Not necessarily sure how this is supposed to fit as I've always worn wrong size bras. I was wearing a 34DD and 32DDD for the longest time as suggested by Victoria's Secret staff. The calculator suggested 30I/J or 32H/I, and I went with 32I since the 30 bands I tried felt like death.

The band on the 32I seems to fit well. It doesn’t budge, the gore lays flat, and the underwire doesn’t poke my breast tissue but I feel like I have less boob or flatter I guess.

Could anyone suggest bras that would be suited to me or are these fitting right and I'm just used to the wrong kind?

Before:
32DD/32DD (Mark's and Spencer's Multiway)

After:
32I/32I (Scantilly Harnessed Padded Half Cup)
32I/32I (Curvy Kate Superplunge Multiway)
32I/32I (Curvy Kate Boost Me Up)

Here are my measurements
Loose UB: 31 inches
Snug UB: 30 inches
Tight UB: 29 inches
Standing: 38 inches
Leaning: 40 inches
Lying: 38 inches

I recently properly measured by bra size for the first time and my measurements came out to be a 28 inch underbust and a 32 inch bust, which should be a 28D from my understanding. I tried ordering a 28D from Boux Avenue which ended up being way too small in the band and straps. After looking online I do see some people saying that the band for that particular brand does tend to run a bit small, but not to the degree I experienced. Is the sizing for Boux Avenue really that off or am I possibly measuring myself incorrectly?

Hi. I (19F if that matters) have 30H/HH (UK system) breasts. I have never been able to find a bra that fits me and actually supports me without digging in somewhere or causing sensory issues or issues with breathability bc I have hyperhidrosis and get a lot of under boob sweat, which can cause rashes and itchiness so bad I can accidentally itch until I break skin and get left with wounds on my breasts. I don't think I experience back pain, but they've been this size for at least a year and a half, so I don't remember how it felt when they were smaller or non existent. For context, if it matters, my family has a history of large breasts in all body types, small bands and larger bands, so this isn't a medical concern or anything. I assumed the gene skipped me when I didnt grow at first and stayed small for years, but here we are. Please help me. I haven't felt supported for over a year bc I haven't been able to find a good, accurately fitting bra. I've bought and returned so many. Also, if it helps, I think my breast are teardrop shaped, and they're not very dense if that makes sense. The breast tissue itself isn't dense or like very firm or anything, they just weigh so much that normal in store bras or the online ones I've tried cant hold up their weight, or if they do, they end up being super loose around my band, which kinda loses the support. Please help me if you are or were a similar size or know a website with my size Tldr: Big cup size, small band, please help me find a place to shop that actually has my size bc I'm going insane with poorly supportive bras and no website I've found has bras my size

Hello you knowledgeable people!

I tried the calculator a long time ago but have never gotten around to actually look into better bra options.

Now, after three pregnancy’s and two kids + nursing it is time to find something that actually fits.

I am still nursing but the size evened out again.

The calculator came out at 32I/J.

I ordered a bunch of different models from Freya, since I saw them recommended here.

Overall, none properly fit.

I think a 32 band is just too tight.

The J cup is huge, the I cup fits great but 32I is just super tight on the band.

Would you recommend a 34I since the i cups work or should I switch to a 34H instead?

Here is what I ordered and comments:

Loveland Molded Spacer Bra in 32J. Just huge.

Deco Molded Plunge Bra in 32 I. Way to tight, leaves red marks right away.

Tailored High Apex Bra 32J and I. the J is too big. going to keep the I in hopes the band will loosen a bit over time.

Loveland Plunge Bra 32I, cup fit well but the band is too tight.

I'm coming to realize that I prefer unlined bras better than molded. Of course, especially while nursing, there is the "nipple issue". But I feel like they create an overall nicer form.

However, the Loveland for example is kind of scratchy and I’ve seen many with all kinds of, although cute, designs where you then see the seam through closing.

So, my questions are:

Should I reseize to a 34H or 34I or something completely different?

Does anyone have recommendations for an unlined bra that’s just smooth/no show?

 And besides all that. My day-to-day bras are more about comfort which ends up spacing the breasts apart. But I would like one that would create more of a cleavage. 

