Half the population (give or take) wears a bra of some sort every day. 80% of those people suffer all day with spillage, falling straps, irritating bands- the works. These are very common bra problems. So what's going on and what can we do about it?
First recommendation- go see a professional bra fitter. We have years of experience and hundreds of sizes to choose from. There are more fitters out there than you think- usually a quick google will find a boutique- if not, email us and we can help connect you with someone.
Doing it at home? Let's break it down.
If you're experiencing the dreaded spillage and or your underwires hurt:
You need a bigger cup.
Most big box stores carry A-DDD. Most people wear DD-K. Yes, those cup sizes exist and yes, you very well could be that size even if you've never seen it. Your underwire should sit back on your ribs. The cup should contain all of your volume. It shouldn't pinch your breast tissue or move on your body.
If your straps are falling and or your band is riding up:
You need a smaller band.
32-40 are the most common band sizes found in department stores. We're seeing more and more 28 and 30 bands in the shop. We sell 34 and 36 the most- 38 and up is less common. You are likely much smaller than you think you are.
Your band measurement is a snug measurement around your ribs rounded to the nearest even number (consider rounding down). Don't add 4, don't measure over the top of your chest by your armpits (is that wear you wear your bra?!). Parallel around your torso right under where your breasts attach to your body. If you measure 30" and you've been buying 38s, there's the problem.
How does that solve slipping straps you ask? Check out this graphic:
So the pink bra fits that narrow torso of the brunette. The blue bra fits the wider torso of the redhead. Look at where the straps are- right at the edge of their shirt by their necks.
When the brunette wears the blue bra, the straps are almost at the edge of her shoulders (never mind the band doesn't touch her- I'm not a graphic expert).
You may have sloping shoulders or other factors that influence the slip, and a bra fitter can help you with that, but most people are in too big of a band. Sometimes too it's that your bra is too old and the straps lost their elastic. Bras last, but not forever.
Those are the top three bra complaints and two solutions that solve them. Grab a soft measuring tape. Measure snugly around your ribs. Round only to the nearest inch. Measure loosely (not sloppy, just not tight) around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract this bigger number from the band measurement. Each inch of difference is a cup size.
A DD is only a 5" difference. 10"s would be a J cup in US/EU measurements (or a GG in UK sizing). It's very common. It absolutely exists. It's not a weird size.
The measurements are only a starting point. Brands and styles fit differently. You really do need to try on bras and try different shapes and styles. Your bra should be comfortable and supportive all day long. If that's not the case, you need a different bra. Come see us in Manchester VT or Keene NH- we're here to help!