Hello Ladies,
Today, I have a reader question that I want to answer:
Hi Erica! I feel like I have disproportionately large breasts for my frame because I wear a 34LL. In the past, I tried the Bravissimo Alana bra in size 34L, and this is my best-fitting bra even though the cup size is still a little small. I’m not sure what to do because I can’t find any company that carries another L cup much less a LL. I want to get a reduction, but until I can get my insurance to cover it, what do I do? — Jess
Jess, you are not alone in your need, and it’s time manufacturer’s listened to feedback like yours to expand the selection they offer fuller-busted women. Several of our customers have been beyond a K cup and in need of recommendations on how to find a bra that fits. Unfortunately, many UK companies stop at a K cup (although Panache does offer a KK), making it difficult for women who need a larger cup size. In these cases, we partner our customers with an adept seamstress who can determine which alterations will adjust the bra to fit your shape. Sometimes the proposed fix is as easy as tightening the band of a larger size (e.g., buying a 36L instead of a 34L). In fact, we covered multiple resources for this alteration in an earlier post.
However, unless you are capable of altering the bra yourself, the cost of using a professional can quickly climb. Between the alterations and the retail price of the bra, the total out-of-pocket expense can reach $100+ which is not always feasible. As a result, I recommend buying bras you can snag at a deep sale price to lessen the expenditure.
When buying a bra, consider your breast shape as well. Women with closer set and/or deeper breasts may prefer a style from Fantasie because the center gore is narrower whereas women with wider breasts could find a better fit with Panache. Furthermore, if you’re altering a larger band to make it tighter, carefully examine where the wires will sit when you pull the band tighter to ensure they are still comfortable and do not sit too far back on your ribs. Since I’ve never tried Bravissimo’s line, I can not comment on the fit, but maybe one of our readers will weigh in with the underwire and cup shape.
Now for the plea: Panache, Eveden, Curvy Kate—there need to be more options in the J+ market! The need exists for bras designed for women with larger breasts, and if you manufacture bras sizes up to a K, then they need to be a true K cup and not a J or JJ in disguise. Too many women are suffering from bras that are too small because the cup size choices are limited. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, Jess, but I do want to add that you should never let what a retailer or designer carries/makes affect how you feel about yourself. All bodies are beautiful, and with the increased awareness about proper bra size, it’s only a matter of time before the industry changes.
Erica
Leave a Reply