tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post478478607713289169..comments2024-03-06T23:47:16.776-08:00Comments on Thin and Curvy: Frustrations with the Polish Brafitting CommunityBrittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08977491431845058152noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-80060011953490174142015-09-20T14:22:02.189-07:002015-09-20T14:22:02.189-07:00I only entered the world of accurate bra sizing la...I only entered the world of accurate bra sizing last month, and while I am nowhere near as difficult a size to find as yours (a mere 30D), I have already gotten at least two people telling me I can't possibly be that size and try to put me in things with bigger, loose bands and tiny cups. I expect this will only get more common as I continue to look for more 30D's in a price I can afford that actually have colors other than black and nude.<br />The thought that a company that caters to a broader range of sizes would then insult its customers for having atypical shapes is just abysmal. There is enough trouble without the insinuations and outright attacks.<br />As a side note, I am a costumer and all this researching on bra fit I have been doing has me wondering if I should start looking into getting the supplies for making some custom bras. If you would be interested in being an experiment (or still need that, given this post is two years old and maybe you magically transformed into a bra matrix size in the meantime), let me know. And I promise, I have no sense of my financial worth, so it would almost unquestionably be cheap. You can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/VelvetPigeonAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194197542540204975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-44256888834550655812014-06-22T21:56:50.960-07:002014-06-22T21:56:50.960-07:00I, for one, am overjoyed that I found your bra-fit...I, for one, am overjoyed that I found your bra-fitting page today on the internet, Brittany! I discovered the method myself a few years ago when I found Goddess-brand bras, which have an extended range of sizes, and they gave the directions for bra-fitting that were a revelation to me. Before that, I had to wear ludicrous-fitting bras in "standard" sizes that formed sort of a bowl to hold my breasts, rather than individual cups. It's almost miraculous, the difference that the right bra makes in how we look. So soldier on, Sweet Brittany! You are doing a wonderful thing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-54845045936926830092014-05-15T09:56:04.762-07:002014-05-15T09:56:04.762-07:00This is exactly why I have never ordered from EM, ...This is exactly why I have never ordered from EM, and still never plan to. I contacted Ewa a few years ago because her calculator suggested around a 30DD for me. At the time I was wearing UK 28F and struggling with the band always sliding around. Weight gain and working out a bit more has made 28's less loose, but 26 would be a no go with FMS. When I had asked her about the calculator and whether or not it was accurate she was really rude. Not only that, but hearing about the shipping prices and nightmares as well as the drastic inconsistancies within the brand has put me off more than enough to make do with what I can in Freya's 28's. I just don't understand the hype with EM, other than nice designs and colorways. Size range does not compare to curtousy in my book!!Darth Tardiushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01524491271288391597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-51876728998014888792014-05-06T11:33:33.862-07:002014-05-06T11:33:33.862-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06923153163641310724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-43121628833544334322014-04-21T09:44:56.901-07:002014-04-21T09:44:56.901-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06923153163641310724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-73304695345907392152014-04-03T17:20:55.479-07:002014-04-03T17:20:55.479-07:00Ugh, that is awful! Not okay at all. I would feel ...Ugh, that is awful! Not okay at all. I would feel demeaned and belittled and discouraged.<br />I'm sorry that happened. This blog has been quite helpful to me over the years. You've been generous with your time already and that's more than I (or anyone) have any right to ask.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-25993299317742719792014-03-05T11:38:43.613-08:002014-03-05T11:38:43.613-08:00Brittany, I hope that by now you have been able to...Brittany, I hope that by now you have been able to put all of the negative comments behind you in as much as I can imagine how hurtful they were. I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for all the great information you put on your blog, I loved reading it and am eagerly awaiting your return whenever you are ready. Sending you lots of love and hugs, those of us who actually read your reviews: we think it is fantastic that you bring your point of view into a discussion about something so personal. Body image and confidence is such a sensitive issue for most women that putting pictures of yourself out there is a brave action that deserves the utmost respect. You have helped me tremendously in my quest for well fitting bras and clothes. Thank you.