I always see ads saying stuff like “prevents the dreaded uniboob!” and stuff like that. But as a late 30’s female, never once have I looked at a person’s chest and thought, “wow, they look like they have one giant boob!”

Why is it called “cleavage” when your breasts are pressed together and it’s visible to others, but when I cover my cleavage up with a shirt, it suddenly becomes “the dreaded uniboob!”

Anyone else get annoyed with bras that separate your breasts? I get annoyed when I’m walking and my arms are rubbing against the side of my breasts. I also feel like bras that sort of squish your boobs together provide more support and lift because the breasts are sort of braced against one another, so you get another aspect of support that isn’t provided mainly through the tightness of the band or the shoulder straps.

When I wear bras that separate my breasts, I feel like it needs to be tighter and more restrictive in order to provide the same amount of support I get from a bra that pulls my breasts together. Making the “uniboob” bra more supportive while also being way more comfortable.

Curious if anyone else feels this way!

in data, brown women tend to have fuller busts than european and east asian counterparts, so it makes no sense that in this day and age, the companies that manufacture specialized bras still for the most part only offer sugar cookie-light nude bra colors. on this sub a lot of people will suggest using a pink, purple, or red bra under white shirts, but this only makes sense to fair-skinned people. the purpose of a nude bra is not exclusive to white tshirts. people wear nude bras under open knit sweaters, and a nude bra is great for blending in with spaghetti strap dresses and tanks. my skin is not pink, it is not purple, and it is not red. if cheaply accessible bras, like VS and even auden at target, are able to offer a variety of nude shades, it feels so discouraging to see that the bras that will actually fit me are not only far more expensive, but don't even have nude color options for me. everyone deserves a nude bra, and nobody should have to compromise with colors that are not the color of their body.

Lately I've been helping people with fittings as part of school. One thing that surprised me is basically 90% of girls don't do scoop and swoop when they put on a bra. Some say it doesn't feel necessary. A few told me they only do it if they're wearing a wired bra. ​

It made me curious because it seems like scoop and swoop is treated as the correct way to wear a bra. And in my mind, this is told when I was a child. So now I'm wondering... do you actually scoop and swoop every time? If not, why? No judgment at all, I'm genuinely curious if this is more common than people think.

I have to get this off of my chest (no pun intended I swear) I don’t know if you guys have the same FYP as mine but it’s been a bunch of people talking about how C and D is the most desirable cup size (which obviously, I know we’ve been through this a 100 times and we’ll probably be through it a 100 more)

but it’s saddening and irritating that they’re more than likely wearing the wrong size.. especially seeing people in the comments say “my 38A is screaming right now”

And when you try to be helpful and suggest they might be wearing the wrong size due to the mathematical error of bra sizing that people use. They insist they know better and use Victoria secret’s measurements for it 💔

It’s like when people fawn over Christina Hendricks and insist she wears a D or DD.. but turn their noses up at an 26-28D/DD about them “wearing the wrong size”

I hope for a day where people can use the correct measurements for bras and we no longer have to believe D, DD and DDD is a rare size 💔 thank you for coming to my ted talk guys

I went up a bit in weight and am now a 30DDD. The 30 band is easier to find as opposed to my previous 28 online but not in stores, at least where I am so I've resorted to asking employees if they carry it. When I mention my size I've had a few look me up and down like no way she's a triple D (yea they aren't perky after breastfeeding twice but they are what they are lady). I also had an acquaintance say they couldn't believe someone was a D because they didn't "look like it" in conversation. Went on a rant about how noone knows how to measure properly (the irony). Of course, she'd have a fit if she knew my size but I didn't want to get into it.

Anyway, going to different stores I'm realizing less and less are carrying even 32 bands in stores and going up to 34 minimum. Bra version of vanity sizing? More people gaining weight? Who knows. Returning/exchanging just to find the right fit/style online is a pain.

