Saturday, February 5, 2011

Reader Question: Bra-fitting help/underarm "fat"

Tessa asked me this in a comment, and I decided to make a separate post answering her so that others could benefit from my answer:

"For several years now I have been unable to get a properly fitting bra. Though certainly not for lack of trying. No one carries a simple t-shirt or smooth look type bra that works on my chest. I’ve been to “Intimacy” (and they have a no return, only exchange policy), Nordstrom’s, and Macy’s. The fitter at Macy’s was a real joke, although ON MY OWN there, through trying on just about every bra in the store, I found the best make due solution. I have a wide set, firm-for-my-size chest with quite a bit of breast tissue that extends under my arms, and no one seems to be able to help me, so I DO resort to settling for a bra that “will do”. The girl at Intimacy hinted that it was fat, and not breast tissue under my arms. So I got insulted on top of having my hopes crushed. Nice. I refuse to pay $70+ for a bra that gives me rocket boobs, hurts under my arms and makes it hard for me to breath. I would LOVE some ideas or suggestions.


- Tessa
P.S. And don’t get me started on back bra-roll!"


Yikes! What terrible experiences! I can't believe that the "bra fitter" at Intimacy was so rude and insulting, not to mention ignorant. It's a shame you can't get a proper bra fitting in your area, Tessa, since it can be hard to do over the internet! But I'll give it my best shot.

If you have "fat" under your arms, that is almost definitely breast tissue! What happens is, when you wear a bra that doesn't fit right, (the cups are too small) your poor breasts' tissue can't all fit, so it 'escapes' wherever it can- mostly into your armpits. Over time, it just ends up staying there permanently. But wearing the right sized bra, combined with putting it on correctly, can fix this problem, as well as the back-fat issue.

The first thing to do is to follow my measuring guide. It's likely this will be more accurate for the band size you need than cup size, but luckily you have access to places where you can try bras on before you buy them. (If you or anybody else reading this has the same problem and doesn't have access to a store with a wide enough range of sizes, you can order 3-5 bras with the band size I suggest and different cup sizes, try them on, and return the ones that don't fit. It's a bit of a pain, but worth it to find your correct size. I am planning a post soon on how to buy bras on the internet.)

Since the fitters you have seen weren't very competent, I'm guessing they didn't show you how to put on a bra correctly. This step is really important because 1) too-small cups will seem fine until you pull all of your tissue into them and 2) That underarm breast tissue needs to be pulled back under the underwire and into the cups, so that it can "rejoin" the rest of your breast tissue. So make sure when you put your bra on, you scoop as much of that underarm 'fat' as possible into the cups.

I recommend you start with the band size you get with my measuring guide, and keep trying on bigger cup sizes until you find one where you cannot fill it out, even after scooping into it. The cup size smaller than this is the right one. If in doubt, go for the bigger size.

After you have found the right bra, keep putting it on this way, scooping the underarm tissue into the cups every morning. After a while, the tissue will move back front and center, where it belongs. You will probably find you need to go up a cup size or so after the tissue migrates back. But your breasts will actually look better and firmer, with a nicer shape. And you won't have "fat" under your arms anymore! Yay!

As far as what bra style to start with, you want to try to get a fuller cup bra rather than a plunge or balcony style, so that the underwires go up high enough at the sides. Unless you're petite or have especially high breasts, that is, and then you may find that a balcony style goes up high enough under your arms, and a full cup style might be too high.

Since you mentioned you have a Nordstrom's nearby, here are a few styles I would recommend that come in a good range of sizes and fulfill your wish for a simple, t-shirt bra. I have personally owned all of these and have recommended them to friends, and they consistently get good reviews online.


Fantasie '4510' Smoothing Molded Cup Underwire T-Shirt Bra (Starts at a 32 on Nordstrom's Website, although I know for a fact it is made down to a 30.)




Fantasie Smoothing Underwire '4520' Balconette Bra (If you do find you need a balcony bra, or for the future after tissue migrates.) Starts at a 30 band size.



Freya 'Deco AA4234' Plunge Underwire Bra (May not be the best style to start with, but it gives a great shape, makes nice cleavage, and is available down to a 28 back (But a 30 at Nordstrom's)


Tessa, it's unclear from what you said if you think your breasts are wide-set because of the underarm tissue, or if you have other reason for thinking so (like if your breasts are far apart in the middle, making it hard for you to create cleavage, for instance.) If you do still think you have wide-set breasts, I have heard Panache is a good brand to try because their bras have wider underwires. Brands like Fantasie, Freya and Curvy Kate have narrower underwires. I don't have a ton of personal experience on fitting wide set breasts, I'm afraid- I personally have the opposite problem.