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06237359385735110326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-29374546897708665592014-02-10T07:54:47.980-08:002014-02-10T07:54:47.980-08:00I'm sorry to comment on what essentially be an...I'm sorry to comment on what essentially be an old wound now, but while most of the comments in this thread make me feel better in general, many frustrate me. There seems to be this prevailing opinion that English speakers or Americans need to say something positive when they have a criticism. No, not is not necessary nor does it even happen all that much. It is the way some people choose to give constructive criticism because either a) they really feel that way and they know the person would want to hear it or b) they feel uncomfortable with giving criticism, which is dependent upon personality, not culture. The reason you'll often hear such compliments in a positive environment is because, at least in our culture, there is an overwhelming pressure to be thin and perfect without any flaws and to fit in with the Hollywood and model standard of beauty which is an impossible standard usually attained only with Photoshop. So we know how hard it is to put up your picture when so many are just waiting to criticize about your imperfections. So we like to be encouraging and try to find something positive about the person OR we only focus on the fit issues. Sometimes we see no fit issue and simply wish to encourage the poster to continue posting because we know how hard it is to put your picture up and possibly be judged in a way that has nothing to do with the information we are looking for. There is no doubt in my mind that Eastern Europeans tend to be a harsher people. But a lot of us believe in honesty and constructive criticism in a respectful manner. <br /><br />But the real issue is this: to take one person and focus on her every aspect - even if you say only things about her fit - would make mostly anyone feel analyzed and picked on when they did not ask for this kind of focus. Would you like to see an entire thread about yourself without your asking? How about in a language you don't understand? Analyzing and examining your body like you're a subject for study? I believe that unless someone asks for this kind of scrutiny, then you should expect it might be unwelcome, regardless of what is said. <br /><br />Brittany started this blog for her own reasons but most assuredly that included helping people and getting help and suggestions for herself through her blog, which she can control the environment of. You may say, well she put herself out there, therefore we can do what we want and judge her in whatever way we deem necessary . Yes, you may do what you want, but you and your actions will also be judged. But consider this: Brittany didn't ask for this, and to systematically take someone apart verbally is a form of violation, no matter if it is a thread talking about how perfect every part of her is or criticizing her fit or saying cruel things. <br /><br />The point is that the users performed a form of analysis of her body. And it doesn't matter what language you speak or what you say or how you say it, because it was without her consent. And to try to rationalize away feelings is always meaningless, pointless and even more offensive. <br /><br />I hope that was clear and that everyone of every culture can understand it. Xelestialhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03602886324104234448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-72733005895865225732013-12-26T13:31:04.172-08:002013-12-26T13:31:04.172-08:00Hi,
I'm Polish and I agree to some extend that...Hi,<br />I'm Polish and I agree to some extend that could be cultural differences. On the other hands I remember that discussions and I think there was few rude and impolite comments not about just your bra size, but also about your body. In my personal opinion that is unacceptable in any way, some girls in Poland also think that flattering comments about someone's body are completely not neccesary and I fully agree with them. But this is not true that all my buddies were rude, becouse there was also many girls which didn't like such nasty comments and had another point of view. And I also have noticed some unpleasant remarks from British and American bra-fitting society. <br />I leave at this moment a question of your bra size, whether you wear right or not. But I think in general our advise could be helpful. Our bra community exists for couple of years and we have some experience. We used to have similar point of view in the past. <br />I also want to touch a very fregile question... who doesn't want to be thin and curvy? I'm sorry, but for some girls a band size is a determinant of slimness and they are afraid of trying a larger band size. We had also this problem "I am slim, so how can I wear 34?". Please, be careful with that comparison.