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I bought this beautiful Wacoal lace plunge bra in a 34B. It's a decent fit without inserts, but the structure of it (underwire, plunge, lightly lined, no push-up padding) makes it a good candidate for inserts. I could use them if I wanted a boost to help fill out a tailored blouse, or if I found that the top of the cups were wrinkled or gapping. So I gave them a try. I chose Femagique inserts which have the right measurements to fit in this particular bra. They add a modest amount of size, probably about half a cup. Here is the result. With the inserts, it's a more snug fit. I don't appear to be spilling out of it, but this is as close to cleavage as my body gets. There is some redness on my skin where the edges of the cups dig in a bit. But the underwire still tacks correctly to my chest, and it doesn't feel as if I'm being squeezed in a vise. I like the curvier look, and certain types of clothing have a more flattering fit with that bit of extra. I would probably be more comfortable using the inserts in a cup size larger, so I plan to try a 34C next in the same bra. The plunge structure of this bra lends itself well to inserts, because there is an unbroken line from the top of the cup to the center gore. This allows the cups to stretch over inserts while maintaining their edges from the shoulder straps in front down to the center base of the V. When using inserts, an underwire bra is usually best for keeping them in place. You should be able to fit the insert into the base of your bra, as close to the underwire as possible. Lean over and lift your breasts into the cups above the inserts, re-adjusting the underwires as necessary. It's all right if the inserts cover your nipples, but they should not come up so high that they are slipping out of the edges of the cups. Except for the cups being a little too tight with them in, the inserts are a good fit for me in this bra. In conclusion, if you're wearing a bra that already fits well and you want to try inserts, consider sizing up one cup. You'll be more comfortable and won't have to worry about the inserts squeezing their way up and making a break for it. Another option is to try your sister size: one band size smaller, and the same cup. This would make sense if the smaller band is not uncomfortable for you, and if you still have some room in the cups of your current bra. I do not recommend using inserts with a bra that already has push-up padding. The inserts will cause the tops of the bra cups to stretch away from your body in order to accommodate the extra volume at the bottom of the cups, so you could end up with bigger gaps at the top even if the cups are the right size for you. The Femagique inserts are cloth rather than silicone, which makes them lightweight and flexible. Silicone inserts, while they feel and look more like real breast tissue, are also heavier and less breathable than cotton or foam. I find it difficult to tolerate silicone inserts for any significant length of time. https://amzn.to/3Drudjb I bought these on Amazon. They are still available for purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation for providing relevant links. Have you tried using enhancement inserts? If so, what kind did you try? Feel free to share your experience with them in the comments. And check out the Wacoal Embrace Lace Plunge bra for sale here, in lots of different beautiful colors (anyone want to buy me a 34C?): https://amzn.to/3oEqh8r #wacoal #lacebra #brareview #brainserts #femagique #34B #34C

I mentioned these previously in my post on how to wear inserts. This is a more complete review of the Femagique foam pad style of insert, along with some alternative suggestions if they're not what you're looking for. https://amzn.to/3CRV5Yv What these are: oval-shaped cloth pads with foam filling. Like most push-up inserts, they are thicker at the bottom and taper up to a thin edge at the top. At their thickest point, the Femagique foam inserts are about one inch, which depending on your size will add as much as one cup size in volume. Advantages: These are small enough to fit inside almost any bra. They're lightweight and won't irritate your skin. The tops of them are thin enough to be undetectable in a lightly lined bra cup. Because they don't have much weight, they can be used in wire-free bras as well as those with an underwire, as long as the wire-free bra has enough shaping in the cups to hold them. If you're going to wear them with something wire-free, I recommend a supportive and securely fitting bralette with removable pads. You can either position the inserts inside the pocket lining behind the existing pads, or replace the bralette pads with the inserts. The pocket lining will help hold them in place. Disadvantages: the Femagique inserts don't add as much size as some women would like. Because they don't cover the entire breast but rather are placed at the bottom of your bra, the amount of volume they can give you is limited. They are best for helping you fill out a bra that is a little too big in the cups, or for adding a push-up effect to a bra that does not have any enhancement padding built in. For a significant size increase, look into full breast forms. These come in various materials including foam, cotton and silicone. The silicone forms are often favored for their resemblance to real breast tissue. They are worn on top of the chest, usually inside a pocketed bra, rather than inserted underneath your existing breasts. Since they have a similar weight and consistency to real breasts, this type of silicone form is a good choice for women who have had mastectomies without reconstruction, and also for trans women who want the realistic feeling as well as the look. You have the option of choosing from a variety of sizes and shapes, and to buy either one or two forms at a time. Cotton and foam breast forms are less expensive and lighter, but they won't feel like real breasts when touched, or move with your body the same way. The Femagique foam inserts also don't feel or move like real breast tissue. There is a silicone option in these if you are looking for a push-up insert and prefer something more realistic: https://amzn.to/3cOTRTf If you choose the silicone inserts, it's even more important to make sure you have a supportive base for them. An underwire bra is your best bet, or a snug-fitting bikini top with a substantial band and formed contour cups if you're going to be wearing them swimming. Femagique is of course not the only brand that makes push-up inserts, but their foam pads are my favorite so far among the options that I've tried. Affiliate disclosure: I receive a commission from links to Amazon that result in a sale.