One more option to try- smaller boutiques are more likely to have better service and a wider selection. You could try going to manufacturer's websites (such as freya, panache, and fantasie) and looking for a store finder. That's how I found the closest place to me- 2 hours away. (sigh.) But it is worth it if you can get a better fitting experience and have the ability to try on more styles. Here's where I go, if you are anywhere near Greenville, SC. You can also google "(name of your city) bra fitting" and see if you can find anything- maybe yelp reviews or such. Just make sure the store carries at least 28-40 D-K.

If you want to read more about underarm fat and how a bra that fits properly can help, the blog Venusian*Glow also has some great information. The writer speaks Polish, and so she is able to translate some of the research that has been done in Poland on breast health and bras- it seems like more research has been done in Poland on that than in the US and English-speaking countries.

I hope that helps, Tessa- feel free to ask me any more questions, and let me know how your search goes! Does anybody else have suggestions for Tessa?

57 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. I am 60 years old and I was on the internet looking for a way to get a bra for my underarm fat. Thank you very much for your site. I did not know that my fat was breast tissue, I will let other people know about your site. Right now I wear a size 42 D, what would you recommend that I try?

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    2. The Magic Cleavage Shapewear Bra does a great job of hiding back fat. It's a little known product from a UK company but the product and service is excellent.

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  2. I have found the Panache Tango bra works well for a lot of women who have wider set breasts.

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  3. I have fairly wide-set breasts myself and most Panache bras work well on me. A lot of people complain that the underwire comes up too high under the arms on Panache bras, but for me this is perfect, as it ensures that all my breast tissue is properly encapsulated.

    From what I've heard, many women with wide-set breasts get along better with Panache than Freya (particularly the Deco, which has never really worked on me).

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  4. I know Tessa is looking for t-shirt bras, but I'm curious if she has tried any 3-part cup bras. I'm going to write about the Chantelle Cachemire next week, and one of its features is the 3-part cup. Prima Donna has a few of these as well. Evidently, they have "side slings in the cups for centering and containment".

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  5. For a Panache t-shirt bra, the Cleo 'Jude' bra is great - it has a completely smooth cup apart from a tiny amount of lace trim at the top of the cups, but it is not nearly as up-front or cleavagey as the Freya Deco or similar bras.

    I can also highly recommend the Fantasie Smoothing Seamfree bra, which is incredibly comfortable and practically invisible under clothes.

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  6. Thanks for writing such a helpful and informative post! Perhaps you (or anyone reading) would like to have a go at my bra fit question?

    My bras fit quite well, but I get a very small amount of bulging at the top of the cup and a very small amount of wrinkling at the bottom of the cup. It seems like there would be enough room in the cup, expect the room is in the wrong place. I wear a 30G and have been suspecting a 28GG would be better anyway because my bands feel a bit loose. Any chance that would solve my problem? Or should I go up an additional cup size? It's most pronounced with my one full coverage bra but happens with some of my balconettes too. Any particular style or brand I should try? It's really not a huge problem but with the amount of money bras cost me I want them to be perfect!

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  7. I, too, have wide-set breasts with a lot of side tissue, and Panache is definitely the best brand for me. I prefer the Harmony full-cup style, as it has a very rounded shape that feels natural on me. It has a 3-piece cup, but getting the right shape is totally worth a little bit of show-through for me. My best seamless bra is the Amoena Mia.

    Also, a suggestion when looking for a local bra shop--try googling or yellow paging mastectomy bras. Often these stores also cater to women with large and small breasts and know how to fit correctly. I actually found my local store by calling the breast cancer wing of a nearby hospital and asking for their recommendation.

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  8. I also have this problem with the "armpit boob" that is quite troublesome and makes getting a well fitting comfortable bra really difficult. I have had quite a lot of migration - been wearing a 38D for years when apparently i need a 32GG/34G instead. So now when I put on my better fitted bras and tuck everything in it is comfortable for a little while....till the tissue starts to creep out again over the tops of the built up under arm area, under the side wire...and then it becomes very uncomfortable indeed. My question is this - I am wearing a 34G, the cup is perfect, the GG was too big even when the bra was put on properly, and the FF is too small - my underbust measurement goes between 32.5 and 33 depending on the day - should I be wearing a 32GG rather than a 34G? Would this keep the tissue from escaping as easily? I am hoping that in a month or two this problem will be lessened as even with a better fitting bra it is still quite uncomfortable.

