200.4 and a new bra

RecliningFigure

They don't make cute bras in my size. Victoria Secrets start at B sometimes C in my back size. The only A (God forbid AA) I see from that store is mostly 32 and 34 back sizes. Never in my size. But I don't blame small or big breasted friends. I blame the industry that only serves and promotes a narrow vision of women's bodies.

In terms of getting the right bar, there are a few things you can do yourself (I used to do this for a living when I was in college). Measure with a tape under the breasts to the back (it's easier if you get someone to help you). That should be your back size. Some say add a few inches, 2 to 3 (some say as high as 5) and you get the number. So really the measurement doesn't do much in terms of the back number.

Measure over the largest part of the breast from around the back. If the difference between the back number (without adding any number to it) and the breast number is 1 inch more, then you're an A. If it's two inches, then you're a B, and so forth. (It goes like this: AA (less than one inch), A, B, C, D, DD). There is also E, F, and G but you won't find them in most 'regular' stores.

Say you're a 38C, that doesn't mean all 38C's will fit you. Try them on, and once you have the back and straps properly fitted to your body, bend over and swing around a little to help "the girls" fit better into the bar (and yes, even A sized women should do this - if you don't know what I mean, think shimmy when you move your shoulders back and forth). Sometimes it's hard to see if the bar fits (no cutting into any part of you- front, back, sides, anywhere). If you can't see it, put on a clingy top, and you'll see if it cuts into your body. Maybe the straps are too skinny. Maybe the cut of the bar or the shape of the wire just doesn't work for the shape of your breasts and body. Ultimately, finding the right bar has to do with the pain of trying a lot of them on until you find the right one.

Gook luck to everyone.