I had a petite friend who wore a size 30B bra. She was truly a pleasure to look at. Perfectly proportioned. And tiny. Being around her made me feel vaguely like a linebacker. And I was attracted to her, but I didn't know if that was really okay or not. Did I want to look like her, or date her? Always a confusing question when it comes to same-sex attraction (also, she is straight. I am ASFAB -- assigned female at birth, with female sex organs -- and gender fluid at times but not always.... that's a whole other complicated story which you are welcome to ask me about but I won't get into it here). So maybe this bra size envy, if others share it, is something we should talk about more. Reach out to your friends of every size and shape. Ask if they feel jealous of other women with bigger breasts (or smaller ones), or of very thin women whose figures, even when clearly unhealthy, are celebrated by the mainstream fashion industry. And you can answer this question for yourself too in the comments here if you'd like. If I were to survey most of my female friends and family members about this, my guess is that they might have a passing thought like that but that it doesn't take up a lot of their brains. I am bisexual and somewhat gender-fluid, which in itself makes me awkwardly freak out a lot, especially around women who I find attractive. It's a feeling of being too different from them, and wary of getting hurt. So that's what it's about for me. Being so uncertain of my gender identity and of my sexual orientation made me frequently irritable. I tended to set myself away from female friends. I ultimately realized that my sexual orientation is bisexual and there's nothing wrong with that. Gender identity is something that, as I said above, is complicated for me but over time I have gotten more comfortable with the various aspects of myself, and with sometimes being someone different. I'd love to hear from all of you about that: do you experience any feelings of insecurity or envy of other women because of their size? And if so, where do think those feelings might be coming from for you? If we look carefully enough at ourselves, we can identify the source of toxic beliefs like this. Please feel free to share some of your own relevant life experiences. Note: the cover photo for this post is from promotional copy for Amoena, a lovely company that makes pocketed bras for wearing with mastectomy forms or other inserts. They are a good option for trans women who have not had augmentation surgery, as well as for cis women who have had mastectomies. Shop for Amoena bras and breast forms here (associate link): https://amzn.to/3oZZkMD

My absolute favorite racerback bra was the Wacoal Petite T-Back Front Close, and it is nowhere to be found anymore. Lulalu makes a similar racerback style, the Mia Convertible Front Close, which I tried per their recommendation several years ago in a 34AA. It had all the same benefits as the Wacoal, but I have since outgrown it and would like something less expensive. Also, the straps on it are quite short and I would find myself wishing I could pull them out further. Is it just me or does Lula Lu's AAA cup run basically the same as an AA in other brands? More and more, I'm starting to think that the difference between AAA, AA and A is just not enough to be very significant. I've tried AA bras that had larger cups than my 32Bs, and this should not be the case since the sister size of 32B is 34A. The way Lulalu's bra fitting quiz works is that they simply ask how your current bra fits, and based on your answer, they size you up or down one cup and/or one band size. To me this is not an ideal way to measure correct fit, but it's a good start and at least gives people an idea of what to try next if their current bra size is wrong. If your measurements give you an AA cup size, what this means in most brands is that you have less than one inch difference between your fullest bust and your band size. Band size is calculated by taking the underbust (ribcage) measurement, rounding up to the nearest even number, and adding between two and four inches. Adding four inches, for AA cup breasts, can give a negative number for the cup size! So that's obviously not an option. My best fit when I was wearing AA bras was the +2 method. But it could be argued that adding two inches means I should have been in a B cup all along. How confusing is that? There certainly are women who legitimately need the AA cup, but perhaps some could also wear an A or even a B cup and simply haven't found the right one yet. Since I liked the 34AA Wacoal front-close so much, I decided to explore alternative options in front-close bras. Dobreva makes bras in sizes 32AA, 34AA, and 36AA. I at first elected to try the 36AA since I heard that their bands run small. The Dobreva smooth-cup front-close racerback has push-up padding which cannot be removed, which is unfortunate but not a total deal-breaker. If a push-up bra fits me well and is comfortable, I'm entirely willing to wear it. Shop for this bra at my Amazon associate link: https://amzn.to/3Fw2E8K. At the time that I tried the 36AA, I was probably about a 34A. I wanted to make sure the band didn't fit too tight, and that the cup would be the same. So I thought 36AA was a reasonable guess. It was not a terrible fit in the band, when worn on the tightest hook, and the fabric was soft and comfortable. But what I didn't expect was that the cups wouldn't fit. You'd think, since they are AA cups they must have been too small for me.... nope. Too big, as in too wide