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  9. Brittney:

    You were such a HUGE help that I had to share your response on “Already Pretty” http://www.alreadypretty.com/2011/03/reader-request-the-perils-of-undergarments.html#comments. Thank you so much!!!

    - Tessa

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  10. I too have the "armpit boob" and little in back.
    I have done the measurements and came up with 32FF.
    My question is should I have pushed in the armpit tissue to do the measurement?
    I'm so excited to find the correct bra size and to help get rid of this disgusting look. I also have upper back pain during day hoping this will subside also.

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  11. Anonymous, I'm not sure what you mean about pushing it in to get the right measurement. When you measured around your bust, you would have measured around the "armpit boob," too, right? You are right, however, that it is hard to measure your size right when you have this problem, and it's especially important that your cups aren't too small if you are trying to fix the armpit boob problem. I would recommend you order or try on a 32FF and several cup sizes above that, and return the ones that don't fit. Choose one that has just a wee bit of extra room in the cups after you have scooped all of your underarm 'fat' in. Remember you might have to go up a cup size or two, and maybe even down a band size, as the tissue migrates. Hope that helped! :-)

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  12. Thanks for this article. The comments show that every body is very different! I received my Panache Sienna bra and it makes my boobs look great but the wires scratch my arms. Panache used to look and feel great on me but now that I am nursing and have gone up so many cup sizes I can really notice how close together my breasts are. Can't wait for the Freya companies to get on the ball and go up to KK cup. In the meanwhile, do you have any suggestions for making that wire under the arms more comfortable? The Sienna will be my bridal lingerie and my wedding is next month.

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  13. from research i've been looking at, measuring under the breast can be done either by exhaling and pulling the measure as tight as possible and then adding the 4 or 5 inches, or at rest and adding nothing. For me, the first method gives me 30 inches, and the second 33 inches, and my bra size is 34.....the problem is most sites don't tell you to exhale and pull tight, so if i was following those, i would have measured 33 inches and added 5 inches to get to 38! which would have been falling off me!

    Soooo many sites need to re word their advice, and maybe then the women wearing the incorrect size would be able to get it right!

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  14. I am so thankful I have found this blog! Yesterday I "settled" for a minimizer that unfortunately "enhanced" my underarm boobs. This was after a marathon of "bra try ons" at three different stores. I was reduced to tears at the last store; the "full figure" racks did not have any thing larger then DD. I had given up on being "professionally fitted" years ago. I have not had ANY success with the measurement and/or sizes they had given me. I measure something like 35 band size, and 44 at fullest bust. The bra size I've been settling for have been either 34G or 36DDD depending on the brand. Now after reading this blog I have renewed resolve on finding the perfect fit!

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  15. My purple freya deco fits just like the picture, with a little odd looking bulge and a bit of armpit flesh sticking out. I don't know if this means it's too small, or if it's just an odd fit. if bras that don't go up too terribly high in the armpit cause a bump, does that always mean that the cup is too small?

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  16. Anonymous: I have a Freya Deco too in a 28F and have the same problem. However, the back is way too big for me and the cups are too small. I also have it in a 28FF and while the cups kind of fit for a little while, my breasts migrate to the side resulting in underarm 'fat'. The band is so loose. Maybe you need to get a smaller band and a bigger cup? If you have a 28 like me well then...you're out of luck. Or maybe you just need a bigger cup?

    I find the band loose on most 28 band size bras. Panache is probably the best of the whole lot. The Curvy Kate showgirl collection was the worst. I have emailed Ewa Michalak and may get some things made in a 26. I don't mind not being able to return or exchange them. Bras in my size in Australia can cost around $90 per bra. Anyway, my boobs seem to change their size all the time...lol.

    Oh and Brittany thanks for a great blog :)

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  17. I am a little confussed because I believe I also have an armpit boob but I am only a 36A. How can i get this taken care of?

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  18. @Anonymous,

    Perhaps you are not a 36A. If you do not fit into a 36B, that may be because your band number is too high. Try something completely different, like a 34C or 32D- those would be one cup size larger than you currently have, but scaled appropriately for a smaller band size. If you find an appropriately fitting band, the bra has an easier time doing its job for you. Here is a wonderful youtube video about a girl that thought she was only an A (although she is a smaller band size to start with, and it is a little long, it's totally worth watching) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syiA4yelmYk

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  19. I am soooo frustrated. I just had (Aug) surgery to remove/replace my implants with smaller ones 200cc in order to reduce my breast size 34E hopefully back to 34C. My docs suggested to go to a smaller implant versus having no implant at all as I like the fullness and I really wanted to keep some "high cleavage". I find my breasts a now flatter but that was not what I wanted - I wanted them higher and firmer. Hence my problem with a bra. I still fit into the 34E because of the "width" of the breast but do not fill the cup out because they are flatter. I am so disappointed with the outcome and am ready to go back and ask the PS to correct this. In the meantime, I am stumped for a bra that fits properly due to the size (width) of them. Help???

