(Part 3) Best bras for women according to redditors

Yes, I agree on remeasuring using /r/abrathatfits method! VS and similar stores always told me I was a 32DDD/34DD since DDD is the biggest cup size that they carry. Turns out that a lot of my boobs problems (straps slipping off, back pain due to straps supporting most of weight, nip slips and constant overflowing of cups, back band riding up and not being able to get enough lift among many others issues) were not actually due to my boobs being weird but due to poorly fitting bras. I have since switched to wearing 28GG bras and have never been happier.

Do you have a Nordstroms near you? They have a fairly decent selection of UK bra brands like Panache and Freya that go up to much bigger cup sizes and are made for bigger busts. If not, there are also lots of sites with good return policies so you can find something online. For sports bras, I really love the panache wired sports bra. It gives lots of support, is very comfortable, drastically reduces bounce (even more so when in racerback mode) and even gives a nice shape under shirts. Here is the Amazon link to it.

I'm getting somewhere in the 38C/D range, but it does sound like you have a shallow shape, which is why you're finding that smaller cups appear to fit.

There should be plenty of bras available in your size on Amazon, which is pretty neutral/non-obvious packaging. I'd say it's worth trying Freya Marvel or Deco, which comes in soft cup and wired versions.

Try Underworks. They have a something they market as both a sports bra and a binder if that helps your dysphoria any. They use a female model for the picture so your parents won't suspect anything and they sell them on amazon so they're easy to get. I know a lot of guys who use them. Just use the size chart on their website and not Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I54XBWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MQsPCb5EZRQ9C

This sports bra has changed my life! It's a little pricey, but it keeps these bad boys down. I used to get bruises on top of my boobs after working out. It was weird and embarrassing.

Champion and C9 are my favorite brand for sports bra. I have two of these in my rotation.

The first thing that immediately jumps out at me is the discrepancy between your measurements and the bra band size you went with. Sister sizes get gradually shallower and wider as you size up in the band, while having the same volume. Does that make sense? In other words, a 28D/DD or 26DD/E is going to have far more projection in the cup than a 30C is.


It seems like you're experiencing what a lot of us on here did, stuffing our 30DD busts into a 34C and ending up with a fit that sucks. I think a 30 band size is going to be much too large for you given your measurements, and even if CK runs 'small' in the band it's not going to change the mismatch in cup shape, which means the C cup is going to be much too shallow for you.

I'd highly recommend trying something in a 28 band size, if not a 26. I understand that 26 bands are quite hard to find. In my experience 28 is significantly easier to find. What is available to you is probably gonna depend on your geographic area, but ordering bras in your size online to try on isn't a bad idea. Amazon Prime, for example, does free exchanges/returns.

Edited to add: Here are a couple bras available in 28D/DD on Amazon Prime.

Parfait Charlotte, assorted colors

Skarlett Blue Petite Plus Balconnet (I have this bra and it's one of my favorites! I would get it in all the colors if I could.)

Freya Patsy

In my case I originally thought my boobs were shallow, but later found out they are projected, just thin. I'm sure the fact that I wear binders somewhat regularly doesn't help them in that department, heh.

Freya Deco Plunge or the Deco Half Cup are popular (though the plunge style doesn't work on everybody) and come in a 28D and 28DD. The Deco Plunge runs big in the cup/band, so probably try the 28D for her. I'm a 30DD/E and it gives me nice oomph and cleavage, if that's what she's looking for

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Deco-Underwire-Moulded-Plunge/dp/B003L1NB9W

Pricey, but Mimi Holliday has super cute bras that come in 28 bands, as well as 30C and 30D

http://www.damaris.co.uk/mimi-holliday-lace-fluoro-neon-wizz-bang-ss13-361-bows-fluro-summer-pink-green-silk

I'm a newbie here but those are my suggestions if she's looking for something that feels and looks similar to the typical Victoria Secret bra but with the right fit!

Oh but they're still on sale!!

I have a pair of these that I wear with my unlined bras. They totally conceal nipples, and drastically reduce the visibility of seams.

As for sizing, they're kind of dumb (B/C? D/DD? DDD?). But for reference, the DD size more or less fits a 30F bra.

Whats best for you will depend on your body shape and size. Gc2b is more comfortable with one compression panel in the front, This makes it more stretchy but may not be good if you have a lot to bind. Under works is a rougher and all of its is made of the compression material. Less comfortable but offers stronger compression. Buy them with a gift card.

