Why is my bra too small for me?

[asblackasyoursoul]

I've gained weight during lockdown and noticed my bras weren't fitting as well, discovered I have gone from 32C to 32D.
Got some new ones last week and the cup fit is great however the band is far too tight. After taking it off today I had a big red ring around me where the band was.

The confusion is this: underbust I measure 29inch. I've tried 30 band sizes in the past which again were far too tight on me. Why are they so tight, and why is the 32 band so tight, if I am measuring 29inches underbust?
It seems that I need a 34 band but again with my actual measurement that's 5 inches larger.

@veryvery thank u again for your help.
That makes sense.
I truly hope you continue to stay well. 💕

@withlotsoflove, thanks.

Feeling comfortable is definitely the thing. And bras vary from style to style and, for me, over the month. I've got bras in 32F, 32FF, 34E, 34F - that's what works for me. Black bras tend to be better in 34F, for me. I don't fill a full cup bra at all - balconet only.

It's not a religion - it's just helpful to know.

lojoko yes absolutely true. So annoying that we can't try on in shops as had to buy a huge array in different sizes plus styles: versatile, T shirt, balcony etc. One size in one type fitted and then didn't in a different style so I have a mix. Got lots to take back though and will try some others too.

What I had mistaken as side fat was actually boob so that also was a lightbulb moment.

I would say go with whats comfortable, I used to be a bra fitter, and yes it was in the day when you added 4/ 5 inches, but we didn't it was a guide to start with, our customers tried lots of bras on to get a good fit, sometimes buying 4 to 5 bras at a time different brands and different sizes and they came back time after time for many years, i measure 30 under the bust but no way can I ware a 30 I go between a 32 E and 34 DD if I could ware a 30 it might be a f cup but I find it comes two far up under the arm and dig in