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  20. I just came across this article. For years I've had that bit at the sides that just doesn't fit into the bra, but I'm fairly certain it is because I was wearing the wrong size bra for pretty much all my life, since I basically just wore whatever size I was told I was. I just bought a couple of bras in a size 36C at La Senza the other day, and they seem to the best-fitting bras I've had so far, so I'm hoping the breast tissue will correct itself to the proper position now that I'm wearing the right size!

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  21. I had have the armpit/side boob problem my whole life (because of this there is a big gap in between my boobs). For the longest time I wore a 34B and boy was I wrong! Last year, I found this website and started measuring myself, and it gave me (depending the time of the month or if I had lost/gain weight) the following numbers: 36C and 36D. I do have a very broad rib cage (I'm build like the she hulk basically), and those two sizes are perfect for me. To correct the now saggy breast tissue, I wear push ups since all those years wearing the 34B really did a number to my armpit/side boob.

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  22. Thank god! After getting incredibly frustrated at all bras and bra shops, I finally figured out what my problem is. I have a fairly big gap in the middle, and my tissue extends around to under the arm, and I have only a 30inch under-bust. i used to wear alot of 32D's and DD's, but found that they keep stabbing me in the under arm area. Lately I've been wearing 32E's. The only problem being that the plunge style bras don't really hold my girls in - they fall towards he middle alot and not in a good way. But i find it difficult to find anything that holds them up well, without being super covering - might as well wear a granny bra.

    I ended up getting a hold of a Freya longline 30F, and besides the band being a little tight, it seems to do a better job in the holding in/down my boobs.
    I'll definitely be looking into getting some Panache bras. But living in the small town I do in Australia (Canberra), it's hard to get someone to stock anything/order anything in.

    I'm really glad to read this and find I am not the only one with this exact problem!

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  23. I've come to the conclusion I'm a 24G. I've looked through a lot of different bras on different sites and the only one I seem to like is that Freya one shown above.I like my bras to be plain, I really am not into the whole pretty bra thing (I'll probably clip the bows of the Freya one). Especially since my clothes fit so tight on my boobs any little design shows. It doesn't come in my size though so i thought I'd try the 28. Then on the site I was on it said it ran big in the band and small in the cups, I can't even go as small as I need to so I'm at a loss. I'm also concerned if there's some light padding in the cups, since I find it makes bra's more comfortable.

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  24. It was so cool to see that you go to Breakout Bras too! I live in Greenville, and back when I thought I was a 34DD I went to get supportive bikinis. I got sized as a 30FF and now here I am today at 30GG! I'm so glad I found them while I was still young, so I can work to prevent future back problems!

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    1. Yes, they are awesome! Its great that you live near such a good bra store. I'm about 1.5 hours away, which is a bit of a drive but is totally worth it to be able to try bras on in person.

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  25. Yesterday, I loaded up three busty girlfriends and drove the 3.5 hours from Charleston to try Breakout Bras. I was encouraged that they knew what they were talking about. Nary a measuring tape in sight, and even the most inexperienced fitter put all of us into the correct cups on the first try. However, I am a bit disgruntled that they insisted I was a 34 FF/G, even though my ribs have next to no fat on them and wearing a 34 band was EXCRUCIATING. Yes, I know bras stretch out a lot and they want me to get the longest life out of my bra, but it did mar my experience a bit that they wouldn't even let me try on a 36 F/FF, which is what I measured myself as. I bought the 34s and got bra extenders to tide me over until they're magically stretched out to be comfortable enough. Is it normal to wear a band smaller than your (fat-free) ribcage?

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    1. I used to live in Charleston and had good success at a store near Northwoods Mall called Beautiful by Design. They cater to mastectomy clients; however, I found myself there needing a nursing bra after my son was born. They were knowledgeable about fitting and prescribed me a 38F (I think), and I had never heard of a size F cup. They go all the way up to J and they can do custom bras as well.

      I was so delighted to have found my first well-fitting bra. I have gained and lost and gained and lost a lot of weight since then, and my size has currently landed on 32F. It's ironic that after having that good experience I would trust the ladies at Victoria's Secret or Frederick's again, but after my weight loss I went there in hopes of finding pretty bras, only to be poorly fitted.