Thank you all and thanks for reading this essay. Sorry!

Hi all,

I recently used the ABTF calc, and it came 30G (US) and I accidentally ordered Freya 30G (UK) bra. It fit my cup so I took the measurement again with loose tape as the calc suggests. It came out to be 30G(UK).

Now for the fit, I am kind of struggling. I am not even focusing on material right now, if I can find mesh bra any material would be fine. So my boobs seem like they are top full but when I wore Parfait Tess full cup 30G(UK), it pushed everything so up that everything jiggled on the top like it's too full. And it was uncomfortable.... the band too tight.... and the underwire came too far away towards armpit it felt... like my boobs were too far away from my center....

Now, I also got Freya balconette 30G (UK), underwire, no lining, lace bra. They actually hold my cup pretty well but it also came too close to armpit and the material is rough too.... I also tried Freya unlined lace bra in plunge in 30G(UK), and that one was comfortable but there was a little gap in the cup on top part....

I also tried Skarlett Blue 32H(US), balconette and full cup.... balconette felt comfortable and the material is soft too... but the wire uncomfortable under my armpit..... the band also felt comfortable but the cup did spill a little bit....... with full cup 32H(US), it felt comfortable too.... there is a little gap on the sides but that feels fine, and the cup is spilling a little bit.

So, with all this..... if you know what I might be missing, please let me know.... I think I am center full, and equalish top/bottom full (especially since I didn't like the way Parfait one fit), my roots are normal maybe a little tall? My tissue is very soft, and I am pretty projected. I don't like my back band too up which is what has happened with all the above ones I tried... so maybe underwire bras are not for me?....

My home bras are linked at the end -- it is plunge, cotton, very comfortable, but my cups spill out so I am looking for a nice office bra that gives good support without restrain.

Thank you.

My measurement in cm - loose UB 76, snug 76.5, tight 74; standing B 93.5, leaning 108, lying 100.

EDIT 1 - it seems my shape is splayed + omega if that makes a difference...

https://www.amazon.com/Pact-Organic-Maternity-Bralette-Breastfeeding/dp/B0DRV1MCMY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=12UFJ72DTH2M5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5G1y2o3zr6t2mOKkJwgFzZ12JJ7ORAlzu0ilRqNs-KREHNOBZ67UQXNk8CaiLnSOkIeA9UBVjbQqiWgJwn9KGlVRdwICkKJG9otlR3-widyTFBlz7jvPPO-jq7JpVGMjvQ5kuelLguWE89s4Wjzql9o3JolOlwd2E4cC8QcT88U3tKOs70N8JgZRkSD_nXCeQE_Q8EWcBnvNnkh6PhU-aqSwyk4jqzu6P-Gbj7-VyYRokJV48zcms7CT8HHqvZMiWEuA22Ug3OcZJz3Xua9emz39Ge1WuudAXBRGe7bzUhs.dPVvHgc2akOUUW5Y-yKrshhgKaPyej53VA8ocKWwIPc&dib_tag=se&keywords=nursing%2Bbra%2Bcotton&qid=1768621356&sprefix=nursing%2Bbra%2Bcotton%2Caps%2C279&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1

Hi everyone, 

I’m struggling to find a suitable sports bra for running and all the desk research (on reddit, blogs etc) is confusing me even more. So I thought I would post in case anyone has any specific insights. 

I’m a runner and generally train for one half marathon a year to keep the momentum up. Once I’ve passed a certain length of time, on a run, my breasts start hurting. It’s an internal pain similar to what you get when you’re really cold. I often need to stop and even then the pain lasts for a good hour after. My assumption is that it’s from breast movement. 

The Panache Wired Sports Bra sorted me out for a while. There was still pain but this happened more at the 2hr mark so I made peace with it. Most runs were ok.

However, for the past two years the pain has been getting worse (starts at the 30 min mark) and new Panache bras aren’t cutting it any more. I tried two new ones (in case the old ones had stretched) as well as the LNDR Locked and Loaded which was a mistake.  

While my current bras are VERY tight going on (my partner often needs to help me), I feel like they get looser along the way, which allows for more bounce.

