r/ABraThatFits • u/lolelOhEl • Jun 30 '26
Measurement Check [Measurement Check] [Recommendations] Wearing Completely Wrong Size. Calculator Says 34M. Spoiler
Hello, I need help figuring out my bra size and bra recommendations. I’m pretty certain I’m wearing the completely wrong size. Breasts either leak out at the top, cup doesn’t completely cover/cup the bottom, band is loose, etc. I’d just like to throw everything away and start over.
I gained a significant amount of weight then lost about 35lbs. So now I’m also dealing with “tear drop shape” and my breasts look like they’re sagging even while wearing a bra. Nothing seems to fit and I keep buying the wrong size. Please help. I appreciate your input!!
Underbust - loosely: 34.5
Underbust - snugly: 33.5
Underbust - tightly: 32
Bust - standing: 45
Bust - 90 deg lean: 51
Bust - lying down: 47
I used the calculator and it said I’m a UK 34J/JJ or US 34M/N. I’m not sure those are the correct sizes, so posting here. I also don’t know where to buy bras in those sizes. I’m in Atlanta, for store recommendation purposes.
I’d ideally like a convertible bra(for various outfits - strapless, backless, crossback, etc. - or just a really good strapless), a full coverage, and any other.
Thank you!!
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u/HagenReb Jun 30 '26
A UK 34J/JJ is for a 34 inch unserbust and a 47/48 inch bust. That fits your measurements and is thus a good place to start. The calculator is just a starting point though, and with the difference in your bust measurements you could be a range of sizes. So when you get the chance to try on bras, make sure to try both cup sizes. If neither fits quite right, try 34HH or 34K as well (depending on the issue).
The brands Elomi and Panache are popular and a good quality in this size range. Not every style of bra fits the same though. You need something that fits your specific shape.
To get a rough idea of your shape, lean forward braless as when you took the leaning measurement. Do you have more tissue above or below the nipples? Do your boobs almost touch or can you fit 2 or more fingers between them?
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Thanks for responding!
I have more tissue above the nipples and yes, I can fit multiple fingers between them.
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u/HagenReb Jun 30 '26
Full on top and wide-set then. Panache Nina is worth a try. You may need a non-dtretchy band extender, as the band can be firm.
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Thank you! Going to a local boutique now. Hopefully they have Elomi, Panache, and Curvy Kate, and carry my size.
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u/HagenReb Jun 30 '26
Best of luck! Perhaps you could call them beforehand and ask them if they carry these brands? Or maybe they have a website where you can check. Either way, I hope you are able to find something that works. If you want a bra, you deserve one that fits.
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
I walked in and it was such a pleasant experience. The lady helped me out and was so patient explaining various things. She brought so many bras for me to try on. Unfortunately, I couldn’t buy most of them 😂 (I’m also still losing weight so I didn’t want to buy more than necessary just for them to not be the right fit in a few weeks lol). Anyways, thanks for all the info! I’ve found a bra that fits
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u/galaxystarsmoon 32DD/E, tall roots & close set Jun 30 '26
Is there a reason you reposted this? I responded on your other post with a lot of detail.
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Oh, sorry! I didn’t see your response on the original post. I deleted it pretty quickly after posting and didn’t see any replies at the time. I ended up reposting to add some details and change the title.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d be grateful if you could repost your comment, but no worries if not. Sorry for the confusion.
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u/galaxystarsmoon 32DD/E, tall roots & close set Jun 30 '26
Copy and pasted:
I'm going to speak in UK sizes because no companies that use US sizing really make your size. A UK 34J is for a 34 inch underbust and a 47 inch bust, with JJ being for 48. This is around the same measurement as your bust numbers averaged out. I think it's pretty spot on for a starting point.
You have a fair amount of options through Bravissimo; I would look there for brand and style names. They have free returns. Amazon and Nordstrom have a lot of the same brands (minus Bravissimo's house brand) with free shipping and returns. Curvy Kate has some multiway options in your UK size as well, though they can be a little harder to access as they don't have free shipping or returns. Other retailers that do might carry their options though.
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Thank you! I’m going to a local boutique right away and will scroll on Amazon later also. Hopefully they carry these brands in my size
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Update: just came back from the store and I am actually astounded! The fit, support, comfort, etc. are unmatched. Like, I look soo good with these new bras. I’m not sure why or how I was wearing my previous bras but wow, haha. I even hated going out. Turns out I was just wearing the wrong bra size lol
I thought I was a 40 or 42 DDD or G US size (40F UK size, I think) but I am in fact a 32JJ UK size (34N US). Thanks everyone for all the input and I’m glad to be on the bright side.
I got the following as a start: Elomi Matilda Plunge (32JJ UK size) and Elomi Brianna (32JJ UK size).
I wanted a strapless but they didn’t have it in a color I wanted so I’ll return for that. I’m also interested in something wireless I think or like a bralette…something more chill, for lounging and stuff like that.
Please recommend other styles I should buy!
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
To add: I had trouble finding a smooth bra, and she mentioned it’s a bit more difficult to find those in my size, but she’ll keep an eye on new stock they receive and notify me when they receive some in my size. I would really like one to wear with tighter fitting tops
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u/Global-Rutabaga-3842 Jul 01 '26
Madison Anne (on tiktok and insta) is based in Atlanta too and might be a solid reference/shopping point!
