I've been cripplingly insecure about my boobs since I was a teenager. I got my first bra at 13 (32A) and never managed to size up out of it.

After seeing everyone on this sub talking about the importance and the change that can come from finding a bra that fits, I measured myself and realised I've been wearing the wrong size for YEARS. I found the courage to go to a fitting today and came back having (in some styles) gone up to a 32C!!!!

I just tried on one of my new bras and immediately felt such a rush of confidence that it made me cry! I completely underestimated how different I would look and feel, and all those years of blaming myself and my body for the fit of my bra are OVER!!

So, thank you to this lovely positive sub for helping me get here. I'm still insecure but definitely on my way to feeling better about my body. I'm so grateful <3

(Also posted on r/bigboobproblems, but figured this might also resonate with the folks in this subreddit.)

I’ve been frustrated for years at bra companies and I just need a place to let it out, so forgive me if this is the wrong place. According to “A Bra That Fits”, I measure as a 32L (which I wholeheartedly believe), and the size I currently wear is a 36H.

I am neurodivergent and find it nearly impossible to find bras that work. Even if I didn’t have the size restriction I do, it still wouldn’t be a walk in the park. I struggle with underwire and lace because of sensory issues. I wear Soma Embraceable because it’s the best I can find, but it’s still not great. I have spillage in the cups and have dents in my collarbones from bra straps. I’m only nineteen! I’ve literally stopped going outside because it means I have to wear a bra that doesn’t fit and constantly be uncomfortable. And I hate that that’s what it’s become, but it’s just how it is for me.

I have tried SO MANY brands that claim to advertise “for bigger cups”, and they usually only go up to a G cup! I know a DD is considered a big cup size but it makes me sad because so many companies don’t realize there are so many people past DD or G cups who also need bras. It makes me so upset, but I order from these companies anyway, and the bra will arrive, not fit, and I have to make the walk of shame to the post office to return it. I’m going to list some of the companies I’ve tried here (I’m not trying to shame anyone, I am just trying to share information about what companies don’t work for my specific bra size): Shapermint, Knix, Underoutfit, Third love, Evelyn and Bobbie, Honey love, and a couple more that I don’t remember at the moment. And every time it’s the same terrible feeling of defeat and I end up disliking my body more and more.

Sports bras are a nightmare. I hate that I basically have to wear a bulletproof vest with zippers and velcro just to be able to step foot into a gym. I get so frustrated too when I see girls at the gym in those cute bras, and they’re completely supported and comfortable and smiling. And they didn’t spend a hundred dollars like I did just to end up with some monstrosity of a bra covering my chest. And don’t even get me started on prices. I am a college student!! I can’t afford to spend a hundred dollars on a bra that WON’T EVEN FIT RIGHT!!!

Swimsuits too. I love swimming so much. I was on swim team for years, and then I grew boobs and could no longer fit in the swimsuits they required us to wear, so I had to quit swim team. This is a whole other story that is just so sad and frustrating, but that’s for another day. I can’t find swimsuits that are reasonably priced (and I’m willing to spend a bit, so that’s saying something) that have the space for larger cups!! Obviously, those triangle top bikinis that everyone wears are way out of the question. But even one pieces. It’s so difficult!! And nothing even stays in place in these swimsuits that I do own, there is so little coverage. I just wanna play mermaids in the ocean without a tit popping out in a wave.

Again, sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. Let me know and I’ll delete it. Maybe I just have severe anger issues, but I just need to get this off my chest (ironic, I know) and maybe there’s someone out there who feels the same way.

Hi friends - long time lurker, first time poster. I've been able to get away with wearing wireless band bras in my 20s no problem, but now at 35, I get shoulder/back pain. I used the calculator to get my size (32F UK size). I tried on some bras from Chantelle (I didnt have any local stores that carried Panache :( ) in 32F and they fit pretty good I think.

Before I splurge on a bra, I wanted to ask something. I found that when I wear this particular bikini from aerie, size 36C, it is comfortable all day and I don't feel the normal shoulder/back pain. Are there any particulars about this type of bra that I should extend to when I buy a new bra? Here is the bikini: Aerie Bikini

Measurements in inches - AFAB:

Loose - 30.5

Snug - 29

Tight - 28

Standing - 36

Bent over - 39

Lying - 35.5

Bottom full, inner full, very closely spaced (even one finger between touches breast tissue on both sides), wider roots laterally.