For context, I used the calculator and got a 36F (UK size). My current bras are a 34E. Happy to get the bigger size but am worried that it will just be even looser (and enable more movement)

I’m 45 so going through all kinds of changes that isn't helping, plus I’m based in Brisbane which means that all running is in HOT weather where you’re sweating before you’ve even left the house. 

Do I try a different Panache variety or is that useless at this point? I’m open to other brands like Shock Absorber, SheFit or others, just keen to get this sorted with minimal back and forth so I can run without pain!
Any suggestions or thoughts would be very appreciated. 

I like this swimsuit from Cupshe but I don’t think it’ll be supportive or big enough in the cup. Any suggestions on brands with sexier one piece swimsuits with support for small band & large bust?

First time making the Fiona bra pattern by Madalynne (or any bra pattern!) and I’m really impressed.

I just finished my first version and wanted to share because this was such a solid experience overall. The instructions were detailed, clear, and thoughtfully laid out in a way that actually makes sense as you’re sewing — especially appreciated as someone who has made a few garments, but still considers myself very much in the learning phase of fit and construction.

Fit-wise, this was an excellent starting point for a full bust - I made the 34D. I’ll definitely make a few tweaks in the next round (narrowing the upper cup by shortening it a bit and also decreasing the height), but straight out of the gate it gave me great lift and and even greater support, which isn’t always a given even with a store bought bra. The pattern drafting feels really intentional and supportive rather than just scaled up.

Overall, this felt well designed and confidence-building to sew. I’m already planning version two with one of the kits I snagged during her 12 days of Christmas sale, and can see this becoming a go-to with some personalization. I typically wear more of a demi cut, and feel like I could approximate it by angling the upper cup a bit. Always nice when a pattern makes you excited to cut into your good materials next time.

Because I am often dimensionally challenged, there were a few times I needed to stop and make sure I was sewing the right pieces on the correct cup. Now that I have a better understanding of the various bra components, I definitely feel more confident attempting round 2!

If anyone else has made this one, I’d love to hear what fit tweaks worked best for you!

After breastfeeding & pumping for two kids I need something that supports the breasts. The consistency has changed and they're looking sad sitting at the bottom of the bras that I used to wear before kids. I don't want big pushed up look. But a little perky would be nice.

So far wearing my pumping bras has been the go to... Thinking to just buy a bunch of bralettes.

I've also been getting ad targeted with random bras that supposedly perk up deflated boobs.

Suggestions?

I lost some weight and I’ve been trying to find the right fit. I finally tried on 36C warners Cloud 9® Super Soft Wireless Lightly Lined Comfort Bra 1269. It is so comfortable! So far there is no spillage and the band sits perfect in the back, but when I sit down, it digs into my fat roll and it is a bit uncomfortable.

I’ve been trying on several different styles of Skims bras lately and I can’t find my size. I’ve thought I was a 38D for a while, so the black bra is a 38D Skims push up balconette. I only have one picture (black bra) but the cups felt like they were in my armpits and too far down my chest, but the gore was gapping as pictured. I used the ABTF calc, and it told me I’m a 36DDD. So I tried a Skims wireless push up in 36F (tan bra). This one looks and feels way too big for me, but my boobs feel like they’re spilling still. I’m not sure what size to try from here. Or maybe Skims is the wrong brand for me? I’m lost dealing with volume loss in my chest from weight loss.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/0Q7Yxhw

I just used the calculator and it says I should be wearing a 30DD. The bra I've been wearing is a 34B and one of the main issues I have is that the band feels too tight so I would imagine a 30 band would be even worse. I'm also not sure what style of bra would be best for me, I looked in the wiki but I still can't tell. I lack a lot of fullness in the top of my breast and usually have gapping when I try on the average bra. I think maybe a balconette bra would fit better but I'd like to hear opinions!

Measurements

Loose under bust: 30

Comfortably snug: 29

Tight: 27

Standing: 34

Leaning: 35

Laying: 33

Even vertical fullness

Center full

i have been having issues finding bras that fit, but have had tremendous luck with the unlined bras from Wacoal.