You can get Underworks on Amazon. They have this which can easily pass as a bra. This is also more comfortable than the udnerworks binders. I found it to bind about as good as gc2b.

https://www.amazon.com/Underworks-MagiCotton-Sports-Binding-Minimizer/dp/B00I54XF3C/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=underworks+magic+bra&qid=1554781647&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1

/r/ABraThatFits has a shallow list (there's a new list somewhere that lists what's worked by size too that's less fleshed out)

I tried out is the b.tempted ciao bella bra first, but I'm more full on top (I think) so it doesn't fit super well but at least is wearable and wasn't expensive.

A popular contour bra is Natori feathers, I actually bought the Thirdlove classic contour plunge bra because I was looking for a nude for my skin tone and was shocked at how amazingly it fit, especially considering their normal t shirt bra is horrible for me.

I have wide roots and am somewhat shallow and went from a 38B to a 38E. I've found that Freya's balconies pull at the edge of the cup, then pucker with loose space below--compare the top two bras versus the bottom one for examples--and that Freya's half cup bras (the bottom bra in the pictures) tend to fit me better. I'm also full on top, which means there's more breast tissue above the nipple than below it, and that also helps me fill out the half cups. Your fullness may be different, but the openness of the half cup may help a bit more with shallowness than the closed off top of the balconies (/u/annoyingbranerd please correct me if I'm wrong!).

Freya Patsy may be a good option to try, and if you have Amazon Prime, make it your friend! I highly recommend, though, going into Target (or Kohl's, or even Walmart) and trying on a couple of 36DD bras. It's a fairly common size to track down, and trying on the size that's right for you is going to make a world of difference.

It's a little different, but you might like the Freya Deco Plunge. I think it runs big in the band and cup, so a 28FF might work best.

I second the wired sports bra. I have the Frey’s wired sports bra - in 38 G and it’s amazing. It doesn’t look like a sports bra, so no uniboob. It’s super supportative - I can go running in it, (or running after my kids in grocery store) or wear it out for girls night and no one can tell. It would work great under scrubs tops. I got mine on amazon.

Edit - here’s the link (I hope it works) amazon link

You can get a foam insert on Amazon. There are a bunch of styles/shapes. You may want to also check your local sewing notions store to see if they have something.

A lot of women do make recommendation posts, looking for buttcrack cleavage once they've found their size.

I know Freya Deco Plunge gets recommended a lot for that purpose. You'll want to find a good starting point size using this calculator first, and maybe make a measurement check post here, so the experts can check the calculator's work.

Once you do start sorting out your size, we can help you start figuring out your shape which will guide the recommendations on what bras are likely to give you the shape you're going for.

A note on the UK sizing: the US doesn't often make sizes above DDD (UK E), and the few companies that do produce them don't use one consistent cup progression. Some skip DDD/E and go straight to F, some skip F and go straight to G-- it's a real mess. Because of their consistency in labeling, we tend to stick with UK sizes here.

Hi new friend, I have very similar measurements and I'm also shallow! I'm more full-all-over than FOB though, just FYI.

The Deco is my worst enemy. Worst. I've tried it in 6 different sizes and I'm convinced that it just doesn't work for larger cup shallow breasts. Two of my favorite bras are the Cleo Juna and the padded half-cup version of the Freya Patsy. The other Freya halfcups (the ones with the vertical seams AND the horizontal seam across the top... these can be identified by the contrast fabric, like this) may also work out for you. All of these should be pretty easy to find, too. I'd recommend going for a 28G in the Juna and a 28FF in the Freya halfcups based on what you're wearing now, though my same bust measurements have me in a 28GG with the Juna and a (very loose) 30FF in the halfcups. But that could be a shape thing.

shock absorber! https://www.amazon.com/Shock-Absorber-Womens-Ultimate-Run/dp/B00368CMA4

I have 36GG and they work really well for me!

I have the Panache. I liked it MUCH better than the Enell which every says is the best for DD+ girls (but barf...total uni-boob situation and it is SO hot because it has a huge back strap). Honestly, I always get my sports bras a cup smaller because I hate bounce when I am working out. The cups on the Panache are pretty firm but especially if you are still losing I think that should work. The good sports bras for the DD+ are so darn expensive I'd err on the side of a little smaller.

However, I LOVE the Freya one even better: http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Active-Underwire-Molded/dp/B00EMAO0GO This has been my go-to as I've gotten even smaller because I can wear it to work since it looks like a normal bra when I am running tight on time to get my workout in. I think I only started using this when I got down to an F cup (D4) so I'm not sure I would have liked it as much when I was larger. I started wearing the Panache at a 40GG.

The Elomi one isn't bad either. I stalk sales of all three brands. Hope this helps!

