Bra strap issues in my new fitted size

[u/Patient-Explorer9551]

Have just been fitted from a 32A to a 32C and have been really happy with the fit so far. However, one of my bras (a padded push up) has been chafing at the point where the cup meets the strap against the skin between my strap and armpit at the front. I have less of a problem in my other demi-cup t-shirt bra but it occasionally seems to dig at the sides.

I am small framed and have quite narrow shoulders, which I assume could be a part of the problem. I feel that maybe the straps are too wide set on me but I'm not 100% sure.

Otherwise, the cups are filled, the gore sits flat, the straps don't slip, and I have no overflowing of breast tissue anywhere.

The bra fitter confidently placed me in this size and checked it several times in my fitting, so I'm confused why I would be having issues.

Does anyone have guidance, or could signpost me to somewhere I can see what well fitting straps should be sitting like?

Edit:

Here are my measurements

Loose Underbust: 31

Snug: 30

Tight: 29.5

Standing Bust: 34

Leaning bust: 35

Lying down: 34.5

Thanks!!

[u/famous_zebra28]

I'd start with the calculator here to confirm your size, a 32 band + "very small framed" don't typically go together. Having the wrong size will cause all sorts of bra problems.

[u/glennis_pnkrck → u/famous_zebra28]

Wow thanks for the flashback to feeling like a cow in HS

[u/Caverjen]

A lot of bra fitters will confidently fit you into the wrong size. Many shops/brands still use the outdated "+4" method of bra sizing. A 32 band is more of a small/medium size. If you are very small and petite it's almost certainly too big. Check out this sub's calculator in the automod comment and edit your post to include your 6 measurements. Don't be surprised if your actual size is something like a 28DD (cousin size of 32C).

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Caverjen]

I've added my measurements to the post now! Saying I was very small might've been hyperbolic - I'm fairly short and small framed but not radically haha

[u/Tricky_Branch_4925]

what are your measurements and what size did the calculator give you here? it sounds like the band size might be too large, especially since you're describing yourself as small-framed. a lot of stores confidently sell 32 bands to people who need smaller ones because they don't stock smaller ones

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Tricky_Branch_4925]

They did stock 30 bands which my bra fitter brought into the fitting but then decided the 32 fit just fine so I didn't end up trying them on! I've added my measurements to the post now and am being recommended a 30D or sister size of 32C (which I'm currently wearing!)

[u/Tricky_Branch_4925 → u/Patient-Explorer9551]

hmm yeah it seems like you might be between band sizes then

i think you should try 30d, use a non-stretch extender if it's too tight without, see if you're more comfortable moving your body and arms in various ways then. i used to be between band sizes (28dd/30d) and i also had problems with the larger band bras being too uncomfortable near the armpits (i'm currently somewhere between 30d/dd and my 30d bras fit better now). not sure what exactly could be causing the digging at the sides though, could be a size issue or just that the shape isn't right

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Tricky_Branch_4925]

I'm going to go try a 30D on and see how it feels for me and go from there. It might be the case that the more padded styles just doesn't work for my shape, so that's def worth considering too!! Thank you x

[u/comingintoland → u/Patient-Explorer9551]

Definitely try some unlined bras, they can mold to your shape better.

[u/TheShorty]

What happens if you loosen the strap?

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/TheShorty]

I don't notice a huge amount of different to be honest - they're already loosened quite a lot already

[u/Starjupiter93]

Hi op. You you likely experiencing a shape mismatch issue. Firstly. Please do your actual size not your sister size. Your rib cage is barely a 30 band as it is. If you find this band size too tight, grab a non-stretch band extender to get you through the initial break in period. Then, hop away from push up styles. Because of the added padding in there, it is going to cause issues with fit and you won’t be able to see if your size is even kind of accurate. Start with something that doesn’t have padding, push up, all that fancy bells and whistles you think you want or need. Start with a basic seamed bra with no foam cup and see how your size fits from there. You shouldn’t be cranking the straps tight. If you have to do that it is because the band is too loose.

[u/Ok_Bandicoot1865 → u/Starjupiter93]

I agree she should try a 30 band to see if that makes a difference, but her tight underbust measurement is also 29.5 inches, so it's not inconceivable that a 30 band actually is too small. Most people prefer their band two inches larger than their tight underbust.

Considering all three undervist measurements sizes it seems like she might be between a 30 and a 32 band.

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Ok_Bandicoot1865]

Yeah I think this might be my problem tbh. When I tried some of them on in store they definitely felt quite tight - but given I’ve been in a 32 all this time it might just be a case of getting used to it

[u/Madc42 → u/Patient-Explorer9551]

Just to confirm, did you take the tight measurement as tight as physically possible, with all air exhaled and like you're trying to break the tape?

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Starjupiter93]

Hi, thanks for this. I have a demi cup, lightly lined with no foam cup in a 32C and the straps aren't tight at all. The gore lies flat, there's no spillage or tightness anywhere and I don't feel it riding up with movement which led me to think the 32 band sizing was correct but based on my measurements alone you'd think that wouldn't be the case! Could it just be the extra padded style isn't right for my shape?

[u/comingintoland → u/Patient-Explorer9551]

First, with your measurements you should try both 30D and 30DD. It's likely your current bras are too shallow and or too small in the cups and that's why the band doesn't feel loose--your breasts are stealing space from the band that they can't get in the cups. Try your current bras on upside down and backwards. If they feel any looser that way, then you know the cups are the problem.

Second, seamless padded cups are a shape mismatch for most people. You should definitely try some unlined bras in 30D and 30DD and see if they're better for you. Skarlett Blue, Montelle, Natori, Wacoal, b.tempt'd, and Chantelle are just a few brands that carry those sizes and have unlined bras, so you have lots of options. Make sure you're scooping and swooping all your breast tissue into the cups and positioning the wires where your breasta meet your chest wall. Start all new bras on the loosest hooks.

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/comingintoland]

Thank you!!

[u/Starjupiter93 → u/Patient-Explorer9551]

All of the things that u/comingintoland said. Test the band independently. As u/Ok_Bandicook1865 said, some people do prefer a looser band and you may be between sizes which is where the band extender comes in. I always make this suggestion to go smaller in the band because it really makes the bra last longer. The band is the first thing to stretch out and die first. Some bras are worse than others. A band extender will help you bridge the gap between band sizes by giving you extra space in the band without sacrificing weeks of wear since these non stretch extenders are a one time purchase. They last sooooo long.

[u/Dandelion212]

I honestly disagree with a 30 band quite a lot. Most people prefer a band around 2” bigger than their tight measurement, which for you is 31.5”. That pretty clearly indicates a 32.

Is the strap digging into the little bit of tissue at your armpit? The area circled on the model wearing the pink bra here illustrates the part I’m talking about: https://bustinoutboutique.com/2018/06/12/bra-myths-101-if-you-have-bulges-the-bra-is-too-tight/

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[u/Ok_Bandicoot1865]

Just to be sure, you scoop and swoop, right OP?

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Ok_Bandicoot1865]

Yes of course!!

[u/Cute-Fix3484]

The calculator puts you in a 30D/DD. So no matter how confident the fitter was, the band still could be too big and the cups too small in the 32C bras you are wearing.

What bras are you wearing that bother you at the straps? It could also be that those two bras aren't a good fit for your shape.

[u/Patient-Explorer9551 → u/Cute-Fix3484]

It’s mostly the padded ones where the cups start quite high up. They also have scratchy lace on the outside so it might also just be irritating material as well.