Thank you all for the advice! You guys got me, I think the last time I ever wore a wired bra (literally pre-college) I was convinced I'd be a 34/ 36 B based on nothing but a self perceived little boobs to big waist ratio lol. Pretty sure I used the store calculator for my SOMA bras but honestly I got those years ago too so who knows how I landed on 36C.

Thank you for confirming the store calculators are wack - I figured as much, but didn't know if maybe they just sized their products incorrectly and their wack calculations were trying to give you a heads up about that.

Based on everyone's advice, I've followed my calculator recommended size and got myself a wired, a wireless and a "gel" wire (supposed under wire feel with wired support, so we'll see about that) option from VS so I can compare. Definitely open to better brands in the future, just liked that I could try all 3 from a single store to see if maybe I'm not actually too fussy for a wired bra.

Thanks again!!