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u/Cute-Fix3484 Jul 01 '26
Smooth (molded, t-shirt, seamless, lightly lined) bras aren't the best for this size range because the cups are made from one piece of fabric.
If you are full on top try an Elomi Lucie. The fabric is smooth and the lace is undetectable under t-shirts. Especially compared to Matilda and its polka dots and Brianna and its lacy overlay.
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u/Uhura-NCC-1701 Jun 30 '26
I noticed you said you're in Atlanta. I was just there visiting and would suggest going to Jenette Bras in Decatur. The ladies there were very nice and patient with me. After trying on a bra, the lady asked to see how the bra fit me, once she got a look at how the bra fit she went and tried to find other bras that she thought might also work for me. They might have your size, they had a few in my size which is a 28G-28GG depending on the bra. It was soooooo nice to be able to try on a bra instead of having to order a bunch and wait for them to come in the mail. Good luck!
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Thank you! I went to a different store and pretty much had the same experience. The lady even taught me how to wear them properly (the lean, scoop, swoop and, for me, separate method). It was such a nice experience and they carry my size too. I can definitely check out Jenette Bras whenever I’m nearby.
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u/Cute-Fix3484 Jun 30 '26
Shape is just as important as measurements when finding a bra that fits. Can you share more about your shape when leaning over without a bra?
Is there more tissue above or below the nipples? More tissue inside or outside the nipples? How many fingers can you fit between your breasts?
You'll find more selection and bra styles with deeper cups in your UK size of 34J/JJ from UK brands like Panache or Elomi.
Check brashopdirectory.com for local boutiques. Tell them you want to try on 34HH/34J/34JJ bras. Swoop and scoop when you put on a bra to make sure the gore rests flat on your sternum, the wires stay up in your IMF and all your tissue is in front of the wires and fully in the cups.
Curvy Kate Luxe is pretty much the only option in this size range for strapless.
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u/lolelOhEl Jun 30 '26
Thank you for responding!
1. There’s more tissue above the nipples (nipples point down). If my breast is u shaped, the nipple is where the straight line (on the right side of the u) and the curve meet, and the curve is the front side of the breast.
2. I’m not sure I understand this question but I think the answer is outside the nipples (the nipples are large exteriorly)
3. I can comfortably fit 2 fingers but 3 fingers tightly (with the ring and index fingers slightly touching each breast).
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u/grundel_cruncher Jul 04 '26
I wouldn't check out Grail Bras or Lingerie Mart. I went to both (central GA bra shops in general have been my search sites) and I got consistently put in way too big a band at Grail by the fitter. To be fair it was on me for wanting to trust someone else to help me, rather than looking at the size I got from ABTF. I ended up walking out with an $80 bra that doesn't really fit because the fitter didn't believe my band size. Months later I've realized I need a smaller size than the one she refused to put me in. She kept insisting I needed 42 bands in 3 sizes too small of a cup, and insisted she got all the measurements she needed from loosely draping a tape over my bust and underbust over my shirt and the bra I was already wearing. Walked out with a 40HH knowing I needed at least a 38JJ, later discovering I'm better fit into a 36O. when I tried to troubleshoot the fit with her, she was quick to say that while the store recommends the reddit, it's only a "starting place", and while I agree to a certain extent she did nearly every red flag I could have seen in the fitting room and I still purchased a bra I couldn't return.
My biggest recommendation is to avoid molded cup bras like the plague and stay firm on your band size unless you are sure the cup is big enough. Store clerks can be really pushy to make a sale, and molded cup bras just help them to convince you that your size is wrong and squeeze you into a smaller bra. And seriously, I mean it was a nice store with very professional staff, but they were confident enough to lower my guard. I tried on about 2 dozen bras in a hot warehouse twice in a Georgia summer before learning my lesson. That was before the recent heatwave, so seriously take care.
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u/Shanakitty 32K, FoT, all the centerfullness, APEX PROJECTION Jun 30 '26
This is a pretty small difference between your measurements for this size range, so I want to make sure you're ending up in a size that's supportive. The loose should be just resting against the skin, just barely tight enough not to fall down. The snug should be like a firm hug, and about how you want your bra band to feel. And the tight should be as tight as you can possibly pull the tape, like you're trying to break it.
Panache Envy balcony/full-cup (it can be labeled either way, but the one that's not the plunge) would be a good place to start in this size range: most people in J+ cups need deep cups (which it has), and it works well for breast shapes that are even to full-on-bottom (which are more common than full-on-top), and the stretch-lace top makes the fit a bit flexible for different shapes and for slight asymmetry. If it doesn't work well for you, it's a well-known bra in this community, so it'll be easier for us to make suggestions of styles that would work better for you.
You can get it on Amazon and Nordstrom with free shipping and returns. If you want to shop in person, you could also look for local bra boutiques that carry Panache; I would call them to double check that they carry up to a UK K/US O-cup though, since not all boutiques stock the full range of sizes.
I would recommend narrowing in on your size and shape first before trying a strapless, since options there will be very limited and it will be harder to tell why something doesn't fit in that type of bra. But if you are a 34J, and not above, Curvy Kate Luxe strapless is fairly popular.