<br />I disscused technical issues of our bra-fitting way with with Obssesionofbreast under that post http://obsessedwithbreasts.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/some-thoughts-on-strapgate/<br />so maybe I will not copy that here (my nick name is PinUpGirl).<br />I'm sorry about my English and wish you a good day and happy New Year :). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-28837436624463652942013-12-24T03:27:50.027-08:002013-12-24T03:27:50.027-08:00Vampierz, we are in agreement to an extent. Only a...Vampierz, we are in agreement to an extent. Only a few posts were about Brittany's fit, but quite a few were insults and attacks on individual women. Comments like "get me a gun" and "lazy fatass" and opinions on how sexually attractive a woman is are not about bra fit. They are just mean, misogynist insults.<br /><br />The fact that none of those women would have the courage to say such things to a person's face doesn't excuse that behavior. It does not make it a cultural difference. The people who are commenting to say that it's all about fit, or that Brittany just has a thin skin, or that non-Poles just don't understand directness and honesty are being dishonest and dismissive. Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-11384990545117778742013-12-04T15:48:21.858-08:002013-12-04T15:48:21.858-08:00Just checking in with you to find out how you are,...Just checking in with you to find out how you are, if you're feeling any better. Do let us know.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10384131995207032623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-77497075524552244652013-12-03T12:15:19.521-08:002013-12-03T12:15:19.521-08:0000goddess, that's exactly the mistake we'r...00goddess, that's exactly the mistake we're talking about. There were some posts about certain bloggers in that thread, and several of those posts were rude. But there were only a few posts about Brittany's fit. The rest of the thread is about other things. That's why you shouldn't rely on Google Translate.<br /><br />BTW I don't think discussing fit justifies being mean or rude. And I don't think cultural differences are as huge as some people here suggest. It's just an internet thing, I bet most of those users would never dare to tell anything like that irl.Vampierzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03759682077902882302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-38750253344364164142013-11-29T20:39:33.650-08:002013-11-29T20:39:33.650-08:00"some comments are nasty but almost all of th..."some comments are nasty but almost all of them concern fit. EVEN NASTY COMMENTS CONCERN FIT." <br /><br />So, calling a woman a "lazy fatass", or discussing how sexually attractive she is, concerns bra fit? I think not. Neither of those are even remotely relevant to bra fit. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-8218049011278706732013-11-29T05:42:17.379-08:002013-11-29T05:42:17.379-08:00No one is complaining about people being "dir...No one is complaining about people being "direct". Honestly, there are several comments from Polish people here asserting that, and the very assertion is rude. <br /><br />I am totally cool with someone asking me questions about the fit of my bras or disagreeing with me about fit. <br /><br />What I, and others, are offended by are comments like "Someone give me a gun" or calling women "lazy fatasses." I am offended by people making comments evaluating bloggers like us on the basis of how sexually attractive they think we are. That is NOT directness, it is misogyny and it is ill-mannered wherever you live.Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-57556125195080413832013-11-29T05:38:19.110-08:002013-11-29T05:38:19.110-08:00I wish I could say that I haven't seen this ki...I wish I could say that I haven't seen this kind of thing in the English-using bra blog community, but I have. Before Bratabase made the rule against commenting on people's bodies, I saw several posts there insulting women based on appearance. I've distanced myself from other blogs- some very popular ones!- because the author would make comments judging other women's bodies (such as the appearance or lack of cellulite.) I don't want to endorse that stuff or even be involved with it, period. <br /><br />It is sad to see that these women have so little to do with their lives, that they spend their time insulting other people. Their comments indicate a lack of introspection and a great deal of internalized misogyny.