Ladies: In need of some help :)

I have noticed that the same cup size seems to be a bit different depending on the rib size. For example I wear a 36 D but if I try a 34 D on the cups seem a bit smaller. Does this make sense? Maybe you could just go up or down a size and the cup size will fit you differently.

There are lots of stores that will do a fitting for you. I recently got one and i was wearing a cup size smaller and band size bigger than i needed! Its really helpful.

Edit: A measuring tape isnt always enough! Go to a place where someone comes in and shows you exactly how it should fit inthe straps, band, and cups!

So for a very long time now I have been unable to figure out my bra size... I feel I'm in between sizes and if I get one size it's way too big and if I get another size it's way too small.

I feel I'm spending way too much money on bras and I even got measured and that still doesnt help...

Is anyone experiencing this? What do you do or which cup size do you go with if your in between sizes?
I figured it's the weight loss but it's been like this for months and this area just won't go down unfortunately. Help

I used to work at a bra factory. Here's the rule of thumb to know. Example:

44D is the same thing as a 42DD.

The cup size help with ample sizes but small width. Say you try on the 44D, perfect on width, but there is over spillage on top, go with the 42 DD, no spillage and will fit around the width. Also there are also bra extenders.

Well it's not sexy thats for sure but it will help for the time being. Theres those bras I can't remember what they're called but they are bra made out of the same material as sports bras and you buy them in the size of the t-shirt you wear. I never thought they have half shoe sizes why would they not have half bra sizes.

I have noticed that the same cup size seems to be a bit different depending on the rib size. For example I wear a 36 D but if I try a 34 D on the cups seem a bit smaller. Does this make sense? Maybe you could just go up or down a size and the cup size will fit you differently.

Well yes, that is how it's supposed to work.

I just went to the store and tried on as many bras as it took until I found one that fit me well. The different brands have somewhat different sizing so you can't always say you're a certain size.

There are lots of stores that will do a fitting for you. I recently got one and i was wearing a cup size smaller and band size bigger than i needed! Its really helpful.

Edit: A measuring tape isnt always enough! Go to a place where someone comes in and shows you exactly how it should fit inthe straps, band, and cups!

Agreed!!!! That reminds me that I need to get a fitting, and a better sports bra!!!

I find that if I'm over weight I need my bra tighter than when I'm thin. Feels better, more secure.

Once I find a bra that I like I stick with that one, for me its Bali. If you are trying on different brands that's probably going to be a problem, I also found that even when I would get measured I was never wearing the size that they said I should wear, their number was always larger. When I lost a cup size it was definitely noticeable, I don't wear padded bras so its easy to see that the material isn't stretched out as it should be. But maybe you do need a different band size versus a change in the cup.

I would try going to a lingerie boutique to get measured. This is what they do every day and are pretty good at figuring out what your size is. Additionally, they'll spend the time to help you try on a number of bras until you find one that really fits. These bras are usually pricer than other places, but I usually buy one just as a "thank you for your help" to the associate for their time and expertise.

I worked at Lane Bryant for 2 years and was a bra fit wizard. You need another person's help...but try this:

Use a soft measuring tape. It helps to be braless when you do the measurement, so that you are measuring ALL of your breast tissue, and not having to try and take into account any spillage or squish-age you've got going on from ill-fitting bras. The person should stand behind you and wrap the tape measure around you that way.

1. Measure directly under your bust. Pull tight, but not so much as to welt your skin. This will be your rib measurement. Generally, round down to the nearest whole inch. For example, if your measurement is 34.5, then you should round down to 34. This is also your BAND SIZE for your bra.

2. Measure the fullest part of your breasts. Usually, this can mean placing the tape measure directly over both of your nipples. Pull tight, but again, not too tight. Keep this number in mind. This is your BUST MEASUREMENT

3. To find your cup size, subtract your rib size from your bust measurement. For example, if your rib size is 34" and your bust measurement is 38", you have a difference of 4" - this is how you find your cup size.

The following is a representation of inches - cup size conversion

1 " = A cup
2" = B Cup
3" = C cup
4" = D cup
5" = DD cup
6" = DDD or E cup
7" = F cup
8" = G cup
9" = H cup

and so on. So for the example of the rib 34" and bust 38", the person should be wearing a 34D bra.

Keep in mind that not all bras are created equal. Demi bras are great for busts under a D cup; full coverage is good for anyone, and so on. If you have a lot of fit issues and usually wear molded cup (with some padding) bras, try a bra with no molding or padding and you might be surprised by fit!!

Normal fit issues:

Band riding up = your band is too big! Go down a size
Gaps in the cups of your bra = cup size is too big. Go down a size
Straps are sliding off your shoulders, even when tightened = Band is too big. Go down a band size.
Underwire pokes you under arm = cup size is too small, trying going up a cup size.

In addition, your bra should fit snugly against your body. 90% of the support in a bra should come from the band, NOT the straps on your bra. You really shouldn't need to tighten shoulder straps on a bra. The bridge of the bra (part in the front middle) should sit flush against your chest, with no gapping or poking.

Hope that helps!! :-)

Nordstrom's, Intimacy, and Lane Bryant all make very great quality bras.

I just try everything on and make no assumption based on the tag size. That goes for bras, dresses, shoes, jeans... Even if I'm buying multiples of the same item, if the fit needs to be exact, I try it on. There's been too many times I bought something because it was the size I'm supposed to be and not had it fit right.

Thanks everyone! Some great information. I will look into getting properly fitted! and I'll try Nordstroms. You all are very helpful

Here's why I also love Nordstrom.

They give their employees Thanksgiving off (rare in the retail world because everyone's getting ready for Black Friday) and they do not decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. They believe in one holiday at a time.