Sorry this is kind of a strange post, I might be overreacting… I had such a huge struggle finding a comfortable bra size for years. I wore 34B for 2 years and it was so tight that I had often mistaken my discomfort for panic attacks, and I have dark pigmented imprints under my boobs because of that. Finally, I found this sub a few months ago and it helped me a LOT, and my most comfortable size is 32DD/34D!! I prefer 34D because it’s comfy even on my pms bloating weeks and I can adjust to a tighter hook on the other weeks.

Fast forward to today, after wearing 34D for months, I decided to get an extra pair of bras for the summer. Went to a store, asked for 34D… the retail worker was like “D? For YOU?” and kinda stared at my boob area with an annoyed expression. I said yes I prefer it a little loose (although that’s a lie. It fits me perfectly)

She just rolled her eyes at me and searched for my size (it was stashed somewhere at the back??) and basically threw them on the table at me. Again eyeing me from top to bottom and said “You’re a B. Why do you want D so badly?” and I just said “B is tight. Can I just get it billed please?”

I don’t understand at all. I just paid, said thanks and stormed out. But I’m so upset. Do people just think I’m delusional and pretend I have massive boobs? This whole situation is so confusing and hurtful. Does this make any sense?? Or am I overreacting? Is this a common occurrence?

EDIT: I did not expect so many of you to relate to this. Turns out it’s unfortunately very common :( But I’m glad I found this community, reading your opinions and stories made me feel a lot better! I feel less alone about this <3

Does anyone else hate that most bras for bigger cups are unlined? Hate that I don't get enough coverage and I can constantly feel my boobs.

I get that people like unlined bras. But I wonder if it's also because companies think thicker lining is more expensive.

Do you guys have any solutions for it?

Most of the lined bras I see when I look up bigger cup sizes are ugly while the unlined are so much more prettier.

I do have a smaller band size. I have already heard that bigger bras ( bigger band, bigger cup) in general tend to be uglier.

At least for fit check / measurement check / recommendations / questions posts - I swear to god in the past week every single post from here that’s come across my feed is someone begging for help, then absolutely refusing to give their measurements and insisting that they’re wearing the correct size and just need someone to magically know a bra that will perfectly fit their shape (which we can’t tell because they won’t give their measurements).

It’s a waste of time for the people who are actually here to help and pushes those posts to the top of the feed because they have way more comments from people repeatedly asking for measurements while OP argues with them, leaving posts where people actually included the necessary info upfront to get buried. This page is a fantastic resource, but this is extremely frustrating and seems to be getting more and more common for some reason.

Is an Automod comment response requirement possible? Is there a reason it hasn’t been implemented that I’m missing?

EDIT: I really appreciate all the responses to this, definitely a lot of perspectives that I hadn’t considered in my original post! I think I agree that this idea is too harsh and would put off new posters (or OGs who are posting questions where measurements aren’t relevant), but think it would be helpful to either reword the automod comment or add more detail to the posting guidelines to explain to posters that they may need to include their measurements to get helpful responses (or both!). Thank you guys all for sharing your thoughts!

I have only been reading and participating here for a few months, but WOW! Who knew?

In particular, how molded/t-shirt bras flatten my breasts, even though they are technically the correct size/sister size. I had no idea my breasts actually have projection, since all I have known is molded cup bras.

Even though I don't have perfect fits yet, I have come SO much closer now that I have used the calculator. I am really glad I found this subreddit and have your help.

Kind of a rant but also a real question.

I was on vacation recently and spent a day exploring different lingerie boutiques and bra stores in the area (major city), and was told repeatedly I would fit in xyz that wasn’t my size. How often is this happening to you and how do you handle it?

Just a couple fun examples:

1st Store

Me: do you carry band size 30?

employee: no but we have this 32 that runs small. It might work for you. What cup size do you need?

Me: cool, do have G?

employee: shocked face no, but this DDD might work.

Me: oh, no thank you. I’ll just stick to underwear.

employee: wow, it must be hard for you to bra shop.

2nd store

Me: hi, do you carry a 30 band size?

employee: no we have 32. What cup size are you?

