No, not the I’m thin-with-no-boobs, I’m thin-with-big-boobs, or the I’m big-with-big-boobs crowds- the least popular of them all - I’m big with small boobs. I’ve been to Lane Bryant, they don’t fit. I’ve been to specialty shops, one specializing in reconstructions, but none in nursing wear (for the record, not nursing or ever pregnant, Thank Og)-it’s on my list of places to go, I’ve been to Nordstroms, and JCPenny’s had one bra once that rocked but fell apart, and I haven’t been able to find one like it or reliable help there since. I’m reliably a 42C -which just doesn’t amount to much on me-, at least until I lose weight, at which point I will shrink to a B cup as soon as I hit a 40 band size and will stay at a B cup as I shrink to (someday) a 36 band, at which point I will shout Glory, Hallelujah, I’ve found the Promised Land of Bras. I want a molded cup bra, and a push up bra. I vastly prefer low rises between the cups. Straps are not an issue, I’m fine with them. I like front clasps as well as back clasps. I definately want colors, but will settle for black, white and off-white (I’m pale, it’s like my personal beige). Help!
obviously inspired by [thread=403644]this[/thread] thread
I can’t help you but you may have set a ‘boob’ record in you OP.
Many times, I have seen certain boobs as a challenge. There are several ways you could see that statement, and most of them have been true at one time or another for me. I don’t wear boobs, though, so I can’t help you choose a bra. If you find one that makes you feel like singing, “Obladi, oblada,” though, you might be on to something. 
Lynne, I get good support from the Bali 3320. More info here: http://www.freshpair.com/Bali-No-Poke-Wire-Lined-Underwire-Bra-3320.html
and there’s a close-up view here: http://www.freshpair.com/blowup.php?itemId=3123
It’s lightly padded and looks smooth under knits. It doesn’t show bra seams or your nipples. It’s the only bra I’ll wear now under sweaters or thin tops.
Are you sure you’ll lose a cup size? I mean, do you know this from past experience? This summer I was a 38C and since I’ve gotten into better shape I’m down to a 34, but still decidedly a C. The last time I was a B I was about twenty-five pounds lighter than I am now (which would be almost too thin at this height so it’s not something I’m aiming for) and not yet done growing then, so I don’t anticipate becoming a B now as I continue to lose weight.
Anyway, are there any outlet stores in your neck of the woods? I’m in NH, so I’m pretty close to the ones in Kittery Maine. Up there they’ve got a factory outlet store that is just for bras, several different brands in the same store like Leggs, Hanes, Bali & Playtex, oddly. I heard a clerk helping someone out while I was browsing, and she really seemed to know her stuff. Maybe someone at a similar place would be able to help you out too?
Oh yes, I’ve tried outlets. Even when I was a smaller banded small, they never had anything that worked. Undoubtably, they stop at a 38 or so, or start at a D.
Gentlemen, I call them my girls when I’m not frustrated with them, but I was on very little sleep, and angry at them for being obstinate enough not to grow.
I went back and counted. If 5 is the record -including the title-, someone has missed an opportunity and a calling.
The girls thank you for your attention in this matter though 
If you know you wear a 42C, have you checked online? For example, the bras that you find at the outlets can also be found online at One Hanes Place. They’ve got a huge assortment of bras in a 42C at quite reasonable prices.
MamaTiger beat me to it. I’m an odd size too and find that the internet has a much greater selection. The one b.i.g. drawback is that you can’t try them on. Although I’ve not ordered bras (I’m still looking), I can imagine getting 20 bras, none of which fit. Ugh. Why is it that we wear the stupid things again?
I also need to add that I’ve ordered bras from Land’s End, which are very well made, very comfy, quite affordable, and completely returnable without any difficulties. So the internet is definitely the place to go if you’re a less-popular size.
Just like you said, big around but with small breasts. I had tried searching on the internet for my size, found it in a couple places but only in white or beige (is black too much to ask?). I seemed to have few options. That’s why I was so astonished when I found a better selection in Target, and in a variety of colors, balconettes with pretty detailing and skinny straps just like smaller women’s bras. For example, A and B in the 38-40-42 size range? impossible, you say?–they’re right out on the rack with the ordinary sizes. I don’t know what suddenly inspired Target to expand their selection of nice bras to such esoteric sizes, but kudos to them. 
Better grab them soon in case they change their mind.