I am learning a lot and the more I learn the more I realize I am unaware of.
In Freya and Damarni's Mimi Holiday, I am one size. In Panache (and most other brands), I am a cup size larger. I am the same variance in many other brands depending on the style and shape. It makes things tricky, especially considering my small rib cage. Trying things on is hard because many places don't have 30 band sizes, let alone 28.
I've read a lot of garbage about band sizing lately and for some reason I just won't buy into it. People are saying that a 27-29" waist should be a 32 band size! It isn't, people. I've tried 32 bands in around a dozen brands by now (possibly more than that in the long haul), including brands that "run small" and I have never found one that fit my small rib cage. Now if you prefer a 32 then by all means, that's your business, but I've seen much shaming of people "trying to fit into a smaller back size than they really are". Look, I had back pain in 32s and all I know is that when I switched to 28s and small-running 30s it went away. Not sort of went away, it was completely gone. And yes, my 28 band does cause a little bit of fat to stick out in the back. No, it does not leave marks on my skin.
Now that that rant is over and I have successfully alienated several people, back on to business about brands. What brands have worked for me? What brands do I like? I haven't tried everything yet but I have narrowed many things down. Below are some of the brands I tried. I have starred the brands that I own bras from/kept bras from.
Freya*
These bras fit me well depending on the style. I love the quality of their bras and the simplicity of many of the bras they offer. Not all styles are offered in a sub 32 band size, unfortunately, but my favorites ones are! I have a more bottom heavy breast, and full cups that don't lift me tend to look bad. Freya's full cup bras are either too small or slightly wrinkly. I prefer their demis.
Panache*
They fit much better than Freya, however I am a size bigger in them. I do get a little bit of cupping in their more full coverage bras, but it's not very noticeable and it's only a little bit. It fits better than Freya when it comes to full cups, and the prices are nicer too.
Mimi Holiday by Damarnis*
I love these bras. Love them. I would buy them in multiple colors if I could, and yet they're $90 a pop! Best investment in a bra I have made thus far. I feel so gorgeous in them, too.
Curvy Kate*
This is a really great budget brand for if I need a cheap bra fast. They are for fuller breasted women (not me) so they do cup a bit however they're ADORABLE lace bras at such an affordable price! I would highly recommend them to anyone with a full breast shape.
Ella MacPherson
I love your bras. They're gorgeous, and I gave them an honest shot but your 32 bands are too big on me. Sorry!
Agent Provocateur
I thought the detailing on these bras was gorgeous but I did not find them worth the price. Their band sizes ran small, however the did not fit me like any of my 30 bands do and they do not offer sub 32. I gave this brand a no-go. They're just not for me, probably better for somebody else.
Calvin Klein
You carry 30 band bras? I never knew that! Unfortunately I was unable to find one in my size in the store (just one a cup size too small). I find your bras to be very practical, but perhaps a little overpriced for how plain they are.
DKNY*
One of my favorite bras I have ever owned is from this store. It is the wrong size, a 32 band, and does not sit flat on my rib cage. I find your materials vs cost to be extremely reasonable and a good deal. For anyone 32 band and up I highly recommend you, especially on the lower end of the scale.
Victoria's Secret*
Not to bash them here, I still own one bra by them that is also the wrong size and it's pretty comfy, but I feel as though they overcharge for their bras. The lady who sized me at the store insisted I was an A-cup until I dragged her into the room with me and showed her that an A-cup didn't even cover my nipples.
Aerie*
Aerie, your stuff is cute. I buy panties from you because I'm cheap and love buying seven pairs for $26. But you gear your bras towards teenage girls who are supposed to be small in the rib cage and you don't carry under a 32 band size? I get it, people haven't asked for it. They haven't because they don't even realize that there is something that fits them better out there. I guarantee that most of the girls I see going in and out of your store could fit in a 30 or smaller band size. Guarantee it. And they would buy it if you offered it. Your bras just don't fit me.
- - - - - -
I wanted to again stress that these are some, not all. Some of the brands I tried in stores and can't dig up the names right now. It would be really awesome if someday more brands paid attention to consumer sizes instead of only offering a limited amount of sizes and telling people they have to live in that small category. I commend the brands that do. And I even understand how certain brands are catering to a certain shape, and would never ask a brand to change its target audience for my sake (looking at you, Agent Provocateur).
Toodles.
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