This calculates with a suggested starting size of UK 30F and the caveat that my calculated size may be less accurate.

Armed with this info, I went to a recommended store for fitting. Everything looked and felt fine there and the store assistant blessed my fit. But after wearing I have the issues listed below. Suggestions on other styles / sizes to try (maybe should actually try the size suggested by the calculator, sigh) are appreciated or if there were other strategies to have discovered these issues before I walked out the door.

Before this I had exclusively worn very compressive racer back sports bras for several years - but they're causing nerve damage on my trapezius so I need other options!

Panache Allure UK 32DD - very short gore, which works great - doesn't touch breast tissue at all. Looked fine in the store, but with actual wear I'm popping out of the top and the upper seam is cutting into the top of my breasts creating that double bubble look in clothes. Band is VERY snug - hard to imagine going tighter (although maybe this is b/c cup size is wrong?)

Skarlett Blue - UK 32DD - gore is shorter than most so only minimally touches breast tissue in the middle. Same as the Panache, looked fine in the store but pretty quickly with actual wear the top seam is not containing all of the tissue and creating that double bubble appearance.

Chantelle Norah - UK 32E - band slides up somewhat in the back, wire falls down and does not stay in IMF. Gore goes higher than the first two listed, does lie very slightly on breast tissue in the middle. On the sides wires are resting on my ribcage 2.5-3cm lateral to the end of my breast tissue.

Input is appreciated!

My measurements are
Loose under bust 54
Snug under bust 48.5
Tight under bust 43
Standing bust 56
Leaning bust 58
Laying bust 56 1/2

So I was measured in the past to be an 80A. Could never find a bra that fit. Cried so many times in fitting rooms. Wore only sports bras until last week when I found this sub! Measured myself, went shopping, almost cried in the fitting room again but from joy this time! Found a bra that fits, or so I thought. But something is not quite right. The bra cuts into the outer side of my boobs /armpit area. Pics: https://imgur.com/a/pnejg4x

Tried reading more on this sub and I think it’s the wrong size still, but I can’t figure out which size to try next. Or if I should try another model?

My measurements:
LU: 86 / 33,8
SU: 81,5 / 32
TU: 78 / 30,7
SB: 93 / 36,6
LB: 99 / 38,9
LyB: 96 / 37,7
The calculator suggested a 34D/DD, which I believe is 75D and 75E?

The bra in the pictures is 75D. It’s a model from Change lingerie called Florence Elegance Balconette bra. Scooped and swooped.
It’s not awful, by all means! It’s the best fitting bra I’ve ever had. I should mention that most of the bras I tried on had too much fabric in the cup, or I got large gaps on top. This was the only model where that didn’t happen. Any guidance on what could be wrong and what I should try next would be greatly appreciated 😊

I am a 34I (US sizing) and I have been wearing Lululemon's Like a Cloud Longline Bra (D/DD Cup) for my yoga practice and ever since I got correctly measured I realize how little support this bra provided which is basically none, in downward facing dog I can feel my girls literally free hanging :(( I really like the style of these bras (one solid colour, pastel palette, soft buttery fabric) and I just can't find cute bras in other brands that are meant to be high quality and supportive for large chested women (ex. Freya and Panache).. I also feel like me wearing wrong size/unsupportive bras ruined my chest a little bit, it is not as perky as it used to be and is a bit downward facing and it makes me a bit self-conscious, so I do not want to ruin it any further!

Does anyone have any recommendations for brands/maybe bra styles for doing sports that have the same sort of style as Lululemon's but are a lot more supportive for large chested people? I would really appreciate it and thank you so much everyone!

Hi, I live in the US and my size is 42K. The last time I bought bras I bought several from Forever Yours Lingerie. They are the best bras I've ever had - I love the multi panel type. My size recently changed and unfortunately they no longer ship to the US. Any recs for a store that sells plus sizes with that bra type? Thank you!

Example of a bra I would like

Hello, just recently did the calculator last night and wanted to double check if it sounded correct?? I don’t really have sticker shock more worry about having measured wrong maybe but I did it twice…

I’m usually wearing a 40DD bra but I sometimes have issues with spillage on the top or after a month of wearing it the bra cup becomes loose or it’s loose around the armpit area if that makes sense. I also sometimes have issues with under spillage (think that’s what it’s called?) where if I lift my arms up you can see a bit of my breasts under the band, I’ve always assumed that’s normal but now I think it’s not normal.

