Boob or Bust, this can't be right?

[Notoutloud]

I don't think I've ever worn the right sized bra. I've always been fairly small but since breastfeeding two babies, I'm now at mosquito bite proportions. I've been wearing bralettes and crop top style bras for the last few years but I've recently realised how unflattering they are and that my chest is just a bit squashed and sad.

Anyway, I've just put in my measurements to the Boob or Bust calculator and I've come out as a 30DD/G - I would previously have said I'm around a 36A! Have I done it wrong?

If anyone has any experience or knowledge of bra sizing, I'd be very grateful!

I used to wear a 32B/C, used the boob or bust method and I am apparently a 30E, I went to M&S and bought 30DD’s which I find comfortable. I was very surprised because I’m quite small chested too.

@allgrownupnow I don't think of it as 'wrong'size as 'boob or bust' shouldn't be the de facto standard of fitting. It is one method that doesn't suite everyone (see my earlier post). Boob or bust would have me as a 30D. I wear a 34B.

@PurpleBugz it doesn’t work for me either, I’ve got really wide set boobs (big gap in the middle) and possibly quite an awkward shape too, BoB has recommended a few different sizes which I’ve tried on in multiple sizes but they either don’t do up or are massive in the cup.
i just try on what fits in the bra shop and wear it, never really in the ‘correct size’, just comfortable, not digging in and not gaping.

I'm a size 6 and wear a 34b and just tried this boob or bust and apparently I'm a 30d. Would you say it's correct as I feel like a 32 band digs in so much, can't even begin to think how a 30 would feel 😂

One of the reasons a band can dig in is because your cups are too small. Nobody can say for sure if 30D is your true size, but if you genuinely wear a UK 6 then you almost certainly need a much smaller band, and consequently larger cup, than you are wearing. I would look at 28 and 30 bands and make sure you are doing the "swoop and scoop" to get all the breast tissue into the cups.

This is always helpful to explain how a d cup for example is not necessarily big

I'm a size 16 and wear a 34 so yes it should fit

Well this is the thing, I wouldn't say there's enough there to scoop in to a d cup🤣 is bravissimo the best place to get measured as I really think it's about time I stopped DIYing it and got it done properly 😆

My boob or bust size (30G) technically fitted but was uncomfortably tight and also led to it being obvious through tighter tops across my back as it dug in. I found going up a size on the band much more comfortable

These are all D cups

For anyone looking at boob or bust for the first time or if it didn't work for you, I would also suggest trying a bra that fits. They have the same idea but the latter is usually less snug if you really can't get on with the BOB size. Both are starting points but you should be able to find the right size somewhere between the two. It's also important to remember to choose the right style for your shape otherwise no size will make it fit right.

Oh wowww this is such an eye opener! I'm probably somewhere between the last two.

I am genuinely so excited to go out and try some bras on. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near a Bravissimo etc - it's M&S or Primark around here!

This is a handy Instagram showing sizing too

www.instagram.com/theirishbralady?igsh=MTBkYzZ3a2I1Z2tpYg==

@Devilsmommy please see my first post. Not all people can tolerate tight straps. It is nothing to do with the size of their bust or bra but more about skin condition/sensitivity and firmness which can be affected by age, collagen loss, lymphatics, muscle etc.

You aren't a 36 band if you are size 10/12, more like 32 or 34. Bras should feel snug when we first buy them, as they will gradually get loose overtime. It will also feel very tight if you have been used to wearing bralets with no wires (in a size too big.)

Anythig over a D cup doesn't mean automatically mean big either, it's all relevant to the band size. A 30D will be small compared to someone who wears a 36D, so don't be surprised if you have a D cup even if you consider yourself to have small boobs.

Sorry that last post should be @DreadPirateRobots

But @Devilsmommy, the same thing applies. It could be that you just do not tolerate tight, restrictive, clothes. Nothing wrong per se with that.

Just reread your post and you are definitely right. I'm quite skinny with broad shoulders so I think that can make the straps and back dig in more than I'm comfortable with. I think it's definitely a case of needing to try lots of different styles to find the best fit. Thanks for your help, appreciate it 😊

And me. I usually wear a 34D, said I should be a 30F. Couldn’t do up any of the 30F’s I bought. Tried a 32E, one was okay, but other two gave me red marks, so went back to my 34D (although I do now buy a DD if it looks a bit small!)

@Ineedaholidayyyy

You aren't a 36 band if you are size 10/12, more like 32 or 34. Bras should feel snug when we first buy them, as they will gradually get loose overtime. It will also feel very tight if you have been used to wearing bralets with no wires (in a size too big.)

Please, please read my first post. There is another side to this. A bra fitting method such as boob or bust does not deserve such evangelism.

Women are individuals with individual requirements!

If boob or bust feels wrong, maybe go somewhere in between what you’re wearing now and what BOB says. I love BOB but I’ve read people saying on here it’s not right for them, so a sister size can sometimes work and is better than what you’re wearing now

I'm a 36B/C and measure about 35 underbust, I'm tall and big boned, size 14, anyone who is size 10 or 12 won't be a 36. I used to wear 34D but found them too tight underbust as I am probably between sizes

Same here. I think it's rubbish.

Another saying the same. I felt like I was being cut in two the band was so tight. It really didn't work for me.

If you’re a size 6, you only measure around 32”. If you were a 34b, you would measure 36 inches and be a size 10.

Yeah but I'm quite broad shouldered so I think that plays a part in how uncomfortable a small back size feels iyswim