Bra Size

I just finished bf my 3rd, I waited for my boobs to dry up and then I do what I do once a year: I went to Victoria's Secret and got a fitting - and a new bra. They are always professional and very helpful. Even if you don't want to spend $$$ for a bra, you still walk away sized.

S., I'm commiserating right there with ya -- same story and all. It just really makes me wonder: Where in the world does it all go? It's like the babies just suck the fat right out LOL. Glad you asked the question and I hope to use some of the answers soon!

I am also a VERY hard to fit/find bra size. The ONLY store that I've found that 1. carries my size and 2. knows how to CORRECTLY fit is Nordstrom's. Macy's and Penneys are nice places to shop, but Nordstrom's associates are specially trained and really know what they are doing. I know there isn't one close, so I make a special trip a couple times a year to re-fit and buy new bras.

Same problem here. Lots of great suggestions so I figured I would add my 2 cents just for giggles. It reminds me of the book, 'Are you there God, it's me Margeret: We must, we must we must increase our bust. hope it brightens your day :) and hey it couldn't hurt

I was having the same issue! I feel like my cup size shrank after I stopped breastfeeding. I found a bra at Kohls by Warner's. I actually was able to get it in a B (ego boost) and it also kind of enhances which is of course helpful. It is soft and doesn't have an underwire. The only problem is that it's a full coverage bra so it's definitely not a cute fun bra!
Good luck in finding something that works

Actually you can be fitted for bras at certain stores, and don't be embarassed to use them for that purpose. Victoria Secrect, Fredricks, Macys and Nordstrom's will all fit you.
Cup size is the actual size of your bust, band size is supposed to be the measurement around from mid-center between your breasts to include your back etc.
No, you don't have to walk around in ill fitting bras and don't be ashamed to take bras into the fitting rooms and try them on. Wal Mart, KMart, Pennys, all have fitting rooms and use them!!!!
Yes, there is a AA cup and a AAA cup size. Cup sizes like every thing else has changed over the years. I used to be able to get petites that fit (I am 5'1") now petite is considered 5'5" so I am cursed again!
It is better to be comfortable and have on something that fits than to worry about two minutes of embarassment while some strange lady measures you for a bra, believe me, I have been in the same place you are now! And even after she has measured you be sure while you are still there to try on several bras to make sure the measurements are correct whether you purchase a bra from them or not!

Similar situation here and I am near 40. I went to Victoria's Secret and got some good grown-up 32A. Have them measure you for a fitting and you'll get what you truly are.

Hi S.,
I just want to thank you for posting this topic...I also feel the same way and have the same problem (after nursing 5 kids, the last two twins!) It was nice to read all your responses...So glad to know that I am not the only one! ;) Good luck to you...and I hope you don't mind, but think I will use some of these suggestions, too! :)
S.

Victoria's secret's has people who will measure you. You can always go and get them to measure you, try a few things on, and if you don't like anything (or they are just not priced in your range - they tend to be pricey!), then don't buy and go somewhere else that carries the size you need. My niece is rather large and we took her there to have her measured because she was not self-selecting her bra sizes very well, but we didn't buy anything from there for her.

I'm not sure where you live, but if you are in the general Cleveland Area, there also used to be a speciality place called Solomon's somewhere on Chagrin Blvd in Beachwood. They also were very good at measuring (probably better than Victoria's) and fitting people for Bra's. I went there when I was pregnant because I was so big on top, but I imagine they'd be good for smaller sizes too. If you are in the Cleveland area, check the phone book - they relocated a few years back, so I'm not sure if they are still on Chagrin, but most likely they are still on the East side somewhere.

I have heard that Macy's does good bra fittings.... Good luck!

Do yourself a favor and go and get professionally fit. Many places have free bra fittings. Or you can call the Elizabeth Blackwell Center a schedule a fitting.