I'm 34H (US) and used to wear the Moving Comfort Juno Bra for the longest time. I recently got this Panache bra! and cannot STAND the Juno for the life of me. I ran a marathon in the Panache bra and had some pretty bad chafing, but I don't think it was from the way it fits.. some body glide would have helped for that long of a distance.

If your problem was the same as me with finding a good and safe binder that didn't have only male models / overly masculine ones, then I found some binders on amazon that you can send to whomever that don't raise suspicion or get you clocked. One of the higher quality binders, most expensive option This one has been reported very safe for use by multiple trans people.Not a "binder" per se, but would work well if you have a smaller chest. Downside is advertised for women and I wouldn't recommend something like this if you're higher than a C. Theres other binders available on Amazon that aren't advertised as male specific. I don't want to send some other binders I found because a lot of people report them as being unsafe due to the clasps giving uneven pressure, you can find those on your own but do know they come at a risk of being dangerous.


Besides all this, whens your birthday? I was having the same exact predicament and my birthday is in exactly a week. We could be birthday binder buddies.

28C is sadly one of those very elusive sizes that is hard to find. Cleo will be bringing out a 28C later this year and there are a few options if you really need a 28C, but until then it might be easier to just try a 28D and work from there.

Cleo Juna is a good beginner bra that comes in 28D and beige. Alternatives would be the Freya Deco Halfcup and the Freya Patsy Padded Halfcups or the Freya Deco Softcup. The latter comes in 28C.

http://www.herroom.com/cleo-by-panache-6461-juna-balconnet-bra.shtml

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Deco-Moulded-Nude/dp/B006BSN4TY/

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Patsy-Padded-Ballet/dp/B00EM8N2S8/

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Deco-Moulded-Soft/dp/B00AIIKRNO/

Also check out this thread:

http://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/comments/1ub9fp/psa_for_those_of_you_with_small_shallow_breasts/

Found a ‘sports bra’ kind of binder in an article about the best kinds of binders:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I54XF3C?ie=UTF8&tag=bustle2997-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00I54XF3C

And here’s the article in which I found it, in case you want to read that person’s opinion/thoughts on it:
https://www.bustle.com/p/11-of-the-best-binders-you-can-buy-according-to-a-trans-person-30921

Hope that helps, and good luck :)

This is my favorite one for not being noticeable. It's very basic, I wear a T-shirt and dress shirt all the time and nobody notices a thing.
http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Womens-Absolute-Workout-Sports/dp/B00AHTK52W?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

I'm two weeks post-op.

People here all have fantastic suggestions so far!
I used:

1. Fruit of the Loom bras from Wal-Mart, look like this. They were cheaper at the store vs. Amazon. I specifically like this bra because it's shaped like a tank top -- not a racerback, which means I can wear more clothes with it without straps showing.
   
2. Curad Non-Stick pads that look like this. That's what my doctor shoved in my post-op bra, so I just got more of them. Now I don't need them anymore. I didn't even finish the one box of 12.
   
3. Husband installed this bidet for me. The dignity of cleaning my own butt after such a challenging surgery was nice.
   
4. Someone else said heating pad -- yep.
   
5. Consider pre-making some food -- something really healthy and easy to eat. I made a diet soup that is meant for a cleanse because it had a ton of fiber (cabbage, lots of other veg) and was easy to heat a little at a time. I can provide the recipe link if you want it. I also took psyllium fiber tablets every day and drank dark coffee each morning, while drinking as much water as I could. And I lost some extra weight with the soup, too. For breakfast, I only ate oatmeal with cinnamon and bananas since that's so easy to digest. I had no problems, uh, getting the job done with all that fiber.
   
6. We installed a handheld shower head. I had my husband around to help me bathe, and it made things easier for both of us. I sat in a shallow bath and he helped me clean with the shower head. In the shallow bath, I used some scented epsom salts to help me relax. The first couple of baths were uncomfortable and awkward and it helped.
   
7. Tylenol. I weaned myself off the drugs after 3-4 days. In the morning, I took half the dose of Tylenol (which is every 3 hours vs. 6) to see how my pain was, then I'd either take another one on time, wait a while, or take half a pain pill. I did this until I was using only Tylenol and eventually nothing or only one dose a day of it.

I have this Freya sports bra, and I love it! I actually ran a half marathon in it. Highly suggest.

Amazon has them! Not for cheap, mind you, but they should ship in time.

Maddie & Deco plunge & Deco 1/2cup in black. The last comes in 28DD/30D in nude, so maybe not the right size for the color.

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Deco-Moulded-Plunge/dp/B003L1NB9W

this one is kind of similar!