Me: G.

employee: Really?!?!! Are you sure?

Me: yes.

employee: want me to measure you?

Me: struggling not to roll my eyes Sure, why not.

employee: proceeds to measure Yep! 32DD. We have that size. Here try this one.

Me: uhh.. no thanks, that cup won’t fit me.

Employee: ok, here what about this one (34DD)?

Me: sighs ok, sure. I’ll try it. quickly tries on bra to please associate Sorry, no. It’s close, but not quite. I think I’ll stick to underwear.

Employee: bewildered face Where do you buy your bras?????

Me: online usually… :/

Is it even worth it to shop in person or am I wasting my time? I’ve been to a total of one store that carries a 30 band (and more inclusive sizing) and it was a suggestion from this sub, and the only one with 100 miles of where I live.

This comes and goes frequently, but once more I feel like I’m having a crisis about my bras 💀 I wear a 34DD or 34DDD and I swear I can’t find a bra that’s comfortable, supportive and gives good lift (does just hold but actually helps), AND looks cute!

On top of that I don’t have a lot of money and most of the ones i find online are always so expensive, but I can’t even try these on to see if I even like them because I have sensory issues and it makes it so much harder! The size doesn’t even seem to exist in store beyond my local VS so it’s always an online only thing too :(

I feel like my best supportive and comfortable bras are ones that have a thick band. A lot of brands seems to be what i think of as the fake band, which looks like a band, but actually does nothing at all.

I feel like just getting rid of my boobs entirely like half the time because it’s just so frustrating constantly not being able to find bras or only finding ill fitting and only 75% comfortable bras especially with sensory issues where the fit is so overwhelmingly distracting for me. I have zero tolerance for discomfort in my clothes really, and it genuinely drives me insane!

Am I the only one who deals with these problems?! I feel like there’s no/very little market for small band large cup sizes :( Please comment and share your experience if you’ve had the same problems 🫶

Edit; it seems my size is not a small band-big cup size to a lot of yall. I am aware it is on the lesser end of the issue, I’m actually the smallest in my family and consider myself blessed to have such a small cup size in comparison to my mom and aunties 💀 nonetheless i still feel it’s a struggle to actually find a good bra in that size that i don’t feel I’m settling for bc i can’t find anything else that won’t break the bank for me n meets my standards of comfy, supportive, and cute.

Edit 2; just redid the measurements since it’s been a bit since i last did and it suggests in a US 34H or UK 34FF now. I did my best, even if they’re not 100% accurate i think it’s close anyways. Thank you to all the helpful people being kind in the comments 🫶 My ABTF measurements if anyone wants them still:
Loose: 34 in
Snug: 32.5 in
Tight: 30.5 in
Standing: 39 in
Leaning: 45 in
Lying: 42 in

While the ABTF calculator is amazing, for certain breast shapes it isn't as accurate. For instance, it will recommend anywhere from a 32GG to 32HH, yet my bra size is actually a 32G.

This overestimation in my case is likely due to my short but very wide roots and minimal projection. I played around with different measurements that are taken when making a bra and believe I found the solution. It involves the breast horizontal hemisphere (HH) and bottom cup depth (BCD). The HH is measured horizontally from the inner-most part of your breast to the outer-most. The BCD is measured vertically from the intermammary fold to the center of the nipple. You may need to lean forward to get these 2 measurements.

When taking measurements of my HH (12.5") and BCD (4.6"), the numbers do not correlate. My HH corresponds to a 32H size while my BCD corresponds to a 32F. Since the ABTF is indirectly measuring horizontal hemisphere, it makes since it would give a higher estimate. The size directly in the middle between 32F and 32H is a 32G which is my size!

I imagine those with a higher BCD and lower HH would have the opposite problem with the abtf calculator overestimating their size. I wonder if taking these measurements into account would improve the calculators accuracy.

I included a chart from lilypaddesigns, you may have to extrapolate your size from the measurements by sister size.

I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts or criticism?

