Bra bands are painful, any suggestions?

[Pootle22]

So I probably do have a bra fitting problem. I wear a 32F but fittings at M&S/John Lewis/Boux/Bravissimo range between 36C and 30FF. Boob or bust method says 28HH.

No matter what they say after measuring I usually end up being sold a 32F and it seems to fit according to all the criteria.

My problem is that I find the band under my boobs really painful. I've tried varying the band size but 30 feels very tight and 34 too loose. I've also tried different styles but I even have this issue with sports bras.

I think it's the way I'm built. Big boobs but my ribcage is really just skin over bone, even when I put on weight it just doesn't go on there.

So I think I need a padding option. I usually wear a cami under my top and tuck it under my bra when things get too much! I've ordered a liner thing that's intended to soak up sweat in summer but presumably will also give a bit of padding. Are there any other solutions you're aware of? I think I'd really like something more cushioned. Or are there bras with padded bands anywhere?

Thanks.

Have you tried a bra extender? They're super cheap to buy from sewing shops or eBay and make some of my bras so much more comfortable.

If 30 is too tight and 34 too loose, try 32!
I come up as a 28 but find it too tight, so go for a 30.
It might not be the back size though. If the cup is the wrong size it could dig in under your boobs, and may feel like a tight band.

Might be counterintuitive, but what about a long line bra, to spread the weight over a wider/deeper area?

Or is it the actual skin that's hurting, and you need to try a softer or less allergenic material?

Op I'm the same size as you and I have the same issue re bony ribcage. I wear a sports bra, so much more comfortable.

Try ordering a boob tape measure from Nudea for an easy self size tool.

My DSis had exactly the same issue and is a similar build; small frame but ‘generous’ boobs. She used the tape measure and can ow accurately gauge her correct size across lots of brands. Also, look at the boob shape guide from Beija which recommends styles to suit your shape not just your cup www.nudea.com/products/nudea-tape-measure
beija.london
or go for a completely soft style like the curvy bralette range from Cosabella. Again, super comfy and supportive but less utilitarian t ha an a sports bra and won’t compress your boobs or leave you with a sweaty cleavage/ rubbing.

Buy a cheap thin tshirt vest and wear the bra on top.

It's right there, in the OP.

Have you tried different cup sizes? When you go up to a 34 have you changed the cup accordingly? I would try a 32FF. If the cup is too small no matter what the band size it will also be too tight.

If the cup size is too small it can be that your boobs are taking some of the space in the band and making the band tight.
I would avoid M&S as they are notorious for fitting you into their stock and try Bravissimo again or a good independent store.
Are you about a size 8? As there is a bit of an unwritten rule that your band size is not normally more than your dress size plus 20.
I am a dress size 14 and wear a 32 H comfortably.
Also try bras from good brands if you can, panache, Freya and fantasie as they are true to size.
I am on the Boob or bust page and you can get loads of fitting advice from the admins and other posters there just by reading the post comments.

This is exactly me and I can't find a solution. I've lost 4 stone and because I'm pear shaped I have no fat over my (already weirdly small) rib cage and the wires from my bra hurt at the sides. I've resorted to wearing a too big non wired one at home and just putting on a proper bra when I'm out and may have to remove my coat!

Does the sides of the bra hurt your armpit area? It's called the Tail of Spence. You need a different bra design.

Oh thank you, I must admit I've worn the same balconette design for decades I hadn't even thought of that! Thanks

No problem. I get it too. Certain styles come up too high and dig into the soft flesh. It's just you need another style. 😊

I found this was relieved by choosing a style with wider straps to take the load better.

If Boob or Bust is putting you at a 28HH and you’re wearing a 32F, of course it’s going to hurt. There’s nowhere near enough space for your boobs which will be making your band feel really tight
28HH - 28” + 12” = 40” over bust
32F - 32” + 6” = 38” over bust

You say your ribs don’t have much fat over them but you have big boobs, so a small band a bigger cup makes sense. I’d go back to Bravissimo and try again with some 28 and 30 bands with bigger cups (GG,H,HH) there is unhelpfully a lot of variance between brands and styles that confuses things. Please stay away from M&S and JL, anyone putting you in a 36 anything when you’re measuring 28 at home has no idea what they’re doing

Oh yes. I didn't notice the BOB measurements.