Just before I order lots of new bras...

[bottersnikes]

...can I check a couple of things with the resident experts?

1. my measurements are 30 underbust and 34.5 over. According to the calculator, this makes me a 30E, yes?
2. I'm currently in a (not particularly comfortable) 32D, but there is underarm fat, so this makes the 30E more likely?
3. I have bony ribs, hence I've worn a 32 band so it doesn't feel so tight I can't breathe!
4. I have wide, shallow breasts (all the weight at the bottom) with no cleavage at all, so half-cup styles are better for me, I think?

Do I continue to order 32D balconette / half-cup styles to try and find a brand that fits or are there are any 30E brands that won't feel horribly tight round my ribs?

Any suggestions welcome, I'm sooo fed up with not having a single bra that feels comfortable!

I think 32DD is more of a system size to 30E and will have a bit more room in the cup than a D

If you are measuring as a 30E then you might be better to try a 32DD if you want a less tight band. If you go straight to 32D the cup size is likely to be too snug on you.

Also annoyingly the same size can alter with different brands.

Is there a shop you can get to so that you can try some? Or maybe order online at bravisimmo and order a few different sizes till you find the right fit for you.

I have fairly wide breasts with the weight at the bottom, and find Freya / Fantasie work best for me - the wires are wide and shallow. Panache poke my armpits! So I'd recommend getting a few Freya and Fantasie to try (same company, branding is older / younger).

Try this

booborbust.com/#info_tab

I tried the booborbust site, they supported my initial measurement of 30E!

I like the Freya / Fantasie styles, and I've seen a lovely Aubade half-cup bra with fairly wide straps; are they a well-sized brand?

They're pretty consistent on sizing - though I wear full cups (don't like top jiggle), so I don't know about half cups. But I find that all their bras in my size fit, just some fit better than others.

I've not heard of aubade (but what do i know?)

my favourite bra and the only one i've worn for the past 10 years due to its perfect fit is alana by bravissimo. I think they are actually made by freya. I'm 30G and its the only one where the wires don't cause me problems.

Not worn the same one bra I hasten to add - have to change them every 6 months to maintain the needed support.

I've decided to pop into my local Bravissimo tomorrow as they stock Freya, and try on their 32D, 32DD and 30E in several ranges.
One of them must fit!

Thank you!

Good plan! I went to Bravissimo recently (I go every year or so, to re-stock), and am feeling so much more uplifted

I think Fantasie is a bit more generous in the back size than others (including Freya). I've got a 30 back and wear a 30 Fantasie but my swimming costumes (Zoggs and Speedo) and my sports bra (Freya) are all 32 backs. The lady I spoke to from Bravissimo agreed this was the case.