# Ask A Bra Professional... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 8, 2003, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524 "2003-06-08T22:05:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Stomp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@Stomp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stomp)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/81 "2003-06-10T03:20:40Z")
I would love to answer more questions. But I have to pack for a Sales Meeting in New York tommorow. Plus, My husband thinks I am totally obsessed and says thats their’s something wrong with me, lol. I will write back as soon as I can but I’ll be gone for a week. Have a great week everyone:) . ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Sunshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/82 "2003-06-10T14:23:22Z")
**Stomp** , thanks for all the great info! I am totally going to check out the Amazone bra this weekend. I don’t think I’ve ever, in my whole life, not since the time I started wearing bras in the third grade, had a bra that laid flat against my breastbone. I always assumed that was for the girls with smaller guns. Can’t wait! ---
**Author:** ![Stomp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@Stomp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stomp)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/83 "2003-06-10T15:43:23Z")
Great to hear Sunshine. The Amazone goes up to a 44 in the F cup (which would be DDD) and up to a 42 in the G (DDDD). You will be able to find the perfect fit for you. The style # is 2101, you can call your local store and have them pull it for you and put it on hold so they don’t sell it by the time you make it in this weekend. It comes in Ivory and Black. It comes with a great tummy control brief, designed to hold in the stomach , thin the thighs and lift the bum…all at once:) . Available in sizes Med-xxxxL. Have fun. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/84 "2003-06-10T18:22:39Z")
Ah no, sadly Stomp, living in Ireland, all I try on are non-US bras, and I’m definitely a 30. I’m 25’’ under my bust. I have a gorgeous Lejaby bra in 30E, but I’ve never found another one quite as nice, or with matching knickers! I’m going to have to look out for Chantelle in my local dept store, good luck with the meeting! ---
**Author:** ![Stomp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@Stomp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stomp)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/85 "2003-06-10T18:31:16Z")
Irishgirl, ``` Let me ask around when I am in New York. I'll find saomething for you, no worries. ``` ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/86 "2003-06-10T18:46:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stomp \* > \*\*Cicada2003, Well, thats the unfortunate thing. You will have to buy on-line, unless you have a specialty store that carries hard to find garmets. You can always return them if you buy on-line. If you can tell me what city you live in I can check to see if there is a specialty store in your area. \*\* Thanks! I’m in Denver. There is a specialty store–La Soutien–but the sports bra they had for my size rubbed under the armpits when I tried it on, never mind when serving or employing my backhand. Hope you have a great trip–thanks for all the help! ---
**Author:** ![Gravity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gravity/32/14322_2.png) [@Gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gravity)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/87 "2003-06-10T21:14:20Z")
OK - Here’s a question. All of my catalogs say that the way to measure the band is to measure and add 5". If I do that, I get 47 for a band size. Thing is, when I try on bras, anything over a 40 is way too loose. What’s up with that? I’m a B or C cup, if it matters. ---
**Author:** ![Stomp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@Stomp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stomp)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/88 "2003-06-10T21:56:54Z")
3 EASY STEPS TO DETERMINE YOUR SIZE: Step 1. Band Size: ``` Measure around the back just under the bust. Make sure the measuring tape is level all the way around. If it is an even # then add 4, if it is odd then add 5. Note: this should be a tight measurement. ``` Step 2. Bust size: ``` Measure around the fullest point of the bust(across the nipples). Make sure the measuring tape is level all the way around. Note: This should be a loose measurement. ``` Step 3. Subtract the back measurement from the bust measurement. The number of Inches = the size of cup. Example: Your back measurement is 30, add 4 , this equals 34. Your band size is 34. Your bust measurement is 37. There is a 3 inch difference beteween your back and bust making you a 34C. 1 inch=A cup 2 inch =B cup 3 inch=C cup 4 inch=D cup 5 inch=E cup 6 inch=F cup 7 inch=G cup 8 inch=H cup and so on. Gravity, I was waiting for someone to ask. Let me know how you do. Have fun. P.S.- this will give you a general idea. This is how I measure, some people prefer other methods. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@bibliophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophile)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/89 "2003-06-10T22:39:11Z")
