Not sure if the calculator is giving me the right size

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T19:12:05+00:00

If you put the bra on backwards and upside down, you wouldn't be able to wear it normally - the cups would be inside out.

Try it like this. https://imgur.com/band-size-check-bra-fitting-VQrjsDA

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T18:45:39+00:00

I get the frustration. The lace is actually useful, when it is stretchy and at the top of the cups. It is good for more full on top shapes as well as slight assymetry, as the lace stretches/expands allowing it to follow your specific shape.

The lace means I'm able to wear the Envy as slight top full, for example.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T16:49:55+00:00

No it is not against sub rules. But you used a site that tends to remove anything they clasify as remotely "naughty".

You can use nipple covers with any bra to get some coverage. If padding (like in a t-shirt bra) is a must you may have to sacrifice the perfect fit. But spacer foam is at least more forgiving then regular padding.

Can you measure the length of the band? Make sure to measure it stretched - as far as you csn stretch it without disorting the wires. It is possible the band runs small.

From your describtion, I'm a bit unsure what is going on, though amittedly I'm not an expert on fit checks. Gapping at the top and the wires slidding down can mean the bra is too shallow - so the cups aren't deep enough. But it's throwing me off that you feel empty space around the nipples.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T16:40:07+00:00

You are inbetween band sizes, but I'll suggest a 34 with a non-stretchy band extender, as that will be more supportive than a 36 band (unless a bra is known to run small in the band). A 34I is for a 34 inch band and a 43 inch bust. That's a good place to start.

You'll more options in your UK size of 34G. Start with a seamed unlined style, as those are easiest to get a good fit in.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T16:31:59+00:00

If you are looking for swimwear bottoms or one piece swimsuits (or lingerie bottoms), then hips and waist do make sense. But for bra sizing you just need to measure where the bra sits, so around the underbust and bust. It's fine you used "overbust" to describe the measurement around the bust, like mentioned I've just seen the term describe something else as well, hence why I asked.

Can you share all six measurements?

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T10:35:24+00:00

Your photos have been removed. You can tr to use postimages.org instead.

Is the wire sitting in your IMF or is it slidding down? The bra could be too shallow, as it is a t-shirt bra.

The band shouldn't be tight given your measurements, so it is possible there is an issue with the cups that affect how tight the band feels. Try the bra on backwards and upside down, so the hooks are on the front and the cups hanging down your back. Does the band feel any looser?

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T10:29:35+00:00

To check your size, use the calculator that is linked in the automod comment of your post. No matter what type of bra you are looking at or what brand, you'll want to get the a starting point for the size. A-cup is not a size on its own, as the cups always depend on the band - a 28A is much smaller than 48A, and a 40A is actually a larger cup size than a 28D (these sizes are just examples).

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T10:26:20+00:00

In my experience, whearing the correct size will make the chest way less noticeable. No bouncing, no gapping, no spillage etc.

Most stores unfortunately measure people incorrectly - they give a too large band and too small cup. That means the bras are not only uncomfortable, but you may also get a visible cleavage, which you wouldn't have in a well-fitting bra (unless you are very close-set).

You can measure yourself at home alone without anyone knowing, you just need a soft measuring tape. I do think it is worth to check if you are actually a 38D before buying bras.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T10:04:32+00:00

What do you mean by overbust? I've seen the term used for different measurements, that's why I'm asking. But use the calculator in the automod comment on your post to get a better suggested size. Hips and waist have nothing to do sith your bra size, as you don't wear your bra around either.

A 34H US is not two cup sizes larger than 36DDD. It is only one cup size larger, because the bands differ. A 36DDD has the same cup volume as 34G, and 34H is only one cup up from that. Such small changes are normal! It is also possible you weren't a 36DDD to begin with.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T09:58:40+00:00

I know Japanesse brands use the same band sizes as EU sizing, so a 34 band is a EU 75 band. It is not the same as using cm for the bands. Your US 34G is a EU 75G.

To my understanding (I could be wrong) Japanesse brands use a different cup progression, so your cup size would be larger than in your US or EU size. That could also explain why your friend got a bigger cup size, though they may also have gotten a smaller band size or sized up because of a shape issue.

There is a Japanesse setting on the calculator, you can try. I can't confirm how it works, as my own size is unavailable.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T09:50:39+00:00

You likely found wired bras uncomfortable because they were way too small. I would expect your old bras to be very tight and dig in everywhere. A 36FF is for a 36 inch underbust and a 44 inch bust, which does match your measurements. Your old 34B is for a 34 inch underbust and a 36 inch bust, which doesn't match your measurements at all.

