Just done bra intervention- this can't be right, can it?

[makemepretty17]

Pretty small of bust, I generally wear 32B. I've tried bras of this size in the past and breast tissue hasn't filled the cup, so it's a bit hit or miss whether I even think I'm this size, rather than an A.

I've just done the Bra or Bust intervention thing. Apparently I'm a 28 E. Whaaaat? This can't be right can it, especially as I don't have enough breast tissue to even fill a B cup most of the time...

Does the intervention not work for those small of nork?

@lweji my male best mate calls it the jiggle wiggle lmao

OK can anyone explain- it used to be that you'd measure your underbust rib and then add 4inches to an even number or 5 for an odd, and that was your back size. Then fullest part of bust for the cup. 1 inch fuller would be an a, etc. You can still see that way on the internet. But now it seems that you just measure your ribs and do the same thing. That's making me a 28 F not 32DD which seems mental. What is right?

Go and try a 28F bra and see just how much better it looks Contesse. I am not wholly convinced by this calculator, but the old way absolutely does NOT work.

^"From my bra fitting experience, 99% of the time women are in the wrong back size, normally at least 2 back sizes (or 4 inches) too big….”but why is that?” I hear you ask.

The ‘Plus 4’ Fitting method – ‘Measure around your ribs, add 4 or 5 inches depending on whether the number is even or odd and then measure you bust and work out your cup size from the difference in measurements.”

It was designed as a method for measuring way back in the 1950s when bras were made from silk and satin and did not stretch. The 4 inches extra allowed breathing room, something which in 2015 is completely redundant as all bras now have elastic and stretch in them. So scrap this old technique!"^

www.curvykate.com/blog/want-to-know-the-real-reason-why-women-are-wearing-the-wrong-bra-size/

That's making me a 28 F not 32DD which seems mental. What is right?

The 28F is. Or something close to it.
Start with 30E if you find the 28F too tight (or can't find it), but avoid 32DD.

They are sister sizes, which means the cup is the same size, but unless you have very perky breasts, you'll find the lower bands give you much more support.

For those new to this, here, keep in mind that different boobs fit different cup shapes.
Mine tend to suit a balconette better, because they are heavy at the bottom and empty on top.
And different brands may be slightly different on sizes. So, definitely try different sizes and shapes before buying.

Have any of you seen a 28 anything in a normal shop?

I used to wear 34b and my boobs didn't fill the cups. Turns out I'm a 30dd and they fit perfectly. Best thing I ever did was to get a proper fitting bra!

A 34A is the same volume of boob as a 32B as a 30C as a 28D. 34A sounds like small boobs, 28D sounds curvy. They're the same size boobs!

30 back sizes are now much more widely available, but very few 28.

Even those available online tend to be in a limited range of styles. I had to get 30C because the 28D were all deeply unflattering on me, and I needed a proper moulded cup plunge.

The intervention has never worked on me. I usually wear 34/36 C. The bra calculator me wearing an 32 E. Well I tried loads, couldn't get any 32s to actually do up. And the cups. Well I could get my boob and both hands in each one.

I have small boobs that have stretched from pregnancy. When I bend over they are long. But standing up there isn't much flesh, it's mostly skin.

I tried E, DD too. All too big. Annoying because my bras definitely don't fit properly.

Yes and then you have the shape thing. My boobs have a large circumference as in start high, end low, fairly central nipples. How does that compare with 'long' boobs that might have the same size in inches?

Have any of you seen a 28 anything in a normal shop?

You can't usually find them except in Bravissimo, or other specialised shops, but with a small range. Forget most high street shops.
But they do exist.

I'd worn 36B for years and now I'm in a 34D or DD depending on the bra. I think I measured as a 32DD but that seemed horrendously tight. I might go and try some on again actually.

I never in a million years thought I was a DD!

I fit into a 32b but the calculator thing came back with 32E. Weird. I'm also a different cup size when I'm on my period, so I'd need two sizes of bra.

But I think one of the benefits of having small tits is not having to wear a bra!

I wear an 80B from Marie Jo and it fits perfectly. I tried on loads of bras after I finished bfing ds2 and this was the size and style that was best.
I’ve just done the calculator and it’s saying 32E. This is ridiculous. The E cup is massive! And that’s at approximately the same strap size.
I maintain it doesn’t work for smaller boobs.

This is why measuring alone doesn't work.
You have to try the bras on and ensure they fit.
The measures are just a guide.
See if the band doesn't stretch too much.
See if the breast tissue doesn't spill from the cup.
See if the gore stays flat against the chest.
See if you can lift your arms without lifting the bra as well.
See if there's no gapping in the cup (and note that cups too small can gap because the breast can't fit properly inside).

The measures are just a starting point.

But I'd try first that 32E before deciding it's wrong.

The 32 E would be a Marie Jo 70E, so quite different from the 80. On an 80, the equivalent cup would be D.
The B may fit you, or seem to fit, because the band is too loose.

I never understood why you used to add 4 or 5 onto your under bust measurement to get your band size.

Always seemed ridiculous to me.

Bra 1 vs...

Bra 2... which is which and which is better?

OP here- so either 32B or 28E

I would say bra2 is the 28E and I think it looks more supportive and gives a better shape

Bra1 looks too small in the cup

Sister sizes of 28E are 30DD, 32D, 34C so 32B would be too small if you measure as 28E

The second one looks significantly better!

@makemepretty17 Second one is better but not perfect - I think you could do with something with narrower set straps as those look as though they’re in danger of falling off your shoulders. So I’d try a few different styles in that size. I think Freya / Fantasie come up narrower, and Panache wider, but the bra experts on here will know better than I do.