Ask the Mouse your lingerie questions...

[Collar_N_Cuffs]

A present for someone?
Or eBay for the cash...

 

[CutieMouse]

You sound like you have a beautiful body shape in fact.

A distinctly non abnormal one.

And OP think this is related to stuff here: because not being able to procure beautiful lingerie and clothes in other normal sizes, let alone the ' abnormal' ones, is an issue of sales figures ( as well as body ones), esteem, health and mental health. I remember in the days I used to have suits having a designer skirt suit and a high street suit on hangers next to each other, the size difference on the label was incredible : now I am just grateful I don't really need one.

I hope on review you find something you might like.

That's actually a semi-permanent rant of mine... After years in the fashion/lingerie industry, I have decided 99% of the population deals with body dysmorphia.

And you are spot on re: clothing sizes. I was at a trunk show the other week for couture evening gowns (work related), and the person presenting them was lamenting the fact that the only model they could find was a size 4 (US) - which meant she was too big for most of the sample sizes.

 

[Endless_Night]

I actually like Collar's idea of resale. Unless the company would frown on such a move, or construe it as unprofessional.

I'm sure there are many who would happily buy new lingerie at a sale price.

[very first world vent unrelated to anything]

The company I currently work for, offered all employees X pieces of lingerie as a Christmas present. Which is lovely, really. Very generous, smart use of leftover product from previous seasons, yadayadayada.

I got the excel spreadsheet of available options last week.

Anything I would be willing to add to my collection (even for free) - isn't available in my size.

Anything I might be almost willing to compromise on and add to my collection (even for free) because it is available in my size - is a style/cut that looks like shit on me. (I am not a crazy size. 32D/Medium/large bottoms. Size 8/10 American clothes. This damn list is making me feel abnormal, dammit.)

Which means I have the "option" of picking up several thousand dollars worth of lingerie [retail], at no cost... but there's nothing worth selecting because I refuse to own mismatched sets, or random panties (that don't fit my body type), or something that's just going to sit in a lingerie drawer.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

[/very first world vent unrelated to anything]

 

[BiBunny]

CM, can you recommend bras that come in both large band sizes and large cup sizes? The only things I can ever find are one or the other, not both. To me, a DDD or an F hardly counts as a large cup size.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[CutieMouse]

I actually like Collar's idea of resale. Unless the company would frown on such a move, or construe it as unprofessional.

I'm sure there are many who would happily buy new lingerie at a sale price.

Nope. Resale of gratis = bad juju.

CM, can you recommend bras that come in both large band sizes and large cup sizes? The only things I can ever find are one or the other, not both. To me, a DDD or an F hardly counts as a large cup size.

That would be because it isn't.

Nordstrom's usually carries brands under the Eveden lable, which go up to 46[+] bands and JJ/K cups.

Eveden brands-
Elomi
Goddess
Fantasie
Freya
Fauve

Chantelle goes up to a 42/44 band, and H cup (they're supposed to come out with an I this year) but it can be difficult to find above a 38 or 40. Nordstrom's and Dillards should carry Chantelle (but a Chantelle H and Eveden H are worlds [and inches] apart in fit.

If you can't find any of those locally, try herroom.com. They have a really well built website & carry a lot of brands.

 

[BiBunny]

Nope. Resale of gratis = bad juju.



That would be because it isn't.

Nordstrom's usually carries brands under the Eveden lable, which go up to 46[+] bands and JJ/K cups.

Eveden brands-
Elomi
Goddess
Fantasie
Freya
Fauve

Chantelle goes up to a 42/44 band, and H cup (they're supposed to come out with an I this year) but it can be difficult to find above a 38 or 40. Nordstrom's and Dillards should carry Chantelle (but a Chantelle H and Eveden H are worlds [and inches] apart in fit.

If you can't find any of those locally, try herroom.com. They have a really well built website & carry a lot of brands.

Thank you. I was having a hard time finding band sizes upwards of 44. I'm extremely broad across the back and shoulders and have always had a hard time with bras, coats, and so forth.

 

[IrisAlthea]

Nope. Resale of gratis = bad juju.



That would be because it isn't.

