Hi,

I'd love to hear some advice re: sizing - I used the calculator (measured twice) and was also sized in store at Nordstroms (I know they probably have a somewhat limited stock on sizing and styles).

Thank you in advance!

Background Info:

• Measurements (I used a piece of string and laid it against a metal measuring tape).

  • Loose Underbust: 28
  • Snug Underbust: 27
  • Tight Underbust: 25.75
  • Standing Bust: 32
  • Leaning Bust: 38.75
  • Lying Bust: 35.75
  • My suggested starting size is: 28F/FF in UK sizing or 28G/H in standard US sizing

• My "current bra size" is a U.S. 32DDD according to my fitting at Nordstroms.

  • Problems: I think the woman who gave me the fitting and I both agreed that a 30 back size would possibly have been better as I am wearing the 32 on the tightest hook - but they did not really have anything in stock for that.
  • I bought the Natori Feathers Bra: It's decent. I think I could benefit from a larger back size, and while the cups "contain" them (lol) if I do the scoop and swoop method they definitely bubble out in the middle a bit. I am not sure it is the right fit for my "shape" but I am having a really difficult time determining that.

• My best guess at my breast shape:

  • I Know: Narrow gore (they often don't lay flat) center full.
  • I think: Short roots (I frequently have gaping by my straps), a bit bottom full (but functionally even as I find that bubbling out is an issue). I have soft Brest tissue which causes them to be kind of "pendulous"... I think this is part of why I have an issue finding ones that fit well. I think this makes them projected too?
  • I don't think I can link the example from Bratabase (subreddit rules I believe) But if you would not mind looking at [Breast shapes » picture 966a295L] this is pretty similar to how mine look that is helpful.

• Other relevant information: 23, no pregnancies or breast surgeries, approx. 130 pounds).

• Bras I have tried and my thoughts:

  • OVERALL: I do not like full coverage bras. I find them very uncomfortable / always feel cut off. The cups generally come up too high as well and then I get quadboob or gaping by the straps. This style has never worked for me. I think balconette is general good for me because of that
  • Wacoal Lace Affair Underwire Bra - (old style, not padded): This is the best fitting bra I have ever owned, I bought a US 34DDD ( itused to fit well but I wore this one until it fell apart and then when I reordered it it was just too big... puckering and gaping in the top of the cups by the sides). I did wear the back on the tightest hook as well. I tried the 34 G and that was way to big on me and terribly uncomfortable. I think the backs may run small on this brand but I am not sure?
  • Wacoal Embrace Lace - I think I had one of these as well, probably a 34DDD that my mom gave me (lol). I think it fit decently but again I had some gaping by the straps. Not my favorite overall but it was also a serious hand me down so probably not completely the fault of the bra.
  • Natori Feathers bra - So I just bought two of these at Nordstrom because my other bra literally fell apart from use and I NEEDED something. Out of all the ones I tried there I think it was pretty good BUT I think its maybe the wrong shape for me? I am not sure but I think it kind of only "seems" to fit well because the size is off? I got a US 32DDD but the back closure is still on the tightest hook. If I scoop then my boobs definite spill out in the middle as the tissue is very soft, but my breast tissue doesn't chafe and the gore lief flat.
  • Felina Lana Embroidered Unlined Underwire Balconette Bra - I can wear this on a looser back hook but I have a lot of gaping by the straps so its just ok.

So please - if you made I through that wall of text, I would love to hear your opinions on my size (does the calculator sound correct - backsize seems small to me), what would you say my shape info is and what bras would you recommend due to that? I have read though the ENTIRE guide / literally every wiki-graphic her as well - I am overwhelmed and there are so many variables, please help! I do think that I need a bigger cup size the just a USDDD but I am just so tired of not finding anything that fits well and I have gone and tried on so many - most of which don't fit - and its expensive to order and return.

Thanks!