Fitting Room Diaries: Entry #001, Size 40G, Bottom-full
Customer: Pam, Size 40G
Pam came in and told us she didn’t really have the same size across different brands. She’s worn 38DDDs before, and shopped with Change Lingerie, but didn’t have a favorite go-to. She was looking for a supportive, underwire bra.
We took her measurements: 40’’ underbust (she preferred tight underbust), 51’’ leaning bust.
Her breast roots are wide and tall. They are very projected, fuller on bottom, and equally full on the sides and in the center. They are relaxed.
Bra #1: Harper in 40G
She liked this bra! We actually gave this bra to her in an earlier fitting, so she could take it home, wear and wash it, and see how it holds up. About 3 weeks of regular wear (and encouraged bra abuse) later, the wire shape didn’t change.
The center gore didn’t touch her chest. However, her breasts are very full in the center (touching when supported). She said she didn’t get irritation from her breasts touching, and dislikes the center gore forcing her breasts apart, so this wasn’t a deal breaker.
Pam said this bra is very comfortable.
*The original Harper has been discontinued and is almost all sold out, but Harper (Eco) is still available. It has a shorter band that doesn’t roll up and is made from recycled pre-consumer materials.
If you’re looking for an unpadded version, try Gemma.
Bra #2: Ivy in 40G
This bra fit less well overall. The main issue is the wire shape – it’s not wide enough for her roots. This created an awkward gap in the underarm/apex area. Besides the wire, there was some gapping in the front underneath the top portion of the mesh. This is because her breasts are shallower on top, and Ivy’s top section is on the roomy side.
Bra #3: Ivy Smooth Lace in 40G
Ivy Smooth Lace has the same fit as the original Ivy, so it’s not a surprise that it wasn’t a good fit either. The main issue is the wire shape. It doesn’t contour her roots well because it’s not wide enough.
*This bra has been discontinued, but our regular Ivy is still available.
Final thoughts
At the end of the fitting session, Pam said Harper was her favorite of the three. She’s worn it often for a few weeks, and said it provides the support and shape she wanted, and continues to be comfortable.
I’d love to buy some more Ivy smooth lace! Still two of my favourite bras. Will you be bringing it back? Do you have secret supplies somewhere??
Hi there, there will be a new version of Ivy Smooth (no lace, plain fabric, molded fabric no seams on cups). It’s coming out in August-ish this year. We no longer have any of the older Ivy Smooth Lace.
I have a chest this shape, tall/wide, full and close at the centre. In my bra shopping (and making) adventures, I’ve often thought the individual breasts could use more support on the inner sides of the cup, so they’re both individually cantilevered away from the chest, not supported as a unit from mostly the outside edges, (which ultimately makes the inner sides of the breast sag and compress together.) Normally, a strong centre gore would help, but there’s very little space to fit one here.
A supportive bra designed for this type of chest would be a feat of modern engineering, to be sure, but if they can build the Golden Gate Bridge, this style of chest can also be supported properly. (And if any company can figure it out, it’s you folks! )
Thank you for explaining my issues so well!
I’ve tried about 7 different styles and am struggling for my desired level of lift.
I don’t want my breasts on my chest when wearing a bra.
Maybe I like the bullet boob look more than the squashed round shape…?