I've changed sizes so many times due to pregnancy, nursing, and all of the aftermath of having 3 kids, lol. I always have great luck at Victoria's Secret. They are really great at finding the right size and fit/style for you and your needs and they do so in a non-judgemental way. I buy all of my bras there now (Oh how I wish they made nursing bras) and they are totally worth the extra money. To me, its a minor expense to be able to figure out which style of theirs I like the best and just go pick one up and know that it will fit. So much less stressful than trying on ###-###-#### different ones at department or discount stores.

I would suggest that you splurge and go to an actual lingerie store and be fitted by the sales person to get an accurate size. This way you know the best size for you, and you walk away with at least one bra that you feel good in. After that you will know your size and you can scour the stores and the internet for styles that you like in your true size.

Oh S., I can so feel for you!! Sadly I have always been small busted. Unless I can find one for a good price, I usually just buy in the teen section. If you have the money to drop you could always try a Victoria Secret. Good Luck! C.

I think you may be surprised at the amount of women that can commiserate with you. I went into Victoria Secret just last week and actually found out that i've been wearing the wrong size for quite some time. I had to order the size i needed from the cataloge. I received them on Thursday and they feel terrific. If nothing else go into VS they are so nice and will work with you until you get the right fit.

Good luck.

I agree with the other ladies. Go to a store and get fitted. Lots of places do it now and it only takes a quick second. I'm having the opposite problem as you, I just keep growing and growing. I went to Motherhood Maternity and got fitted for a nursing bra and WOW! the difference is astounding! I don't mess with my bra all the time anymore and it's way more comfortable than my other ones are. I would also suggest being prepared to spend some money on a bra. A really good bra can cost you a pretty decent chunk of change. However, I do believe Victora's Secret is running their semi-annual sale right now. Sine you're on the smaller side, they should have tons of great stuff in your size on sale. This is the ONLY time of year I can afford to shop there! Go and get fitted, I think you'll be amazed! And if you want to add a little oomph, I know they make bra inserts that are made of silicone. You can get those at Victoria's Secret too. Good luck and happy bra hunting! Few things can give women an ego boost like a really great bra!

I have the best luck at Fredericks, the bras fit well and are not made for the girls with fake boobs like Victoria's Secrets are. I think if you try there you will probably find something that fits nice and is flattering as well. They have their Semi-Annual Sale in July so you are just in time!

I worked for a specialty bra boutique before moving to Indianapolis. There is no way to get a negative bra size. You are either adding numbers where you shouldn't or you are measuring in the wrong place.
PLEASE don't feel embarrassed. Go to either Knickers of Hyde Park or Candace's Boutique (near Kenwood Mall) and get a correct fitting. Even if you don't buy from them, at least you will know your correct size. They are great and NEVER make you feel embarrassed. Everyone should be fitted at least once a year and any time a weight change happens (like during pregnancy, after birth, after weaning, etc...)

If anyone reads this and isn't near Cincinnati, PM me and I will tell you the correct way to size yourself.

I hear ya, after breastfeeding my second child, and then months later, working out, I'm now measuring AA. I felt like the incredible shrinking woman! V.S. sells a Victoria Secrets Pink T-shirt bra in several neutral colors that's pretty nice. I also found the VS Angels bra 34 A fits pretty well, and is a really nice bra. Good luck on your search.

Hi S. I have no idea of what to tell you except be thankful that after your children you haven't gained a bunch of inches/pounds. I too wore a 32 AA when we got married and now after three kids and almost 50 years of marriage I wear a 46/DDD. It is embarassing to see 'men' stare at your boobs. I am only 4'11 1/2 so you know the extra pounds make my back, shoulders and every where else hurt and very uncomfortable. JC Penny Co. also measure and fit bras so you might find a good one there. Good Luck

S.,

I feel your pain! I have the same problem!!! I have found that the bras from Frederick's are the BEST! Even better than Victoria Secret and any other brands. They fit perfect all around and they have all levels of padding!!!! I especially like the ones called "Deep Plunge." And for those times that even the padding is not enough (like with some tank tops or swimsuits), they have silicone inserts that are waterproof and can be combined with the padding from the bra. I guarantee that all of these look very natural under your clothes, which the biggest problem with small breasts + padded bras! - I'm 30 too and we both deserve grown up bras!!!