for my frame. It didn't have much push-up effect because it kind of swallowed me up and there was nothing to lift. I regretted not getting the 34A, and now I think I would need the 34B since my cup size has gone up. I returned it and did not exchange for a larger size, since I was not really looking for a push-up bra anyway. If you do like push-up and you find, like me, that a front-close style helps prevent slipping straps and gives you a more secure fit in the band, this Dobreva bra may be perfect for you. It has many good reviews and in fact, most of these say that it runs true to size. That's consistent with what I found when I tried on a larger band size than I usually wear. Dobreva also makes a version of this bra in lace, which based on the reviews does seem to run small. Lace is often not as stretchy as microfiber, which is probably the reason that some women needed to size up in the band and/or cup in the lace style. If you love lace and you aren't concerned about it being too small, go ahead and give it a shot. These bras are about $20 each, so it's less of a stressful process to buy one not knowing for sure if it will fit. They do take free returns. Here is the lace version: https://amzn.to/3nvOxtX Both the microfiber and lace bras have a very nice aesthetic and come in a variety of pretty colors. This company certainly knows how to make attractive, flattering bras that you want to show off. If they can get their fit issues sorted out, I think these bras would be great. I would consider buying one again, perhaps in one of their lightly lined styles next time.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has made this mistake: you're shopping for bras in a small band and/or small cup size, and what the store has available is mostly designed for teenage girls. You need a bra, for god sake, and you notice that these are quite inexpensive. You try one on and it doesn't fit horribly, so you buy it because after all it's not hurting your wallet much. Then you take it home... and never wear it. Now, I'm not saying teen bras are always awful. If you need a petite bra and you find a brand and style for teens that happens to fit you well, there's nothing wrong with buying them. But there are several things to watch out for. First, they almost always run shallow in the cup. Measuring as an A cup does not actually mean you have shallow breasts; you may be small but full, or have most of your volume at the bottom of your breasts. Either way, finding a good fit in a teen bra can be challenging. They often won't adequately surround and contain all of your breast tissue, leaving the outsides or tops of your breasts spilling out. The cups may also be too close together for your frame, leading to the bra fitting tight and uncomfortable even if you are in the correct cup size. And finally, bras for teens have shorter straps which may not even be adjustable. Make a list of what you need in a bra. If it includes close-set shallow cups, short straps, and minimal support, then you might be just fine with the teen styles. One that I have seen many adult women give good reviews for is the Maidenform Girl soft cup. You'll see that it is available in sizes 30A through 38A in basic colors. And that's it. Not much color variety, and no cup sizes above A. But the price is right at $14 retail, and it's often on sale for much less ($9.80 at the moment). It also has quite good reviews. Maidenform is generally a reliable brand with styles that have remained popular for years, and of course they also make bras for adult women, so you can assume that they have a good understanding of how to design a decent bra. So if you want a serviceable style at a good price and it is within your size range, I think it's safe to give this one a try. It has adjustable straps, no underwire, and just enough padding for nipple coverage. Customers rate it as having adequate support for small breasts. Go to https://amzn.to/3FldP46 to find out more. (As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission from your purchase). Update: I discovered that one of the Maidenform Girl styles does come in more solid color options. You can view these choices here: https://amzn.to/3DzY4pC Calvin Klein, whose bras in small cup sizes often work well for petite women, also makes bras for girls. Their A cup in this model fits like an AA in adult bras, so it may be a good choice for AA-cup adults. https://amzn.to/3FD1AAi You should of course feel no shame for wearing a teen bra. But I also think that adult women of every size should have more options than this, in both color and style. Cutesy patterns on teen bras exist... and I hate every single one of them. I'd much rather go with a very basic style like the Maidenform or Calvin Klein, knowing that it is not for special occasions but for everyday wear and hardly anyone is going to see it anyway. I am now mostly out of their size range, but could probably fit into the 36A if necessary. Have you, as an adult, tried these and/or or other bras designed for girls? Please share your experience in the comments. #teens #AA #petite #30A #32A #34A #36A #38A