I like this one, sounds like we are similar shapes. Though it is a bit more rigid than I prefer. What I did was order a bunch of bras in different styles/different wire placements from Nordstrom rack (free shipping/returns) and returned the ones that didn't work. Though most of the time I just go braless, because even a well-fitted bra is less comfortable than going free, and I don't really need the support.

Freya makes a soft cup Deco that is wireless, not a bralette, but it is padded. I've never tried it, but I remember looking at it at some point in time. Here's the Amazon link, although you might be able to find a better price somewhere else.

https://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Deco-Moulded-Soft/dp/B00AIIKRNO/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467647402&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=freya+wireless+deco

I had big boobs (34F) before (and after) pregnancy, and I found this to be the best sports bra. Although expensive, it WORKS! It straps those suckers down, and they ain't moving.

I'm a similar size and I love the Panache wired , but if you're looking for wireless I can't say enough good things about the Shock Absorber Run Bra! I sized up in the band and was glad I did as it's pretty snug, but it's super supportive and comfortable IMO for a wireless and lightweight bra. I like that there's not an inch of padding from a molded cup like you sometimes get with high-impact bras; it's basically unlined so I was very impressed with the support.

I just bought this one off amazon and it’s the best strapless bra I’ve ever owned.

This is pretty much a binder but can pass for a bra.

https://www.amazon.com/Underworks-MagiCotton-Sports-Binding-Minimizer/dp/B00I54XGZE/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1BNWBIDTF684X&keywords=underworks+magicotton+sports+bra+and+binding+minimizer+bra&qid=1569009608&sprefix=underworks+bra+bin%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-4

Edit: OP! Ignore my rec. It's not in our size at all!

I'm a 28J/30HH -- I hear you on the not finding your size in stores. [This] (http://www.amazon.com/Shock-Absorber-Womens-Ultimate-Run-Sports/dp/B00368CMA4) comes in a ton of different pretty flavors; you'll need to size way up, as the run pretty small. I'd look at a 30G or even a 32G.

Anyway. If you can get away with lifting braless, go for it! I'd spend all my time thinking about my lack of bra, instead of my form, which kind of defeats the purpose. Waa-waaa. One day I'll learn to say "fuck it" and do it anyway.

Don't laugh, but part of the reason I didn't want to give up Victoria's Secret is because of their sports bras. I know you're outside their matrix, but you may be able to sister size into a 34DDD - or a 32DDD, depending on measurements, etc - and it's definitely worth a try. All of my old sports bras from there have lasted forever. They worked really well for running, physical labor, and a Tough Mudder, considering I had to sister size up twice, 28E->30DD->32D.

My Panache Underwire is great with regular straps, but I wouldn't recommend racer back while upside down. There's one listed on Bratabase for only $20. I'd definitely recommend Shock Absorber, though.

Seconded this! Look into brand name Parfait, specifically the Charlotte style. It's a molded cup, balconette style. I think it starts around a 28D, and is available on Amazon. Parfait is more affordable brand, too, so that's a bonus.

​

Parfait - Charlotte on Amazon

These are what I bought. They absolutely do not run true to what actual cup sizes are, so you could probably get the largest one and be fine. I would share a picture of the ones I had, but I had to cut them down because the "DDD" was humongous. I could still take a picture if you want to show you the thinness, it just won't be the size it originally was!

Here is the mobile version of your link

Ooh, I remember wanting to try that Chantelle bra early on in my search for a fitting bra (before I realized I was so very sized out). It's cute!

If you like push-ups, the Freya Deco Half-cup might be worth trying. I've seen a few reviews saying it works for bottom-heavy breasts. It only goes to an F but if the 28F is too small maybe 30F would work with a Rixie Clip or altering the band down.

Just got this one a few days ago, so far its pretty good, I have somewhat of a larger chest and it flattens me out pretty well. Comfort is good too. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I54XGZE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AHTK52W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1456856140&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sports+bra

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I54XGZE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have bought other binders, but I pretty much only wear these. They are incredibly comfortable and bind well. They don't get me completely flat (I'm about a C cup and a bit overweight,) but make my chest look acceptably masculine. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you :) Here ya go! bras

This is on the expensive side (although honestly this is what I spend on most of my bras) but it is seriously the best strapless bra I’ve ever worn. I’m a 40 DD and wore this to a wedding and didn’t have to adjust it once, but it doesn’t feel super tight or constricting. Really worth the investment.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QR0VIO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_u-2SDbETCT9W7

There's a great archived post on conical and tuberous breasts - a lot of users shared their favorite bra styles and tips and tricks. If you don't have time to pore through: single vertical seam bras, padded half/demi cups and molded half/demi cups are all suggested.

