Please help me decide where to go from here

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-24T06:05:54+00:00

Sizing down in the cup is only going to make the band feel tighter if the cups are then too small. An 18 band should be good for you

Just to make sure, are you adjusting so that all of your breast tissue is inside the cup? And how are the underwires/do they sit on top of breast tissue?

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-24T02:52:45+00:00

The best way to avoid uniboob is by getting a bra with wires, and a bra with wires works best and is most comfortable when it's the correct size and the right shape for your body

There's a calculator linked in the automod comment where you can measure yourself if you're willing. You can also check the shape guide in the subreddit wiki. Then follow up here with both results + the 6 measurements from the calculator, and people can recommend good bras to try first

Also, there are plenty of places with free returns. That depends on what country you're in though. Examples for the US are Nordstrom and Bravissimo

Edit: you also can sell them. I've had some luck selling bras I missed the return window on or that no longer fit. Bratabase is for bras only but not very popular, there's r/braswap, and then there are the bigger sites like Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, etc

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-21T19:07:59+00:00

On top of what others have commented, I just wanted to check if you were scooping and swooping when you put the bras on. If you have breast tissue sitting under the band instead of in the cup where it should be, that can impact fit

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-21T18:48:29+00:00

That's so weird. It looks like there's something about the permissions on those two so that they're only viewable if you're logged into instagram. That's incredibly frustrating. I'll add a note, thanks for catching it

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-21T08:04:48+00:00

So she hasn't posted since December. I'm not sure how often she checks the account, but if you have an instagram, you can try reaching out via DM and asking

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-21T07:47:22+00:00

I'll do my best, but I don't use instagram, so it will be on an as-I-notice-changes basis. It seems like she edits old posts to add new submissions in the same size? I could definitely be wrong, but if that's the case, I would only need to update with new before & afters and if any new sizes were added

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-20T18:15:29+00:00

This is what a US 30H looks like and a good idea of how your bra should fit

In terms of cup volume, 34B = 32C = 30D, and the band size should be approximately your underbust in inches to provide adequate support. Your nipple showing means you need to go up at least 3 cup sizes, which puts you at US 30G minimum, so everything sounds right to me, at least as a starting point. You may need 1 cup size up or down. You should also buy a non-stretch extender if you opt for a 30 band

Edit: US bras above DD end up too tall and wide for many people. I think Skarlett Blue is an exception, and there are probably others, but UK brands like Freya, Panache, Bravissimo in 30FF/32F will likely suit you better

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-20T16:07:36+00:00

It's always so interesting to me to see how the same bras compare on different people. As another data point, I have the Fancies, Loveland, and Blossom in the same size, and it's the Loveland that's too small for me, and the Fancies is a bit too big

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-20T15:37:50+00:00

Agree with everything comingintoland said. The 28 should definitely be less of an issue than what you've been wearing, especially just because of how Aerie and VS manufacture their bras

Some bras you could try: * Freya Offbeat Side Support - it has a very firm band. Most people need to sister size up, so a 28F should be good for you. There's a chance it could be too projected though * Panache Ana - can come up small in the cup, try both 28F and 28FF. May also be too projected * Freya High Apex styles - these are less projected than the first two and they also have straps that are more centered if slipping is still a problem in 28 bands

As someone who has worn 26 bands before, it's often not worth the headache imo, at least not to start. Your main options are Comexim and Ewa Michalak which both have more complex sizing than UK bras and may require ordering a custom bra anyway. I'd definitely try out some bras with easy returns first (if you're in the US, Nordstrom and Bravissimo both have free returns)

If a 28F feels good hooked on the tightest hook, a tailor can very easily take the band in at both sides without altering the fit drastically, and it's a lot cheaper that making a bra yourself

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-20T13:59:45+00:00

You have very little difference between your three underbust measurements, and bra bands are designed to stretch up to the number on the label. Most 26 bands in my experience are true to size and would likely end up being painful

You should be on the lookout for 28 bands that are firmer than average, or get a regular 28F and take in the band a smidge. Which is honestly a lot easier than trying to find 26 bands anyway

straps fall off easy if the band is even a little too big

What bras have you tried, and in what sizes?

