My bra size measures at 30G.
Yes, G as in Gigantic!
Okay, that is likely not what it really stands for, but it sure feels like it does when I have to buy a new bra.
I want you to take a moment to think about what what you think someone who has 30G breasts looks like. If you’re like the majority of people (men and women) you’re likely picturing a buxom pornstar-esque Barbie type who has trouble standing up straight because of her giant funbags. Well, I can assure you that they look nothing like the world’s largest breasts, which are 32Z and belong to German nude model Beshine. They actually look just like this:
They look pretty normal don’t they? I bet your even beginning to question if they are even that size. Well, that’s because I am wearing a bra that fits properly!
Studies say that 3/4 women are wearing the wrong size bra.
I was one of them, and chances are that you are too. I first suspected that my 34D bra might not be quite right when I got the photos back from a boudoir photoshoot. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the photos, but when I started to take a closer look, I noticed a few odd things.
Photographer: sLavi Photography
The band was too big. See that sneaky thumb that is in the middle of the bra? It’s not some attempt at a sexy hand position, it’s there to hold that bad boy down! Without the thumb, when I tried to pose, my bra would lift away from my rib cage, giving the photographer a view of a lot more than I intended (sorry!).
The cups were too small. Looking at this photo now, I am surprised that I did not end up with a nip slip. The cup is barely covering my nipples. That was just an accident waiting to happen.
No seriously, the cups were way too small! Do you see all the boob out the side of that bra? That’s definitely not how a bra is supposed to look.
I was one of the 40% of women that were wearing both the wrong band size AND the wrong cup size (the other 40% are only making one of those mistakes).
Even though Free Your V is a big fan of boudoir photos, I am not saying that everyone should go get them done in order to get an objective look at your bra. Instead, head to your local specialty bra shop. I chose Marianne’s boutique in Ottawa, Canada after reading some rave reviews. I was surprised when the bra consultant gave me a bra to try on without measuring me. All of my experiences at the big chain retailers (where I my got my totally wrong sized bra in the first place) had involved a tape measure being used over my clothing (and over the bra that I already had one). Thinking back now, it’s no wonder the measurements were so far off! Still, I asked this consultant why she was not going to measure me and I was pleasantly surprised to here the following response:
“At Marianne’s, we’ve always understood that finding the right bra is about more than knowing your measurements. It’s about fitting your shape.”
And she certainly knew my shape. The first bra she gave me was nearly a perfect fit, and the second one fit like a dream. When I informed her I was hoping to find a bra that wasn’t beige (let’s be honest, ‘big’ bras don’t have the best reputation for being cute not sexy) she inquired about my budget and the types of clothes that I wear before presenting me with some beautiful choices.
Photographer: Shuttered Moments
While I was shocked to see that my purchases were all size 30G, I eventually got over the shock of that size and focused on the fit. For weeks I had been going to the well known lingerie stores, only to leave empty handed when I found that I was continually busting out of their bras. But, that day, I left the boutique with a big smile and a positive attitude towards buying a bigger sized bra. The next few days were the first time in a long time that I happily wore a ‘real bra’ all day, rather than switching to a sports bra as soon as possible in order to be more comfortable. It turns out, wearing the right size makes wearing a bra significantly more comfortable.
My advice, to both big busted ladies and their smaller chested sisters, is to go to a specialty lingerie store for a fitting. Maybe you’ll still end up fitting into the typical sizes that the chain stores carry, but at least you’ll know what size is truly right for you.
Bravo for your courage to share these photos and experiences. Many of us are not comfortable sharing these stories ourselves to our friends because we are embarrassed to talk about our own experiences, even if they affect us as well.
Also, you have the most beautiful breasts. Wow!!!
I keep trying to get my wife to get a proper fitting, as due to her shape, I really don’t think that she I fitted right. Two problems are cost and local availabliblty. We are on disability and live an hour east of Toronto. Not too many bra shops out here!
The other thing that makes me bite my tongue, is when I see a lady and the band on her bra at the back is like 4-5 inches higher than at the sides. I’m a guy without boobs and can tell that these ladies are wearing a bra with too big of a band, which can’t support the breasts, so they crank up the straps to compensate. It’s pure physics and sad that someone close to these ladies haven’t taught them the basics. My wife did for both of our teenage daughters.
Your wife is a smart lady for taking your daughters for a bra fitting; we believe that every woman needs to go for a fitting; especially for the first bras. Here’s hoping that this post (and these awesome comments!) inspire others to do the same thing.
Lots of women know that we are the in wrong size, but we don’t care because wearing a bra that is too small makes your boobs look bigger. All of those double push up bra that are at every lingerie store in the mall are not bras that fit right, they are bras that look good and if wearing a bra that is too small makes me look good then that is what I want to you. You’ve got huge boobs but they look small in the bra that fits, why would you want that? You should show off your cleavage.
Great article! I would also recommend checking out Brio Bodywear. Their staff are trained much like Marianne’s staff and their bras are stunning.
This is the best blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply nice!
FYV, my spiritual home…
Great article! The bra fitters at Marianne’s have many years of experience and take lots of courses from different manufacturers so they understand how different fabric and construction methods affect the use of the bra. For the person who likes to wear a bra that doesn’t fit right in order to make her breasts look larger, Marianne’s can provide a bra that fits right, that pushes the breasts up and out and has padding to shape the breasts to whatever you like…..they always consider the look the client is going for as well as comfort…#yourpersonalboutique
This article is very helpful! This is exactly what I need in my life at this moment. I just had a baby, and have very big boobs. Very helpful! Thanks!