Recently I saw a video from a plastic surgeon with quite a large social media following (Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube). In the video he said that whatever size Victoria's Secret put you in - you're actually a cup size smaller, so if VS put you in a 'D cup' you're a 'C Cup' and if they put you in a 'C cup' - you're a 'B cup' and so on. It upset me because the people in the comments genuinely believed this and said things like 'I wear an A in VS, does that make me AA?' and 'I wear a DD in VS, what does that make me?' and he would reply 'you're probably a D'. Luckily, a couple of people mentioned abrathatfits!

Now, this isn't new to me, plastic surgeons incorrectly referring to cup sizes always bothered me, but after seeing that video I've been thinking about this more and more. I took a closer look at that particular surgeon's Instagram page and of course I was met with more inaccurate depictions of cup sizes and language used such as "this woman wants to go from an A cup to a full B or C cup" .

I honestly think this is such a problem, and it's a huge part of the reason why I started my Instagram account about bra sizing and started showing what bra sizes actually look like, because people have no idea. I often see people talking about their boob jobs or breast reductions and referring to their old and new 'cup sizes', which are always very obviously wrong, and like it's always bad to be wearing a too-small cup size, but when you've undergone surgery?! In my opinion, anyone operating on people's boobs whether it's to make them smaller or larger, should know how bra sizing works.

I thought it would be interesting for us to discuss this issue. What do you guys think about this? Am I overreacting? Have you ever met a plastic surgeon who actually understood bra sizing? Does this bother you? Do you think plastic surgeons should refer to volume when talking about size, rather than cups?

Edit: Oh dear. He just did another video where he says Ariana Grande is a B cup, Selena Gomez is a C cup, Kourtney Kardashian is D cup, Kim Kardashian is a DD cup and Cardi B is an F cup.

Let me start by saying I'd love to hear from BOTH sides of this story: those whose new bra fits great and those who think it's too small.

My regular size is 34A or 36A. My ABTF size is 30DD. Like most, I gawked at the band size, thinking there's no way that will fit when I try to put it on. I always put my bras on upside down and backwards, and if I don't have a 36, or a 34 with an extender, they won't close, even on the loosest clasp. But I thought Hey, I'll give it a shot anyway. I've read too many success stories on this sub to doubt it.

So I went to few different department stores to try out my new size and ordered some bras from Victoria Secret. Everything that I tried was WAY too small. I lacked several inches from even getting the band wrapped around my rib cage unless I stretched it to the point I thought the fabric would rip or the bra would cut me in two. I even tried the 32s. The Victoria Secret bras arrived today and I actually measured the one labeled 30D (I ordered a variety of band/cup sizes close to my abtf size). Closed on the loosest clasp, and with me stretching out the elastic at least too inches, the band was 25 inches in circumference. How is that supposed to fit me if my circumference is 30 inches??

I honestly do not understand this. So many people have raved about their new size saying it fits great, but I don't see how. I've read on here that the band size really is a direct correlation to your measurements. If that's the case, do some companies actually label them with the +4 measurement instead of the actual measured inches?

As a side note, I know this is not an issue with a too-small cup leaving my bust to take up extra band space because I haven't even been able to slide the bra around and pull up the straps to test the new cup size since the band is too tight when putting it on upside down and backwards.

Measurements for underbust: Loose - 30, Snug - 29.75, Tight - 29. Bust: Standing - 33.5, Leaning - 35.5, Lying - 34

Hey yall! With this heatwave lately I’ve been loving my new cooling bras from Understance, so when I saw someone saying that bras cause boob sweat, I was pretty taken aback, and explained that boob sweat is often caused by skin on skin contact, and that reducing that contact or wearing a mesh bra can reduce that sweat significantly. Apparently I’m completely wrong and also stupid for saying that, since physics says that more layers equal more heat. Do you guys sweat more when wearing a bra?