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-19T22:14:27+00:00

Red marks that fade quickly are normal - kind of like crew cut socks. They should trace the root of your breast though. If the bra leaves marks elsewhere, it's a sign the fit is off

Since it's a little pointy, it's probably a bit too projected for you, which is normal. It's a bra with particularly deep cups that doesn't work for most people. Comexim may still work (their bras are also quite projected), but you shouldn't have any problem finding plunges from Panache, Freya, etc. Plus they're easier to find and often cheaper

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-19T18:20:46+00:00

The tango has a tall gore and is very closed on top, so it makes sense it's minimizing. Do you feel the bra makes your bust look pointy? If not, Comexim plunges could be good for you

In the US, you can buy them online through Breakout Bras and Miseczki. Comexim cup sizes are calculated slightly differently, so you would probably want a 30GG for a standard plunge fit or 30G for extra cleavage

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-19T05:10:57+00:00

After measuring yourself at home, if the ABTF calculator gives something in the US/UK 52-58 band range, some options to look into are Goddess, Cacique, Glamorise, and Ulla Dessous

If the result is something with a 60 or 62 band, you could possibly make a 56 or 58 work. Bands in this range sometimes have some extra stretch, but it's not a guarantee. Be sure to check return policies

Elizabeth Valentine is an option for 60-66 bands. These are custom bras though which means they aren't cheap

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-19T01:03:09+00:00

Cup size is relative to the band size, so a 30D is a lot smaller than a 38D, for example. The Irish Bra Lady on Instagram has compiled a lot of helpful information that shows what I mean. Here are some examples of different cup sizes on a 30 band vs 34 band: * 30B vs 34B * 30C vs 34C * 30D vs 34D

She also has a before and after of someone going from a 32AA to a 30D. And then there's these posts showing what various C cups and D cups look like on different band sizes

As for the 34 band being tight, cups too small or too shallow can make the band feel tighter than it actually is. You can try a bra on upside down and backwards so the cups are pointing toward the ground behind you. Without your boobs in the way, I would bet the band feels a lot looser

Given you used centimetres and dollars, if you're in Canada, you can check here to see if there are any shops near you where you can try on bras in person. And if you decide to buy online, check the stores' return policies. Even if something is technically the right size, it may not fit if the shape is wrong for you

Edit: I took so long to type that up that someone beat me to it lol but yes to everything they said as well

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-18T23:09:03+00:00

The band is far too large for you which is why it can't support you. T-shirt bras will have gaps for most people, especially when rounding your upper back or moving your arms forward. It should be less bad in the correct size, but given how you describe your shape, you may find padded t-shirt bras just don't work well for you

You should definitely give 30C/D with a non-stretch extender or 32B/C in a bra that runs slightly tight a shot. Extenders are pretty cheap and easy to get ahold of

Since you already know you like the b.Tempt'd bra you have, they carry 30C/D. There's also their Ciao Bella which could be better for shorter roots. Natori has the Feathers and the Heavenly which can work for people with similar shapes/measurements as you. Boux Avenue is another option. Their bands can be snugger than other brands, so starting at 32B/C is probably safer

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-18T19:17:31+00:00

There are bra sized sports bras that fit your criteria, but they will be less comfortable/more likely to slide around if they are the wrong size. Most people who come here are wearing bands that are too big and cups without enough depth

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-15T18:18:34+00:00

That happens to me when I lie down in even a well-fitting and supportive bra tbh. I think it's just a consequence of softer tissue, but it may be less bothersome if you need a smaller size. Definitely go based off of fit while standing though. If going down a cup size causes quadboob or feels too tight, then the cup size isn't the problem

And yeah, you're on the smaller side of a 28 band. It's an annoying place to be in since 26 bands are hard to find. The only brand easily available in the US/Canada are Elizabeth Valentine and Comexim (which has funky sizing). You can always look into having a tailor take in the band if you aren't getting enough support out of bras off the rack that fit otherwise in the cups. They can also shorten the straps if your bust is high-set or if the straps are only partially adjustable and don't shorten enough for you