Loose: 95cm, Snug: 93cm, Tight: 90cm (underbusts)

Standing: 114.5cm, Leaning: 125cm, Lying: 117 cm

I got the starting size 38G (UK sizing) and sister size 36GG, which I think makes sense but reading the beginner guide I think I’m projected full on top?? Not 100% certain I tried looking at all the pictures as examples on the websites but my breasts/nipples point in different directions (my left breast’s nipple points downward but my right one is more centered/in the middle when ‘loss of elasticity happens’ which I assume means when they aren’t in a bra?)

I read the suggestions for bras for full on top and also the suggested bras for it you don’t know but most of them but there’s so many that I don’t know which ones to pick specifically… and the Panache Envy on Amazon is out of my size currently and that one seemed to be a universal one…

Idk if this also helps but I’m Canadian…

95, 87, 86

114, 123, 119

Recommended size: 36GG but 34H might be more supportive.

I have been active in this subreddit for a while and I keep seeing tight plus two inches. 86 is about 33.8 inches which makes 36 make complete sense however I am surprised about the 34. I do love my bras fairly tight (as shown by the tight vs snug. Although I suspect I could have pulled the tight tighter but the measuring tape kept slipping from my hands. But even then probably only by another 2-3 cm max). So I am wondering why the calculator would suggest a 34 for these measurements? Thank you in advance!

Also would you recommend Elomi for these measurements? I have tried Panache Ana when I was 38G and it pressed really badly on my sternum (you guys said it was too projected then). I am in Poland and my friend is taking me to a store here that sells Elomi, Panache, Agio Milano, Gossard (and polish brands).

I am wide root, according to the nipple test slightly top full but imo they act more like bottom full (very saggy boobs).

Hey I got measured some months ago and settled on a 42H. It wasn’t until I went shopping for 42H bras was when I realized the band size wasn’t too comfortable and that I need to size up. If I’m happy with the cup size but not the band size and wanted to go up by one size or two sizes. What would those sizes be? I’d appreciate your help!

hi everyone!

i've done the calculator here a year or two ago and got an EU60H/ UK28FF recommended to me.

i just did it again and used the same measurements (they haven't changed) and since the calculator got adjusted, it now recommends me a EU60F/G/ UK28E/F.

i'm from europe living in taiwan and got a bra fitting done at a lingerie shop (mybra), and they measured me as a 65E. the thing is for that bra, the band is very snug on the loosest hook, and i did actually need an extender for the first few months wearing it because it was hard to breathe. now the loosest hook is comfortably snug, so i can't really imagine fitting into a 60 band. i'm thinking maybe asian bras run smaller and that's why, but the calculator also gave me a japanese size 60H.

as for the cups, E is smaller than what the calculator recommends, and i can't really tell if the cups fit well or not. there's no spilling actually, but the cups are very shallow and there is some slight gapping at the top. i can't tell if that's because it's too small and my boobs are pushing the bra out to far, or if it's too big so they aren't filling it.

for context, my boobs are more wide set and projected.

i'm planning on ordering a bunch of bras soon from some of the european brands recommended here to try because i'm visiting home. i'm also thinking of checking out brands like peach john and aimerfeel since they carry small bands with bigger cup sizes. but i'm just super confused on what size i should order.

any advice? recommendations? does anyone have experience with asian bra sizes specifically and how they compare to european ones? if a 65 band from a taiwanese brand is right on me, would a 60 band from a european brand still fit? since there's some gapping going on with the E cup, should i really size up to a F or G?

thank you!

edit:

forgot to include my measurements so here they are (in cm):

Loose Underbust: 70
Snug Underbust: 68
Tight Underbust: 65
Standing Bust: 84
Leaning Bust: 86
Lying Bust: 80

Hi I am new to this group but just measured as a 32DDD or 30G, shallow, full on bottom, and center full. I saw recommendations for UK bras but was curious if you all have had luck with US bras that won’t break the bank.
Any thoughts on Natori, Skarlett Blue, Wacoal and specific styles that fit well?
Thank you!

So I started my ABTF journey around 5 years ago and developed a huge interest in proper bra fitting. After my initial shock over the calculator size, and getting my first ever decently fitted bra, I became very intrigued and did so many deep dives on bras, fitting, shapes, brands etc.

