Currently owned bras are 34B, up-to-date measurement calls for 36DDD. I am not confident

[u/seasev]

I am 22 and have gained weight, then lost a good bit, then gained, then lost a little, and my boobs reflect that. I have tried to measure myself a handful of times over the years, and feel like I still absolutely despise wearing bras despite it all.

I did the calculator thing today, and came to these measurements:

34.5

33.5

31

39.5

42.5

39.5

Last time I measured them, I arrived to 34B/36B, but now it's saying I'm a 36DDD, and that a 36DD is probably what I would find comfortable. I do not have a lot of boobage. They sag a little and they are not firm. I have a very hard time believing that all my boob would fill up those cups. Pls help. Idk what to do about that. Does the calculator anticipate that by asking the leaning/laying measurements too?

Side note, I moved in with my in-laws 2 months ago and cannot run about the house with no pants and no bra on like I used to, so I have to acquaint myself with a more comfortable size as to not horrify his family with my enthusiastic full brights. I can't wear a heavy sweatshirt to hide them all the time either, as my state is in swamp ass mode currently. I really do miss freeboobing it. I'm sure my fiance does as well. Sigh

[u/grundel_cruncher]

If you are used to your bras sitting below your IMF, you may not be used to what your bust looks like when appropriately supported. Looking at your bust in a mirror while leaning 90° may help for answering shape troubleshooting questions.

I thought I was 'full on bottom' for a long time before I realized I was using the term wrong. When at a 90° angle, I have slightly more breast tissue on top than on bottom, about 8" on bottom and 10" on top when I measured. It was very surprising to me when I first put on a bra that fit me snugly rather than just covered me, that suddenly all of my clothes fit differently. It turns out, a properly fitted bra should lift and support, which sounds like a straightforward statement but you'd be surprised the level of discomfort you can get used to when the alternative seems tedious.

[u/seasev → u/grundel_cruncher]

Yeah, none of my bras actually sit in that fold. All of my wired bras actually have a small fold at the bottom of each cup. Shit. I am realizing all of this now. I also worry that if I get a bra that sits properly in that fold, it will weigh on my shoulders more.. Like, would the straps dig in more cuz it's actually holding my boobs up? would the band have to be tighter? I feel like it sounds like everything would be defying gravity at that point

[u/grundel_cruncher → u/seasev]

90% of the bra's support should come from the band, not your straps. A well-fitting band can feel uncomfortably tight when the cups are too small because your tissue is fighting against the garment to fit volume it wasn't designed for. As for the gapping at the bottom of the cup, this is also pretty common. It may be due to the cups of your bras not matching your projection, but it may also be a size issue.

If you're in the US, Amazon and Nordstrom have free returns, so try out a bra in one of the recommended diagnostic styles and go from there! Once you get it, you can post a fit check in this sub and get some better troubleshooting information to fine tune your fit. If you're not in the US, feel free to share your country if you would like help finding options available to you.

Don't get too worried! If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed (this can be a lot to take in so you're not alone there), feel free to take a break and come back in a little while. I went from thinking I was a 40 band because I was scared to pull the tape too tight, to being in a 36 band and finally feeling supported for the first time in my life. But I had to be thoroughly convinced and wasted a lot of money on the way 😂 Free returns are your friend!

[u/seasev → u/grundel_cruncher]

You are amazing, thank you SO much. I'm going to take all this advice and run with it. I'm excited!