So, what's a Pepper bra? Wear Pepper is the latest business to focus on the needs of those of us who wear cup sizes AA, A, and B. Pepper does not offer heavily padded "enhancement" options; instead, all of their bras are tailored to work with the small-busted figure without adding anything extra. This has made them quite popular among women who, like me, would prefer to opt out of that extra-special "I'm wearing a mattress" experience. The fact is, unless you go for breast augmentation surgery, what you've got is pretty much what you've got. There's not a lot that a bra can do to make your figure look drastically different, and even the styles that do succeed in adding the appearance of an extra cup size or two will often sacrifice comfort and fit accuracy in order to achieve this. Anyone who has worn a heavily padded bra will know what I'm talking about. Underneath those couch pillows calling themselves a bra, our real breasts are squeezed, shoved up and in, flattened, and overheated. Wires that don't conform to our chest shape try to force our breasts into an ill-fitting mold. It's kind of ridiculous, so I'm all about Pepper's choice to boycott the suffocation. I also love their involvement with the LGBTQ community and unquestioning embrace of trans and non-binary people. So I'm perfectly willing to spend the money for one of these bras... one. Unlike some women who cannot wear anything larger than an AAA or AA cup, I am now comfortably in the A-B cup range. Sure, some of these bras aren't going to fit as well as the ones made by Pepper and similar companies like Lula Lu, The Little Bra Company, and Itty Bitty Bra. But others actually work just fine for me, in spite of not advertising any of the special features that the small-bust specialty brands offer (such as less gapping, shorter underwire and straps, and a more shallow cup shape). And that's what usually attracts shoppers to the small-bust oasis brands: the AA cup option presents an opportunity to finally get a fit that is not just acceptable, but comfortable and flattering. Below I'm wearing a 34B in The Little Bra Company's Eva style. It seems unfortunate that all of the companies mentioned above are pricing their bras much higher than mainstream brands. What we need is a way to distinguish which among the mainstream just happen to be good fit choices for smaller breasts. What this means is that although a designer or company might not carry AA cups, a woman who measures as a 34AA could conceivably wear her sister size 32A. 36AA may be able to fit in a 34A or even a 32B. And so on. Recently I have noticed online giants like HerRoom, ThirdLove, and Aerie making more of an effort to describe the way their various styles fit and which are the best choices for various shapes and sizes. Well-established and reliable brands that are often recognized for a good fit in the A and B cup sizes include Natori, Timpa, Calvin Klein, Simone Pereille, Cosabella, and OnGossamer. The recent bralette trend also works in favor of the flat-chested, with tons of new variety in bralette styles, materials, and aesthetics. And of course, bralettes are much more affordable because they use less fabric and don't usually have underwire, side boning, contour cups, or anything else that can help to make a bra more structured and supportive. Longline bralette by Free People When choosing a bralette, keep in mind that they are more fragile and easily stretched out than bras. Look for one that is likely to keep its shape through multiple washings and has a band that will stay put. Longline bralettes, in addition to being very fashionable at the moment, will often give you a more secure fit because the band is more substantial than it is on other types of bralettes. Your fit in bralettes may be different too; what feels comfortable when you try it on may stretch as you wear it, so make sure you don't go too large. I recommend going for the tightest fit that you can tolerate, with the expectation that it will break in a bit over time. The Free People style above has a ribbed band can fit quite snug without feeling uncomfortable, because unlike underwire, even a very tight fit in the bralette won't be torture for your ribcage. What bralettes have you tried? Are you a fan of this trend? Feel free to share your suggestions here. Links: http://WearPepper.com/ http://lulalu.com/ http://ittybittybra.com/ http://thelittlebracompany.com/ Check out my bras listed for sale on Poshmark too. I may have some of your discontinued favorites available. If you are signing up there for the first time, use referral code AMANDA_SAGE1979 to get $10 in store credit. http://Poshmark.com/ #lingerie #news #updates #bralettes #freepeople #longline #brafit #AA #AAA

Bras Without Wires is an innovative Australian lingerie company featuring stylish, playful wire-free bras like the Annie Sparkles Checkmate (shown here on me). Founder Stephanie Devine, a breast cancer survivor, wanted to create a more fashionable alternative to the usual boring wire-free options. Bras without underwires tend to be available only in limited colors and prints, and they often have very little aesthetic appeal. Those of us who don't need or want an underwire deserve an attractive, fun selection of bras, just like women who can wear underwires comfortably, but there just isn't anywhere near as much variety in wireless styles. So obviously I love what Stephanie is doing, and I support her mission. Stephanie's Annie Sparkles line features metallic accents in silver or gold. On the Checkmate bra, the sparkly parts are the silver straps, trim, and center bow. A subtle silver thread runs through the main check pattern, although it may be hard to see in these photos. It's delightfully fun and different from anything else I've tried lately, which is definitely a good thing. I tried on a 32A in this bra, based on Stephanie's recommendation from my measurements. The fit is excellent. Although I sometimes need a 32B, I fill out these A cups fine without