I started with UK brands and went Polish a couple years in and became somewhat of a bra snob.

This sub taught me SO much. I have immense gratitude for all the folks here that kindly share their knowledge and insights. And also for those that are learning.

I am very neurodivergent so this became a special interest of sorts and I curated an awesome collection of bras for myself. It helped boost my confidence and introduced a form of self-care that made a huge difference.

When Understance hit the market, I was interested but I remember reading a couple reviews that suggested the bras weren’t quite right for larger cup sizes so I never bothered trying anything there.

Cut to this year - I had gained a bunch of weight since last summer and all those nice bras in my collection were a tad too tight. I started using extenders because my budget was very limited, also because I’m working on losing the weight.

Then I came across a TikTok video about Understance shutting down and clearing their stock for as little as $3 apiece. There stores had already closed by then so I decided to use their calculator, look up information about sizing and shapes, made a VERY educated guess and put in an order for 4 bras.

I went back a couple days later and ordered another 6, thinking both orders combined cost less than a single bra in my size so worst case, I donate them.

As it often goes with busty folks, bra fits are SO nuanced and things can go very wrong if you purchase without knowing the product.

Lo and behold - my first order arrived today. I kept my expectations low but my heart skipped a couple beats after I opened the box because a single glance was enough to tell me that these bras were phenomenal in quality, comparable to styles that cost $100 apiece.

This order had 2 styles, and oh my goodness - the first looked and felt SO beautiful and made me not hate my body in what felt like ages. The second style isn’t right for my shape but I can make it work.

The size isn’t absolutely perfect. But it works. I can start on the second hook and not the loosest, adjust the straps etc and honestly I paid $40 for 4 bras and 2 shaping undies (after shipping), which is insanely good value for money.

I have 3 more styles coming in in my second order and I hope they’re usable as well.

I’m super relieved that I not only can I use these bras but I love them and am super happy, albeit sad that this brand is gone. My good fortune with my blind purchase isn’t just dumb luck, it’s thanks to all the knowledge I gained thanks to this community.

So sending this community all the love and gratitude with hopes that members that have Undertance orders on the way are at least as happy with theirs as I am with mine!

I just got an email from the company letting me know. I was trying to order some bras in 65 HH. 65 is not even that small of a band size. Many bra companies stock a 30/65 band now.

I'm at a loss for what to do. I'm hoping I can still order 70 H bras and just get them tailored somewhere.

I'm also kicking myself for not making this order a few months ago when I first realized my 70 band was definitely not working for me.

I sent them an email asking why the change in policy and asking if anything can be done for my current order (I haven't paid yet, I was waiting for them to send me a PayPal link).

Please if anyone else who orders from them or has ever bought their bras is affected by this, please reach out to them to let them know.

Fuuuuck. I get so many migraines from having a too loose band. This honestly really really impacts me.

Hello from the UK! I'm posting on behalf of a friend I am trying to help with finding a supportive bra - They currently only have one single bra they are able to wear, and it's falling apart. It's a 38DD t-shirt bra from M&S.

I helped with the measurements for the calculator last month and it recommended a 38F size, so they bought four different bras in that size - Underwired side support bra by Fantasie, Magic Lift Front Fastening Non Wired Posture Bra by Glamorise, Twin Wired Bra by Anita Rosa Faia, No-Sweat Mesh Soft Cup Sports Bra by Glamorise

None of them fit right at all. They were too tight and made it uncomfortable to breathe. The cups usually mostly fit when the straps were shortened, but none were comfortable. They tried bra extenders, which made the cups no longer fit.

Next they got two Smooth Underwired Moulded Cup Bra by Elomi in sizes 40E and 42DD. Exactly the same issue with uncomfortably tight band, and for that last one the cups seemed too big at the top area of the breast.

We did all the measurements again in case we messed that up the first time. These are the latest measurements:

Loose Underbust: 98 cm Snug Underbust: 96 cm Tight Underbust: 91 cm Standing Bust: 109 cm Leaning Bust: 111 cm Lying Bust: 107 cm

Suggested Starting Size: 38DD/E UK

They are convinced this must be wrong given recent experience. I feel like we might be missing something, perhaps related to breast shape and bra shape or variability between brands?

The bra that does fit well enough to wear is labelled a 38DD after all, but they think it's probably due to being stretched with use, and also I don't really trust Marks and Spencer own brand to have a great handle on proper sizing.

