Okay, so for ages, I just grabbed bras off the rack. Size M, L, whatever said “full coverage”, hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: It rarely worked out. Had major boob spillage, straps digging trenches in my shoulders, constant adjusting… felt messy and uncomfortable. Saw a really cute top yesterday and realized my usual bra ruined the look – bulging on top, empty space in the cup… ugh. Enough was enough.
The Awkward Measuring Phase
Right, step one: figure out my actual damn size. Remembered those “stand braless and measure under your boobs” guides. Felt super awkward standing in front of the bathroom mirror with my sewing tape.
- Grabbed the tape from my sewing kit. Seriously contemplated using my dog’s leash.
- Measured under my bust, pulled it snug. Got about 31 inches.
- Measured around the fullest part standing up, tape not too tight. Around 38 inches.
- DID THE MATH: Difference is 7 inches. Okay, charts say that’s a DD? Wait, what? I always bought B or C cups! Seriously doubted this. “No way,” I thought, “that can’t be right.”
Trial and (Lots of) Error Shopping
Ignored my doubt. Hunted down a store known for better sizes online. Didn’t walk in, just clicked around their site feeling skeptical. Focused on bras marked for “Fuller Bust & Small Band”.
Started clicking like crazy:
- Started with what the math said: 32DD. Sounded huge to me, but okay.
- Also grabbed: 32D (just in case I was wrong), a 32F (because why not go wild?), and even a 30F sister size. Total leap of faith.
- Looked hard at the designs: Stuff with deeper cups? Wider bands? More fabric coverage?
The Trying-On Marathon
Box arrived. Time for the REAL awkward part. Stripped down in my bedroom, tape measure handy again just to double-check my starting point.
First up: 32DD.
- Hook & Scoop: Fastened on the loosest hooks. Bent forward, shimmied stuff into the cup. STOOD UP.
- Holy Boob Containment! My boobs were actually in the cup! No spillage over the top! Center piece (gore) felt flat against my chest.
- But the band… Kept pulling it away from my back. Could easily fit more than a couple fingers under there. Too loose. Sag potential alert! Back it went.
Next contender: 30F.
- Band felt WAY better – snug hug, stayed put.
- Boobs? Overflow City. Quad-boob action happening over the tops. Nope.
Saved the 32F for last. Honestly expected overflow chaos.
- Scooped and settled. Band still felt kinda loose when hooked on the first set, but tighter than the 32DD. Pull test: only two fingers.
- Looked in the mirror. Huh. Cups fit. Like, genuinely contained everything. Gore tacking? Mostly. Straps weren’t carrying the whole show. Side view looked smoother under a t-shirt.
- Surprise Winner? Still wasn’t sure about the band looseness.
Decided to test drive the 32F. Wore it under a fitted shirt around the house. Made tea, did some light stretching. No red marks screaming for removal after an hour. No adjusting every five minutes. No sweaty underboob situation! Felt supported without feeling crushed. The snugness felt secure, not painful.
What Actually Worked For Me
- Ignoring the letter and just finding the cup that holds without spill OR gap.
- Sister-sizing down for a tighter band (30F = sister to 32E). The band pull test is CRUCIAL.
- Prioritizing band fit first. A tighter band means the straps aren’t doing all the heavy lifting.
- Looking for bras with wider side panels – helps pull things forward and smooths side view.
- Opting for multi-part cups or seamed styles instead of just molded t-shirt bras. More control!
So yeah, turns out I’m a 32F. Would have bet money against it. The old bras feel like useless rags now. Getting the right band and cup combo makes a WORLD of difference. No wonder I felt crappy before – everything was just floating around or getting pinched! Worth the measuring tape awkwardness and the click-fest shopping spree. Feeling way more comfortable now.
