Yep, that was the first BIG difference when I got fitted. Also, a smaller band.

instead of a 34 B, I am now wearing a 32 D, and no longer feel like I have to rip that thing off by mid afternoon!

Moni

Yes, I edned up paying $32. for a bra at Penny's that was no better than the $10 ones from Walmart.

My new one is a 36C as opposed to 36B. After dinner I can't wait to take off my bra, no matter what one I'm wearing. It would be weird to think I would actually need a 38C, though, even if it would be more comfortable. A 38C is someone more voluptuous. If some of my weight gain would go towards the ladies instead of my hips and butt, that would be nice!

Another thing I've noticed is that the cup on say a 38C is larger than the cup on a 36C. So, it's possible that if you get the more comfortable band size you would get the smaller cup size. I know that years ago I would get the band size that fit in the tightest set of hooks as the elastic would stretch over time. That's no longer true. I guess the elastics are better today than in the "olden days". Have you noticed any other differences in size and quality in recent years?

Yes and it was well worth it. I went to Nordstrom's to get fitted and ended up in a smaller size than I usually buy. Although they were pricey, those bras made me look almost perky and have lasted very well. I think it's about time to replace them now.

I guess the advantage of using a fitter is that they know what's what in their stock -- so they should be able to come up with some likely prospects that you might not find by hunting through the stacks yourself.

I need new bras, but dread the search. Last time I found something I liked I bought six; now they are pretty ragged. I machine wash and hang dry; seems it's the dryer heat that ruins elastic parts fast.

I have a small back and frame and these 'protuberances'. (34 DD) I have grooves in my shoulders from bra straps. If it weren't so painful, I'd have had reduction years ago. Was I the only girl who hated to find these baloons growing on her chest? Couldn't sleep on her tummy anymore? Attracted leers and leches?

An experienced fitter who knows her product is a wonderful find. And I guess I'm not the only one who feels the need to remove her bra after dinner.
My only complaint is the bra that fits me the best is an underwire. And I just can't get used to that wire. I think I'm too short waisted and fluffy for underwire.

I always go to a fitter, I never just go and buy. Sizes vary from brand to brand. Many people have too small a cup and too large a band, or vice versa. If you are smaller it might not matter if you are in a slightly incorrect size, but when you are bigger I think it makes a real difference.

Well kinda. I was a "B" cup and I bought a "D" cup bra. I put it on and went to see a Surgeon. Told him to help me fill that "D" Cup. He did for a few thousand.

Hi Everyone,
What stores have fitters?

Sapphires

I have been "fitted", but had no better luck at finding a well fitted bra than when I just go in and try them on myself. I think the problem is that some stores just think that they can hand an employee a tape measure and give them the title "Fitter". There IS some knowledge that must be acquired as well.

I would have to drive quite a distance to find a store that has a fitter and the bra would cost a small fortune. I did lots of reading online and figured out I was buying the wrong size because no store carries my size. So instead of a 44 DD Underwire, I figured out I needed a 42 DDD Soft cup. I bought a Playtex 18 hour with 7 hooks in the front. I got it from One Hanes Place. They were so comfortable I bought 2 more. I wish I could afford breast reduction though and get back to a 34 C. And put the ladies back up where they belong. LOL
Clare

Here is a link that might be useful: One Hanes Place

I was a "bra fitter" at a small boutique in my working days. I worked with four other "fitters" and we did know our "stuff". We also "fit" breast prothsethis and bras for women who had had mastectomies... and wigs for them too! It was a most rewarding job. Many women in and around the area had been faithful customers of this shop for years as were their Mothers and Grandmothers.

Myself, I have been looking for the 'right' bra for about 2 years now. For probably 35 years, the only bra I wore was a Bali style 180. (or Flower Bali) A great firm supporting bra that puts the "girls" out front and P E R K Y!! My bra size has ranged through thick and thin from 34D to 38DDDand everything in between. At age 68, I now think that "headlights" look is....well not right for an old bag, but I can't find anything that gives me anyway near the support with no jiggle and bounce. Plus, other than my old favorite 180, I am unable to fit into DDD's. I have to buy a G or H cup in other brands and styles. And they still don't fit worth a dam!!!

