Thanks for the advice mulberry. I used to wear minimizers years ago but haven't since I switched to Playtex front hook posture bras. Like I said before, they aren't the most "romantic" of bras but I LOVE the way they make me look "perky" when new! I'll have to see if I can find a front hook minimizer. I'm so used t0 these now that I doubt I could go back to a backhook.
Jayne
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The ORIGINALnagymom
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Same here. I wear sports bra's too. Mine are terry and oh so comfortable. Of coarse I don't sport a big cup. A B or loose C cup. I find the cheapest price I can find too. The terry's are also very easy to wash and stay nice and white.
__________________
What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us
This is such an informative and quite funny thread. I have been to the Hanes site and then was disappointed to find that they only ship within the US. Does anyone know of a site for bras that would send overseas. Also one question, that may sound dumb, but these days I often have memory block!! Not old age just a busy mind, or that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! On the measurement instructions it said to measure the band and add 5 inches and then carry on to see what size cup was needed. Now does the finished size ie 40C or 42D, use the original measurement or the measurement with the five inches added. If so that is where my problem lies. Because of my curved over back I measure 40inches around but the bust is 43. So if I add 5 inches it becomes 45 and there is no such size with only a B cup and I don't think there is one with a C either. Also most of my size is in the back area not dispersed all round. I am quite a thin person. Oh well, enough of this. I begin to make myself sound like a freak!! Happy days. Wish I was 20 again.
Jennifer
__________________ The best gift God gives us is right THIS MINUTE.--Joyce Myers
Here is some info I found on getting the correct bra:
STEP 1.
(BRA SIZE) While bare, (very important), measure directly under the natural breasts and note the measurement. Add 5 inches to that measurement. (There seems to be no valid reason for adding the 5", but it is critically important that you do so). This new dimension is now your BRA SIZE! (If the bra size works out to an ODD number go to the next EVEN number.) EXAMPLE: If the measurement in step 1 is 43" then add 5" and that will equal 48". The bra size for that individual becomes 48.
STEP 2.
Measure around the chest, to go around the fullest part of the bustline. Tape should be held horizontal. Arms should be down. For CD's hold the tape out to an approximate circumference of the desired bust size. Make a note of that measurement (only used for comparison) and compare it to the BRA SIZE.
STEP 3.
(CUP SIZE) To determine the proper cup size use the chart below. (Examples will be given)
CHART TO DETERMINE CUP SIZE
Half inch difference = AA cup
One inch difference = A cup
Two inch difference = B cup
Three inch difference = C cup
Four inch difference = D cup
Five inch difference = DD or E cup
Six inch difference = F cup
Seven inch difference = G cup
*** EXAMPLE 1.
Underbust measurement is 29". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 34. Full bust measurement is 36.
36 - 34 = 2" difference. CUP SIZE becomes B. Order a 34B.
*** EXAMPLE 2.
Underbust measurement is 37". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 42. Full bust measurement is 45.
45 - 42 = 3" difference. CUP SIZE becomes C. Order a 42C.
*** EXAMPLE 3.
Underbust measurement is 43". Add 5 inches. BRA SIZE becomes 48. Full bust measurement is 53.
53 - 48 = 5" difference. CUP SIZE becomes DD. Order a 48DD or a 48E.
THE PROPER WAY TO FIT A BRA
The fullest part of the bust should fall approximately at the middle point between shoulder and elbow. If the bra has a horizontal seam it should be parallel to the ground. (If the seam goes up from horizontal, the straps are too tight - if the seam goes down from horizontal, the straps are too loose.)
Lean forward to let the breast forms fall into the cups and fasten the closure to the MIDDLE set of hook-and-eye
The bottom band should ride across the middle of the back and pass under the shoulder blades thus providing the support. It too should be parallel to the ground.
Adjust the straps to give firm but comfortable uplift to the bustline, permitting one finger to run smoothly under the straps to prevent digging in the shoulders.
With the new bra on, look in a mirror and see if the straps are vertical, front and back. Straps not vertical indicate wrong size bra or one of poor construction. It explains straps falling off the shoulder in normal use or cutting into shoulders.
It is good policy to buy nationally known brands in boxes. Unboxed bulk displays may be inferior.
As bra sizes increase for different body sizes and shapes, bra characteristics change to offer better support. Enhancements may be wider straps, wider sides, addition of side stiffeners, heavier materials, wider hook-and-eye, and a wider underbust band.
Heavy breasted individuals should never wear blouses, sweaters, jackets etc, with breast pockets.
NOTES
A bra band that has to stretch in order to "fit" is surely an incorrect size. The band should be snug, but not overly tight.
When sizes are DD and above, great care must be taken to be properly fitted. Some bra manufacturers make their BRA SIZE slightly large, that is, a bra marked 38 will probably fit a 40 body.
When ordering a mail order garment make sure that the return policy of the company is well understood.
Long-line and 3/4 bras should only be considered if their length is LESS than the distance from the underbust to the natural waist line.
These are guidelines only. Proper sizing may vary for different body size, height, and weight.
Wow Shawn, never knew there was so much info about getting a properly fitted bra. Great job bringing this to us! I am going to print this out so I can make sure of my size. Thanks so much!
Jennifer I did some sleuthing and found that JCpenneys DOES ship internationally! go to: www.jcpenney.com
click on contact us at the bottom then click on international orders on the next page.
I tried several sites and was ready to give up but decided to try good old JC Penney. Even Sears doesn't ship internationally.
Good luck!
Jayne
__________________
The ORIGINALnagymom
Editor of FREE Penny Pincher freebie newsletter:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOLPennyPincher/
Thanks so much for your efforts at finding a site. I went to JC Penney and have actually placed an order. I know that I am taking a chance because Bras being bras you really need to try a few but I was so impressed with the size range. I checked out what Australian sites I could find and the largest they go to is a 22 which is about 38-40 and the bigger sizes only come in D and up cups.
I wasn't too impressed with the price because of the bad exchange rate I am having to pay twice the price in our dollars and air mail postage on top. But if they fit well and I pray they do it will be worth every cent.
Once again thanks
__________________ The best gift God gives us is right THIS MINUTE.--Joyce Myers
A cousin happened to send me this the other day and I just had to share it with you all. We've had such fun with this thread as well as finding out some really useful information. Not intending to offend anyone but I found this amusing.
Subject: FW: BRA SIZE
BRA SIZES???????????
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY A,B,C,D,DD,E,F AND G ARE THE LETTERS USED TO DEFINE BRA SIZES????????????
IF YOU HAVE WONDERED WHY, BUT COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THE LETTERS STOOD FOR........ IT IS ABOUT TIME YOU BECAME INFORMED?
A - ALMOST BOOBS..
B- BARELY THERE.
C- CAN'T COMPLAIN D- DAMN!
DD- DOUBLE DAMN!
E- ENORMOUS!
F- FAKE
G- GEEEEZUS CHRIST!
H - oh HELL NO.
Special Member of the Family
bra sizes 