feeling confined by them. The 32 band is nice and snug on me, just as I want it to be, especially in a wire-free bra; otherwise, without the underwire to keep everything in place, bras without wires can ride up during the day as you move. Another feature of the Checkmate that helps it stay anchored is the three rows of hooks in back. Many bras like this only have two rows of hooks, so I appreciate the extra security that one more hook offers. The contour cups are lined with a lightweight, flexible foam layer. The tag says this is a padded bra, but it does not add size and the cups don't have graduated bump pads for push-up. All of this is fine as far as I'm concerned, but don't expect enhancement; this is a bra that lets your body be what it is, while providing just a little shaping and nipple coverage. Perhaps the description is misleading for those of us in the US who tend to assume the term "padded" means "a gigantic, unwearable mattress" (thanks, Victoria's Secret). The Annie Sparkles bra is available to order on the Bras Without Wires website. Disclosure: I received this bra in exchange for an honest review. #BrasWithoutWires #wirefree #brareviews #32A #Australia #breastcancer

I thought it would be interesting to talk to a shapewear enthusiast. My own feeling about shapewear has always been that it's designed to force a woman's body into a shape that isn't natural for her, which is not an idea that appeals to me. But maybe I need to give it more of a chance. In this interview, fellow blogger Miss M of Lingerie for Every Day attempts to help me see the light at the end of the nylon compression tunnel. Bras Outside the Box: I'm curious about why you're such a fan of shapewear. What does it do for you? Miss M: Curious as to why I like shapewear? Girl, all you have to do is look at the before and after photos on my blog! You lose a dress size, you smooth out any lumps or bumps, and you look hot in all your outfits! And oftentimes, with the right shapewear, you look extra-hot wearing it all on its own (you know, in the bedroom, with your husband, partner, wife, love-interest). I go for items that smooth everything out, but still look good all on their own. BOTB: Do you look for the same things in a bra that you are seeking in shapewear? MM: I am so lucky that at age 39, I still have a great shape when it comes to my breasts. The issue I have, and have always had, is the back rolls that generally come with having naturally large breasts. So, in shapewear, I do love something that smooths out my back, but I also love that many of the items will also target the tummy, or the bum, or the thighs. This is key if you're wearing a body-con dress (which I often like to do!). BOTB: Is a supportive bra more important to you now than it was in your teens and twenties, or were you always primarily looking for good support? MM: Since I'm a 38DD, I've always needed supportive bras. I don't ever want to be saggy (I'm sure as I age it'll eventually happen), but having a strong foundation is key to staving off the sag. I think all of the sports bras I buy are in the $100 range, because I really like to be active and run, but it can be painful without the right support in place. My favorite sports bra brand is Panache. BOTB: Do you ever find shapewear uncomfortable? Like, do you ever just want to rip it off and be free? MM: So, the thing about shapewear is there are so many kinds. On my blog, I point out the kinds that are functional - items you can wear all day, look great, and feel great, without sacrificing your circulatory function. Shapewear isn't all grandma panties and shorts up to your ears. It can be sexy, and for curvy gals like me, it can help you feel more confident in wearing something a little bit tighter than you'd normally wear. Personally, I stay away from things I want to rip off. I like being comfortable. I went to a wedding a few months ago, and every single woman in the bathroom was complaining about their Spanx. Spanx shorts can be hardcore, depending on the shaping power. If you get the high-power shapers, you probably will only want to wear them to an event that's two to four hours long. And then rip them off. And then probably never wear them again until the emotional trauma wears off. The point of my blog is to show people the good, the bad, and the ugly of shapewear -- but mostly the good and the sexy side of it. BOTB: Do you have any advice for other women with a figure similar to yours? MM: For women with figures similar to mine, I'd say to wear shaping slips under your dresses. I own about eleven of them. It just gives you a smooth silhouette. I'd advise a naturally large-busted person to be prepared to spend a lot of money on good bras - and to get fitted by a professional! And, finally, I'd say always get at least two pairs of panties that match your expensive bra. A thong and a full-coverage panty, or maybe just two thongs. #38DD #shapewear #Panache #largebust #Spanx #sportsbras