My experience with sports bras and gymnastics (which has it's own 360 concerns) has led me to search for the elusive racerback encapsulation DD+ bra. Racerbacks are only style I get support, good distribution of pressure and full range of motion in, while encapsulation personally feels much more comfortable then compression. Both the Panache Sport and Freya Active (which are very popular, so give them a try too) have j-hooks which are completely inadequate and a bit flimsy.

I've temporarily settled on the Bendon Extreme Sport. It's a cup size small for me (only goes up to a G, alas!), but the best fit I've found: great top and side support, convertible straps for a true racerback and really strange wires (they have a sort of swoosh shape when worn) that somehow work. Worth a spot on your list for sure.

I am the same size and struggle from a similar problem. I’d highly suggest trying out some Panache bras. They hold you in like grandma bras but also look super cute at the same time.

My faves right now are the Elan bra and this sports bra. Good luck!

Oh and underworks sells a binding "bra" with a female model if that helps with your parents.

Are you in the US? For regular bras, I found some cute ones on Amazon with free prime shipping and free returns in either 28D or 28DD that you could try if you like any of them!

• http://smile.amazon.com/Parfait-Affinitas-Womens-Charlotte-Padded/dp/B00H7KS6F2/
  
• http://smile.amazon.com/Freya-Flourish-Underwire-Balcony-Blossom/dp/B00JOENC4O/
  
• http://smile.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Gem-Balcony-Black/dp/B009W48W78/
  
• http://smile.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Underwired-Moulded-Fuchsia/dp/B00KIQURQI/
  
• http://smile.amazon.com/Curvy-Kate-Womens-Portia-Spice/dp/B00KHJ6WRO/
  
  Also, you can turn any bra into a babydoll like so: http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-you-bra-into-a-sexy-Baby-Doll-for-Valentines/
  
  Sure, it's not necessarily as pro (or as lazy ; ) as buying it premade, but it gives you a lot more options!
  
  

Link to the Wacoal Strapless

Wacoal Women's Red Carpet Strapless Bra,Naturally Nude,34DD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QR0VIO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FyXPBbV2H1C5Y

Your fit issues mean that you are likely shallow, so definitely check out the shallow guide we have.

Nordstrom online does do free shipping/returns. Amazon does too, for some (most?) bras. If you're shallow, I suggest you try the Cleo Maddie and Freya Deco Halfcup for a nice rounded molded shape. The Freya Deco has a bit of pushup padding and makes me look fantastic in a tanktop!

I also really like the kensie stella from Nordstrom but never get to recommend it! It's not really an everyday bra but definitely runs shallow and the slight longline is cute. It doesn't give much lift/oomph but has a more natural silhouette. I feel the same way about the Cleo Juna.

The b.tempt'd ciao bella is another great bra for shallow/wide shapes but I find it makes my boobs look pointy.

Aerie also has shallow-friendly bras in the 32C/D range, but I can't remember which style names work best!

People will recommend that you try unlined bras to get a better idea of your shape - it is easier to see fit issues with an unlined bra. I don't have any recommendations, though.

As an anecdote, I'm a 30D and wore 32A/B or 34A before finding my correct size. None of them fit right. My breasts fell out the bottom of 32As when I lifted my arms, 32Bs gapped sometimes but still felt tight, and 34A was the comfiest but there was definite gapping. Straps fell off my shoulders all the time. I don't have any of these problems with bras in a 30D that fit my shallow breast shape.

Underworks MagiCotton Sports and Binding Minimizer Bra Black 32-BCD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I54XBWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0xgEzb18N0MP4

I use this one. Looks like a sports bra but is super compressy. A tip though: the first time I put it on I didn't realize I was supposed to push my breasts to the side. I pushed them forward like a regular bra & couldn't figure out why I had a giant uniboob.

With Panache's underwire sports bra, mostly. It goes up to J and it keeps movement to a minimum. I just had to downsize to a 36G from a 38H (please, please let me end up with a size sold in stores, oh boob gods) and although I also have this one from Glamorise and it also does a good job, I prefer the Panache.

Oh a semi-related note, have you tried the Freya Deco? I've tried a couple of different brands, but this is now my go-to bra.

https://www.amazon.com/Freya-Womens-Deco-Moulded-Plunge/dp/B002RV7ON6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473366319&sr=8-1&keywords=freya+deco

Freya Deco Half Cup! This is one of my favorite bras, since its a half cup + molded. It has pads in the bottom for a little bit of lift. I don't know if it is technically the right shape, but this is the only bra in your size I am aware of with pushup. You might need a 28DD.