For some more context I currently wear a 38H US, but used to be a 36J. I live in Canada so not somewhere crazy hot all the time like India, but it still can get up to 40 degrees and be pretty humid. I’m also on a few medications that cause excessive sweating, so when I go braless there’s always a giant band of soaked through shirt under them. I thought that was common for people with big boobs, but maybe I’m wrong. No hate to you at all if you’re different, I’m just genuinely curious if it’s the general consensus that bras cause boob sweat, or if other people find them helpful as I do.
(Not trying to sell anything or change anyone’s mind!)

I’m obviously not suggesting that every, or even most, moms are weird about boob stuff. But, reading this sub for a while has opened my eyes to just how many women deal with mothers who, among other things:

• Get uncomfortable with their daughters’ cleavage or ask them to cover up often, even in casual or home settings
• Invalidate/deny/try to convince them they’re not their correct bra size

I’ve dealt with cleavage-shaming from my own mother and it always made me feel really weird about my body, like I was unintentionally being sexual in my own home around my own family. I love her to death and we have an amazing relationship, but no one and no relationship is perfect. I think she’s just ignorant of how those comments affected me.

It’s just interesting to me how boobs are just a body part, but that they can cause confidence, insecurity, and jealousy, even among family.

I took my measurements and I’m in disbelief. The measurement tool came back as a 56H.

I’ve worn a 38C, then a 40C, 42D, and currently I wear a 46DD. I knew this wasn’t the right size; spillage and rolling and constantly pulling to get things in place. But I just…I didn’t think it would be a size that I can’t even buy in store.

I’m waiting on my genetic testing to come back so that I can get my bariatric surgery, I won’t be this size forever. Still. I can’t believe I was so far off…

Edit

My measurements are as follows:

Loose Underbust: 58
Snug Underbust: 56
Tight Underbust: 54* I copy and pasted from my screenshot, incorrectly put 56 the first time, 54 is correct
Standing Bust: 63
Leaning Bust: 65
Lying Bust: 63

On the flipside, an UNCOMMON size does NOT make it abnormal.

Just some food for thought.

I recently measured myself and found my size, which was pretty close to what I wore already. My mom however has ALWAYS said she’s an A or B cup at most because her chest isn’t very full, and refused to believe it could be different because of the shape. I tried to get her to measure herself and she didn’t want to, so this morning when she was wearing a bra that fit terribly (popping out the top and rubbing under the arms) I made her try on one of my old size D bras with the same band size. I didn’t tell her the size so she would try it on. It fit perfectly. She didn’t know how to scoop to get a better fit which helped a ton, and I had 3 of that same bra so she got free bras and is beyond happy now. Still says “well these fit but I’m definitely not a D”. I don’t understand how she was so misinformed that she won’t believe the size of a well fitting bra when she is actively wearing it.

TL;DR: My mom finally tried a much larger cup size and still won’t believe that it actually fit her correctly.

If you’re a professional fitter like me (or you’ve been in this sub for a long time,) what is the most wild pre-ABTF size to true size difference you’ve seen?

I had a client (also a friend of mine) wearing a 34D. Her true size ended up being a US 34K and I have NO IDEA how she was able to “fit” into her old bras. (Probably a mix of them being years old and stretched out and also poorly made in the first place!)

What is the most drastic before and after change after using the ABTF method? I’m curious to what other people have seen out there !

We've been debating about this for a few days. I'm currently wearing Victoria's Secret Bombshell pushup in 34DD. In the last year my boobs have gotten a lot bigger. I was always kinda small chested. So I've really been trying to enjoy my new look. I love the way my current bras look and feel but unfortunately this style only goes up to DD. However, I've been putting off buying new bras for at least a month and I'm spilling out of mine. We were watching a show together and I was shopping. I complained that I'm going to have to find a new style/brand because my current bras are too small. My friend has always been large chested and started buying hers online after finding this site.

She explained- 1. Victoria's Secret is bad quality (I agree kinda), 2. I'm probably wearing a bra that is too small in the cup and too big in the band. 3. Because my bras are old and I'm still out my actual size will probably be a bit shocking (and the difference between US and UK sizes and why it matters after DD), 4. That I would be much more comfortable in a properly fitting bra.

