Date: 2/18/10 9:55 AM

I’ve been buying bras from Victoria’s Secret for the last several years, and I get their bra fitting every couple years. Yesterday I went in and the lady measured my high bust (29”) rather than my full bust (33”) and suggested that I wear a 32D. In the store, it fit better than the 34C I was wearing, but now it’s kind of tight, and I’ve got it on the last set of hooks. I always thought you went by your full bust size, like the past sales people advised me. Now I’m really confused. What are your thoughts?

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Date: 2/18/10 10:27 AM

I would guess that the high bust would be better because that's the size of your chest and the cup-size upping would account for the depth of the girls.

It sounds like you're in between sizes with a 33" fb. I am too, and the same thing happened to me with a Le Mystere bra I got fitted in at Nordstrom. The band felt girdle-ish even though everything fit really well...it eventually relaxed a little bit and was very comfortable, but I think being between sizes didn't help me.

I wish I could sew a bra that was as supportive...

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Date: 2/18/10 10:38 AM

First I thought she was measuring the full bust and the high bust to get the cupsize then I re read it and saw that she was not and no I´ve never heard of this before but maybee she as an experiensed bra seller from her own experience found the correct size that way.
Fitting a bra is complicated. Not only is it the size and shape of the "girls" it´s also the band that have to fit around, some of us need more fabric in the back than in the front for instance...
You say that your bra is to tight. Is it the band that is too small or is it the size of the cups that is not correct. If it´s the band that´s too small I suggest you get a bra extender that will add a little or a lot to the band
-- Edited on 2/18/10 10:48 AM --

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Date: 2/18/10 10:45 AM

First off, don't go to VS to get a fitting! They will "Make" you fit into one of their bras no matter what size you wear.

I can't tell you how many times I've been in there looking for undies when they ask to do a fitting for me. For kicks, I let them do it occasionally and somehow or another I get measured for a 34D, when I try that on and it doesn't fit, they tell me I need to go up to a 36D....Um nope!

In reality I'm a 34G, sometimes a slightly different cup size depending on brand or style.

My 34 measurement is below my bust. My high bust measures a little more.

I'd suggest going to a real bra store to get a proper fitting, especially if what they are putting you in at VS is not feeling right.

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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/

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Date: 2/18/10 10:49 AM

Here's a great link to bra fitting and styles for different figures. This was very helpful to me, as I have fit issues due to petite shoulders, but largeer band width and different sizing of the twins.Her Room - Everything you need to know about bra fitting

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Kenmore 158.17570, Kenmore 158.10400,
Viking Huskylock 901.... and several others

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Date: 2/18/10 10:50 AM

Oh my, you definitely do NOT go by your full bust size. That might maybe sort of work if you are like a B cup, but for those of us with an D-G that would be a disaster. My full bust is 40" and my underbust is 29". If I went by the full bust measurement I'd have some extra 8+" of bra band and my girls would NOT be supported.


The way you are supposed to do it is go by your underbust, add 3-5", and that is your band size. Then measure your full bust, and compare it to the band size to get the cup size.


Most people (you too apparently) wear too big a band and too small a cup. Often because the stupid manufacturers and stores don't make and sell the sizes we actually need, so we buy whatever is as close as we can get.


A bra should be supported 90% by the band and only 10% by the straps. Otherwise it will weigh heavily on your shoulders and impact your posture. When you get a brand new bra it SHOULD be tight and on the loosest setting, because they all stretch over time and that gives you the ability to take the band in when it does stretch.

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Date: 2/18/10 10:54 AM

Also I agree with VS being terrible. I wear 32 E-G (depending if I'm nursing a little one) and they always want me in a 36-something which doesn't work. You know it doesn't work when you have learned to push your bra band down hands-free using only your shoulderblades. :P


Anyway instead of being hung up on the number they gave you, look for the common signs of bad bra fit. This site has pictures of good and bad that are really helpful.
http://bravissimo.com/perfectfit/wrong-size-bra/default.aspx

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Reply to boingo82
Date: 2/18/10 10:55 AM

Quote: boingo82

The way you are supposed to do it is go by your underbust, add 3-5", and that is your band size. Then measure your full bust, and compare it to the band size to get the cup size

I've never understood that adding to the band size thing. I've always worn the size measured under my bust. I measure 34, I wear a 34 band size.

I'd swim in anything bigger.

So many websites tell you to measure yourself that way though. I did find one that agrees with me and the way my bra store does it. I don't remember it off hand though.

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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/

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Reply to Kim12469
Date: 2/18/10 11:00 AM

Well I have enough trouble finding a 32F so I'd really be in terrible shape if I tried to get a 29-anything. My poor sister is a 30C and you wouldn't believe the trouble she has.

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Date: 2/18/10 11:02 AM

I agree with kim12469. VS will tell you anything to sell you a bra! They don't make one that fits me. I have tried on dozens there. I'm busty but smaller under the "girls" It is VERY difficult to find a bra that fits. I'm in between band sizes also and normally only get a good fit if I go a band size up and make tucks in the sides of the band. It also seems to depend greatly on the brand. I have had Wacoal bras ( $60.00 each) that do not fit very well. Currently I'm wearing Bali and would like a change of style but am having no luck finding any other style that fits as well. I have never had a successful bra fitting either. Tried in Macy's and JC Penny's and when I go into the dressing room to try on the bra size they recomend, it does not fit! Then I have the fitter tell me I am in between sizes, an exception to the "rule "or tell me a bra fits when I can tell it does not! Frustrating

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