Nordstrom's usually carries brands under the Eveden lable, which go up to 46[+] bands and JJ/K cups.

Eveden brands-
Elomi
Goddess
Fantasie
Freya
Fauve

Chantelle goes up to a 42/44 band, and H cup (they're supposed to come out with an I this year) but it can be difficult to find above a 38 or 40. Nordstrom's and Dillards should carry Chantelle (but a Chantelle H and Eveden H are worlds [and inches] apart in fit.

If you can't find any of those locally, try herroom.com. They have a really well built website & carry a lot of brands.

Thank you. I was having a hard time finding band sizes upwards of 44. I'm extremely broad across the back and shoulders and have always had a hard time with bras, coats, and so forth.

Freya sizes are a bit different in size from other brands, so that might be worth thinking about if shopping online.
I wear a US size 34 K in Freya and a 36 J normally.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[IrisAlthea]

I find all brands different .

Fwiw, I wear a smaller back size than I feel I should for good line because if I don't it travels upwards on the back, which I had drummed in to me was a sign of poor fit and not enough support. I really feel my bras fit me best after about two dozen wears , then for about...hmm....three dozen wears, before that they are too stiff, after that they are starting to give...but I feel both financially and emotionally invested in them. When a bra I love dies, even if its well past its best, I feel really mournful. . Same for other lingerie. I had a green cami and French knickers that went in the bin ...hmm, well over six years ago, and I still think about them wistfully....... Pathetic, isn't it? Similarly, I have very few photos and stuff of the past, but I have some boxes of favourite clothes. They aren't necessarily the best clothes....far from it...it includes cheaper t shirts and stuff...but things I have association with a good feeling. . Marie Kondo must NEVER visit and see how I am failing.

I don't wear that many different brands really. Not that many that have my size range in a prise range I can live with.

I have clothes I remember like that too.
I've recently unpacked some old friends that Fit me again after beeing too small since before kids.

On the folding thing I'm all for Marie Kondo though.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[IrisAlthea]

I'm trying. I find it hard to get my stuff to stand up . I have bought boxes and it does make more sense to be able to see everything, but......I do not like the rolling for everything.....somethings just do not seem to suit it. And it takes me ages to put washing away with this method, because my vertical folding is pretty poor.

For me its not just price range its shape....I don't want them turned into torpedoes, or to look too matronly. I prefer no foam insert ( I feel with a bigger breast the nipple helps sort of.....provide some....landscaping if it shows, otherwise I feel like its acres of just more flesh) but I do have some padded cup, by inability to find anything else I liked at the time, and they do give good shape....I just don't want the extra.

Also, while I love the shape of plunge bras, and find the shape easier under clothes, my breasts just ....migrate from them now .

I don't get along with padded cups usually. Don't think I've owned one for ages.
And yes, a full cup does have it's advantages when not wearing very low cut clothes.
My sportsbra from Freya is decidedly poke your eye out, torpedoe shaped like what Modesty Blaise would wear.

 

[MeekMe]

If you can't find any of those locally, try herroom.com. They have a really well built website & carry a lot of brands.

@_@ This is bookmarked. 117 to choose from... This is good, very good.

 

[BiBunny]

See, I want a kind of padded or push-up type cup--although you can't find them in my size. I find it easier on my back to have them pushed up for some reason.

 

[CutieMouse]

See, I want a kind of padded or push-up type cup--although you can't find them in my size. I find it easier on my back to have them pushed up for some reason.

The more you type, the more convinced I am that you're in the wrong size....

(Not a condemnation or anything. Just nerd brain.)

 

[CutieMouse]

See, I want a kind of padded or push-up type cup--although you can't find them in my size. I find it easier on my back to have them pushed up for some reason.

Dreaded double post delete.

 

[BiBunny]

The more you type, the more convinced I am that you're in the wrong size....

(Not a condemnation or anything. Just nerd brain.)

You're probably right. I honestly have no idea what size I wear because how do you know if there's no place nearby that carries sizes big enough for you to try?

I can guess an approximate band size, but I honestly have no clue about cup size.