      Thank you for this blog, as it is how I finally learned to measure myself and know that 32F is my new true size!

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    2. Sadly, Beautiful by Design has closed. Bits of Lace downtown carries some extended cup sizes, but they run upwards of $150 per bra. That's not worth it to me. I'm sticking to ordering online for now, until the next time I pass through a town that has a Nordstrom.

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  26. About this underarm/armpit beast tissue migration. When you scoop it back into your bra and wait for it to reunite. Does this hurt or feel uncomfortable at all?
    And if you have been wearing the wrong band size will your correct one feel tight to you?
    I have a 28F bra and that's my size but I am still training myself to say. No this is good. The band is not meant to slide off your rib and back every time you move and lift your arms. But I really do need to get myself to wear them since my incorrect sized bras are really hurting me these days. My armpit area,and side,and entire boobs have been so sore. So please let me know thanks :)

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  27. Nobody sees my bras but me. So can you recommend a bra that has small side bands that won't extend up into my armpits? Comfort is the goal here. Thanks!

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  28. Do properly fitting push up bras cause tissue migration??

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  29. How long does it take for the migrated tissue to rejoin its regular spot?

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  30. I've got myself a fitted bra and everyday when I wear it I scoop the fats back into the cup, but once I move my arms around or stretch, the fats escape from the bra cup. How do I deal with this problem??

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  31. Sorry--I'll be anonymous for this post.

    IF you live in Atlanta, it is my experience at Intimacy that there is ONE fitter there whom I will recommend: Kathryn Lancaster. She's a bit older and fitted me about 8 years ago. Since then I have tried other fitters there, and: been "fitted" in the wrong size bra, not listened to, endured upsell similar to what I've found at some makeup counters...ugh.

    But Ms. Lancaster is great, and so I see her exclusively for my fittings now.

    I don't have the "firmness for my size", that you do, unfortunately, but Ms. Lancaster correctly noted that in order to make the above-mentioned wrong size bra "fit", I had been leaving a significant amount of breast tissue UNDER MY ARM. So, she knows what it looks like, and where it should really be.

    Wherever you are located, I hope you find someone who can help/find the right bra(s) for you.

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  32. My rib measurement is a 31, but a 32 is hella tight. I have to go up to a 34.
    If they did, I'd be a 32D, but a wear a 34D. What's up with that?

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  33. @Anonymous, no you'd need a 30E. I have a friend with the exact measurement underbust as you and wore a 34D and now wears 30E (same size, tighter band) so I'd say with certainty you are a 30E, maybe 30F (she is that in some styles).

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  34. I had underarm fat too, until I went to Bravissimo today - turns out that my '28G' boobs were actually a 28H!I now have no underarm fat AT ALL!

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  35. I wear a 32C (just measured to make sure!) and I have a good amount of underarm boob/fat/tissue. For me, the big problem is that supportive bras just don't come in my size. All the side support and full coverage bras start at D-cups, or else at 34C. It's really frustrating! I end up wearing a sports bra a lot of the time just to keep everything in line. You wouldn't think 32C would be that difficult to find a decent, non-demi bra in!

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    1. Update: I went to get properly fitted, and it turns out I'm actually a 32D and have been wearing my bras far too high on my back for as long as I've been wearing bras! Pulling my bra down a few inches almost completely eliminated the underarm fat issue! I'm long-waisted anyway, and since I was wearing the wrong size, I was hiking everything up and basically cutting off the lower part of my boob as well as the side.

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  36. I have noticed that I have this arm pit fat too. I kind of have this extra lump between the breast and my arm when I don't wear a bra. I wear a correct size (I was fitted at a professional) and I try to scoop all the fat into the cups too, but it seems like it's not going anywhere. How long does it take for it to migrate back to where it's supposed to be and what kind of bras would you recommend for someone thin who has regular-sized breasts to get rid of it?