<br /><br /> And I am really sorry that you were a target. I have always enjoyed your blog and found you to be kind, so I hope that you won't let this discourage you from blogging altogether. *hugs*Ms. Prishttp://rockthecurves.00goddess.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-85915586300945664252013-11-24T18:40:00.561-08:002013-11-24T18:40:00.561-08:00That makes me so sad! You're gorgeous and shou...That makes me so sad! You're gorgeous and should be proud of your body. I'm glad you are! We all have our insecurities, but we shouldn't let them overshadow the things we find beautiful. Thank you for your wonderful bra advice! After reading your blog and a few others, I've finally determined the approximate bra size I should wear and am currently awaiting a few try-ons in the mail. I'm super excited! Thank you! =]Aimeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-87367927190115695052013-11-24T06:49:42.944-08:002013-11-24T06:49:42.944-08:00Hi Laura,
First of all, I agree that nasty comment...Hi Laura,<br />First of all, I agree that nasty comments concerning sb's body are unacceptable, that't obvious.<br />I also agree Brittany can feel bad and offended. I don't doubt her feelings are real.<br /><br />But pls consider that:<br />-Brittany read comments posted on Polish forum. 99% of users are Polish, they react and comment according to 'Polish way'. I've read whole Balkonetka thread (as I'm fluent in Polish) and some comments are nasty but almost all of them concern fit. EVEN NASTY COMMENTS CONCERN FIT. You cannot blame Polish users of Polish brafitting website that they comment fit in 'Polish way'. And Polish way means straightforward and honest to me, not nasty. Maybe 5% of comments are nasty, I'm sorry for these, but it happens, that's real life, not the fairytale. World is not perfect. I wish it would but it's not.<br /><br />My friend who is proffesional psychologist and therapist says:" If you post your picture in internet you have to be prepared "for the 5%". If you are not ready for this - just don't do this for your own comfort. If you really want to post - be prepared, that's the price". We are grown up and this is the choice we have.<br />An adult can accept it and choose.<br /><br />Brittany is a lovely and probably very fragile girl but it's her who 1. entered Polish forum without basic knowledge about Polish culture and cultural differencies 2.used GT probably without knowledge that it's really poor tool (btw - it's good tool for German, Spanish or Italian but poor or sometimes even useless for Slavonic languages or Chinese. I can confirm that as I speak mentioned languages and work in multicultural environment).<br />And finally she felt offended. I'm not surprised at all (especially, as I mentioned before, I work for multicultural company). But you (or she) cannot blame for this Polish girls who commented fit in polish way on Polish forum. Some cultural awareness always helps. Otherwise Polish people will always seem rude and nasty for you and American will seem fake and superficial for Poles:) Which I know is not true as I work with American colleagues:D<br /><br />I wish you and Brittany all the best.<br /><br />J.<br /><br />If you or Brittany or sb else will need Pol-Eng translation I suggest ask Balkonetka users for help. I'm sure girls will help you, explain irony, play on words etc. It will contribute to mutual understanding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-76486356219105222332013-11-23T04:52:00.172-08:002013-11-23T04:52:00.172-08:00I agree with vesela_krava. The Polish commenters f...I agree with vesela_krava. The Polish commenters from Balkonetka (mind the spelling - not "Balkoneta") didn't intend to criticize bodies. Some of the comments were harsh and hurtful because of graphic metaphors and mocking tone, but in all cases the central issue was the fit. Once again I'd like to say that I'm ashamed and deeply sorry about the form of those comments. We can translate them for you if you wish, though I lingering on this topic is rather counterproductive.<br /><br />There's one thing I have to point to. Namely, your answer to Ewa Michalak's note. It seems to suggests that Polish brafitters would fit you in this bra, which is not true. We're not dogmatic believers in size charts. No one would say that this bra fits you because this is the right size for your measurements. It is quite obvious that this bra has cups way too small for you (which anyway renders assessment of the band impossible) and no one in Polish community would tell you anything different. I understand that this experiment is exaggerated because Ewa Michalak's experiment was such, yet I think that it sends a wrong message which is unfair to Polish brafitters.Olanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-32681400185648005622013-11-23T00:13:38.603-08:002013-11-23T00:13:38.603-08:00Wow! Yeah, no way does the bra in that photo even...Wow! Yeah, no way does the bra in that photo even come