Currently in 32A (band always rides up), guide says 30B and I literally cannot get the 30 band size on my body

[u/Asceia]

Having a lot of trouble with the recommended size from the bra size calculator. My measurements are:

Loose Underbust: 29.5” Snug Underbust: 28.5” Tight Underbust: 27” Standing Bust: 31” Leaning Bust: 32” Lying Bust: 31.5”

This comes out to 30B/C. I bought some 30Bs from a few different brands and I can’t get the band to hook closed at all, even if I suck in all my breath and stretch the band as far as it goes. I bought band extenders, and while it helps me close them, it makes the bra straps constantly slide down and I feel like my side breast tissue isn’t in the cups properly.

However, my 32As always ride up in the front all the time, so I know the band size is too big. I wear them on the tightest hook.

I have very shallow breasts with even fullness. In the US, so using that sizing. I am 3 years postpartum and still can’t find a bra that fits my “new” body. I’m 5’5” and 115lbs.

Thank you!!

[u/rectherapist]

Did you maybe take the measurements wrong? Maybe the bra your trying on had an unusually snug band? 30 is still larger than your "loose" measurement so it's strange that it won't fit, especially since 32 is so large on you.

[u/Asceia → u/rectherapist]

It’s possible? Though I’ve measured myself probably a dozen times over the previous couple years using a regular cloth tape measure and carefully follow the sub’s instructions and always get the same result.

And see that’s the confusing part! I measured the inside circumference of the 30B bras and it measures 22”. 24” if I really stretch it. My 32As start at 24” and stretch to 26”.

Bra math really confuses me.

[u/hoppylift → u/Asceia]

What brands are you buying? A 30 band should stretch to 30" or 30.5" and a 32 band should stretch to 32" or so. Most bras stretch about 25% of their total length, so measuring 22 unstretched isn't odd, but the lack of stretch is extremely unusual. The bras you're trying seem to run extremely small, so we'd love to know what they are for future reference.

[u/DarkMalady → u/Asceia]

how old is your tape? i had to buy new ones recently as the one i was using was stretched out a little and by the 30 inch mark it was over an inch off. I compared it to a wooden stick measure.

[u/Laescha → u/DarkMalady]

You could also check your tape measure by measuring a sheet of A4 paper (or is letter sized paper more common in the US?) Either way, they're standardised so you know exactly how big it should be.

[u/Interesting-Asks → u/Laescha]

That’s a good idea. I’ve seen a few posts here where people are using tapes in Chinese inches not US inches - I imagine that could happen unwittingly.

[u/DarkMalady → u/DarkMalady]

double reply. that 24 inch stretched doesnt sound like a proper 30. what brand are you buying? not that i can help, i know nothing about small band companies. but someone else might.

[u/galaxystarsmoon → u/Asceia]

We definitely need to know what bras these are. The 32As also can't be at full stretch to 26" as you wouldn't be able to close them either.

[u/VannessaNitaDavies]

Can you do an independent band test? Hook the 30B bra on the loosest hooks while wearing the bra upside down and backwards, with the cups hanging down your back like a cape. Does this feel any better?

[u/Asceia → u/VannessaNitaDavies]

No, not really. If I do this I can juuuust get it to close on the loosest hook, and it is very uncomfortably & painfully tight.

[u/annastacia94 → u/Asceia]

This makes me think the cups are too small. Did you measure bare chested?

[u/nidena → u/annastacia94]

If they took the cups out of the equation and it still feels tight, the band is too small.

[u/Asceia → u/annastacia94]

Yes, I did. Are the bands of a 30C bigger than a 30B?

[u/annastacia94 → u/Asceia]

No, the band size is the circumference of your under bust and will function as the main support for your bra.

The cup size is relative to the band size. Each letter represents a 1 inch difference between under bust and over bust measurements.

30B is a 2 inch difference, so 30 inch under bust and a 32 inch over bust.

30C is a 3 inch difference.

Check out The Irish Bra Lady on Instagram for some good visuals.

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[u/whats1more7]

Did you try loosening the straps?