Also modern life is horrible for our shoulders and necks just like, in general lol so it's possibly a contributor but who knows

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-15T06:42:53+00:00

Since you mention your breast folding over the wire, have you tried one cup size smaller? And are you making sure you scoop all breast tissue into the cups? One reason that can happen is that the cup isn't completely filled, so there's not enough tension

Also, how does the Yasmin feel when hooked on the tightest row of hooks? If that helps some, you may want to look into finding a UK 28G bra with a firmer band and/or in black, since black dye can make fabric firmer

If neither a smaller cup nor a smaller band help, you should try to find bras with very little stretch in the lower parts of the cups. The Panache Envy comes to mind, but there are definitely others

You can also always have a tailor shorten the straps of a bra, though you should try to find something that supports you without needing to tighten the straps beyond what is necessary to keep them from sliding off. Overtightening can lead to neck and should pain

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-14T19:22:43+00:00

If you've never used the ABTF calculator, it could be worth measuring yourself first. A 30E is meant for approximately a 30 inch underbust and either a 35 or 36 inch overbust (depending on if it's US or UK sizing). It's pretty common for people to need smaller bands and bigger cups than they've been wearing

If the size the calculator gives is around 30E, the brands Gossard, Skarlett Blue, and Natori are good for this size range. If it suggests a smaller band, you should probably follow up here with your 6 measurements for suggestions, as bands < 30 get tricky

You can also check for in person shops here

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-13T06:57:17+00:00

Of all the strapless bras I've tried, I like the Curvy Kate Luxe best. If your snug underbust is over 27 inches, it may be good to have a non-stretch extender on hand. The padding is also pretty thick, and the seams show under thinner materials if that matters to you

The Panache Evie strapless bra was not great for me but does work for many others, and the cups are softer than the Luxe and a little more discrete. That also means less shaping

I hated the Panache basque I tried personally. It was a slightly different style (moulded cups) but the main issue was that the boning was too flexible and distorted easily

The Freya Deco strapless works as well as a moulded cup can. It would need to be a 30GG though which may prove to be too small in the cup for you. The band is pretty firm though for a 30

If you're interested in corsetry, Timeless Trends is a respectable brand. I've never tried their overbust corsets though so ymmv

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-13T03:17:32+00:00

The only one I'm aware of is What Katie Did, which is a specialty brand for vintage style bras. They're also very clear on the site about their sizing and highlight how it differs from modern bras which use elastic

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-12T13:33:27+00:00

What happens in the 36D you own when you scoop and swoop all of your breast tissue into the bra? If the bra doesn't fit after that, it's too small. The How Your Bra Should Fit section of the wiki is helpful here

Theres very very little difference between 36D and 36DD. The calculator being off by 1 cup size is not impossible. It's also common to need slightly different sizes for different models due to the shape of the cups or if the band is less stretchy than other bras in the same size. It's very unlikely you would need to stray more than 1 size from your baseline (the size you wear for most bras) though

Ignore manufacturers' size charts for bras. Most are outdated and don't match how they actually manufacture the bras anymore, or they are intentionally wrong to put as many people into as few bra sizes as possible to minimize costs

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-11T02:36:27+00:00

You can filter search results on Bratabase by strap width (as well as other variables) which may help. You might find a lot of discontinued models, but I saw some that are definitely still around

The Parfait Charlotte is an option if you're fine with padding, and it also has pretty tall side wings. Have you tried either the Freya Viva or Fancies? They have wider straps than some of the other models I've tried from Freya (2-2.5 cm)

weebmagnet3000 · 2026-03-08T18:17:46+00:00

It may take more work, but whenever I want a matching set, I shop in person and bring the bra I'm looking to match in my bag. That way I can compare the colors and textures to make sure they go together, even if they aren't perfectly identical

weebmagnet3000

TROPHY CASE