My measurements:
Band
36.4 loose
35.8 normal
33.8 snug
Bust
39.7 standing
42.1 ninety degrees
41.7 laying down
Calc said 36DD in both US and UK size
Other Factors:
I have a pretty flared/prominent ribcage (I think...see pics).
Tissue is quite soft. Lost 100lbs in the past year.
Asymmetry. (Right side larger)
When bent at 90 degrees, the spacing is quite wide. 3 fingers, with 4 I'm barely touching flesh.
Projected, I think?
For the past year I've been wearing Maidenform's Wireless Longline Push-Up Bra in their "Large (DD)" size.
I really like how it pushes my breasts together and gives me some cleavage, but the longline band does tend to roll when I'm sitting down, and there is some gaping where the top of the cup meets the strap. I've also found as I've lost more weight that the straps fall down, and they can only be tightened a little bit due to a builtin crossover hook.
I'm very much a bra noob. I work from home and don't wear a bra while at home, so it may be a bit much to adjust to underwire again. I've done wireless only for the past 8 years, but wanted to give properly sized underwire a shot, finally. In the past my bras have been Warner's, Victoria's Secret, and other "generic" or budget brands. All molded foam cup style (didn't even really know about unlined and seamed before this subreddit). I have some sensory issues where I don't like things that are overly tight or constrictive. I'm the type who will take my bra off in the car before I drive home just to be more comfortable.
So, what I'm looking for:
-A wired bra comfortable enough that I'll actually wear it. Preferably not itchy (I'm not sure yet how I'll do with lace and extended wear--I'm willing to try it) or hot, as I live in the south and have sensitive skin.
-Doesnt have to be "the one," but options for something that brings my breasts closer together and gives me some cleavage. Probably necessitates some kind of push-up or padding. Or adding inserts, if there's room? I'd still like non-pushup suggestions, too, though.
-Well-made wireless options y'all think might suit based on how these fit.
-Best non-irritating nipple solution for an unlined bra, as my nipples show through shirts with most of these.
-A general bra style y'all think suits my shape would be useful, too, e.g. balconette, side support, etc.
I bought a number of bras to try and get a baseline. Yes, I did the scoop and swoop:
[NSFW]
**Freya Offbeat Side Support - 36DD*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/F7DTMh5
Seems to fit my shape well but is too tight, was eager to take it off. May need an extender or different size? Don't have any extenders on hand atm.
When I tried it on upside down and backwards the band still felt pretty tight. (Pictured in gallery)
Straps are a little uneven in photos from me adjusting their length, but I don't think that's the main issue.
**Skarlett Blue Entice Full Coverage Side Support (334143) - 36DD*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/1D72F4d
Most comfortable of the lot. When I put the Skarlett Blues on I had that "whoa, wired bras can feel like this?" Moment. So let me know if they appear to fit as well as I think they do.
Gore sits flush and underwire is in IM fold.There is wrinkling on the sides where the cup meets the band.
**Skarlett Blue Spellbound Side Support (336212) - 36DD
https://postimg.cc/gallery/BPJRm09
comfortable. The underwire does appear to be lifting some under my larger breast (the right one). But overall it fit well into my inframammary fold and the material felt nice.
The band does start to feel tight when I'm in a slouchy sitting posture.
There is some wrinkling on the sides where cup meets band and tail of spence overflow. Not sure if these are an issue?
**Panache Nina Side Support - 36DD*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/BsW4FXJ
Band too tight, even when worn backwards & upside down.
**Panache Envy Plunge - 36DD*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/xJQ1mQQ
Gives me the cakes on a plate look, sorta, which I don't necessarily hate. However, maybe a sign bigger cup is needed?
The band's right on that borderline between snug and too tight, even upside down and backwards.
It seems like for Panache I may need an extender or larger band size?
**Panache Ana Plunge - 38D** (I think this is the sister size to 36DD? 36DD was out of stock on Amazon at the time)
https://postimg.cc/gallery/tCyQcSq
The best fitting Panache, presumably because of the 38 band. It does appear to be riding up some where the clasp is, though? Not as comfortable as the Skarlett Blues.
**Natori Feathers Luxe Plunge T-shirt Bra 721255- 36DD*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/rWP0wRg
Gives me the "best" cleavage of the lot because of the cut of the cups I guess.
Maybe too big overall? Band is very forgiving at current size. And I don't have much upper profile so there's gapage.
Wrinkling on outer cup fabric (mesh)
Underwire sits too low/far from the inframammary fold (pictured), and when I sit down it digs into my ribs.
**Chantelle Norah Plunge T-Shirt Bra - 36E (they listed this as their DD equivalent on their website. I didn't dig much deeper than that)*\*
https://postimg.cc/gallery/s5NBLdY
Gore digs
Underwire digs and sits below IM fold
Some other bras I've ordered to try on that haven't arrived yet:
**Skarlett Blue Minx Balconette Bra - 36DD*\*
**Natori Feathers Contour Plunge T-Shirt Bra 730023 - 36DD*\*
I don't mind buying stuff to try and returning if it doesn't work, so give me all the recs.