losing weight and bras

I lost 67 lbs. I went from a 40DDD (which in reality probably should have been a cup size or two higher) to a 34DD/DDD. So the cup size doesn't look like it went down, but in reality it did by the way measurements work. I got fitted after the first 40 lbs. and then again recently when they started to feel loose again.

I have gone down so far... I went from a 46 C to a 40 B so far... but i am guessing i will go down more too.. (hopefully not too much more in cup size!!) I still have about 85 ish pounds to go to my final goal weight so I am guessing i will go down more... I just hope i don't lose it in the cup size..

Yeah, the 'old' way of measuring was to add 5 inches to the band measurement, and then use the difference between that and the bust measurement to get the cup size. As a result, most women ended up in the standard department store range of 32-40, A to DD. It meant the stores could stock a narrower range of sizes, and the manufacturers didn't have to make as many different sizes. But it also meant that most women were in bras too big at the band and too small at the cup, so they'd ride up and you wouldn't get proper support from the band. Lots of chafing, back problems and discomfort have been caused by the "add 5 inches" method.

To this day, most department stores still only carry those sizes. Some of the stores in the United States are getting better, but here in Canada, that's remained the standard. And most employees are still taught to measure that way, essentially fitting you into what they sell as opposed to what you need.

I was shocked the first time I learned that I wasn't a 38B but a 34DDD. I was like, bras come in size DDD? I didn't get it. But I bought one and it was the most comfortable bra I ever owned, and I never looked back.

These days I actually measure out at a 28DDD/28E, but once again I'm back in 30Ds because nobody around here sells a 28 band size. I know they exist in the US, but there's no practical way for me to try one on or return an online order (which, after shipping, exchange rate and duty would end up costing me a small fortune) if it doesn't fit. So 30D it is. Which, on a slightly smaller hook, isn't bad. But I still wish there were more options for us ladies with smaller ribcages.

(Side note: People are shocked when they hear I'm a D, DD or E. 'Cause I don't look all that big. But it's not the absolute size of the breasts, it's their size relative to the ribcage that counts. D cup isn't all that big in most cases.)

j9x794 wrote: »

As for high impact bras, shock absorber bras are great! I did not have problems with jiggling even at my size.

Agreed. My sports bra is from Shock Absorber and it works great. Other brands to consider are Moving Comfort, Freya and Panache (their sports lines).

I agree with the Freya sports bra rec. I have pretty big cups and don't move at all in my Freya bra when I'm jogging.

I find that the adding 5 inches to the under bust measurement, works best for me. I have a wide ribcage and not much fat on my upper body. This measurement has remained the same after weight loss (33inches) Fullest part of the breasts are 35 inches making me a 38AAA. I was able to get a 38aa from triumph and this fits well band size but there is room in the cup! Luckily, I don't need much support.

I did try the other method which came out 34B. I tried some on. Very tight around the diaphragm and cups not spaced wide enough to contain what little breasts I have.

@arditarose mine are fairly pricey but they are padded and moulded and give me a better shape when dressed. I had such a hard time finding a well fitting one that I got several the same. They have lasted really well though.

WBB55 wrote: »

arditarose wrote: »

I want to burn my bras. I went from having small breasts to having almost nothing. So hard to find a bra that looks pretty and makes me feel confident now. Unless I spend a crap ton of money. Maybe it's worth it though.

you're always worth it! think of the money some spend on getting implants or lifts. If you can achieve a bit of that same confidence with an $80 bra, isn't it worth it? (Especially if they last longer in good repair than average bras?)

I know but then I'm like...oh, no one can see under my clothes. I might as well buy nice clothes instead. I do think I need to suck it up though.

WBB55 wrote: »

arditarose wrote: »

WBB55 wrote: »

arditarose wrote: »

I want to burn my bras. I went from having small breasts to having almost nothing. So hard to find a bra that looks pretty and makes me feel confident now. Unless I spend a crap ton of money. Maybe it's worth it though.

you're always worth it! think of the money some spend on getting implants or lifts. If you can achieve a bit of that same confidence with an $80 bra, isn't it worth it? (Especially if they last longer in good repair than average bras?)

I know but then I'm like...oh, no one can see under my clothes. I might as well buy nice clothes instead. I do think I need to suck it up though.

arditarose wrote: »

I want to burn my bras. I went from having small breasts to having almost nothing. So hard to find a bra that looks pretty and makes me feel confident now. Unless I spend a crap ton of money. Maybe it's worth it though.

Don't underestimate the inherent value in achieving this. I of course don't know your situation. I'm very frugal VERY VERY frugal. But I find it worth it in the long run to buy the $80 bras not only financially but for the added confidence that helps me in life, at work, when I go to the auto mechanic, arguing my way out of traffic tickets, etc.

lol. You're right. I think it's important too.

Honestly, I get a little sad in the bra store. I think I need to go somewhere nice. Still, I look at my breasts and sometimes it's hard for me to accept.

I finally invested in a properly fitted bra. Lost about 30 pounds since my last off-the-rack bra purchase at a discount store. This time I went to Nordstrom's lingerie, was properly fitted, shocked at the unexpected size difference, and SO pleased with the results. Look and feel 10 years younger and 10 pounds lighter, just by having the right foundation garment! Well worth the money!

Kalikel wrote: »

I've gone through several sizes. Getting "professionally" measured may or may not be helpful. I've found that those people don't always know what they're doing, so there's that. If the bra fits and works, I know it, so I skip those people now.

Since my favorite unseemed-cup bra was discontinued, I haven't really found one that I liked.

Like the rest of my body, my boobs have extra skin and really require good coverage from a full cup, not one of those deals where the support is more on the outer edges. The trend in bras these days is not a full cup, so it rather gets on my nerves to bra shop.

I think I started in a 44DD and am now in a 38 (close to 36) D. When I drop a band size, I may be going back to a DD, but Ds are working well for now.

Seriously. Real specialty bra shops are one thing, but non-specialty often don't know anything at all. Victoria's Secret in particular is super hit or miss. The measuring technique they use is questionable, and their sales staff may or may not have the beginning of a clue.

I remember trying to find a bra once at VS and not being able to find one that was quite right. After bringing me several different sizes to try on, the salesgirl offered to measure me, and then declared I was a 36A.

After side-eyeing the hell out of her- because even in a baggy t-shirt it's clear I'm not an A cup- I left and got the freaking 34E I needed from a different store.

azulvioleta6 wrote: »

92# loss and I only changed bra sizes once...down one band size.

I just replaced bras that were worn out and didn't need to buy new ones all at once.

I had to transition bra sizes midway through. I started falling out underneath the band. Now I'm falling out the band again.. I cannot believe I'll have gone from a 40 to a 34 band.