Reddit reviews Panache Plus Size Women's Envy Balconnette Stretch Lace Bra, Ivory, 38H

I would recommend that you try the specific cut/bra that I recommended above.

The Freya Longlines are also bras that are definitely on the shallow side i.e. not what you need.

Also if, in the future, you find a bra that fits perfectly but is stabby in the gore, you can use pliers to bend the underwires outwards, away from your sternum at the gore. But don't do this with this bra, return it and try one of the bras/cuts I recommended.

Edit:

This is Panache Envy: https://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Envy-Balconnet-Ivory/dp/B00OZK81XE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315137&sr=8-1&keywords=Panache+envy

This is Cleo Hettie: https://www.amazon.com/Cleo-Womens-Hettie-Balconnet-Blue/dp/B01IAFMCTS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315173&sr=8-1&keywords=Cleo+Hettie

This is a Freya Side-Support bra: https://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Underwire-Support-Plunge/dp/B01291GFNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315208&sr=8-1&keywords=Freya+Hero+bra

These are Fantasie Side-Support bras:

Alex: https://www.amazon.com/Fantasie-Womens-Alex-Underwired-Support/dp/B00VADTNDQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315259&sr=8-5&keywords=Fantasie+bras

Elodie: https://www.amazon.com/Fantasie-Women-s-Underwire-Support-Fan-FL2182/dp/B0063P65DM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315259&sr=8-12&keywords=Fantasie+bras

Rosanne: https://www.amazon.com/Fantasie-Womens-Rosanne-Underwired-Support/dp/B01N7545MV/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315259&sr=8-16&keywords=Fantasie+bras

Amelie: https://www.amazon.com/Fantasie-Womens-Amelie-Underwire-Support/dp/B01DD5TD1K/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1495315381&sr=8-20&keywords=Fantasie+bras

(Links are just to give you examples, you can buy them elsewhere if you prefer but make sure the name of the items match.)

Edit: Forgot that Fantasie doesn't go down to 28 in this cut. In that case get Freya Side-Support cuts instead.

For starters - stick to your UK size :-) That's how we refer to sizing around here as it's more standardized and the bras you'll find fit you will most likely be using UK sizing.

From the numbers and way you describe your shape, you are projected, narrow rooted, probably short rooted, and pendulous. This is a common shape among your size especially. You'll need to look for bras that allow for immediate projection - meaning there is a lot of space at the bottom of the cup for the underwires to properly sit in your IMF. It makes sense that a 40 band is riding up, as it's really too large for your ribcage, but I would hesitate to tell you to try 36 bands across the board. In brands that run stretchier, such as Freya, you'd probably be fine in a 36. Also as you get larger in bands, they often get stretchier so you may find 36's to be your best bet. For now I would start with both 36 and some 38s until you figure out what will work best for you.

Your 40DDD is roughly a UK 40E. The gap at the center likely comes from the cups being too small and also probably the wrong shape. Are you scooping and swooping all your tissue into the cups? How far away is the center gore and how much overspill are you getting? I suspect 38FF/G is probably an overestimation. From your numbers I'm getting 38E as likely the smallest possible and 36G as likely the largest possible size. I would start with 38F and 36FF. A good projected bra to start with available in that size is Panache Envy. Cleo Kali is good for fuller on bottom shapes but may or may not have enough room at the underwire for you and the wires are likely to be a little wide. Cleo Erin is a discontinued clone of Cleo Lily, also discontinued, which is like The Awesomest UK Bra for narrow roots and even fullness/short roots on the planet, but is difficult to find anywhere. There are a couple left in both 38F and 36FF on eBay though.

I suspect UK wires may run a bit on the wide side for you, but it's hard to tell without trying some on. Are you nursing? Cake Macaroon is a pretty nursing bra available in your size range but I don't know how it fits.

I'm not an expert on recommendations in your size range, so I hope someone else chimes in with more suggestions!

Edit: Sorry, I totally missed the measurements! Darn phone screens.

The calculator gives a starting point of 38H/HH. Judging by the fact you're wearing and are comfortable in 34 bands, I'd say stick with them, which gives you a calculated size of 34J/JJ.

If projection is your main issue I'd start with the Panache Jasmine and Envy - mainstay recs for projected breasts. They're generally considered even shapes, but both have stretch lace tops which are pretty forgiving if you're FOT.

Wires are another matter. Out of the brands you've mentioned, Elomi is widest followed by Panache, then Curvy Kate and Cleo with Bravissimo as the narrowest. While the Envy and the Jasmine may offer you a better shape and projection, the wires may not be comfortable. You have some other options, though:

• Bravissimo has a number of other bra styles in 34J-K, including a sort of Jasmine clone, Nordic Rose.
  
• Fantasie and Charnos have wires a bit wider than Bravissimo, but both top out at J cup except for the Jana - still might be worth a look for sister sizing 36HH/J potential.
  
• Freya is also pretty narrow in the F+ spectrum, but has the FOT friendly Gem in 34J-K.
  
• IMO, Curvy Kate/Flirtelle is worth another look. They recently redesigned their 2015/2016 line, and early reviews are pretty positive. The Ellace especially looks fantastic.
  
  Curvy Wordy is in your size/shape range and has a great blog and very active Bratabase profile; in addition to the above, I'd take a look at her top picks and see if anything appeals.