Elisabeth Dale wants to talk about your breasts. This actually isn't creepy, because Elisabeth is a self-educated breast expert who has built an entire business on this one beloved (and sometimes also hated) part of the female body. I've had the opportunity to chat with her about bras, her new book, and her passion for educating women. Bras Outside the Box : So, your first book, b00bs: A Guide to Your Girls, came out in 2007. What lead you to write a second, and what can readers expect this time? Elisabeth : My second book is part of a series of shorter guides I’m publishing over the next couple of years. The first of these guides, The Breast Life Guide to The Bra Zone: How to Find Your Ideal Size, Style, and Support, is all about navigating the wacky world of bra shopping. It addresses different stages of life, as well as style, budget, and body shape considerations. Bra buying has changed dramatically from the days when my mother took me to buy my first bra (back in the 1960s). Consumers don’t understand the realities of the bra business. For instance, most believe they are a single size (a letter cup, without considering length of band). They don’t know what sister sizing means, or how different styles of bras can change the way their breasts rest on their chest. The idea is to help readers discover and accept a more fluid "bra zone" of sizes, styles, and fashion preferences. Plus I touch on some of the major bra and breast myths, as well as covering how to shop online for a bra, wear and care, etc. BOTB : In your own experience, bra shopping was an ongoing challenge, and you ultimately had a surgical breast lift. Can you talk a little about what you went through trying to find a bra in the right size and shape for your breasts, both before and after your surgery? E : Buying a bra before surgery was a nightmare, in that I didn’t understand how bra shapes and materials made a difference. For instance, my less-full boobs just rolled around in contour bras. My breasts were completely deflated after three children and losing weight. Like most women, I blamed my body for any bra problems. I didn’t change bra sizes after my surgery and continued to wear a 34C both before and after the procedure. However, my breasts were now less shallow with less skin weighing them down, so I could get away with skimpier support. Now, some ten years after my lift, my breasts have changed again with menopause. Turns out that twenty percent of all women grow bigger boobs after menopause, and I’m one of them. Now I wear a 34DD; my breasts are again heavier with more fat and less breast tissue. I’ve had to change the kind of bra styles, sizes, and wire shapes I wear — yet again! Also, I've noticed that older women are absent from any kind of lingerie marketing. I’ve had to figure out the new bra fit rules for my almost 60-year-old female body. I’m just glad I know that a poorly fitting bra is never my fault! BOTB : What's the most rewarding thing you get out of talking to other women about their breasts? E : When I can help them feel like all breast shapes, sizes and placements are “normal.” Too many women never see breasts outside of the youthful, airbrushed, and pushed-up images in lingerie advertising. It’s only when we realize that breasts are all different (like our eye color) that we can truly appreciate our individuality. Our gift is that we are all unique. BOTB : Most of my readers are dealing with challenges related to body image, size, and/or shape, and trying to find good bras in a market that isn't targeting their particular needs. Do you have any advice for this neglected population? E : I think they need to start using social media and get more vocal about their needs. I think there continue to be pockets of underserved populations, but so much has changed — for the better — in bra fit. You couldn’t find anything over a D cup when I was a teen. Now you can find bras in size AAA to M. Brands are doing more for deep cups, breastfeeding, and post-mastectomy patients. Much of this change has come about because of the internet, and now brands can sell directly to consumers. My advice is to find a lingerie blogger who talks about or has your same issues. Talk to brands about your needs, but be realistic. If the market is too small, it’s difficult to expect a large company to mass-produce for one narrow shape/size. On the other hand, I recently heard from one of my readers (who had a single breast recon after mastectomy) that she was able to buy a gorgeous bra in her difficult-to-fit 26A size from an Etsy seller. There are ways to meet your bra needs; it just may take you a little longer if you fall outside the standard or core sizes. On the flip side, your body is constantly changing and you may find it easier to buy bras at some future point in your life. BOTB : Your success indicates that there is a need for more breast experts. Have you thought about training other women to do what you've done? E : No, that has never occurred to me. Others address breastfeeding, bra fit issues, and breast cancer, for instance. I think I may be the only one that covers all the bases on my website. That makes it both challenging and frustrating as there is so much more I’d like to discuss when it comes to breasts. It’s also one reason that I’ve started to add guest bloggers with expertise in certain areas. There’s never enough time to write all the blog posts that I want to write. #bodyimage #brafitting #34C #34DD #menopause #breastlift #experts #postsurgery

