Fitting Room Diaries: Entry #011, 38C, Average Fullness/Roots
Customer: Caitlin, Size 38C
Caitlin found Understance through a mutual friend. She did her bra shopping at the Hudson’s Bay, and preferred Bali and WonderBra. She used to wear 34B before giving birth. Now she wears 38C consistently across brands. Top of her wish list are side boob coverage and some lift.
Her measurements: 36.5’’ underband, 41’’ standing bust, 41.5’’ leaning bust. She preferred a relaxed fit, and found a 36 band too constricting. Her shape is fairly average in root width, vertical and horizontal fullness, and projection.
Bra #1: Leanne in 38C
Caitlin liked the side boob coverage. The straps stay put and don’t slide down – another common bra-fitting issue. Leanne gave her a little more of a lift than the average wireless bralette. However, the band line was not the smoothest, and she thought the bra was too full-coverage.
Bra #2: Dandelion in 38B/C
Dandelion gave her just about enough side boob coverage, and lift-wise was surprisingly good. She usually only wore padded bras, but felt like Dandelion could change her mind. There was no digging, no pressure points. And it looked nice with a T-shirt on.
*This bra has been discontinued and is no longer available. If you’re looking for the same wireless comfort and smooth cups, try Cate.
Bra #3: Cate in 38B/C
Cate was cutting into the top of her breasts when she first put it on, but fit well after a scoop-and-swoop. Good side boob coverage, no squeezing. Very comfortable overall.
Bra #4: Mila in XL
Compared to Leanne, Dandelion, and Cate, Mila was a pretty sub-par bralette support-wise. Pressure concentrated along the thin band, and the band rode up in the back. Caitlin said she “would wear this if I were a 34C”.
*Mila has been discontinued and is no longer available. While we don’t have a close replacement yet (you can refer to our Product Roadmap for details on future launches), our other bralettes may suit your wants and needs.
Bra #5: Hugger in 38C
Caitlin liked the coverage and lift of Hugger. It’s a more conservative bra, but with the fuller coverage and thicker straps came support. Caitlin said it would look good under some dresses, and “sometimes it’s not always about cleavage.” Overall, a very comfortable bra.
*Hugger has been discontinued and is almost all sold out. If you want a similar supportive, full coverage fit and smooth lace look, try Ginger. For smaller cups, our Soft Sculpt Pull-Over is seamless, full coverage, and has thick straps, but it’s made of a different material than Hugger and Ginger.
Bra #6: Midsummer in 38C
Midsummer’s underwire fit Caitlin nicely. The lack of center gore really helps with center gore discomfort. Though it’s not uncomfortable, Caitlin said Midsummer is a sometimes-bra, not an everyday-bra.
*The original Midsummer has been discontinued and is almost all sold out, but the 2.0 version is still available. The 2.0 features a wider back for more comfort and support, and a new lace design.
Bra #7: Day to Night in 38C
Day to Night’s underwire is too narrow for Caitlin. The cups are a bit too shallow for her as well. Together they caused some above-the-wire gapping. A more open C-shaped underwire and a more projected cup would fit her better.
*Day to Night has been discontinued, but its upgraded version, Mesh Contour, is still available. Compared to Day to Night, Mesh Contour has a wider underwire and more forgiving fit
Bra #8: Cleo in 38C
Like Midsummer, Cleo has a “UniWire” which doesn’t have a center gore. If you have very close-set breasts or generally struggle with the center gore poking, Midsummer and Cleo are good solutions. Caitlin said Cleo was super comfortable and she loved the design.
*Cleo has been discontinued and is no longer available, but Peek-Proof Full Coverage roughly follows its shape and also features our UniWire.
Bra #9: Simone in 38C
Caitlin loved the Simone. She couldn’t feel the underwire at all. The unlined, seamed cups gave her a natural, gently rounded shape.
*The original Simone has been discontinued and is almost all sold out, but the 2.0 version is still available. Compared to the 1.0, the 2.0 has pleated straps and underwire that’s a bit lower on the sides.
Final thoughts
At the end of the fitting session, we asked her to choose a bra as thank-you gift. It was a tie between Cleo and Simone – she chose Cleo in the end. She liked Cleo for its unique design and incomparable comfort.
*Since Cleo has been discontinued, try Peek-Proof Full Coverage for a similar fit.
Simone is ride or die. Once you add lining for nip coverage, and smooth the lace at the seam a bit more…I may never buy another bra.
Hi there, Leslie could be what you are looking for. It’s smooth, and has a very light padding for nipple coverage. The upcoming Ruby is based on Simone’s frame and has very light padding also, although Ruby comes in DDD-K.
I absolutely love my bras, but I find getting the strap length super important, too short bra rides up, too long your constantly pulling up your bra straps. A good fitting bra slims your figure and one feels better because of it. Cheers, wilhelmina