 

[Endless_Night]

You're probably right. I honestly have no idea what size I wear because how do you know if there's no place nearby that carries sizes big enough for you to try?

I can guess an approximate band size, but I honestly have no clue about cup size.

Honestly, band size can be deceiving too. The last bra I bought before CutieMouse sized me was a 36 C. Turns out I should have been wearing a 32 E.

It is impossible for me to adequately explain the difference in comfort....

 

[BiBunny]

Honestly, band size can be deceiving too. The last bra I bought before CutieMouse sized me was a 36 C. Turns out I should have been wearing a 32 E.

It is impossible for me to adequately explain the difference in comfort....

I 100% believe you.

 

[CutieMouse]

Freya sizes are a bit different in size from other brands, so that might be worth thinking about if shopping online.
I wear a US size 34 K in Freya and a 36 J normally.

UK sizing is a totally different animal, agreed.

(Dear.God. I wish I worked for a UK brand...)

I find all brands different .

Fwiw, I wear a smaller back size than I feel I should for good line because if I don't it travels upwards on the back, which I had drummed in to me was a sign of poor fit and not enough support. I really feel my bras fit me best after about two dozen wears , then for about...hmm....three dozen wears, before that they are too stiff, after that they are starting to give...but I feel both financially and emotionally invested in them. When a bra I love dies, even if its well past its best, I feel really mournful. . Same for other lingerie. I had a green cami and French knickers that went in the bin ...hmm, well over six years ago, and I still think about them wistfully....... Pathetic, isn't it? Similarly, I have very few photos and stuff of the past, but I have some boxes of favourite clothes. They aren't necessarily the best clothes....far from it...it includes cheaper t shirts and stuff...but things I have association with a good feeling. . Marie Kondo must NEVER visit and see how I am failing.

That's because every country cuts sizes differently. The "same size" in UK, French, Belgian, Italian, German and American produced bras will all fit totally differently from the start - and that's not even getting into cut/style. (plunge, balconette, 3-part cut & sewn, memory foam vs spacer foam, blahblahblah)

I can wear some French, some German, and some Belgian companies, but it depends on the cut/style and even then there's usually only 2-3 styles within the product line that are even worth trying on. I can't wear most Italian, UK or American companies... 95% of the time I don't even bother, because it's just an exercise in frustration.

I don't wear that many different brands really. Not that many that have my size range in a price range I can live with.

I have clothes I remember like that too.
I've recently unpacked some old friends that Fit me again after being too small since before kids.

On the folding thing I'm all for Marie Kondo though.

Yep. Except with me it's more that I'm a snob about fit, and a lot of the brands I prefer I either can't afford, or can't source locally (and I refuse to buy without trying things on.)

I did something similar recently - interestingly enough, after reading Marie Kondo's book. I spent New Year's Day purging the house and simplifying. I guess I only *thought* I didn't own a lot of stuff, because I sent 17 garbage bags of clothes, lingerie and vintage lingerie off to Goodwill. lol (I also rediscovered 1/2 dozen sets I hadn't worn in years!)

Honestly, band size can be deceiving too. The last bra I bought before CutieMouse sized me was a 36 C. Turns out I should have been wearing a 32 E.

It is impossible for me to adequately explain the difference in comfort....

And like I tell people all the time... when I started in the industry, I thought I was a 36A. I'd been wearing a 36A since high school (40# ago), but whaddaya know... 32D.

Odd fact - most American women think they're a 36C, which is why so many stores stock 36C. I remember going to work for a major department store, and asking the manager why the hell they had so many 36Cs in stock, because in 10 years, I think I've only come across maaaaaybe 5 true 36Cs. She said it was their most popular size. (I discovered that was because the sales staff would ask women what size they wore, instead of fitting the clients.)

And I am so incredibly sorry I haven't coordinated dinner the last few times I've been in town. Chaos, disorganization, work-stress... me. Promise I'll try to do better.

 

[Endless_Night]

And I am so incredibly sorry I haven't coordinated dinner the last few times I've been in town. Chaos, disorganization, work-stress... me. Promise I'll try to do better.

No worries.

I have been incredibly swamped. Things aren't likely to slow down for me until mid-April. At which point I'll be dying to sit down for a good gossip.