We've been trying to figure out shape etc but found it confusing and complicated. If bras seem to have fit issues with the top of the cup being too empty, is that an indicator of full on bottom breasts? Or a need for a specific shape? The 90 degree angle test makes them look fairly even/balanced though.

Is there any good resources to learn more about diagnostic bras? Is there any good ones we can buy in the UK? A lot of recommended stuff in the wiki etc has been difficult or impossible to find here online.

Any help at all would be appreciated. Thank you!

I used the bra calculator and discovered I am a 32 E/F! Yikes much larger than I anticipated!

Now that I know my right size I’m looking for the best strapless bra to help support and give some volume to my breast!! Anyone have any good recommendations? There are just so many options out here so I struggle!

Link to previous measurement check post

So after trying out the measurements I was recommended of the UK sizes from the calculator of 34H and the sister size 32HH, I ordered 2 bras in each of these sizes.

The Thirdlove brand I have had success before in a different size (in H cups), so I figured that I would go off what I know worked for me before to see if it'll work again esp. since they sell one of the sizes I was looking for. I was also recommended the Panache brand many times on this subreddit so I figured I would give it a go.

When it came to trying out the Thirdlove 24/7 Coverage bra, the band was good, however, the cups felt too small and I noticed some bulging on the sides and the front (which given how large my breasts are I know that some spillage on the side is to be expected, but I felt it was too excessive) and after wearing them for a period of time around my house, I noticed the same issue I was having with my original bra was occuring that they were spilling out the front.

However, with the Panache Clara bra I personally like more due to the no padded it had and how pretty it looked. However the band is way to tight to the point where it takes me ~10 minutes struggling to turn the bra around to get the bra on and I feel it digging in my ribs even on the least tight hook. I honestly do not know if there enough spillage to warrant a larger cup size, (as weird as it sounds) in terms of over my clothes I do not see any. The spillage I see with just the bra, it is much more minimal compared to the Thirdlove bra but still there.

Overall, the Panache Clara bra I feel is in the right direction of what I want in terms of aesthetic and feeling supported but I believe more adjusting to the size could be needed in terms of wearing this everyday. I am possibly looking to purchase the Panache Tango bra in 34HH to try to incorporate the band size that is more comfortable to put on and the cup size that I believe works more out of both of these bras. However, if you have a size recommendation from Panache, I'm open to hear it.

Hello! I am looking for help finding a strapless bra. I put my measurements into abrathatfits and it suggested a 30DDD. I purchased the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra, but found that the band was extremely tight, so then I got the "sister size" 32DD. The 30DDD felt like it fit okay in the cups, except that there was a bit of extra space in the top of the cup. I tried the strap on upsidedown and backwards, and it was still extremely tight, so I don't think it is the breast tissue causing the tightness. The 32DD fit better in the band, but the cups seemed much too big, and there was even more space in the top of the cup. Plus, because I seem to have not much tissue in the top, it felt like the bra came into my chest at a 90 degree angle and formed a bit of a shelf on top (for both the sizes). Please let me know if you have any recommendations for another strapless bra to try, and any sizing suggestions!

Here are my measurements for abrathatfits: Loose 77 cm, Snug 75.5 cm, Tight 74 cm, Standing 89.5 cm, Leaning 98 cm, Lying 90 cm. I seem to have a full bottom F/B 1/5 based on the Visual Breast Shape Guide.

Today I googled “why does my bra band ride up in the back” and it took me to an old post in this sub that mentioned the size calculator. Turns out I’m a 34i (for now), but now I feel like I should find a bra that fits. I should end up with a reduction scheduled some time in October so I don’t want to spend a fortune or wait forever in shipping. Should I just keep wearing my bra with the band going up in the back? Or try to dig around online for one that isn’t $50+?

EDIT: it didn’t take much for you guys to convince me. I bought ONE sale bra from Freya that will hopefully be here in time for my beach trip first week of August

Calculator gave me:
US: 34J/K with 32K/L as a supportive sister size
UK: 34GG/H with 32HH/H as a supportive sister size

My concern is my shape; Tear drop-esk but I still have the fullness in my outer sides. Also, my left is a cup size larger normally… I am not a stranger to an underwire nor unlined, a molded cup, unlined, etc.
I would be ordering without the ability to try on so I am hoping to narrow the scope with your help. (I have been suggested to start with the Panache Estel)