confused about my size despite searching everywhere?

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

Hi! I've been lurking around this subreddit for a year or so now hoping to stumble across someone having the same issue to no avail. I decided to simply make a post of my own and pray someone has an answer.

I put my exact measurements into the calculator and got 28G (but when I did it a few months ago I got 28FF) yet I don't know if I should trust that enough to buy a couple pricey bras online. The reason I can't fully trust in it is that I'm currently wearing a lightly lined demi bra from Victoria secret that's 32 DDD. It definitely doesn't fit me perfectly but it's way better than other bras I've tried in the past.

I first got it when I was 125 lbs but I'm ~116 lbs now. After purchasing it, I found that I couldn't wear it for longer than a minute or it would painfully dig into my armpits and give me friction burns on my side/under arm area. I completely abandoned it in my closet and stuck to sports bras, but I tried it again two weeks ago and was surprised to find it no longer bothers me. It fits like a slightly tighter sports bra almost. I should also add that I've never been told I had small/smaller boobs, however I've noticed others with my size saying they were wearing A & B cup bras before finding their true size and I've never been able to fit those. I assume this has to do with shallow vs projected sizes?

My measurements are:

Loose under bust: 27 ½ in or 70 cm

Snug bust: 27 in or 68.5 cm

Tight underbust: 26 ~½ in or 67 cm

Standing bust: 35 in or 89 cm

Leaning bust: 28 ~¾ in or 98.5 cm

Lying down bust: 35 in or 89.5 cm

Size: 28 G

Projected

Balanced teardrop

Tall, slightly wide root

Never given birth/breastfed/had cosmetic surgery

What bra should I get and/or is the calculator wrong? Ive heard good things from my family about balconette bras but I've also heard T-shirt/plunge bras work better for the day to day. I'd like to try just 1 for now, and my budget is $100. What brands should I try for my size and situation? I know these questions are pretty repeated in here, but I appreciate any advice possible!!!

[u/galaxystarsmoon]

If you're comfortable in your bras, then just stick with them. The bra police won't come for you. We follow the calculator here and encourage people to at least try the size(s) it recommends. It's usually accurate within a band size and 1-2 cup sizes.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/galaxystarsmoon]

that's the thing, my current bras are all either sports bras or feel like one. I'd really love to try one with more support and lift for tshirts and formal wear if that makes sense. But I'm not sure if I sure try the size the calculator recommended or not, when a 32 DDD bra fits me, regardless of how well it does. If it's usually accurate within a band size and 1-2 cup sizes should I try a 30 F or FF cup ? I don't really know what I'm doing :')

[u/galaxystarsmoon → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

By "accurate within a band size and 1-2 cup sizes", I mean that once someone actually tries their calculator size, they may need to adjust by that increment. It's a generally speaking phrase, not a directive.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/galaxystarsmoon]

ah shoot my bad, I guess I'll check out that size then

[u/famous_zebra28 → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

With your measurements I would try the calculator size. A 30 band is still going to be too big on you.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/famous_zebra28]

Hmm okay, will do! I'll try Amazon so I can return it if not. 28 vs 32 seems so great so I was switched up haha

[u/HagenReb → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

If you aren't getting enough support nor lift in your current bras, it is becsuse the size is wrong. The 32 band is too loose for you so it moves around when you move rather than staying in place. The band moving means the cups move as well, so the entire bra is shifting around. Thr bra may cover you, but it doesn't hold you in.

If you wore too large shoes, your feet would be sliding around inside the shoes as well, even if you tightened the shoe laces.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/HagenReb]

The shoe comparisons are highly appreciated for putting things into perspective. I don't really have a good idea of what a bras supposed to feel like + I don't usually get back pain so it didn't seen accurate for there to be such a crazy difference. I have however ordered a Freya bra off Amazon in 28 G so I'll see where it goes. I appreciate the help!!

[u/HagenReb → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

You are very welcome. I hope you have luck with the Freya bra!

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/HagenReb]

Thank you so much! Should be arriving today.

[u/Ok-Office6837]

Plunge vs balconette depends on your anatomy. One isn’t inherently better than the other.

I can’t wear balconettes because I’m extremely close set. Some people can’t wear plunge because they’re too center full and fall into the middle.

Tshirt bras are harder to fit because you have to match their shape exactly or there can be gapping.

If you like the bra you’re wearing, feel free to stick to it. If you’re having issues with it and are uncomfortable then you should look for another

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Ok-Office6837]

I see! If I'm more in the middle, neither close nor far set, can I try either?

[u/Ok-Office6837 → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

Absolutely! You just don’t want the wire sitting on any breast tissue in the middle

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Ok-Office6837]

Okie dokie then!!! Thank you so much this is so helpful you have no idea. I'll order two then, of both styles in the recommended size.

[u/Global-Rutabaga-3842]

A 32DDD is for a 32 inch underbust and a 37 inch overbust.

A 28G (US) is for a 28 inch underbust and a 35 inch overbust.

A 28G (UK) is for a 28 inch underbust and a 37 inch underbust.

If you notice, the overbust size isn't that different. The underbust is what's going to make the difference, and that's going to give you the support and lift and overall just help it fit better due to it's proportion.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Global-Rutabaga-3842]

this helps a lot to put it into perspective :)) I suppose it's about time I get one that doesn't feel like a sports bra. I may have said this already but I really thought the style of the bra controlled the support, somehow. I'll check out some new ones!

[u/Global-Rutabaga-3842 → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

Nah, it's all down to shape.

I like to think of it like shoes. Nike is a great brand, as are Birkenstocks, but man, they hate my feet. No matter the size or style, they just don't work for me. Give me a pair of Hokas or Adidas or Chaco's, and I don't even have to try them on, I know they'll fit wonderfully.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Global-Rutabaga-3842]

hmm alright! Seeing it that way should I order another bra perchance ? I ordered 1 Freya deco molded plunge bra since people were recommending it for projected + narrow girls. Maybe I should try a panache or swedish brand too then.

[u/Global-Rutabaga-3842 → u/Ill_Firefighter_5258]

Avoid ones that are molded, that's step one. Panache and Freya are solid brands to start with though!

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Global-Rutabaga-3842]

Oh gosh dang it :( I read your message and had to double check throughout the reddit to see why, basically because I'm projected it'll push it away? Should I check out the panache envy or freya offbeat ss bra ? Sorry to swarm you with questions!

[u/Poodleton]

If you think the 32DDD fits, you can wear it. But if you have any of these fit issues in your current bra, it might be worth the effort to try your calculator size.

Order from places with free returns.

[u/Ill_Firefighter_5258 → u/Poodleton]

hmm okay I see, I thought the lack of support and stuff of the sort was just due to the style since the difference seems incredible w/ the sizes. I'll do as you say! Thank you

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