OK, I’ve wanted to know the answer to this one for years, but nobody seems to know. If someone’s asked this already, I’m sorry, I just scanned the posts quickly and didn’t see it. Stomp, why is it whenever I go bra shopping, I have to put my purse on the floor, squat like a major league catcher and try not to bump the bras on the rack over my head all over the place. I’m a 38D, not freakishly huge by any stretch of the imagination, and I have noticed an improvement in the variety of styles in my size lately. But why is it the larger sizes are always on the lowest rack? Every so often they’ll be a full figure rack, but they tend to be full of seven-hooked iron maiden bras. Do the stores think that us larger breasted women are dragging our knuckles on the floor anyway so the low racks are convenient? What gives? ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/90 "2003-06-10T22:44:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bibliophile \* > \*\*OK, I’ve wanted to know the answer to this one for years, but nobody seems to know. If someone’s asked this already, I’m sorry, I just scanned the posts quickly and didn’t see it. > > Stomp, why is it whenever I go bra shopping, I have to put my purse on the floor, squat like a major league catcher and try not to bump the bras on the rack over my head all over the place. … Do the stores think that us larger breasted women are dragging our knuckles on the floor anyway so the low racks are convenient? What gives? \*\* Here’s my guess: the more common sizes are on the middle, more convenient shelves. If they’re even that organized. In the lingerie department, sales people are your friends. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/91 "2003-06-11T02:54:14Z")
Why are larger sizes on lower racks? [horshack] I know. I know ! [/horshack] So your tits can pick out what they want themselves. They are already down there anyways. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Incubus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/92 "2003-06-11T04:47:37Z")
Stomp, any idea how large-busted women traditionally got by before bras were invented? There are a lot of women out there who say they have to wear a bra ‘all the time’. This makes me curious, as I’m sure we’re not designed to have some device supporting several pounds of flesh off our bodies. ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/93 "2003-06-11T14:40:50Z")
Man, you Americans pay a lot for your bras, ever thought about buying them online from dear old blightly. I don’t work for them, but [www.bravissimo.co.uk](http://www.bravissimo.co.uk) (hope I spelt that right) has cheaper bras. And I think they even sell Chantelle bras a lot cheaper than the US (sorry stomp…) $60 for a bra, I’ve never paid that much, ever! And my bras would probably last a long time, but when I got to 19 my breasts grew 3 sizes, and I outgrew all my old ones. The replacements are about 4 years on and still going strong. Yes, I machine wash them and no, I don’t have a lingere bag. I bought on the the Charnos Bioform bras that are supposed to be machine washable and the plastic unwire broke in the wash. So much for that idea! ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/94 "2003-06-11T14:42:32Z")
Wrong, [www.bravissimo.com](http://www.bravissimo.com) ! ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/95 "2003-06-11T14:49:43Z")
Stomp, I really have a challenge for you today! I need a sports bra that comes in a DD, that DOESN’T have sliders on the straps. I do martial arts and I get thrown on my back, so I often have bruises where the sliders are. Preferably I would like one in a crop top style (the ones in the bravissimo site have HUGE sliders on the back, I went to the store and looked). They also have to be available in the UK… Most US sites won’t do overseas delivery. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/96 "2003-06-11T16:42:08Z")
Daftbugger, you want a Triumph tri-action. Velco, no sliders. ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/97 "2003-06-12T11:19:10Z")
Tried 'em, they don’t fit me properly. I used to wear the Berlei ones, but they don’t make them anymore! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Mercury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e95f7d/32.png) [@Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mercury)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/98 "2003-06-12T11:48:36Z")
**Stomp** , you’re way too cool! Please help! My back measurement is 28, if I add four to that I get 32. My cup measurement is 32. What the hell size does that make me?!?! Nothing seems to fit. Also, I have big hips and would like to look like I have an hourglass figure. I also do not like bras that make my boobs look a) pointy or b) far apart. I have found only one that meets those requirements and it’s falling apart. It would also be nice to have some cleavage, but I have tried everything and have none. Any help would be appreciated. I am desperate and frustrated. -M ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/99 "2003-06-12T12:04:23Z")
Think about it, Irishgirl, velcro straps would be a really bad idea. I have been thrown by my bra a few times and it hasn’t come off. Yet. I’d be spending all my time putting my bra back together… ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524/100 "2003-06-12T12:08:01Z")
Thinking about it, oopps [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-a-bra-professional/180524.md?page=6)