 

[IrisAlthea]

UK sizing is a totally different animal, agreed.

(Dear.God. I wish I worked for a UK brand...)



That's because every country cuts sizes differently. The "same size" in UK, French, Belgian, Italian, German and American produced bras will all fit totally differently from the start - and that's not even getting into cut/style. (plunge, balconette, 3-part cut & sewn, memory foam vs spacer foam, blahblahblah)

I can wear some French, some German, and some Belgian companies, but it depends on the cut/style and even then there's usually only 2-3 styles within the product line that are even worth trying on. I can't wear most Italian, UK or American companies... 95% of the time I don't even bother, because it's just an exercise in frustration.



Yep. Except with me it's more that I'm a snob about fit, and a lot of the brands I prefer I either can't afford, or can't source locally (and I refuse to buy without trying things on.)

I did something similar recently - interestingly enough, after reading Marie Kondo's book. I spent New Year's Day purging the house and simplifying. I guess I only *thought* I didn't own a lot of stuff, because I sent 17 garbage bags of clothes, lingerie and vintage lingerie off to Goodwill. lol (I also rediscovered 1/2 dozen sets I hadn't worn in years!)



And like I tell people all the time... when I started in the industry, I thought I was a 36A. I'd been wearing a 36A since high school (40# ago), but whaddaya know... 32D.

Yes, I did read Marie Kondos book after Elle talked about it.
While I do weed out stuff rgularly, I think the tip about getting everything in the same category out at once, no matter where it's stored, made a huge impact and made it easier to let go of some overflow.

As for sizing, it was next to impossible to find help with that when I was a teen.
One of the clothes chains had incredibly helpful tips up in the changing rooms, on how a bra should fit. I took time and a ton of bras in there to find my size.

Didn't do them much good because it just made me realize I needed sizes they didn't have, but I'm still so glad I learned those things early.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[CutieMouse]

Yes, we found the same....the huge amounts of stuff to let go. We could still let go more, but its very difficult for another reason...the accumulation of stuff is both cultural, psychological ....and I dislike it, though am also guilty.

G and I just had a conversation about a novelty knitted boiled egg cosy and a small wooden toy. . ( both things I do not think we need) for example. Our house has much ephemera.

One can never have too much ephemera.

(Although I do acknowledge how intensely satisfying it was to get rid of some old files of things I'd held onto, just because I thought I was "supposed to" hang onto them.)

Back to topic: cutie mouse, is it possible to give a guide line as to different countries cut's? I had my first bra fitting at a bra shop in London and was told then it should fit snug round the band, but not so that it is on my mind, that the straps should not dig in and that the wire should hit the chest wall, and those are the rules I try and stick by. Is there anything I should add to that? Is that good advice still?

Still good advice.

The band should fit snug around the ribs, even with the underwire, with about 1 1/2" of stretch (when pulled).

Shoulder straps should sit just snug enough to "grip" one finger slid under the strap - no bounce or stretch, but not so tight it pinches.

The bridge (center) should sit against the sternum - in a perfect world without torquing in (because, ouch) or out (because, annoying). In some cases, it's impossible to get the bridge to sit cleanly, but that can be an issue of size/style just as easily as an issue of where & how the breast tissue sits on the torso.

The other problem is I have such significant variation over a month, and not in the way I expect...the day before menstruation my breasts are smaller, having swollen up until then. And any weight fluctuation over the month. To wear a perfect fit bra everyday I would have to own a lingerie shop's worth of bras I think

The only way I've really found to deal with this, is to either stick to spacer foam bras (stretchier foam) bras, soft cup styles or lace. It's not just about sizing; style/cut play a larger part in how things fit than most people realize.

 

[cascadiabound]

Mouse:

I saw an earlier post where you gave advice about how to store bras...the poster was in the habit if folding one cup into the other and you suggested not doing this.
I wonder... am I committing a crime against my bras by hanging them from a hook? Mostly I have lace bras in which there is not much to the cups. Under wire. 40D and I have been fitted recently, so I think I'm actually wearing the correct size.
Thanks.
cb