Quest for a bra after weightloss/breastfeeding- please help!

[FujiSakura]

I have been really struggling to find a bra that fits my new shape (or lack of) and I'm really hoping someone can help.

I have gone from a 36D/ size 14 to what I think, through trial and error and various measurements, is a 36A/ size 8.
To look at, my upper torso looks pretty small at the moment but my back measurement still seems to be a 36.

I really want a bra that I can wear under clothes to give me a boost and some shape. Clothes don't seem to fit properly at the top sometimes as I don't have anything there anymore. Every bra that I buy seems to gape at the top but I can't get a smaller cup size. I am not bothered about creating a cleavage as I don't really wear low cut tops and bras that do that just seem to pile my now empty breast tissue up in an unattractive way. I would like padding though to create shape.

Physical shops do not seem to ever stock my size and I have lost count of the number of times I have bought a bra online, only to have to return it again. The latest being from Pour Moi which I was particularly excited about as these specific ones were aimed at smaller breasts and promised 'no gape'. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[stayathomenightmare]

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Grey-Lace-Underband-Invisible-Bralette-/136890081-Grey

I've bought some of these and I'm a size 14 with small breasts. They are comfortable and cheap so might be worth a try.

[poorbuthappy]

When you say tight how do you mean?
It's going to be tight. It has to support your boobs.
The majority of the support comes from the band not the straps.
And you're used to wearing a 36 band.
A 30 will feel tight to start with.
Measure using the BOB method and start from there. The FB BOB fit page is very helpful.

[PurpleDaisies]

Should have said, some fantasie bras have side support which might help with the arm pit issue. I find them really comfy. I’m a size 8 and wear a 30F.

[PurpleDaisies]

The armpit rolls sounds like the cup size was too small. Maybe try a 32D/E cup. The bands will feel tough after wearing one that’s at least four inches too big for you. You’ll be surprised how quickly you adjust.

Different brands size slightly differently so it might be worth trying a few to find one that fits you best.

Is there a bravissimo anywhere near you? It might be worth a day trip.

[FujiSakura]

OK, the saga continues! First, I tried a 30D and the band was way too tight and cut into my back. The cup fit wasn't too bad. I then tried a 32C and the band was still a little tight. The cup size seemed ok and I might have made do but it gave me horrible armpit area rolls at the side. I don't know where I go from here in terms of what size to try next. Feel like I'm back to square one again. I'm surprised how tight the bands have been considering other people have said similar measurements to mine wear a 28-30 back. Maybe I am a 36 after all and have a strange shape? Unfortnately I live in a small town and there isn't anywhere I can just go in and try on multiple sizes so stuck in this constant process of buying one or two bras online and sending them back when they don't fit. Help!

[FujiSakura]

I will also try the Boob or Bust method as suggested

[FujiSakura]

I've ordered a couple of different bras in a 30D so fingers crossed this will be the one (or at least close!). I have a lot of money tied up in still to be returned bras haha

[GalaxyGirl24]

I'm a 34 back when I'm a size 10, and a 36 when I'm a 12/14!!! Surprised at everyone saying that seems too wide

[TooMinty]

This one www.calvinklein.co.uk/bralette-modern-cotton-000qf1654e020

[TooMinty]

I'm a 6-8 and measure as 28D but for comfort I wear 30C. Calvin Klein do them, as do Boux Avenue. Although since lockdown I have only worn CK racer back bralettes, not sure I can ever go back to underwired... There is one with a bit of padding to give shape.

[porridgeface]

Definitely measure using boob or bust

[Winkywonkydonkey]

Maybe up quite a few cupsizes? I thought I was very flat but still wearing a 28F!

[FuzzyPuffling]

Going up the cup size will solve the tightness

I thought it would, but it didn't, and I tried several brands, sizes and styles. I still got uncomfortably constricted around my rib cage.

Maybe I am just a funny shape!

[Winkywonkydonkey]

@FuzzyPuffling

I'm a size 12 and a 36 band size. Anything less is uncomfortably tight - and I have tried.

Going up the cup size will solve the tightness

[FuzzyPuffling]

I'm a size 12 and a 36 band size. Anything less is uncomfortably tight - and I have tried.

[FujiSakura]

Thank you so much everyone. Just taking it through on here and reading about people in similar situations is really helpful. Yes, that's a good way to describe it, I have lost the top breast tissue and have some excess skin there and things are a lot lower than they used to be. So much more to consider now when trying to get the fit right!

[CoronaCurls]

You need to measure using the Boob or Bust system on their website OP - it will change your life!!!

[deathbyprocrastination]

Agree with winky re balconette styles. I’ve got a lovely one from Panache, which fits v well and creates a bit of cleavage with even my teeny boobs

[bookish83]

I would not think 36 at a size 8

What i found is that i needed a bra that suits boobs that are full at the bottom, and have a good sized cup. Before i thought my armpits were spilling out but i tried a bigger cup and it solved it!

T shirt bras dont work for me now post breastfeeding. Its like my boobs are lacking at the top!

[DigOutThoseLemonHandWipes]

According to your measurements you are wearing a band size bigger than the fullest part of your breasts! That cannot possibly fit. I think you need to check your measurements (use the boob or bust method and then try on the band size your measurements give and and the next size up in a variety of cup sizes using the cupsize generated by B or B as a starting point.

[deathbyprocrastination]

I’m a size 8 and wore a 36A for a decade before realising it was completely the wrong size. when I finally got properly measured about 6 years ago discovered that a size 28D or 28DD is perfect. No gaping, bit of shape / boost and bras look 10 times better. I usually go for a moulded cup with underwires. I had to go to a small local lingerie shop though to find a proper range. Not M&S who, despite their reputation, are apparently terrible at measuring accurately.

[Winkywonkydonkey]

I'm in the same boat and yes you'll be a smaller band and bigger cup. Balconette style bras are supposed to be better for a loss of top boob fullness but I still find it a struggle to find a non gaping cup and like you have gone from a 14 to an 8/10.

[dementedpixie]

@HBGKC

does anyone know where one can find these elusive small band/large cup size bras..?

I'm also (almost) post-breastfeeding multiple children, and because I used to be a D cup, my (empty ) breasts are still quite wide at their base, IYSWIM? Even though v shallow now - probs an A cup. So I'm after a wide but shallow cup with a 28 or 30 band size, preferably not in polyester...

Brastop maybe
I got my dd a 28F from amazon

[dementedpixie]

That all needs scooping into the cup
BTW a 36A has same cup volume as 34B and 32C and 30D and they are all sister sizes (same cup volume on different back sizes)

[HBGKC]

does anyone know where one can find these elusive small band/large cup size bras..?

I'm also (almost) post-breastfeeding multiple children, and because I used to be a D cup, my (empty ) breasts are still quite wide at their base, IYSWIM? Even though v shallow now - probs an A cup. So I'm after a wide but shallow cup with a 28 or 30 band size, preferably not in polyester...