i begin to understand bra-burning as a statement

[adularia]

My order from Title 9 just arrived.

Predictably, they don't fit.

epilady recently attempted to clarify the whole bra sizing mumbledygook in this post, but I don't see how it can possibly be correct, either - the post would suggest agreement with nordstrom.bra-lady[2] that I am a 34D. Ever agreeable to empirical methods, I clocked almost four hours last

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[quiet000001]

Cannot see referenced post, so possibly I am repeating something. However:

Your measurement-based bra size is only a guide. Depending on the maker of the bra and the style, you may or may not find it comfortable, even if the tag says it is 'your' size. (This is in part due to manufacturing considerations, and in part due to varying breast size and shape and placement on the ribcage. Different makers use different test models, so one may design a bra for widely placed flatter breasts, while another designs for the same measurements but tear-drop shaped and close together.)

Further, different people find different measurement systems work best. (That whole "add 4" thing does not work for me at ALL.)

The only real way to bra shop is to arm yourself with tips on how the bastards SHOULD fit (snug band, underwires flush against body, support from band not straps, etc.) and use your measurement size as a rough guide of where to start, and then try the little buggers on. Try one band size up, one band size down, one cup size up, one cup size down, etc. (This is less painful if you find one bra that they have in a good range of sizes, rather than trying to compare different styles.)

Also, my local JoAnn's now carries bra-band extenders in a variety of colors and layout (for one hook, two, three, etc.) so if you find a bra which fits but the band is just a tiny bit too tight, I would go with one of them to add the extra inch you need. Eventually, the bra will stretch a bit, and then you won't need the extender. (Whereas if you go the next size up, then it'll stretch out too much sooner, and be unwearable.)

All that said, I am currently so peeved at bra hunting that there are not words.

[adularia]

"Support from band, not straps" seems to be a crucial detail that I was missing during shopping, though epilady also pointed it out...

nordstrom.bra-lady[0] just said to cinch the straps incredibly tight, such that the back of the band was leaving the Cisco logo on my back. Gr.

You and dymaxion both suggested bra-extenders... I didn't know they had them at Jo-Ann's though. Thought I'd have to order online. Should go there, I guess.

and, yeah. I've been reading your bra posts for a while now, and only just now understanding.

To not fitting a mold! *cheers*

[quiet000001]

bwahahha. hahaha. No. *takes all points from nordstrom.bra-lady[0]*

Basically, with the straps off your shoulders, the bra should be holding you up. Depending on the style of bra, you might get a little bit of funniness at the top of the cup, because the straps are sagging, but overall the bra and your boobs should not sag. (And when you put the straps back on, you shouldn't need to make them very tight at all to sort that out.) Your milage will vary based on the cut of the bra, but basically, the straps are there as secondary support and to keep the thing from wandering off when you move around, not to hoist the puppies up. :)

I'd go for the bra before the extender, so you can make sure to get the right one. (Though I do not recall them being that expensive, so you may well find it easier to just lay in a selection of 'em.) I was rather impressed that JoAnn's had such a supply of them.

Also, you mentioned ordering from Title 9. Don't they have a store up in your neck of the woods somewhere? Or do the stores not stock a decent selection of bras?

[adularia]

The store didn't stock a decent selection. Some of the stuff in the catalogue is cute, but I'm pretty unimpressed with the subset of clothing they have in stock. More's the pity, because I was really excited to see them open right across the road from a good bike shop.

I chronicled my adventures at Title 9 here, but it was stuffed under a rather vague LJ-cut, so you're not exactly to blame if you didn't catch it.

[quiet000001]

I should add that depending on the brand of bra, you may not need to use the extender all that long- for example Fantasie brand bras ALWAYS stretch in the band for me pretty quickly, so after maybe a month I'd expect to not need an extender anymore.

Just something to keep in mind once you've found a bra or two and are wearing them regularly- they will change size a little on you. :)

(And as much as it is a pain in the ass, when you find ones that fit? Totally wash them by hand. After all the crap to find the damn things, it's just not worth hastening their demise. :) )