bras and weight loss

[storynanny2]

I have been reading and getting really useful advice re measuring and bying bras on this forum. Such a help thanks to all who contribute.
I have recently lost weight and unlike before, when my last boobs have obstinately refused to shrink by even one cup size, my bras are definitely getting looser.
As I am planning on keeping going with the diet for another half stone, dont want to buy new bras yet. All of the reduction seems to be back fat rather than cups. As an interim measure I had a brainwave. I am quite handy with a sewing machine and have experimented on a couple of bra backs and made them smaller by 2" and the cups are still fairly ok for now.
The difference in support is amazing! I never knew till I read this forum that the band gives most of the support. I feel like a new woman!
Took me till I was 57 to realise that the straps do not do most of the supporting. Just wanted to share that with you !

[margaritasbythesea]

Thanks. I might have a go at that too as I am in a very similar position. Did you cut out material or did you fold over?

[storynanny2]

No I didn't cut as I think it would have frayed. I made a sort of fold/pleat next to the seam where the back is stitched to front and machined each side using a stretch stitch. The finished effect is ok, just looks like a second parallel seam. Not sure if it would look a bit bumpy under a close fitting t shirt though.

[SorrelForbes]

This might be of interest OP.

[Greengardenpixie]

I always lose it on my bust. I am currently hoping to lose about 1/2 stone. Think my dh will be dissapointed!!!!

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I'm in the same boat, have recently lost 4 inches off my back, I'll give altering a go,I can sew and it hadn't crossed my mind. I think the cups will be too big still but worth a go!

[storynanny2]

Sorrel, that is amazing, much better than my fold and stitch effort. I am going to attack another bra and do it that way. Thanks so much for the link.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I think whether fold and stitch or take off the clips works best depends a bit on the bra and especially on the strap positioning at the back - taking them in at the seams will make the point at the back where they meet the band seem further out, taking it in at the clips will bring them closer to the centre of the back. You can also combine the methods if you need to take more off a bra rather than taking huge amounts out of one place

Dame you might be surprised, I took in the band on a bra which had fitted but stretched out badly and the cups became a little too small due to the adjustment...whoops!

[storynanny2]

Statistically you are right, I will have to look at the straps carefully before unpicking! I am just delighted to have found a way to get more support for my now out of proportion double d's. I had high hopes of becoming a c cup after losing over 10% body weight.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I actually gain cup sizes when I lose weight, as I lose from my underbust but not overbust meaning that the cup size increases as the band decreases! It's annoying as even at stone and somewhere between a 14 and 16 (but more like a 20 if you ask a size chart!) I'm a 30 band and about a HH. I go down to a 12ish and suddenly I'm a 28J/JJ and that makes it even harder to get bras!

Remember that cup size is proportionate to band size - so if you've taken your bras down a band then what was a, for example, 32DD is now a 30E...just so you don't get a shock when you go shopping!

[Collateraldamage]

Hello bra experts! Just done the measuring: 311/2 inches underbust, 391/2 bending over boobs. Been wearing 36C forever, and need to order new bras online (no Bravissimo shop near). After two children some sag (I am 43!). Can you clever ladies help me order some new bras online? TIA

[Collateraldamage]

I am making that a 32F.....is that right?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Start with 32f and ff I would say

[Collateraldamage]

Thanks! Do you have any style/brand suggestions? I have been wearing under wired balconette type bras, and was considering Cleo juna

[SorrelForbes]

The Cleo Juna is a very nice balconette. It runs true to size but be warned that the lace on the top isn't meant to sit flat. The Bravissimo half cup styles are very nice too.

[Collateraldamage]

Will try the half cups - need something that sits flat. Thanks for the help. Bravissimo website or figleaves? Looking for free delivery/returns.....

[Collateraldamage]

Buttercup bra looks good - maybe too fancy for everyday? Would the t-shirt bras work?

[SorrelForbes]

Moulded t-shirt style bras are not the best with which to establish your core size as they don't mould to your shape IYSWIM? Many people end up with a lot of gaping at the top of the cups.

I'd try the Cleo Juna. It doesn't stick out or anything, it's just that your boob isn't meant to fill that bit of the bra, if that makes sense? Other nice nude/smooth balconette styles are the Curvy Kate Daily Boost and the Panache Idina balconette (not the moulded one).

Both websites are good but Bravissimo's customer service phone line is excellent for advice on returning/exchanging for other styles and sizes.

[Collateraldamage]

Sorell, thank you very much, will stick with bravissimo and order the. Curvy Kate Daily boost and panache India balconette on 32f and ff. will report back :-).

[Collateraldamage]

Update - proud owner of three 32F brand new bras that fit like a glove, after more than 20 years wearing a 34C. Unbelievable. Thanks so much for the advice!!!