If you are bra band size 32 or 34..

[madeinmanc]

What does your ribcage measure?
I just measured mine because I think I've changed size, and it's 29. But one of my 34D bras feels very tight (but just right) on, albeit I think the cup size is too big now. I thought I was 32 now, but online guides say 30, surely this cannot be right when a 34 bra feels OK?

I can't go for measurement under any circumstances so pls don't recommend that. Thanks for any information.

I measure 34" under my bust and 39" around full bust and have 34E or 36DD bras.

https://boobydoo.co.uk/how-to-find-your-bra-size-using-a-tape-measure/

Most bra sizing is done old style and many women benefit from using a different method of measuring. With this other method you're likely a smaller band size and a larger cup size.

I went from wearing a 36 or 38 DD to a 32 GG or 34G. These were much more comfortable, the band didn't ride up the back like it did with the 36 and 38s.

Look up boob or bust. It explains how to measure yourself then try bras in the sizes suggested and see how they feel.

33” under 39” over I’m a 34F

Thanks everyone, you'd think I'd fully have an understanding of this by my forties!

I've just found a similar post that's helped:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4663741-can-anyone-help-me-with-bra-sizing

The only thing is, everyone says go up a cup size as you reduce the band but as I've lost weight, I think I need to reduce the cup size too.

I don't want to be 30 anything because they're hardly available!

I wear a 32 and measure just under 31 inches under bust.

Bra sizes are like dress sizes and vary between shops. Your best bet is just to try some on in store.

I measure a 32 and wear a 32 in most brands. Some I have to go up to a 34 but I drop a cup size when I do that.

I would second the recommendation for boob or bust. Before I used that site I was wearing a 38B which wasn't really supporting me at all. I couldn't work out how I could possibly go down to a 32 band (32FF) when it was hurting me at a 38, so I ordered a bra in that size to prove that they were being ridiculous. It was spot on instead and I've never looked back.

I find the 'correct', professionally fitted at an independent bra specialist, bra size pretty uncomfortable TBH. The fitter told me that while technically I was a 32D, I could wear a 34C instead if I wanted a comfortable, rather than maximum support, fit. I'd rather bounce a tiny bit if I leg it for a train than feel like I'm wearing a straightjacket all day.

Thanks, I feel like I might be in a similar situation but I'll definitely go and try some on in person.

What's weird is I'm in no way a "petite" person. I've got a medium to large bone structure and I have lots of fat to grab around the band, but if I lose more weight I might go even smaller 😕

If you measure 29 under your bust then what do you measure round the fullest part of your bust?

I measure 29 inches and wear a 30 bra. 34 would not give much support.

I think about 34, I'll double check though.

I measure 32 and I wear a 32.

I'm a 28 or 29 around my ribcage. I'm a 28F or a 30E but I often wear a 32DD because it's an easier size to find and it generally fits OK. The looser band is less supportive though. It rides up more.

Most bra sizing is done old style and many women benefit from using a different method of measuring. With this other method you're likely a smaller band size and a larger cup size.

Mine comes out as a 30 in the abrathatfits style, but as my main problem with bras is feeling constrained by them, I'm not going to be switching to that. I feel much more comfortable without a bra. I don't want to feel the band and be aware of it even more, even if it is technically a correct size.

The main bra support comes from the band so should be very close fitting, increase the cup size to improve comfort as your boobs will take up the band space if the cup is too small.
I measure around 33inches, wear a 34 GG but depends on brand, M&S miss cup sizes so you will always need to juggle with sizing. Proper bra companies are more accurate, panache etc.

if you look at the Boob or Bust facebook group it shows how to measure yourself properly, how to scoop and swoop your boobs into a bra and also a guide to what type of bras suit what shape of boob.

I measure 29.5 but cannot wear a 30, it is agony and leaves welts. A 32 is much more comfortable.

Thanks, 30 is definitely hard to imagine. I'm guessing 32 will be my next move.

I honestly don't understand the modern method of bra sizing. I measure 28 and wear a 32, which is as snug as I want it to be. A 30 band (I've bought many) is always uncomfortable. Have no fat around my ribs though, so maybe this makes a difference. Also not much on my breasts, but that's a different issue!

One thing that I have found since moving to a smaller band size is that for some reason manufacturers seem to make the straps shorter too. I don't know why this is, but I've ordered some lovely bras that I've had to return because the shoulder straps were far too short even when adjusted to be as long as possible. I never once had that at a bigger band size.
So do watch out for this (if looking online you can occasionally tell from the pictures).

I wear band 34 & measure 34.
I used to wear a 36, because I found wearing a 34 gave me bad indigestion, but seem to be ok nowadays.

I measure 36 but wear a 34 as more squishy

I measure 31 and wear 30 or 32.

My first ever bra was a 30aa and many years later I’m a 30D. I’m significantly heavier and fatter than I was then but the band measurement has never really changed with losing/gaining weight.

Last time I measured I was 29 inches underbust and 35 over.

You are right - 30 inch bras can be a pain to find. I’ve got a few 32 inch ones but they are a bit too big to be honest. You want the bra to fit on the loosest hook when you buy it and then move onto the tighter hooks as it stretches over time.

What clothes size do you wear? If you are a 6/8 then you probably do indeed want a 30 inch bra.

If you are a 6/8 then you probably do indeed want a 30 inch bra.

This of course differs but I'm a large 12 at the moment and wear a 30. At 6, would probably need 26.

I measure as a 32D, but a bra in that size is incredibly uncomfortable, so I wear a 34C in the make and style of bra that I prefer (a French brand, which comes up small) . I have very little flesh on my ribcage, and the fitter told me that it was normal for women with no spare flesh, to have that problem; there is nothing to "give" if the band is sitting on bone.