Michelle (not her real name) had surgery on her breast five months ago to remove a non-cancerous tumor. Here, she talks about what it was like to go through a lumpectomy and how she feels about her breasts now. Bras Outside the Box: When did you have your lumpectomy, and where are you now in your recovery? Michelle: The surgery took place in September of last year, 2015. As far as recovery, it's pretty much over! Surgical scars can take several years to fully heal, so I'm not counting that. The incision has faded significantly in those five months though. BOTB: Before you had the surgery, what were your concerns about what would happen to your breast? M: Mostly that it would turn out to be bad news. I had a biopsy sample taken a year prior to the surgery. It turned out to be a simple fibroadenoma. I worried that the removal of the lump would alter my breast shape in a drastic or noticeable way. The ultrasound technician said it was "slightly larger than is typical and a slightly odd shape," so I worried. But for me, that didn't happen. My breast has retained the same tissue distribution as before. It simply lost a touch of volume. It was in my larger breast so I am not bothered by the loss of volume! BOTB: Did the experience turn out the way you expected? What, if anything, came as a surprise to you? M: It more or less went as expected. When I discovered the lump, purely by accident, I stayed calm and started doing research. I let my parents know and called my health care provider. We ordered the appointment and I was examined by my primary doctor. She confirmed the position of the lump, ordered a tissue biopsy and and talked through my questions. I like to go into situations like these armed with as much knowledge as possible. I felt very well-prepared for the process, knew what to expect at each stage, and I really felt like I was in charge of the situation. BOTB: What are the challenges you have now with the way bras fit, as a result of the surgery -- if any? M: Because my breast only lost a little bit of volume, and it was the larger breast, I haven't had any issues. My tissue distribution has stayed more or less the same as well, which is perfect. All of my old bras still fit my shape! For this I feel lucky. Though, I have a suspicion that my worry about breast shape changes was just me being a little paranoid. Unless the lump was quite large or very oddly shaped I can't see a typical fibroadenoma causing a drastic shape change for anybody. BOTB: What's your favorite bra that you're wearing right now? M: Currently I've been rocking Panache Black Odette in 30G. I also have a hoard of Cleo Lillies in 32G. The bands are stretched from much love, but I still get support on the tightest hooks!... for now. BOTB: How would you like to see the lingerie market change to meet your particular size and shape? M: I'd like to see more British bra makers take on the "cakes on a plate" look. Polish bras are great for people my size and shape (narrow, projected, with even fullness). My Cleo bras give me lift, but I cannot achieve the seriously uplifted, projected, "hello boobies!" look with them. We need to see more 26-30 bands. It would also just be great if the American lingerie industry would take a page from the UK and Europe regarding standardization of sizes. BOTB: Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or your search for a good bra? M: Armed with knowledge from A Bra That Fits, I love my breasts more now than I ever have. The first time I put Cleo Lily on I cried! I am lusting after Polish bras lately but I'm scared to dive in. Finding even one bra that fits well has helped my self-esteem immensely. My nerdy t-shirts fit me again! I don't have to size up in everything for my boobs! (Previously wore a Victoria's Secret 34DDD. No support, my shirts all ended up getting very stretched out. No more!) However, there are many people both larger and smaller than I am who still experience difficulty finding support that fits. Whoever you are, take time to love yourself. I have multiple surgical scars on different areas of my body. Some people in my life choose to make comments about hiding them. I don't even think they realize they're being negative. I have learned to accept that those surgeries were necessary, important parts of my personal and medical history. They're nobody else's business! Take care of yourselves. If that means you need surgery for one thing or another to be healthy, pain-free, happy? The scars are just proof that you love yourself. This is the only body we will have. It's not perfect. Everybody hates this or that about their physical appearance. But remember all the things you've done and triumphed over in your personal life. Your body has carried you through that. Find something small you love; eventually you will start finding more and more things to love about your body as you journey through life. #30GG #32G #30G #Panache #Polish #VictoriasSecret #personalstories #lumpectomy #CleobyPanache #scars #postsurgery

Bras Outside the Box: You're transmasculine; can you say a little more about what this means for you personally? Do you identify exclusively as male? Justice: I do not. I tend to identify as transmasculine agender. However, as this is a more obscure identifier, I stick with simpler terms in non-trans circles. I prefer gender-neutral pronouns to be used when referring to me. BOTB: What do you look for in a bra, besides a good fit? J: I look for solid colors and simple lines. I do like patterns, but nothing ostentatious. Something fun, without the extra bells and whistles. I definitely prefer basics though. BOTB: Where do you shop for bras, either online or in real life? Have you ever been fitted for a bra? J: Online, typically. I have not been fitted for a bra by another person, as I prefer not to allow people into my personal space. BOTB: How has your experience with bras and lingerie changed since you realized you were trans? J: I think if anything I've become more aware of my choices. BOTB: Do you wear binders? If so, where do you get them, and what brand do you wear? J: I do! I buy these online as well. My favorite binder is by GC2b. BOTB: Anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your search for a good bra? J: Yes. Although I prefer the look a binder gives, the reason I sometimes choose to wear bras is simple. Due to the size and shape of my chest, a bra will reduce my awareness that there is something there, therefore reducing any sex dysphoria I might have. It will also help with issues like chafing, sweating, etc. #transgender #agender #transmasculine #26GG #binders #personalstories #GC2b