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  37. Today, I spent at least an hour at my local Nordstroms trying on bras in a vain and traumatizing attempt to arrive at my correct size, and a style of bra that will work with my small torso. It was determined that I am actually in between band sizes (at least according to the fitter lady) and I need to be buying 32Es and just adding a bra back extender on to every bra I wear. Fine, whatever. I have never in my life worn a bra whose band worked so if that's the solution, that's fine (and why doesn't anyone ever talk about the woes of being in between band sizes? It's so annoying!) But then she brought me what was apparently the only 32E bra in the store, and even when it gave me awful bulge in the front under the straps due to this armpit boob/boob migration issue or whatever (getting lazy about going to pilates, perhaps) she insisted it was fine, and that "nobody could tell" with I'm wearing a shirt. Of course, when I am not wearing a shirt, people can tell, but that seemed like too intimate a detail to share with a stranger (who spent her afternoon seeing me topless, but a stranger nonetheless). Then she gave me a lecture about how everyone has their imperfections and I wanted to cry! Seriously, this bra fit in the cups, but the side spillage was so awful and uncomfortable, I couldn't fathom spending 80 dollars on it. So I left with just a box of bra back extenders, which are a nifty invention and I'm glad I found them. HOWEVER, my bra questions really have not been resolved. Is there a particular brand/style you'd recommend for those of us dealing with this armpit boob problem? I suppose I could just buy the stupid one the bra fitter lady suggested, but I can't wear a tank top with it, and that's a bummer. I've always worn balconettes, but it seems that maybe they created this particular problem.

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    1. I just spent several hours at Nordstroms trying on just about every $80 34dd and ddd. The lady measured me and agreed that is my size. Every single one gave me armpit boob. Moving up a cup resulted in less fat but too big wrinkly cups. In addition most bras gave me back fat. Im 5'11 so dont have much fat at all. Im now back to victorias secret incredible. Atleast no armpit and back fat. Sadly the upper part of cups are a bit big. When I weighed more and could wear a 36d the Cacique at Lane Bryant worked great.

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  38. I've made some progress with the migration issue, due to your advice.

    The first step was realizing how very wrong the 36DD was and moving to a 32E in a Panache Andorra full figure.

    I wasn't there long or in the 32F either, just a few weeks. But now that I've moved to the 32G I am having a problem with the center gore not lying flat. I am not sure, but I think the wires are too wide also.

    My plan is to give it a few days, but I am also wondering about a bra extender - would that help bring the wires closer to the breast curve? Can I manipulate these wires at all or do I just need to go shopping (yet again!)

    The real downer about the whole thing is that very few of my shirts are going to fit when I've gotten through this process.

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  39. Victoria's secret recommends measuring band size around the back up around to over the breasts in front? I do get my normal size that way of 34. with this method i get 30. I am confused.

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  40. HELP! I was professionally fitted and finally found the right cup size G or H depending on the bra BUT the bands roll after about a week (the bottom elastic around my ribcage on the band rolls) Right now I'm wearing a 40G. Also, I'm always pulling down on the bra as it feels it is riding up my back when I sit down. I've tried loosening the shoulder bands but this just results in them falling down constantly. Some days I can't wait to get that bra off. THere has to be a better way!~

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  41. I was wearing 38DD or 36DDD and just recently got fitted to a 34G. Whew! Crazy! Now I've always had issues with my boobs as I played three sports in HS and two in College. So I always stuffed my chest into anything that wouldn't add volume nor move.

    I recently discovered Natori bras. The one that I have "element" is great because it's breathable and has molded cups but not the massive thick molded cups that some have. While it's comfortable, I'm now having body issues again because (due to my boobs no longer being smashed) they look MASSIVE in all my clothes and I think I just look bloated now.

    Such is life.

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  42. I've been doing homework-as it seems we all are.

    Recently, I have used every measuring concoction I've found online because I'm simply tired of being in physical pain-due to illogically wearing what others have assumed I should measure...usually an A or B of something like a 32 band if I'm lucky. This is always based on the fact that I have little to no breast tissue on top, to round them out. My breasts are actually quite perky-not sagging or such, but with all the tissue at the bottom-and, of course, now extending to my underarms from wearing such poorly fitted bras for years. My breasts are also very wide set; having almost three fingers of "split" between them.

    I decided to throw out any measurements that said to "add [insert number here]" to my band size. Well, quite frankly, it didn't make any sense that I could be a 38+ when my rib cage is nowhere near that! In this fashion, I averaged the other measurements I got to guess at a 32DD. Sounds huge to most of us who haven't had a properly fitting bra in our lives!

    With my newfound knowledge of exactly how a bra is supposed to encapsulate the breast tissue, have the front sit flat against the breastbone, and not ride up or down throughout the hours of wearing, I went to my local Dillards. I saw people with similar issues online stating that it's an OK place to get some assistance and bras with some smaller bands. That, and I couldn't get to my nearest bra shop two hours away.

    Today, the woman assisted me. All of the workers were extremely busy, but I think she saw how frustrated I was and put everything down to help. First, without measuring-then with measuring. Both times she had me pegged as a 34DDD or 34G from Wacoal.

