutory rights have been violated, particularly when I've spent £32 or something.

And yes I have been fitted, and yes I have tried the bra intervention website and done the whole tiny back size massive cup size experiment, I've spent a lot of time tweaking the fit, making sure the band at the front sits snug in between the boobs against the chest wall yada yada and all the other signs of a well fitted bra like the back not being too high too low too medium riding up etc etc.

I think I just have razor sharp boobs or summat

[TattyDevine]

Sometimes I imagine my bra just wails "we can't do this anymore!" and just explodes and dies.

[AnythingNotEverything]

Tatty I believe it the wire is poking out at one of the ends, you can use that sticky backed foam roll stuff people use on corns/bunions on their feet to cover and secure it. The warmer it gets the better it sticks apparently. Worth a go.

[Eastpoint]

Tatty Do you wash your bras in a laundry bag? I know they all say hand wash but I use a bag and make sure the backs are done up, then they don't twist when they are in the machine.

[MyNameGotChanged2]

BitterChocolate I hadn't but I did and they DO have a 36N except it's US sizing, not UK so it's too small. Thank you though!

TattyDevine Ha! I'd be willing to bet mine express the same emotion :P

I only ever handwash mine. The amount of money I spend on them I wasn't willing to risk it!

I think I've decided to either order from Ewa or make one myself. I've got all the tools, just need to buy the material etc. The underwire selection is the hardest part imo so I'm going to use one that I still have from the 36KK and see how that one goes as a start for framing a boob. Should be interesting!

I will try and remember to report back whatever happens :)