Becky: I'm 20, and I'm not quite sure of my bra size because I've never had one that fits properly, although I suspect it's somewhere around a 36K. I live in a small town in Canada and there aren't many places around that sell bras. The only place I've found any amount of success since junior high (middle school) is at the plus size store Penningtons. I've been able to find bras there in size 38H which are wearable, but definitely not the right size; and of course each one is over $50! It's incredibly frustrating to not be able to find a properly fitting bra. Bras Outside the Box: What was it like for you when you first went shopping for a bra in middle school? B: I remember when I first needed bras, I hated the idea, and I was really uncomfortable with it. One day (I believe in grade 5 or 6 but I can't remember which), my mother told me I needed to start wearing bras, and so I started wearing them. Originally she bought them for me. Eventually around grade 7 when I was finally more comfortable with needing to wear a bra, I started wanting bras that would look nice and be colourful. I remember a specific experience going to La Senza in our local mall. At this point I was already around a DD I think, and it was really difficult to find anything that fit right. I found one; it was black and had some kind of silver lettering on one of the cups, and I think the straps were detachable/convertible. It was nice, but not really what I wanted. Unfortunately, there weren't many bras that would fit me right, and even this one probably wasn't the right size, but the style made it sort of okay. So pretty much from the time I was comfortable enough to start wanting nice bras, I already couldn't find them in my size. BOTB: How do you feel about your breast size now, and has your body image changed since the first time you went bra shopping? B: My feelings have definitely changed. I feel really comfortable with my breast size now. When I was younger, I developed them really early, and I felt kind of different and weird. I still have the largest breasts of all my friends, but I don't have a problem with that at all. I'm incredibly comfortable with it, and my friends and I make jokes about it all the time. I never would have thought when I started out with bras that I could ever be this comfortable with my breasts, but I really am. I honestly barely even notice how much bigger mine are than other people's. BOTB: Have you ever ordered a bra online? If so, what did you try and what problems did you have with the fit? B: I have ordered bras online, but only after I've tried the same style and size in the store. Penningtons, where I used to buy bras in 38H (which is actually the wrong size), stopped selling bands as low as 38. Now they only carry bands in size 40 and up, which is definitely too large since the 38 was already not quite right. Their website still sells 38s, so I've had to order bras there to get something close to fitting. It still doesn't fit right, but it's the best I can get from this website, and I'm too nervous to try ordering other sizes from anywhere else without knowing what size I really should be. BOTB: How do you define your personal style when it comes to clothes, and what would be your ideal look in bras and lingerie if they were widely available in your size? B: My personal style is generally quite casual. I like skinny jeans and shirts that are kind of fitted, although not too tight. I don't like anything too baggy because it would just make me look like a box. I also love boots, scarves, and jackets, although I have a really difficult time finding jackets because they don't usually fit over my boobs. I also rarely wear makeup or do anything with my hair other than brush it. My ideal look in bras and lingerie would probably be something colourful. Everybody needs to have their basic nude and black colours, but I would love to have some bras in bright pinks and greens, purples, maybe some stripes or polka dots. Some lace would be nice as well, but not too much. I'm a very colourful person, so things like that would suit my personality really well. BOTB: What brought you to the Reddit community Big Boob Problems, and have you found what you were looking for there? B: I have big boobs, so I somehow came across this; I honestly don't remember exactly how. I've been around there for a long time. I don't have any particular issues that I've been looking to resolve, I just like to read about other people's experiences with larger breasts and maybe they'll happen to say something I find useful. I think it's just a good place to get educated about larger breasts, and to make it feel like a more normal thing, since most people I know don't have breasts as large as I do. BOTB: Anything else you'd like to share about your search for a bra? B: The only thing I can think of really is that within the next year, I plan on moving to a larger city, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to be able to go into a store and try on some bras, and find one that fits me properly. Want to share your bra story? Please contact me! #36K #largebust #Canada #38H #personalstories #bodyimage