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Mrs. Bee, New York Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet Engagement Date: May 7, 2004 Wedding Date: March 5, 2005 Venue: Westside Loft, New York About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
About Mrs. Bee

I’ve heard that statistic many times.  Women either wear bras that are too big, too small, or too worn out.  I’ve never had my bra size measured and I’d been wanting to go to one of the specialty bra shops in New York, because I knew I was wearing the wrong size.

Many brides go to Bra Tenders (like Mrs. Canary) because they specialize in theater and bridal undergarments, but I made an appointment for Linda’s Bra Salon because I was looking for everyday bras.  Lately I’d been wearing a 34C and with various brands, they were either too big or too small. But after my attendant Chloe measured me, she brought me a 32E bra.  What?! E sounds completely insane, but miraculously it fit perfectly! I swear I’m not that big… maybe it’s just because I’m petite or a hard to fit size — I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a 32E at Victoria’s Secret!  It’s also hard to find strapless bras that don’t give your boobs a funky shape (I’d been on the quest for one my entire life), but Chloe found me one that fit perfectly.

Linda’s only carries the Le Mystere Bridal Bustier (almost universally flattering and what I wore at my own wedding) as far as bridal wear, so I’d recommend a place like Bra Tenders which has a larger selection of speciality bras if you’re looking for a bustier.  But I’d highly recommend Linda’s for everyday and strapless bras!

Some bra tips from my attendant Chloe:

  • Your bra should fit on the largest hook because it stretches out with wear and you’ll eventually need to use the smaller hooks.
  • You should never fold your bra in half — store them right side up to keep them in good shape.

Here’s a video of Linda’s shop — it’s been featured on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style!

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend getting fitted to find out your correct bra size! :)

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37 Responses to “80% of Women are Wearing the Wrong Bra Size…”

1.
Miss Burgundy
Hostess
Miss Burgundy (message)  907 posts, Busy bee

Haha I have to admit that size sounded a little insane! But it makes a lot of sense that bras stretch out over time and get malformed.

 
2.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Meatball (message)  613 posts, Busy bee

I used to work at Gap Body and was forced to ask women if I could measure their bosom. Yeah, awkward.

 
3.
MissEsq
Member
MissEsq (message)  159 posts, Blushing bee

I’m an odd size too; 32C. Doesn’t sound like a big deal but Victoria’s Secret doesn’t carry it :-( I always just go with 34B because I love some of their bras.

 
4.
MsJoe
Member
MsJoe (message)  157 posts, Blushing bee

I finally went to a bra shop last summer in SF and for awhile I thought I was a 34A but I’m actually a 32C! I even got measured in victorias and they told me i was a B but nothing ever fit. So please ladies go to a bra shop and find your true bra size!

 
5.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Powder Puff (message)  834 posts, Busy bee

Nope, and I would love to. I’ve always been curious if I’m wearing the right size or not.

 
6.
Guest Icon
Guest
Jessebel

I used to wear a 40D until I went to a specialty bra store in Monrovia, CA called Creative Woman - The Wizard of Bras. It turns my bra size is 38G. I was really surprised at just how well clothes looked on me after discovering the correct bra size. It actually had slimming effect.

 
7.
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Guest
anon

This is probably a totally stupid question but - what do you wear when they measure you? I’ve never wanted to do it because I’m not sure if they measure over the clothes, with your bra only, or completely bare (and then I CERTAINLY would NOT do it!).

 
8.
Member Icon
Member
indecisivebride (message)  337 posts, Helper bee

That does sound like a crazy size! I dont think I’ve ever seen a 32E at Nordstrom or Macys…did she have lots of options in your size Mrs. Bee?

I’m curious too…anybody know a good place in the Seattle area?

 
9.
Mrs. Bee
Bee
Mrs. Bee (message)  3,261 posts, Sugar bee

@anon: you wear your bra when they measure you. you’re not naked so it’s not bad!

 
10.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss D'orsay (message)  1,293 posts, Bumble bee

I need to get remeasured - they keep growing! :(

 
11.
AlmostMrsG
Member
AlmostMrsG (message)  168 posts, Blushing bee

I used to have a lot of luck at Nordstrom with large cup sizes and a 32 band. I wear a 34 F or G, depending on the brand, and I am NOT looking forward to finding a bra for the big day…!

 
12.
Guest Icon
Guest
d

i used to walk past Linda’s every day going to work, but i was never brave enough to go in….maybe this is my wakeup call!

 
13.
angelastheboss
Member
angelastheboss (message)  290 posts, Helper bee

I can’t believe the way your size changed! I should go to Nordstrom and give it a try, I’ve heard they are great as well.

 
14.
MightySapphire
Hostess
MightySapphire (message)  2,608 posts, Sugar bee

The most common mistake women make is the incorrect rib cage size (the number in front) which leads to an incorrect cup size!! If you’re wearing a 36C you’re probably a 34D!! Try one size smaller and one cup size larger…you’ll be amazed!!

 
15.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Avocado (message)  1,412 posts, Bumble bee

@indecisivebride: Actually Nordstrom goes up to J and sometimes higher. I would know, before my breast reduction I was an H, and Nordstrom was one of the only palces I could go.

I will rant against Victoria’s Secret, where they used to quote me as a C when I was an H (I went to the Chicago shop that Ophrah raves about and was measured there.)

 
16.
tea
Member
tea (message)  2,641 posts, Sugar bee

@MightySapphire: that’s exactly what happened to me. i didn’t notice too much until i lost some weight but i ended up at nordie’s and came in at a 34C. total shocker.

 
17.
Honeycomb
Member
Honeycomb (message)  36 posts, Newbee

As a buxomy gal, I spent most of my life wearing the totalitarian-regime bras, you know, the really ugly ones with the huge straps and the wide panel in back. They only came in the black, white and tan and they were unappetizingly blah.

