If you have back fat...

Http://sameatschildren.tumblr.com/post/45962915522/do-it-now-guide-to-proper-bra-fit-and-measuring

Damn, the link it blocked at work, but I'm very interested. I have never heard of migrated breast tissue.

This is a fabulous post. It's amazing how many women don't know their correct bra size. Honestly, I still wear the wrong size frequently because I haven't wanted to drop the money on a bunch of new bras, but they really do feel so much better!

@Caitlin: It can migrate into the armpits, the back, down the ribs. After a woman starts wearing the proper sized bra, it's not uncommon to even increase as much as a cup size due to all of the tissue migrating back to the breasts!

My life was changed by figuring out my bra size. I was wearing a 36B... I had red lines almost permanently etched into my bra line.

I'm a 32DD. I enjoy wearing my bra now! (Though let's be honest. Free titties are nice.)

Back fat is partially why I don't what to wear a strapless dress, and my boobs are HUGE. I was told I was a 44DDD but I'm pretty sure I'm not. lol

Good read, mna! I'll have to give this a shot.

How do I know they're measuring me right? Where can I go to be measured correctly?

I want to wear a strapless dress but I'm afraid by the end of the night my boobs won't sit up right by the end of the night with all the dancing I plan on doing.

Definitely saving this to go measure myself later. I have been stupidly trusting Victoria Secret measurements and the back fat has become an issue in the past few years.

YES!!!!!! This is awesome. Thanks for posting!!

Almost, did you look at the link? You measure yourself.

Queen, DDD isn't a big cup size actually. I'm well endowed but by no means huge and I wear 32G. DEfinitely measure yourself!

@AME: the blog tells you step by step how to measure yourself, and figure your size. Believe me, when you first get it you will probably got "WTF hell no!" but believe me, when you try one on and it fits, it's amazing!!

@A&W: I was sooo worried about the expense of bras in that size (because you can only get the bigger sizes through UK brands, and in UK sizing I'm a 36K), but I catch them on Amazon for $10-$15 fairly frequently!!

@QueenDavis: With a good longline bra in the proper size, it shouldn't be an issue. I have no trouble with my dress slipping! My bra has steel boning in it though.

@AlmostMrsE - see if you can find a specialty lingerie store (NOT a chain like Victoria's Secret). I've hear that Nordstrom's also does a good job.

If you want to do-it-yourself, measure yourself around your ribcage, just under your breasts. That number is your band size. DO NOT add 4" or any of that nonsense. You might have to go up or down one size (like, if you measure 37" around, you should try both a 36 and a 38 band to see what's best for you). Just keep going up in the cups until you find something that fits.

How do you know if the bra fits correctly?

- Look at yourself from behind. The back of the bra should be straight across and parallel to the floor. It should not make a frowny face across your back. If it makes a frowny face, the band is too big. Go down to a smaller band size.

- The piece of fabric between the breasts should sit FLAT against your body. If you look down, and you can see space between the center of the bra and your body, the cups are too small. Go up in cup sizes.

ETA: Cup sizes change in proportion to the the band size. So a 36A holds the same amount of volume as a 34B, a 32C, a 30D, etc. A person who wears a 36A has bigger breasts than a person who wears a 34A.

Wearing the appropriate bra is an absolute life changer! For any of you who haven't been fitted, go get fitted! I am a 38L and having a bra that fits is amazing. I remember when I was a DD and thought my cup size was huge, I now yearn for those days. I see a reduction surgery in my future...

@Ekab: I think you're the first person I've come across close to my size!

I thought about a reduction, but I really don't want to possibly permanently lose sensation.

Googling now lol....you gave me hope.

Ah, sorry didn't see the link! But thank you bookcase for also explaining lol. I'll try to measure myself. I know my bras aren't the correct size.

@QueenDavis: I got mine at Bare Necessities online. I had to get a 36 I (I think it was) so mine is a bit too small, BUT it still fits well enough for the wedding day to keep the girls in and up, and no quad boob.

Are there any US Brick and mortar stores I can go to in order to try some one before ordering online?

@OGAlecia: the "shoulder fat" that sort of spills over a strapless dress or around the top of a bra band is also migrated breast tissue. I noticed you said you didn't have back fat below the band, but it can migrate all over your back and even down your sides!