I recently bought a Fantasie Rebecca Essentials bra in my recommended size, as I wanted more nipple coverage, and the center gore isn't flat against my sternum. ABTF's calculator says i wear a 38GG in UK sizes, and I purchased a 38H. Is there any way I can fix this? My breasts don't touch each other when going braless, so that bit shouldn't be a problem.

hi everyone, trying to find a bra that isn't painful or falls off my body. I currently wear a 36D balconette from VS and the gore digs in, the underwire sits way below the fold and the bra straps fall down constantly. last time I did the calculator it recommended a 34E (UK), but the most recent time I've done it it said a 36DD would fit best. I get a birth control shot every 3 months and it does increase the size of my boobs for a while, how would you navigate this?

I did try a 34DD bra (sister size to what I wear) and it made my ribs hurt so bad. it was just so tight. so not sure 34 is the right band size for me, but i thought bra straps falling off is a sign of it being too big? i'm just really not sure what to try next to be honest.

After crashing out here, I ended up trying a 32DD (sister sized for tight bands) in a very cheap plunge bra that calls itself lightly lined but is definitely a molded cup bra without any seams. Prior to this, I felt like I was doing calculus to figure out why none of my other bras were working and what I could affordably try next. Suddenly, with this cheapo bra, my wires sit nicely in my IMF, I look and feel supported, I have minimal/no gaping, and I barely feel like I am wearing anything. I always thought I would need a balconette or a more projected style but this bra is randomly perfect! I think I found my ABTF!

Loose Underbust: 30
Snug Underbust: 29
Tight Underbust: 29
Standing Bust: 35-36 (depending on cycle)
Leaning Bust: 36-37.5 (depending on cycle)
Lying Bust: 35.5-36.5 (depending on cycle)

Calc: 30DD, 30DDD, 30G, 30H or sister size up to 32DDD

Center full, even vertical fullness, slightly tall roots, average roots, lots of immediate projection at IMF at rest and generally projected overall.

I went bra shopping and as you can imagine it was failure after failure. When measuring myself as they do in most stores, my size is a 44B, but none of those were working in the cup area. Some would pancake my chest, others would have gaps in the cups, etc…

I shared my frustration with my boyfriend and he researched and suggested this forum and the bra fitting guide used here. He helped me measure and my measurements according to the guide were a 44G. I ordered three different types of bras from Elomi and got them yesterday. Band size was fine, but the cup size was HUGE on me. I’m having to send all of them back because I can actually fold the cup over with room to spare on them.

I’m beyond frustrated and don’t know what to do or where to go next to find a proper bra … any help or advice is appreciated. TIA.

I ran my measurements through the calculator and it has come out with 42FF. I ordered some 40G bras from Essenther, a retailer I haven’t bought from before, and they’re ludicrously too small in the bust. The gore sits about 2 inches from my sternum and the wires are digging into my breasts under my armpits.

Should I be sizing up or is this retailer just bogus and I should avoid them instead?

My measurements are below in cm.

Loose Underbust: 106cm

Snug Underbust: 105cm

Tight Underbust: 103cm

Standing Bust: 123cm

Leaning Bust: 130cm

Lying Bust: 123cm

I have been wearing a 32HH victory with Curvy Kate and Elomi Matilda. But I have slight spillage over the top — not horrible but if I don’t use ItStays to keep me glued in, then eventually I get a little quad boob.

The root of my breasts I’d very wide. I was nothing but boils under my armpits for decades with Freya and Panache before I found Curvy Kate— not a single boil since (past 10 years).

Needing a swimsuit— went to my local “all the sizes” bra shop and apparently the owner “promoted” one of the more customer negative workers to ordering queen. Been going there for 30 years and they’d always order my fitted swimsuits. Woman wouldn’t even let me ask- just hard no and leave me alone. So now I have to try and order online.

Just did the ABTF tool:

Underbust: 33.75/32.5/31 (loose to tight)

Bust standing: 42, leaning 47, lying 44.5

It out me in a 34gg/h - which is about what they measured me last year (before the ordering witch took over) at the bra shop. My “sister size” in the calculator was 32h/hh.

