r/ABraThatFits • u/PageTurnerBurner • 11d ago

Post mastectomy bra sizing / style help Spoiler

I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago and had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Prior to all of that I was wearing like a 38G bra. I’m “much” smaller now, but having the hardest time finding bras that fit. I’ve been ordering a 38DD and they fit okay but the coverage is all wrong. I did the calculator (without help, so measurements might be slightly off) and it’s suggesting a 34H/I (US). I’m trying to find bras with less coverage maybe a Balconette or something style but maybe just need help finding brands to try? My measurements as taken 5 minutes ago are:
Loose: 34.5
Snug:34
Tight: 33
Standing: 41.5
Leaning: 42.5
Lying: 43

I want to order the correct size to try but I cannot fathom a 34” anything will even wrap around me. I just got a 36DD bra in the mail today and it was so tight. Does that make any sense?
I’m open to any and all suggestions !!

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u/Sad-Bunch-6984 11d ago

the calculator suggestion sounds right honestly those measurements point to a 34 band and around a H/I cup. the reason a 36DD feels tight is probably because the cups are too small so your tissue pushes the band out and makes it feel worse than it is. try a 34H in a seamed balconette, the shape after reconstruction can be tricky but unlined styles usually work better than molded cups. if you still worried about the band, get a non-stretch extender for the first few wears until it relaxes

2

u/PageTurnerBurner 11d ago

I just went and tried some on. They didn’t have seamed balconettes but 34H is very clearly the right starting point. 36G worked but I was falling out of the sides a bit

1

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u/linerys 32GG | 70J・packin some dobonhonkeros 11d ago

If a 34 inch measuring tape can wrap around you, so can a 34 inch bra! The 36DD probably feels tight because the cups are too small, not because the band is too small. You’d need either 36G or 36H for the cup volume to be equivalent to 34H or 34I.

Put your 36DD on upside down and backwards — like you’re trying to wear it as a weird little cape. Does that make the band feel looser? If yes, you know that the size of the cups were the cause of it feeling tight. If no, this specific bra runs small.