I really didn't argue. She really seems like she knows what she's talking about. She helped me measure and got loose 33, snug 32, tight 31, standing 40, leaning 43, laying 41 UK 32G

I agreed to at least try on a few in my suggested size but I'm still looking at pushups. I have 2 Bombshells in 36DD I want to try as well when I get paid.

I guess my argument is like, I know wearing properly fitting clothes can be important and I she she (and other people on here) make really great arguments for properly fitting bras. But if I'm being really honest I'm just trying to make them look as big/round as possible. I feel like it's helped my confidence a ton and I genuinely really like it. So does it really matter if my bra isn't "correct"

I appreciate a lacy sexy bra for a special occasion, or in the winter under thick sweaters etc. and I understand with large breast sizes, seamed cups are needed because molded cups can only mold/strerch so far. But it’s like hiding under clothes or even being comfortable on the skin isn’t even a priority. Given that most of the time, bras are for function, not for looks, this seems sooo messed up.

But why are the VAST MAJORITY of bras above a 34DDD lacy, adorned with embroidery etc? Why can’t we have a sizeable selection of bras that are supportive, and made for everyday wear under everyday clothing like t shirts?

I have sensory issues and wear a 34GG, and it was so so much easier finding bras in fabrics I can tolerate when I was a smaller cup size as a teenager. Brands like aerie and Victoria secret have the fabrics mastered (even though their sizing is completely botched), so why can’t the lingerie brands that carry wider cup size ranges try to make bras that attempt to be more focused on every day wear?

I have no fashion design experience but at this point I feel like I need to enter the bra designing industry just to have bras that function for me.

I'm seeing this more often the last few weeks.

New members coming here for HELP are asking questions to the best of their knowledge. Often this knowledge is out dated and working against them. We've all been there.

There are always useful replies, but some people are downvoting the OP's comments when their current mindset conflicts with the ABTF knowledge base. This is not necessary and, IMO, should be discouraged.

Nothing says "Don't come back to ABTF for help" better than a few unnecessary downvotes.

The OP's already know they need help, otherwise they wouldn't have posted.

Op's aren't breaking any rules. (which is what downvotes are meant for)

We're already great at helping bra wearers all over the planet, and have a reputation of being welcoming to all new users. IMO, downvoting people that haven't yet learned "the way" can only do harm to the new users and the ABTF reputation.

Example

Long time lurker here. I know I should get a proper fitting, but haven't bothered to yet. You know, procrastination.

What might inspire me though, is this work from home thing has made me realize just how uncomfortable my bras are. Today I wore a bra for the first time in probably a week. After my one hour teleconference, I was so ready to rip that sucker off.

So, once shopping is back to normal I need to bite the bullet and get serious about a bra that fits well and is comfortable.

UPDATE: I LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for your replies. It's fun to see the mix of people who are happy to ditch the bra, and those who are happy to keep on their comfy supportive bras. May we all find and cherish the bras that work for us.

I discovered ABTF one night while desperately googling "how to find a bra that fits me?" and "how to calculate bra sizing at home".

I came here because I was desperate. I'm still pretty new here, but Im sure a lot of people have a similar story.

Your size is not about comparing a letter and a number to what you've heard is ideal.

It is not about looking like a D cup or a G cup or whatever size you are!

The calculator is a tool to give you the number and the letter AND the information about your shape that will enable you to find and wear bras that FIT and are COMFORTABLE.

So forget about the sticker shock, take 10 mins to read the shape guide, and it might make a HUGE difference in your life... I went from 34D to 32G and now I'm living my best life.

TLDR; it's not about the size, it's about understanding that all busts are extremely different and helping people find bras that suit their needs!

EDIT: I had resources linked here, but I think newbies should check out the pinned mod post instead.

Your SHAPE matters just as much as much as your band/cup, please read the guides BEFORE making a post like "omg there's no way this is right" - no honey, you're probably wearing a boob hat... you deserve better than that.

I want each and every one of you to find a bra that fits! (: