STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kitty · Hermes

I need to rant about bras

Kelly · Hermes

Well, different brands do have different sizes. It's like jeans - ideally you'd fit into the same size in every pair of jeans from every brand, but it doesn't work that way. So if you go up to plus size bras and you fit into an A cup better, it's not a big deal. If that's what fits you, that's what you should buy.

Also, cup size changes with band size. So if you're in a 38B and the band is too big, when you move to a 40 band you should move down to an A cup. The cups on a 38B and on a 40A hold the same volume. Just thought I'd mention that because you say you're a 38/40B instead of saying you're a 38B/40A, or whatever.

If you're having trouble finding bras in your size, try figleaves.com. They have 339 size 38B bras, and they're having a sale now, too! And they have customer ratings, so you can read reviews before you buy (although you can return, of course).

You might also try a band extender. If you're a 38B, you could buy a 36C bra and buy a band extender to make the band a bit bigger. If the band on your 38B is a bit too tight, you could use it then too to bring your band closer to a 40. It's not the ideal solution, but could help in a pinch.

Good luck!!

Kitty · Hermes

I did not know that about the cup size/volume. So if I went to a 36C that would hold the same as a 38B???

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Kitty wrote:

I did not know that about the cup size/volume. So if I went to a 36C that would hold the same as a 38B???

That might work with some brands, but don't count on it. It's an alternative to try when your regular size doesn't work or cannot be found. So much depends on the shape of the bra. There are many bras out there that do not work for me or you--no matter what size you try. And you don't know until you try them on. Good luck. Probably best to find a maker that works well for you most of the time and stick with them (then you can feel better about ordering online).

Kelly · Hermes

As a rule of thumb, a 36C holds the same breast volume as a 38B. It varies between brands and it isn't exact, but that's the general idea of it. But when you change band sizes other things about the cups change too (like the shape of the underwire and the size of the center gore), which is why I said that a band extender isn't the most ideal solution. That's the basis of the lie that so many VS sales girls tell women about "sister sizes." I want to pull my hair out when I'm in VS and I hear a salesgirl say, "we're out of that bra in your regular 34C size, but you can just buy a 36B and it's the same thing because it's the sister size." The cups should hold the same volume in both, but the band is where most of your support comes from, so wearing the wrong band size is a big problem and those two bras aren't the same thing. I'm just saying....if you can't find a 38B in one bra, don't buy a 40A just because it's there. Only change to a 40A if the band on the 38B is too tight!

I agree with pollyjean23 that some brands just won't work for some women - again, just like jeans!

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

ttara123 wrote:

You might also try a band extender.

good idea, it could help widen the possibilities for finding styles you like.

sydney · Kate Spade

Did you try Figleaves.com or Bare Necessities.com. They have a huge selection of bras in a nice range of sizes (although the more unusual sizes seem to sell out fastest.)

Theri customer service is great - especially on returns. I really like them.

Kitty · Hermes

I am not comfortable ordering bras online because it's too much of a gamble..I really need to try them on. I did try ordering bras from figleaves on multiple occasions, and every single time I had to return everything I ordered.

What are the best stores to get bra fittings?

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I have heard Nordstrom is great for bra fittings, VS is OUT because they will not carry a 40 anything other than DD.

Try a specialty lingerie store in your area. In NYC I went for a fitting and learned alot about placement, size of shoulders etc, its not always boob and ribs with bras. Lingerie stores are also more likely to carry odd sizes like 40b.

Kelly · Hermes

I definitely agree, I've heard great things about Nordstrom and the best thing to do is go to a little lingerie shop that has a wide range of sizes (mine goes all the way up to 54L, I think, and can order sizes they don't have).

No offense to anyone here who works at VS, but I *definitely* say don't go there because I've never heard of anyone getting a correct fitting there. The fitters themselves wear ill-fitting bras. I know someone who worked at VS for a while, and when she was talking about her training for fitting bras, I just wanted to pull my hair out at all the dumb stuff they told her. They even told her to lie about a bra size to make a sale if VS didn't carry the real bra size!

ETA: VS has some bras in your size online. I know the Biofit comes in 38B, I don't know about the others. I with you could search by size at VS! Anyway, as much as a loathe the fitters, VS still has cute stuff. I just noticed because my mom is a 38B and she has a hard time finding bras too, so I always take note when I find one :)

-- Edited by ttara123 at 23:15, 2008-10-16

conet · BCBG

Kitty - I feel your pain! I have a wide ribcage too. I have bra luck with J.C. Penney catalog - or the store. I like the brand called "Glamorise".

esquiress · Marc Jacobs

Kitty, if you're ever in NYC, go to TopShop--the ladies there really know what they're doing.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I do have to give VS credit though - they measured me at the same size as I was measured a week later by a lingerie specialist in her boutique. The difference was that VS only carried 1 bra in my correct size, while the boutique had hundreds.

Also at the boutique I tried on a few diff brands and found that there was a lot of difference between the same cup size of diff brands.

Miss Mabel · Kenneth Cole

Kitty wrote:

I am not comfortable ordering bras online because it's too much of a gamble..I really need to try them on. I did try ordering bras from figleaves on multiple occasions, and every single time I had to return everything I ordered.

What are the best stores to get bra fittings?

In the Bay Area, I really like Dollhouse Bettie in the Lower Haight (www.dollhousebettie.com). They do a nice job with fittings, carry a range of sizes, and can order things in for you to try.

Tashina · Kate Spade

just had to say, this is a constant frustration for me. i have 34 c boobs, in most bras, but i have nursed 2 children for a good 7 months each, and i have the flattened out saggy mom boobs. it is hard to find a bra that will lift them enough to look like i am wearing a bra that actually fits, but also supports them so they don't fall out of the bottom. i know it is a horrible mental picture, but they are horrible.

CheryleB · Kenneth Cole

I have a similar issue. A balcony style bra can be your best friend. The Fantasie molded cup balconette is one of the best fitting bras, has great lift and gives good shape. It is style 4510 and they carry it at Nordstrom.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2893192/0~2376776~2374325~6004939?P=1

I just checked again and it starts at a DD but I am sure they have the same style in the lower alpha series. Its worth checking.

-- Edited by CheryleB at 16:19, 2008-10-23

Kelly · Hermes

Tashina - have you been sized lately? pregnancy, nursing, and weight changes can have a big effect on your bra size. If you aren't positive you're in the right size, that could be part of the problem.