Yes there is an answer. There are AA bras out there. Its by Playtex I believe. I think that you can get them at Wal-mart. They have like Almost B bras. They are very helpful.. All different sizes. And they are a very plain bra..(a mom bra) :)
I hope you find this helpful. But you are not hopeless.

I can commiserate... don't know if I can help. Same situation...after nursing went to much less than a B where I had been a B before. (And my baby is 20...so I don't know...) Anyway, I used cheap bras for ages...and just in the last few months a friend took me for a proper bra fitting at a quality department store. I bought four bras...three styles...and tried them on longer at home before wearing. If you take the tags off, you can't return. One I returned. The one I like the best--I bought another one, so I have a total of 4 I really like and fit pretty well. They worked with me-- the padded A is really a little tight...the padded B's work better.

A cheaper alternative would be that style that is "NEarly A" or Nearly B... You could try those on. They have them at Walmart, even. My problem is I have put on weight and they were cutting in the sides. If I bought a bigger around bra...the cups were too big and too far apart. Everyone is different.. Keep working with it--if you can't find one, try a different store. get a salesclerk to work with you.... another place I was told to try but I have not is Victoria's secret. The bras are not cheap, but they will work with you and help fit you.

I feel for you I have always been small chested and having kids didnt help unfortunately. I have never seen AA but I am sure online you can find it. What you can do is go up to JoAnn Fabrics and get like these silicone inserts. They look like what boob implants look like but you just put them in your bra and it fills it out for you and it feels real if someone brushes against you. And it is not fluffy like padding. It is what I use bc I need something to fill out the bra cup. It is comfy and I forget I am wearing them. Plus you can take these out and put them in any bra which is nice. Good luck to you I hope this helps you at least a bit.

I know others have suggested Victoria's Secret, but they have always messed up my size and sold me bras that didn't fit well. Go to Macy's or Nordstroms or an upscale lingerie store where they have certified bra fitters - make an appointment if that's what you need to do. DO spend whatever it takes for a quality, well-fitting bra. If you can only buy one to start with, then do that. If you can get two that's better - you have the other one to wear while you wash the other.

AA would be right, would be nice if they made the wonderful miracle bra that said "use after breastfeeding"!!!

goodluck

I'd recommend going to Victoria Secret or JCPenney and having them do a bra fitting on you. They would be able to help you find a good bra

S., I am totally with you on this situation. I too have a very hard time finding a bra to fit. I recently found that Playtex has 1/2 sizes. What a blessing!! I found them at Kohls for about $14.99 on sale. I have also found them at Hanes.com for about the same price on sale. If I'm not mistaken, they do have a "nearly A" size.

Hope this helps.

You need to take a day away from the kids and find yourself a great bra!! :) Easier said than done, I'm sure!
I've had the same problem for most of my life..ill fitting bras..and just recently really tried and tried on bras until I found one that felt and looked good. It took time!! I had NOT been wearing the size that I actually was! It was shocking. Felt like an episode of Oprah!!
Also, there are plenty of places that will actually fit you for a bra! Their bras may be more expensive than most places but you could go get fitted at one and then go to Kohl's and buy one in your new correct size!! :)
You'll feel so much better when you have a bra that feels and looks good. Good luck!

I just use my under-bust measurement for the band size, and it usually ends up a good fit. I believe your bust measurement minus band size gives you the cup size, but it can vary, depending on the store or brand. If you think you are an A or AA, try Victoria Secret, they will have nice looking styles with padding to make you feel less like you're wearing a training bra! Good luck.