I always thought that whole "[Massive percentage] of women are wearing the wrong size" is a total crock. Not only is it a stat that's completely within the self-interest of the group trying to sell it to you, but it's far better than chance that you're buying the wrong bra? Really? Like 70% of us can't tell that our boobs are popping out? How did we all get shit at making TWO MEASUREMENTS?

Of course, I admit I am not part of the group that really needs a good bra.

Once you have the Nordie's lady do the fitting, though, you can scout places like Filene's or TJ Maxx for the actual bras.

This is a good plan. Now that I work in the city though I never have time to get out to the discount stores (which are mostly in the suburbs here). I should put some of my discount shopping friends on it though!

I've found that bra fitting has more to do with the fitter knowing the bras they stock than the actual measurements. Bras aren't sooper standard, and the shape and fabric of the cup matter as much as the two sizes.

For lunch today: leftover pea and proscuitto risotto. Nom nom nom.

I'm taking a girlfriend of mine to get measured. I've been told she tries her bras on over a tshirt.

SEVERE body issues.

Your band size is actually the measurement under your breasts, plus 3, or 4 or 2-- depending. Until you get over 40", and then it should be the straight size. You can somehow confirm it by measureing above your breasts as well. I actually find it pretty confusing, since I measure 38", but if I add 4", the bra is WAAAY to big in the band. Even the 40" is a little big, although the Lane Bryant 38"'s are a little snug.

Also, I feel I have relatively small boobs for my size, and I wear a 38DDD and the underwire still doesn't lie flat on my chest-- but really, how could they be any bigger unless everyone else is like a J or H cup! However, all soft cup bras I can wear a much small size, becasue they just mush y breasts in.

Your band size is actually the measurement under your breasts, plus 3, or 4 or 2-- depending. Until you get over 40", and then it should be the straight size. You can somehow confirm it by measureing above your breasts as well. I actually find it pretty confusing, since I measure 38", but if I add 4", the bra is WAAAY to big in the band.

My size is so off of the "way you are supposed to measure" that I have no confidence in that system at all.

However, until I madeover my wardrobe, I definitely fell into the wearing the same (wrong) size I always wore. When I paid attention, and bought things because they fit, it made a huge difference. The big thing I learned was that every brand is totally different. I have like 3 different sizes, depending on the brand. Sadly, this is not true of all-in-one-bodys, which seem to be made to fit only short-waisted women.

Okay the bra fitting sizing is way more complicated then I thought!

and I wear a 38DDD and the underwire still doesn't lie flat on my chest

Then aren't you probably wearing the wrong size?

man, it's so confusing!!! But would be hilarious if men had these sorts of issues finding underwear that fit.

I have some of the Lane Bryant bras and they generally fit me well. The straps don't always stay where I've adjusted them to, which can be a PITA.

I think that's supposed to be a sign that too much weight is being carried by the straps.