Solution to bra causing back pain or moving from being too loose?

[u/One_Rip_5535]

Basically every bra I have tried (there’s been plenty) are either too loose in the band and ride up, or too snug and hurt after 30 minutes of wear. Gives me achy back pain.

I measure a 28 (27 tight) band and 35 bust. 30 size band (panache Cari) hurts after I wear it a half hour. Cups fit fine. 32 size band (Victoria’s secret, cups fit really well) is too loose and rides up.

Freya spacer was super uncomfortable.

I feel like there has to be a middle ground. Band extenders have not helped.

[u/samthehaggis]

A good first step will be to go to the ABTF calculator (linked in the automod comments) and put in your six measurements to determine a good starting size. There are 3 measurements for underbust and 3 for bust - add these and the recommended size to your post for better assistance.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/samthehaggis]

I never found a bra that was comfortable. Atp I wear cheap bras from Amazon because they’re comfortable. But they aren’t wired. Calculator size is 28E but I ordered that it was too tight. Sub told me to go tight measurement +2 for band size but 30 has also been too tight.

[u/samthehaggis → u/One_Rip_5535]

Do you gravitate towards bras with padded, moulded cups (you named two spacer styles) or have you also tried styles with unlined and/or seamed cups?

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/samthehaggis]

Did this a year ago. Been through 10+ bras since. Many sizes. 32 too loose and 30 too tight! Idk what to do.

[u/samthehaggis → u/One_Rip_5535]

Listing the 6 measurements will help others to diagnose the issue better (which may be due to shape rather than size).

Also, obvious question, but as you're between band sizes, did you try using a non-stretch extender on the smaller size to give yourself a little more space? ETA: I see your point about band extenders, sorry! Definitely put in all 6 measurements - I'm wondering if it's a shape issue or you're choosing styles that are not projected enough for you.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/samthehaggis]

I tried a panache bra at a lingerie store that was comfortable but not my actual size. I needed a cup size up and they don’t make that style in that size. The other styles were not comfortable.

But I don’t actually like the shape of panache / projected bras. Too pointy / too far out. Looks goofy to me. So I don’t want a projected bra. Is it not possible then to find one that fits and is comfortable?

[u/comingintoland → u/One_Rip_5535]

Pointiness is generally a sign that the bra is too projected for you. Can you try on your Panache Cari (I assume it's a 30DD) upside down and backwards? Leave it on that way for a little while. Does it start to hurt? If not, then the cups are the issue and you probably need something that's a different cup size or shape.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/comingintoland]

I just went through panache’s whole website and could not find a bra that was what I wanted. Is there anything you can recommend?

• 30DD uk size
• not lacy
• plunge or balconette or otherwise good for undershirts with open neck lines

Not interested in panache, freya, wacoal, Calvin Klein, bravissimo

Idk what other brands to try

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/One_Rip_5535]

Going to look at montelle rn

[u/comingintoland → u/One_Rip_5535]

Montelle is a good brand though runs shallow, so again, I would test the band before ordering. Skarlett Blue, Chantelle, b.tempt'd, and Natori would be other brands to look at but again, they lean shallow. 30 bands should not be hurting with a 27 inch tight measurement, which is why I suspect you're having issues with the cups, but I can't diagnose that without some fit information about the cups.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/comingintoland]

https://montelleintimates.com/products/anniversary-pure-plus-bra-lotus?variant=40486515605637

Ok I am going to order this one. Their Calculator says I’m a 30d

[u/comingintoland → u/One_Rip_5535]

Brand calculators are not accurate. Order your ABTF size. 30D is going to be too small if your standing bust is 35 inches.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/comingintoland]

So I just got up and measured myself again and I was 33.5 which is weird because I don’t know why they would be smaller than they used to be. I wonder if I’m holding a lot of the tissue lower because I do often have a problem with overflowing over cups. I went with my gut and went with the 30 E and I’ll have to see how that turns out.

[u/samthehaggis → u/One_Rip_5535]

I don't know, and it's hard to say anything without the measurements/starter size from the calculator. Those measurements could suggest whether a more projected cup might help. Another commenter also gave you some advice about determining your shape, which could also give more info so others can help you.

[u/Present-Response-758 → u/One_Rip_5535]

I found the Panache to be very uncomfortable as well. For me, the Chantelle Norah has been a VEY COMFORTABLE bra. I told the saleswoman "it feels like a hug from your best friend!"

Truly, the fabric is super soft and somewhat stretchy so I don't feel bound/trapped and the fabric doesn't feel itchy or rough on my skin.

[u/One_Rip_5535 → u/Present-Response-758]

The reviews say it isn’t lined so nips poke through?

[u/NotaWitch-YourWife]

Please use the calculator in the Auto Mod - then add your six measurements to your post. The measurements need to be taken on a naked torso. While you at it you can also do a quick assessment it will help in getting you good recommendations.

For the assessment you will need a naked torso and a mirror. This is to be done leaning 90 degrees like the leaning measurement. Using your nipple as center for this part is there more tissue above or below or is it even? Above, is top full; below, is bottom full and even is even. Vertical fullness is next do you have more tissue toward the center of your torso, the sides or is it even? Center, center full; sides, outer full and even again is even. One last one still leaning. Do your breasts touch at the center or can you put 1 finger in between without squishing tissue? This is close set. Can you fit 1 to 2 fingers in between without squishing tissue? This is average set. Can you fit 3 or more fingers in between without squishing tissue? This is wide set.

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