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Posted on: 9/4/09 7:52 PM ET
So, as the years go by, the "Girls" head south, and underwires increasingly dig in.
Today I discovered a new online site for measuring, and YIKES, according to them, I was a band size down and 2 cup sizes up. They measured under the bust for band size (with bra on) and across the center for cups, unlike some who measure under the armpits. Now I'm ready to go try on and hope a new size will somehow lift my spirits, along with 2 other things....
I'm not going to attempt to make any, with too many projects in my closet. But I was wondering what you sewing bras out there have found as far as measuring??
Today I discovered a new online site for measuring, and YIKES, according to them, I was a band size down and 2 cup sizes up. They measured under the bust for band size (with bra on) and across the center for cups, unlike some who measure under the armpits. Now I'm ready to go try on and hope a new size will somehow lift my spirits, along with 2 other things....
I'm not going to attempt to make any, with too many projects in my closet. But I was wondering what you sewing bras out there have found as far as measuring??
Posted on: 9/4/09 8:20 PM ET
In reply to gramma b
According to standard sizing, I wear a 36 C. By standard, I mean the method recently referred to in a Threads article:
"Measure around the rib cage, making sure the tape is level around the body and pulling it snug. To this measurement, add either 4 or 5 in. to get an even number. Example: if the snug rib cage is 29 in., add 5 for a total of 34 in. This is the bra-band size. Next, measure the bust around the fullest part, again keeping the tape level, but this time don't pull it snug. To determine the cup size, subtract the bra-band size from the full-bust measurement. The difference, in inches, tells you the cup size: 1 in. for A, 2 for B, 3 for C, 4 for D, 5 for DD (or E), 6 for DDD (or F), and 7 in. for FF. For example, if your bra band is 36 in. and the full bust 38 in., the cup size is B; you'll make a size 36B."
However, Breakout Bras (NAYY) has a different method. Without wearing a bra, measure under the bust then measure the bust. According to that system I'm a 34F (also known as 34DDD). I ordered a bra from them and it fits SO much better than my 36Cs. The band is snug - sort of sports-bra snug - but not uncomfortably snug. The most noticeable differences are the cups actually fit my breasts, my band does not ride up in the back, and I get considerably more lift/better shape than with the 34C.
After test driving the new fit for about a month, I am a total convert and am ordering 3 more. Like you, right now I have too many other sewing projects to add making a bra that fits well but I do see it on my horizon. I am assuming that I would buy my bra pattern as a 34F but I'm hoping some of the bra-sewers will chime in here about what size they started with and what method they used to measure.
JEF
-- Edited on 9/4/09 8:20 PM --
and edited again b/c I never see all the typos the first time!
-- Edited on 9/4/09 8:22 PM --
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"Measure around the rib cage, making sure the tape is level around the body and pulling it snug. To this measurement, add either 4 or 5 in. to get an even number. Example: if the snug rib cage is 29 in., add 5 for a total of 34 in. This is the bra-band size. Next, measure the bust around the fullest part, again keeping the tape level, but this time don't pull it snug. To determine the cup size, subtract the bra-band size from the full-bust measurement. The difference, in inches, tells you the cup size: 1 in. for A, 2 for B, 3 for C, 4 for D, 5 for DD (or E), 6 for DDD (or F), and 7 in. for FF. For example, if your bra band is 36 in. and the full bust 38 in., the cup size is B; you'll make a size 36B."
However, Breakout Bras (NAYY) has a different method. Without wearing a bra, measure under the bust then measure the bust. According to that system I'm a 34F (also known as 34DDD). I ordered a bra from them and it fits SO much better than my 36Cs. The band is snug - sort of sports-bra snug - but not uncomfortably snug. The most noticeable differences are the cups actually fit my breasts, my band does not ride up in the back, and I get considerably more lift/better shape than with the 34C.
After test driving the new fit for about a month, I am a total convert and am ordering 3 more. Like you, right now I have too many other sewing projects to add making a bra that fits well but I do see it on my horizon. I am assuming that I would buy my bra pattern as a 34F but I'm hoping some of the bra-sewers will chime in here about what size they started with and what method they used to measure.
JEF
-- Edited on 9/4/09 8:20 PM --
and edited again b/c I never see all the typos the first time!
-- Edited on 9/4/09 8:22 PM --
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
Posted on: 9/4/09 11:05 PM ET
I bought the Pin-up Girls pattern from Bramakers.I made the size I thought I wore (didn't follow directions to measure upper bust).Too tight.Remeasured,bought new size range. Much happier. I stayed an A cup but the 42 took care of a lot of back rolls.The bridge is wide enough after altering,very few folds in cups. THE STRAPS STAY UP!!! Still not perfect due to poor sewing technique but will try again.I also don't have to attempt to find something without a wire.
Posted on: 9/4/09 11:43 PM ET
www.zafu.com
Try this! They ask you several questions, including "how many pencils can you hold?!", then offer photos of what bra is best for you (many brands) and they are not selling anything.
Try this! They ask you several questions, including "how many pencils can you hold?!", then offer photos of what bra is best for you (many brands) and they are not selling anything.
Posted on: 9/5/09 1:58 AM ET
Quote:
I am assuming that I would buy my bra pattern as a 34F but I'm hoping some of the bra-sewers will chime in here
I am assuming that I would buy my bra pattern as a 34F but I'm hoping some of the bra-sewers will chime in here
If you can FIND a bra pattern in 34F, please let us know! I find bra patterns just as limiting as RTW in terms of sizing availability, with combining small band size with larger cup sizes.
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 9/5/09 3:00 AM ET
In reply to stirwatersblue
check out the plus size bra making thread which has a wealth of info on sizing, patterns and fitting that would be relevant to anyone wanting to make their own bra.
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Melbourne
Posted on: 9/5/09 8:40 AM ET
I found a free pattern in the 34F size but haven't made it up yet. It's on burdastyle: bra pattern. They also have other sizes.
JEF
-- Edited on 9/9/09 10:49 PM --
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JEF
-- Edited on 9/9/09 10:49 PM --
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
Posted on: 9/9/09 6:04 PM ET
Can't say enough good things about Anne St. Claire at Needlenook Fabrics in Witchita, KS. She has a great bra pattern, a set of "fit bras" she will send you, and amazing customer service and email expertise. I FINALLY have bras that fit!! And I get to make them! In any color I want!
Posted on: 9/9/09 6:29 PM ET
In reply to JEF
JEF,
I tried your link but got an alert that my browser (FF) couldn't open it because the protocol (hhttp) isn't associated with any program. Has anyone else had a problem? Could it be the double hh's?
Thanks
I tried your link but got an alert that my browser (FF) couldn't open it because the protocol (hhttp) isn't associated with any program. Has anyone else had a problem? Could it be the double hh's?
Thanks
Posted on: 9/9/09 10:49 PM ET
In reply to hazelnut
Sorry about that - poor cut and paste job. I edited my post and the link works now.
JEF
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JEF
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
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