close to fitting you. You look like a woman trying to wear the clothes of a little girl! (The fact that the "little girl" bra in question is actually a DD cup is just a testament to your impressive figure!) To some extent, I wonder if her attacks on you aren't somewhat rooted in jealousy. That may be a problem that girls with small backs and large cup sizes face generally though, I suppose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-55941361897878687212013-11-22T14:04:13.754-08:002013-11-22T14:04:13.754-08:00Anon, you may want to read this post Brittany wrot...Anon, you may want to read this post Brittany wrote awhile back: <br /><br />http://www.thinandcurvy.com/2013/05/the-modesty-panel.html <br /><br />Just because you (and many of our readers, and her fiance, and I, etc.) think she is lovely doesn't mean that she hasn't had her fair share of nastiness. Brittany has written about the bullying she experienced when she was younger, and I think that it's a little unfair to tell someone that their feelings are invalid or that they're overreacting over a "cultural difference." She is allowed to be offended by some of the comments on the page, as you are allowed to feel like they aren't so bad. Laura (DT)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01769096842013223783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-22735703069208173842013-11-22T13:47:09.020-08:002013-11-22T13:47:09.020-08:00There seems to be a cultural misunderstanding here...There seems to be a cultural misunderstanding here. What an American considers a direct insult is not seen as such in Eastern Europe. Brittany, you are inarguably lovely and anyone can see that. You have likely experienced little in the way of insults about you looks or figure, and this may be why you are especially sensitive. There's little reason to develop a thick skin if you're beautiful! <br /><br />As some others have pointed out, Eastern Europeans give little in the way of false compliments just for the sake of it. I have seen many American and British bloggers post photos of themselves that are embarrassing to look at, yet comments such as "You look great!" abound. Those comments are clearly disingenuous and even condescending. I'm willing to bet that if some of the Polish comments were said to your face, you would take them differently and might even laugh. Never underestimate a cultural difference (on a side note, Scandinavian men often flirt in a vaguely insulting way--it takes a while to understand that but once you do it's charming and funny). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-59357267625344998152013-11-22T01:48:36.220-08:002013-11-22T01:48:36.220-08:00Rachel, you can still order 60-bands in larger cup...Rachel, you can still order 60-bands in larger cups but only as custom orders. She did first remove the 60s from the "custom order" list, but then has added them back on the newer models. Still not above a 60L though and I don't know if she'll make any 55s in larger cup sizes at all. :(Nesoahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04206008513848469928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-34593727786885567032013-11-22T01:24:24.183-08:002013-11-22T01:24:24.183-08:00Laura, as I explained in my previous post, we didn...Laura, as I explained in my previous post, we didn't aim to insult blogger's bodies, we talked about the fit. We did it in a very rude way and using very disputable metaphors, I agree.<br />Concerning Brittany, all the comments concerned her bras and her bra size (some of our users having doubts about the fit) but at any moment we criticized her body. I already explained what I meant when talking about her ribcage and I think that google translator didn't make it very clear for you, I'm sorry that she feels insulted :-( And I must say that we tend to defend her bra size choices, personnally I think that her fit is very nice and that's not only my opinion ;-)vesela_kravanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-25505764854874267332013-11-21T23:52:51.346-08:002013-11-21T23:52:51.346-08:00My mistake, I should have posted that as a reply t...My mistake, I should have posted that as a reply to one of the comments of the girls, who claimed that girls at Balkonetka are hostile to each other.<br /><br />And, oh dear, why does anyone think that bodies are offended? Maybe it's the poor GT translation mixed with some unnecessary insecurites. Kasianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079717797619018724.post-90651516067410599252013-11-21T16:25:04.532-08:002013-11-21T16:25:04.532-08:00Straightforwardness isn't what Brittany finds ...Straightforwardness isn't what Brittany finds troubling; it's the direct insults toward blogger's bodies that we both have a problem with. Honesty was not something Brittany criticized at all in this post.Laura (DT)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01769096842013223783noreply@blogger.com