Why, oh, why do designers put those darn stretch straps on every bra? Large cup sizes do not belong in those. Those heavy boobies just pull all the streatch out at the get go and all you have then are sagging boobies! Then they put the darn strap adjustment in the backso you cna't pull them back up without undressing. And most bras now will slice you like a knife if you do what most women do and put the bra around you waist upside down to fasten it, then twirl it around and pull it up over your breasts. The stiffening in the hook and eye part is no longer covered by softer fabric and can scratch our delicate skin. I am convinced that sadistic men are the only ones manufacturing bras these days. You should never, never get me started on bras!!

I can't wait to see if Ole Joyful responds to this one. :-)

I'm waiting for him too.

Wow, I learned a lot. I too have experience with a lot of things you've mentioned. I have always read to buy the bra and use the nearest notch. As it stretches, you can then tighten it by using the middle latches. But they don't stretch!!

Spinning it around when I do it up, is tight too. I have a hard time finding ones that aren't underwire, so I buy underwire.

I've gotten lots to think about next time I go bra shopping!
Bigger band, different brands, different sizes. Whew.
I hate clothes shopping of any kind, now this is one more hated time-consuming thing to add! LOL

I went to a fitter probably 4 months ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I was not even close to wearing the right size. I went to Nordstroms to get fitted and then I bought one bra there that was on sale. Then I went to Target and bought 2 other bras in my new size (and much more affordable). I usually have to try on tons of bras till I find one that fits, but this time I walked into Target and grabbed two bras, and they both fit perfectly.

I thought I was a 36-38 C-D, but turns out I am a 38 DD or DDD!!! wowzers.

Wowsers is Right Jennmonkey! You be packin!

LOL Gayle. Well, you would think so, but they aren't THAT big. I was shocked by my "new size". That's why I think most people wear the wrong size...Really I probably look like a C or D, but not a DD.

It took me days to get over the double D thing. hahaha

I can't seem to tolerate the tightness under the breasts any more. When I was fitted she couldn't believe I wanted a 40. I settled for a 38, but I have to lower the straps so it doesn't hurt. I solved the problem by buying a camisole at Walmart with padded cups. I don't hurt wearing it and it supports me.

Hey Jennmonkey, you and Gazania walking side by side down the street.......wolf whistles galore!

Are proper measurements taken over one's clothes?? That happened to me last time--over a winter sweater, and I just can't see how that could be accurate.:(

no, not over clothes. You could never get a proper measurement that way. You have to forget about your modesty for a few minutes but it's worth it. They've seen all kinds of boobs, so I don't worry about it. :)

I probably should be "fitted"- mine are QUITE different in sizes. Get a bra to fit one side and the other billows over the fabric vs. fitting the larger one and I can almost put a pair of socks in the other! LOL

Went to a new MD for an annual exam and he asked me "have they always been THAT different". Yep, at least since my late teens!

I HATE looking for bras! and refuse to wear underwires!!!!!

Gee Janie,
I'd be wondering if you couldn't get an implant for the one, and under your health plan. It seems to me, this could cause unnecessary discomfort, embarrassment and overall self-consciousness.

Eric would LOVE that! LOL
I think it has gotten more noticeable since I have gained weight. As long as I don't wear horizontal striped shirts, I can get away with it.

I am a really lucky girl. My boobs were DDD. I had a breast reduction last year and I now wear a C cup. I love my new boobs. If I remember correctly it cost dear hubby $4,000. It was worth every penny of it. No pain, just sore for a few days.

Not yet ... haven't felt the need.

o j

OJ, You'll read ANY thread!!! LOLOL
I was wondering if you or Cynic would jump in on this one!

Thanks, Jennmonkey.
It wasn't a matter of my feeling overly modest; rather, that's just the way JC Penney's automatically did it.

Geez! Gazanna! Just toss them over your shoulders. That's alot of extra weight to carry.