    Not having $60+ for a single bra; and, obviously, having no bra that actually fit properly, she worked with me further and we found two 32DDDs that were much cheaper (hence the band size difference because the bands were made of cheap material and stretch much further than Wacoal). I was able to walk out with two bras in a size that no one that knows me says I "should" be in...but fit perfectly and comfortably.

    I just came across this site while Googling, but I wanted to share my experience-especially for those who think (because of ignorant others' comments)that they just "couldn't" be any larger in the cup if they have wider breasts which are also 'flatter'.

    I wish we could get people to figure out that a cup size is not a direct correlation as to how far out our breasts torpedo! Maybe, like everything else, we should blame Hollywood ;)

    As for me, I'm going to save cash for as long as it takes and go back to the same sales woman and buy multiple Wacoal bras. Not that I couldn't find them somewhere else, but because she has been the first to ever-in my life of 47 years-to take my pain seriously and fit me into something that not only fits-top to bottom-but is comfortable and covers me completely without looking like my grandma.

    My best suggestion to anyone with fitting problems is to 1) ignore any and all comments from others-especially if you know them but they refuse to learn what a well-fitting bra is supposed to be; 2) when you go to a bra shop, the first thing to do is try a couple on yourself and see exactly what is or isn't 'wrong' with the fit; 3) 'test' the worker there to see if they also see the problem(s) and/or have solutions that work; and 4) run-don't walk-out of any place that doesn't have workers that are competent in fitting as well as a willingness to help you until you have something that really works!

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  43. I'm sorry if you've received similar posts asking a similar question but I thought I would right up my queries. I have found that, following advise on here, if I scoop all the flesh into my bra (34DD,on the tightest hook, this ends up giving me a bit too much cleavage) that I have to readjust/rescoop my breasts into position, getting all the flesh from underarms etc in multiply times a day. This even happens when I try the size up (34E). Is this an indication of my back size being too big for me, meaning it's not able to hold/contain the adjustment all day?
    My measurements are 30in under bust, although my waist is 28in, and 37in over bust. According to your rough starting points would make me a 30F? Would I receive the same readjustment/rescoop problem even after addressing this change?
    I would appreciate an answer back, if possible. Thanks very much for your time!

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  44. I think I am a 30 B, but i have side boob. The bras you recommended dont come in such a small cup size. What bras are good for smaller cup sizes that have armpit spillage? I've tried on VS but they don't seem to come high enough on the sides. I do want some padding/push up.

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  45. I have been in pain - under the arms. I spent 3 days in stores trying on bras this week - and 2 days on the internet getting ideas. Tonite I find your blog which I wish I had found earlier. I have no idea what size I am. I don't think there is a human alive that has more fat or breast tissue under their arms ! I am at my wits end. Under-wires, just make me cry from the pain - it is very bad and leaves marks ! So I looked for no-wires. I found a Bali Comfort Revolution bra at Macy's yesterday. No pain in shoulders - no pain under the arms. Its really stretchy. I practically screamed in the dressing room "YESSSSS". So I bought 2 and got 2 free because of the sale. Today I put it on, and it hurts. I looked at myself in the mirror and the sideboobs were so pronounced - the bra is sort of comfortable but pushes it all under the arms. So the look is really, really, bad. I drove to Connecticut to visit my mother and in the car, I just felt like crying, my right breast and both underarms hurt so bad. I couldn't wait to go home and take bra off. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia and asthma - I have shortness of breath - I do not need to have a tourniquet feeling across my chest ! please help me figure this out. I bought Extra Large which is a 42. I measure 38 - I think B or C. But I buy 2 sizes bigger than 38 and absolutely no underwire - though now I am re-thinking that. The pain from this excess breast tissue is so terrible. I am thinking of having it removed surgically - just the underarm part. I don't know what to do right now. I don't have bra on and my right breast is burning and painful - I can't think of anything else right now I just want to wear a bra that fits and is not excrutiating pain. Thank you. Lynne, MA

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  46. Hye... i hav one problem . I am 34B size but in last six months due to some medical history i gained weight. i am noticing that my breast bulges out of the cup . But the breast size continues to be 34 so i didnot worry but now i am noticing that my breast bulges out of the cups but still breast size is same . I feel so ashamed because of this. It seems like double breast. So what should i do? Should i go for higher cupsize? Plz help me.