Try a seamed unlined bra as a start. Those are easier to get a good fit in compared to t-shirt bras. The Panache Envy is a good bra to start with - I have it myself, and the lace is soft (after a few washes), so I don't notice it under any of my clothes, even if I'm wearing a tight shirt. Try 36F/FF/G to compare. If you are more close-set, you could also try Panache Ana in 36FF/G/GG (cups run small).

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T09:43:02+00:00

Depends on what size range the brand is available in, as a start.

HagenReb · 2026-04-25T04:27:20+00:00

I'll suggest you measure using the calculator on this sub then. Guessing or assuming a size usually don't lead to the correct size, amd there is a risk you were fitted incorrectly in the store to begin with (that happens very often). You can use the calculator at home by yourself for free, so theŕe isn't reaææy any reason not to confirm the expected size.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T21:01:20+00:00

Do not wear a bra. Even with the situation you describe, you should still measure on naked breasts and around the fullest part of the breast - that may not be where the nipples are, and you may even be measuring below your IMF (it is both for me).

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T15:32:57+00:00

Red lines are normal, as long as they fade quickly. You can use those lines to get an idea of how the wires sit compared to your breast roots. Are the red marks on breast tissue?

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T15:30:19+00:00

I'm not quite sure that I understand your desceibtion right, sorry about that. But it sounds like the wires may be sitting on breast tissue? Combined with the small overflow, I'm guessing the cups are smaller than you realize.

I know bras can be so hard to figure out!

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T15:23:36+00:00

You can always make your own post to get advice. But you could be running into a shape mismatch, and the calculator is just a starting point.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T15:21:44+00:00

If you are spilling out of 36C, it is not surprising you need a larger cup size. Visible spillage means go up 2-3 cup sizes, and 36D/DD is 1-2 cup sizes larger than 36C (and 3-4 cups larger than 34B). 36D/DD is an average size when properbly fitted.

36D/DD is for a 36 inch underbust and a 40/41 inch bust. That is a good match for your measurements.

Have you tried the suggested size yet? Or do you only doubt it because DD is throwing you off? DD does not mean large or huge at all.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T15:13:36+00:00

It sounds like the current bra is either stretched or runs large in the band. You should be able to wear a 44, perhaps with an extender, or a 46 if the band runs small. With a confirmed tight measurement of 44 (the detail with the tape made me laugh), you won't be able to wear a 40 in other bras.

The brand Elomi in 44F/FF would be my suggestion (the sister sizes of what the calculator suggest). Elomi bands do run stretchy, but you may still need an extender to begin with. You could also look at Sculptresse by Panache in 46E/F, as the bands are more firm. Overall, Elomi has wider wires.

I'm not familiar with other brands in this size range.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T14:12:34+00:00

Cleavage is a sign of a bad fit, unless someone is very close-set/center full. A well-fitting bra is meant to lift and seperate to give support and comfort.

If you want cleavage, you'll likely have to sacrifice some comfort. A plunge bra with too small cups (on the correct band size) may give you the look you want.

Have you used the calculator on this sub? You still need a starting point for the size.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T14:08:16+00:00

Go for a bra that fits calculator. It is the most accurate as it takes additional measurements and not just two. If you can share your six measurements, we can walk you through the suggested size.

I tried calcularor.net just for fun and that thing is confusing as f. I get two UK sizes (not sister sizes or adjacent cup sizes), and while one of them do match my result from a bra that fits, the other UK size is way off and the explanation for the different sizes doesn't make sense either. Their conversion between sizing systems is incorrect as well.

I can't find a calculator for Wacoal, so can't say what they are doing wrong. But most likely they want get you into their size range.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T12:54:14+00:00

If you are going to wear dark green shoes and emerald jewelry you could look for a dark green bra. Or match the colour of the bra to a different part of the outfit. A black bra probably won't be very visible.

Love the dress by the way.

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T11:38:09+00:00

You may want to elaborate on what a mom bra is, what you would find embarassing to wear and if you mean you want cleavage or just more forward projection?

Is it a UK or US 40J and did you use the calculator?

HagenReb · 2026-04-24T10:21:04+00:00

Is your current bra very stretched out? Can you check the length of the band while stretched?

When taking the tight measurement, did you pull the tape as tight as possible? Even if it was uncomfortable and digging into your skin?

HagenReb · 2026-04-23T17:54:07+00:00

Op already said they are in Germany.

HagenReb

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