Bra sizes... say what???

[Methenyouplus4]

Since bfing my 4 kiddos, I've worn a 34b (34C previously). They fit well round the waist and if anything, the top of the bra (I wear a padded t-shirt style) tends to have a gap as my boobs are pretty deflated.

Now my weight/ boob size has settled, I am investing in some decent underwear. However, when I put my measurements into online calculators, they are sizing me at 28dd or 32dd- surely this can't be right? I barely fill my b cup!

If I am just going to have to go in store, where is a good place to get measured?

Quite frankly I don't think you'll get more oomph from a larger band. IME quite the opposite, as it may well not give enough support. Try the same bras in the 30D as well to see which is best.

That's a good tip, will do and again will report back...

Branleuse - I think you are right . I measure 31 around the rib cage but I've got a bit of back fat . So I wear a 30, which feels slightly too tight until it's been worn a few times .

But a 32 is just the opposite - fine for one or two wear/ washes but then isn't firm enough to give good support for my FF or G boobs.

Sounds about right.
I wore a 36a for years until I found the bra threads on here.

Laughed when I came out as a 30d, really laughed.
They were a bit tight in the band so I now wear a 32c mostly.

Still can't quite believe it but they fit!

Interesting post, thanks OP! I've been wearing a 36c for years, until I measured myself using the guide recommended on here.

Now I'm wearing a 30e or 32dd.
I have two fitting problems though!
DD seems to be considered as huge. So in a lot of (cheaper) brands the straps are too long.
Also, I had a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction last September, my breast tissue is still soft and hasn't settled completely, and finding a non wired seam free (or very soft seam) that doesn't leave ridges and lumps on my boobs is impossible.
Around the house I wear those soft stretch things that you put on over your head but they're not supportive enough for any activity!

Cherry- could you try a sports bra? Or, I know it sounds a bit weird, but what about maternity/ nursing bras? You can get ones that have padding but are moulded rather than having seams- defo worth having a hunt around.

The breast care nurses advice is to wear sports bras so I bought some from Tescos and Sainsburys but they both have long straps. My shock absorber fits perfectly but I can only wear it for short periods as it really hurts my "drain" scars.
I'm going to look into nursing bras, thanks for that idea!

Freya do a sports bra too. Their normal bras have straps that adjust quite small, so perhaps they'd work for you too. John Lewis sell them, and I expect that Bravissimo or R&P will as well.

Thanks mrsm

Could you shorten (sew) the straps?

No bra advice, just for cherry

Thanks Kr1, they're beautiful flowers ! And good idea re sewing straps up Amazonian!

Cherry Freya do a wire free version of the deco which might work. It's got moulded cups so no seams.