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    Replies
    1. This statement is incorrect: "If you have "fat" under your arms, that is almost definitely breast tissue! What happens is, when you wear a bra that doesn't fit right, (the cups are too small) your poor breasts' tissue can't all fit, so it 'escapes' wherever it can- mostly into your armpits. Over time, it just ends up staying there permanently. But wearing the right sized bra, combined with putting it on correctly, can fix this problem, as well as the back-fat issue". Some women, not all, have breast tissue outside the normal breast area, and in this case, in the armpits. This is called Tail of Spence. Google it. It cannot be removed except by surgery (plastic surgeon). It can be lessened by losing weight, but the breast tissue will still be there. It is NOT due to breast tissue that escapes. Here is what Johns Hopkins says about the anatomy of the breast: "Anatomically, the adult breast sits atop the pectoralis muscle (the "pec" chest muscle), atop the ribcage. The breast tissue extends horizontally (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or under arm). It is important to note that a tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” does extend into the axilla. This is important because a mass of breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be in the breast proper". If losing weight does not help/minimize the bulge, see a plastic surgeon, otherwise the bulge will always be there.

      Delete
    2. This statement is incorrect: "If you have "fat" under your arms, that is almost definitely breast tissue! What happens is, when you wear a bra that doesn't fit right, (the cups are too small) your poor breasts' tissue can't all fit, so it 'escapes' wherever it can- mostly into your armpits. Over time, it just ends up staying there permanently. But wearing the right sized bra, combined with putting it on correctly, can fix this problem, as well as the back-fat issue". Some women, not all, have breast tissue outside the normal breast area, and in this case, in the armpits. This is called Tail of Spence. Google it. It cannot be removed except by surgery (plastic surgeon). It can be lessened by losing weight, but the breast tissue will still be there. It is NOT due to breast tissue that escapes. Here is what Johns Hopkins says about the anatomy of the breast: "Anatomically, the adult breast sits atop the pectoralis muscle (the "pec" chest muscle), atop the ribcage. The breast tissue extends horizontally (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or under arm). It is important to note that a tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” does extend into the axilla. This is important because a mass of breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be in the breast proper". If losing weight does not help/minimize the bulge, see a plastic surgeon, otherwise the bulge will always be there.

      Delete
    3. This statement is incorrect: "If you have "fat" under your arms, that is almost definitely breast tissue! What happens is, when you wear a bra that doesn't fit right, (the cups are too small) your poor breasts' tissue can't all fit, so it 'escapes' wherever it can- mostly into your armpits. Over time, it just ends up staying there permanently. But wearing the right sized bra, combined with putting it on correctly, can fix this problem, as well as the back-fat issue". Some women, not all, have breast tissue outside the normal breast area, and in this case, in the armpits. This is called Tail of Spence. Google it. It cannot be removed except by surgery (plastic surgeon). It can be lessened by losing weight, but the breast tissue will still be there. It is NOT due to breast tissue that escapes. Here is what Johns Hopkins says about the anatomy of the breast: "Anatomically, the adult breast sits atop the pectoralis muscle (the "pec" chest muscle), atop the ribcage. The breast tissue extends horizontally (side-to-side) from the edge of the sternum (the firm flat bone in the middle of the chest) out to the midaxillary line (the center of the axilla, or under arm). It is important to note that a tail of breast tissue called the "axillary tail of Spence” does extend into the axilla. This is important because a mass of breast cancer can develop in this axillary tail, even though it might not seem to be in the breast proper". If losing weight does not help/minimize the bulge, see a plastic surgeon, otherwise the bulge will always be there.

      Delete
  47. Okay so I'm 26 and I've stopped wearing bras. I HATE THEM!!! They are so PAINFUL!!!! And its incredibly frusterating because I feel naked, exposed, and ugly with out one so I always have to wear a sweatshirt zipped up over my shirts. Which also doesnt make me feel pretty, but at least you can't see that I'm not wearing a bra. Which makes me feel so ugly in all swimsuits. I have breast tissue under my arm pits, I know its breast tissue and I've had it since I started developing breast at around age 8. So when I put on bras I pull all my breast tissue into the cups, but then the underwire gets closer to my skin as a result and pulls against my rib cage phyiscally causing me pain. I've tried adding bra extenders in case the band is too snug, but even when the band is loose the underwire is too close and tight. Also my right underwire always seems to eventually break. The bras I have now i think are 42 DDD they are too snug as i've gained weight since i bought them, but at $40 each I dont have money to get more that are going to be just as painful, so i use a bra extender and the bands and the straps fit well. The bra is from Torrid. I've thought about making some myself and I'm wondering if i can get an accurate measurement even in a bad fitting bra. I have sensory processing disorder and i HATE being near people it freaks me out and is too overwhelming and its even worse to be touched so a bra fitting just isnt going to happen by ANYONE and having to try on lots of bras to find one that fits okay to measure myself in is going to be too stressful. How do i stop the pain?

    ReplyDelete

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