However- listen up all you DDD’s and FFF’s!! Get thyself immediately to the nearest “Freya” lingerie retailer and invest in the most incredibly beautiful and feminine supportive bras, that are marvelously engineered for bigger boobs.

I can’t say enough good things about this brand - they measured me, gave me my “new” size and I was so grateful I bought two new bras. (They aren’t cheap but SO worth it) Now I’m on a quest to find more of them(Ebay…) and I finally enjoy the feel of great looking, great fitting lingerie.

http://www.freyalingerie.co.uk

 
18.
flbeachbride
Member
flbeachbride (message)  328 posts, Helper bee

Mrs. Bee, you must have been reading my mind. I just got fitted on Thursday and have been spreading the word to anyone and everyone who will listen. My FI was shocked that I was calling in the middle of the day just to exclaim that I had found the right bra size! I, too, was wearing a 34C and I found out I am a 32DD or 32E (I bought a Le Mystere underwire for my wedding dress that is 32E). I was shocked when I looked at the size! But the cup size really is measured by the distance from the middle to the outside. I thought jsut like you - I’m not that big! But it fit beautifully. I could finally stop having my bra ride up in the back. I got fitted at Nordstrom’s during my lunch hour and highly recommend it. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes and is highly worth the time!

 
19.
brew
Member
brew (message)  25 posts, Newbee

@Mrs. Avocado: I always shake my fist when I pass a Victoria’s Secret store (which amuses my FH to no end); you would think a company that focuses exclusively on outfitting breasts would cater to a wider variety of sizes, but I haven’t fit into their bras since I was 15.

 
20.
Mrs. Bee
Bee
Mrs. Bee (message)  3,261 posts, Sugar bee

@flbeachbride: i walked out of there with two 32e and two 32dd bras. I never would have bought a 32 on my own, but it certainly does fit perfectly. we’re bra size twins! ;)

 
21.
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Guest
Molly Michel

It is so awesome to have posts from you Mrs. Bee! Real posts, not just site updates! Keep it up!

 
22.
PrettyKitty
Member
PrettyKitty (message)  505 posts, Busy bee

I KNOW I wear the wrong bra size. I definitely need to get sized and outfitted. I am just boobie lazy.

 
23.
Member Icon
Member
agrosses (message)  94 posts, Worker bee

@PrettyKitty: wearing a bra that fits correctly can take POUNDS off your figure (or add them to it, if that’s what you need!)

 
24.
Guest Icon
Guest
anne

it’s true, everyone should get fitted for a bra…i’m petite (5′ 2″) and always thought i was 34B/C…but found out i am a 34D after getting fitted…

 
25.
cannotwait
Member
cannotwait (message)  1,061 posts, Bumble bee

I thought I was a 38C (per VS) but I am a 36DD/E. I like Freya, Felina & Wacoal. My favorite everyday bra is a Felina. I look so much better now, and I actually have sports bras (DKNY surprisingly enough!) that make it not hurt to run!

 
26.
Lillindy
Hostess
Lillindy (message)  4,269 posts, Honey bee

I KNOW I’m wearing the wrong size, so does anyone know anything here in the Bay Area, more specifically Silicon Valley?

 
27.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Taffy (message)  2,602 posts, Sugar bee

I used to do bra fittings all the time at Victoria’s Secret! It was true- many many women that I measured were wearing the wrong size.

 
28.
Member Icon
Member
hirsche (message)  227 posts, Helper bee

I’m in the same boat– I’m for sure not wearing the right size… if only nice well fitting undergarments were a WEE bit cheaper. I need to save a few of my wedding related pennies to get a nice new bra… that FITS!

 
29.
frenchbulldog
Bee
frenchbulldog (message)  6,067 posts, Bee Keeper

I always go to Nordstrom b/c they actually have bras in my size… and Le Mystere is my favorite :)
@Mrs. Avocado: I too could rant on Victoria Secret and the supposed “sister sizes”. BS!

 
30.
Member Icon
Member
cj2009 (message)  306 posts, Helper bee

I definitely need to check this out. I have felt that my bra size hasn’t been right for a couple years now.

 
31.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Sushi (message)  970 posts, Busy bee

@Miss Meatball: Yea..I can relate, I used to work at Victoria’s Secret. “Umm, have your been measured recently?”. hehe.

 
32.
saramari
Member
saramari (message)  315 posts, Helper bee

Thanks for sharing, Mrs. Bee! I’m always tugging at my bra straps, and you’ve inspired me to go get fitted. Many thanks! :)

 
33.
purpleHaze79
Member
purpleHaze79 (message)  875 posts, Busy bee

I need to get measured again! Thanks for the refresher, Bee!!

 
34.
Wolff2Be
Member
Wolff2Be (message)  171 posts, Blushing bee

I recently got measured too and jumped from a 34B to a 34D. I was shocked too, Mrs. Bee…. I have also recently been advocating getting measured to my girlfriends. :)

 
35.
mandalynn17
Member
mandalynn17 (message)  1,071 posts, Bumble bee

I know I’m wearing the wrong size….I just don’t have the money to fix it right now!

 
36.
Guest Icon
Guest
KS

@MrsAvocado and AlliCherri1 - I KNOW! In what world is it acceptable to tell me to “just buy a sister size” 34C bra (when we’ve just established I need all 36 of those 36B inches)?!

 
37.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Emerald (message)  901 posts, Busy bee

geez, i’m another person who is probably wearing the wrong size. they never lie flat against my ribcage.

time to get fitted…

 


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Mrs. Bee Mrs. Bee, New York Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet Engagement Date: May 7, 2004 Wedding Date: March 5, 2005 Venue: Westside Loft, New York About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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