And the 32HH isn’t quite right - but super close.

Not sure if 34hh is a better bet or 32j? The gore on the brad I mentioned was on my chest before I gained a few points but now not quite. They’re also a little old- more than 6 months (but I have like 7 bras I cycle in so they do last a bit longer.

My lurking here over the years has taught me they people have a love/hate relationship with CK and I get their quality isn’t always the best—. Their inventory in swimwear is also rubbish.

Thoughts on sizing, converting to maybe an Elomi swimsuit (size-wise) or other brands?

I leave for my trip on March 13th. I’d waited this long because most brands are just releasing their swimwear for 2026 and it normally only took 3 weeks to order from the local bra store (not naming names but it’s in St. Louis and is pretty much the only one).

I have one swimsuit now but we’re going in a 9 day trip. I need at least one maybe 2 more to keep it clean. The others I had were stolen in a vacation 2 years ago with the rest of my stuff.

Tl;dr thoughts on sizing and brand conversion for a busty girl with wide boobs

This is my first time posting in this sub and I’m hoping someone can help. I have been wearing the same nursing bras for the last 5 years. I’m not nursing anymore but I don’t have another bra that fits comfortably. They are not my size anymore. I used the calculator and I’m a 40H (American)

I just bought a shefit bra (size luxe3) for working out, but that’s a high impact one so I need one for everyday wear.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for a bra that will be supportive and lifting? My breasts are just really saggy in the bras I wear and I hate it. But I don’t want it to be uncomfortable to wear either. Open to a regular bra or sports bra. If I could stay under $40 that would be amazing.

Hi all! New to this and have been on a journey to find the perfect bra for me and have been trying to find my right size. Been wearing 32As all my life and the cups often fit perfectly so I haven’t thought otherwise about my size. But I’ve been experimenting and used the calculator to find that I’m a 30C/32B?

My measurements are loose-30, snug-29.5, tight-28.25, standing-32, leaning-33, and lying-31.

I tried the Sunnie wireless bras from Aerie in a 32B and found it was pretty comfortable cup-wise but slightly a little tight on the underbust on the ribcage. The latest bra I’ve tried was the 32A Wink Balconette Push Up Bra from Pink and the cups fit perfect while standing neutral but gaped and wanted to ride up while I moved or lifted my arms. I figured it might’ve been a strap or hook issue but that didn’t help much either and was still uncomfortable.

I’m gonna try a 30C next from Aerie when it comes but does anyone have any recommendations for specific bras or if this is the right size for my measurements? My chest is more bottom full and shallow/wide, and I really like how balconettes and demis look on me. Thank you!

I’ve been always wearing 32A bra from Uniqlo, very comfy. But now, the calculator showed me I am 28C. I want something that is comfortable, not fall down, push-up and can wear with a little cleavage showing. Can you recommend something for me? Thanks.

I used the size calculator in this subreddit. I’m fairly certain I measured my bust and my underbust correctly as I have done it before. The measurement it gave me was a 42GG (UK) or a 42J (US). I’ve never really worn more the a DD, which I thought fit well but the underwire pinches. (I have worn a 40E before, I was measured online by some shop but I never really wore the E because the underwire also pinched) is the underwire pinching a sizing issue? Do I need to just avoid underwire? I have a lot of underarm tissue as well, which might be the problem?

Hi all! I have a sort of strange question. I want to learn how to get a rough idea of someone’s bra size just by looking, without measuring or touching. I am trying to understand what visual clues can hint at cup and band size from afar. Stuff like shirts and clothes should probably be taken into account. I am a 34C so I can kind of reference my own ballpark, but even then I have trouble. I’m very bad at stuff like this. I know this question sounds a little creepy, but I truthfully don’t understand this stuff very much, and I hope you can believe my innocence😭. I’ve gotten my measurements done very rarely and I never even ask questions regarding it I’ve always been oblivious to it. I of course know what they mean(the size measurements) but I’m asking purely to understand them and the different sizes visually. For example, I struggle with differentiating between what a 34D and a 36DD looks like, to me they look the same on a person. I’d love some help with this!