u/Neuro-Sparkles

I feel like I have my size pretty well pegged at 32F/FF (UK) but finding a low enough gore with at least average projection that's not too tall has been a challenge. Here are the latest contenders!

Panache Ana 32F

Not a winner. I think it must be too tall? Between the soft tissue and short roots (I think?), I just wind up with a ton of extra fabric at the top of the cup. I also don't love the super firm band that Panache seems to have in general. I did try this with an extender because the gore height seemed pretty good, but sadly the top-of-cup issues persisted.

Bravissimo Niya Smoothing 32FF

The original Niya has been out of stock for a while in anything even close to my size. I gave this one a try, but I didn't love it. The biggest issue was that whenever I move at ALL, the top of the cup gapes ridiculously. I don't think I could go about my day with that going on as I have to do things like drive a car and just generally live a life involving moving my arms. Hard for me to tell if it might also be a little shallow? But the gaping with movement was the bigger issue.

Gossard Superboost (Padded) 32F

The unlined version is on backorder, so I went ahead and gave this one a try. I actually don't mind the padding at all. There are no push up pads or anything on cup sizes above DD (I think), so it's more of a thick lining type of situation. Anyway, this one is pretty comfy! The gore height is fantastic. I don't think I have a well-trained enough eye to tell if the projection and wire width are right, though. All I can say is that I've liked it enough to keep it on for an extended trial and so far don't find myself wanting to rip it off. Maybe a winner? Or at least close enough?

I'd love to hear if there are any other super low gore options out there in my size range that I should try! Most of the ones I've tried so far have been either too shallow or too tall (or both). Or maybe it's time to be done and accept that the Gossard is good enough?

Obligatory measurements from the calculator:

LU: 33

SU: 32

TU: 31

SB 39

LB: 40.5

LyB: 38.25

And prior fit check posts: 1 & 2

I'm back with round 2 of testing based on the great recommendations I got in my last post! I think maybe I've made some progress but am not quite there yet? Here's what I was able to try this round:

Chantelle Norah Chic Plunge in 32F and 32FF - Band on these felt great. Cups on the 32FF seemed too big? The 32F seemed like the right volume but maybe not the right shape - the cup bunches at the bottom a bit and it felt like things were somewhat smashed out to the side rather than lifted. I did LOVE the low gore, which I think I absolutely need. But maybe this is just a touch too shallow?

Fantasie Fusion Plunge in 32F and 32FF - Band on both of these also felt great, if a little firmer than on the Chantelle bras. The 32FF once again seemed too big in the cup. But the 32F seemed *almost* perfect! I absolutely loved the shape and support it was giving. Zero bunching or gapping at the bottom of the cup and I felt super lifted and centered. It looked amazing under my shirt too. I loved it so much I left the tags on and wore it around the house for a few hours to give it a test drive. Sadly, it seems to have one fatal flaw - the gore is too high and digs in. When I tried it on, I could see that it was maybe sitting on tissue, but given how much I loved it otherwise, I was hoping it wouldn't bother me. But it does. 😞

I guess I've made some progress? I have a Bravissimo order that I'm waiting on that includes the Niya smoothing bra (the seamed version was out of stock in anything close to my size) and some wireless options. I also ordered the Natori Flora that one of the kind experts recommended. Anything else I should consider? I'm so bummed the Fantasie gore is too high - I felt like it was so close otherwise.

Measurements once again for convenience:

LU: 33

SU: 32

TU: 31

SB 39

LB: 40.5

LyB: 38.25

And my apologies for the poor overhead shots - I had to hold my phone up to get them, so I'm not sure it gives the best view of the cups. 😬

Measurements from calculator (in inches):

LU: 33

SU: 32

TU: 31

SB 39

LB: 40.5

LyB: 38.25

Not entirely sure of shape? I suspect at least somewhat shallow with wide-ish roots and FOB. I thought I was wider set, but perhaps not - when I lean over, I fit one finger between my breasts. Definitely have softer tissue.

Many moons ago, I wore Natori Feathers fairly comfortably, but that was prior to kids, so I'm sure things have changed. In recent years, I'd pretty much given up on underwire and was wearing Underoutfit Comfort Shaping bras in size M+ (or whatever the DD+ size was that they used to offer). These obviously didn't fit great, but they were at least not painful. They've completely worn out in the elastic now, though, so it's time for new bras and I thought I'd better re-evaluate my fit and needs.

Initial research on the sub led me to try some of the shallower brands first. I did try a Natori Feathers, but it was not particularly comfortable. I didn't get pictures of that one, but if I recall correctly, my main issue with that one (and most of the others I've tried) was that the cup was so tall in my armpit. I have pretty broad shoulders, so I'm not sure why this is happening - maybe I'm just extra sensitive to feeling like my shoulders are restricted?

I did get pictures (or at least tried - not sure I have much of a future in bra photography!) of the next 3 I tried and am curious if any experts here can offer some guidance on where to go next. It may be that I still just don't tolerate underwire and/or scratchy fabric, but I'd like to pretty thoroughly rule out fit issues before coming to that conclusion.

Chantelle Norah Comfort 32H

I thought this might be the one and actually took the tags off and wore it a few times. I love the fabric. After a few hours, though, it really starts to feel tight and dig in in the front. It also feels like a lot of bra in my armpit, if that makes sense? It's not as bad as some others, probably due to the soft fabric, but it's still noticeable.

Skarlett Blue Minx 32H

I think the gore might be too high on this one? At least I feel like it digs in a bit. The lace is also kind of scratchy, especially since I also feel like it's in my armpit.

Skarlett Blue Spellbound Side Support 32H

This seems like it's giving a weird shape, possibly because I'm not full enough on top? Not sure. The mesh was nice, though, and it felt least like it was all in my armpit.

I have tons more bras on the way, including options from Fantasie (the Illusion & Reflect), Panache (the Envy, Ana, & Tango), Freya (the Offbeat Side Support), and Elomi (the Mathilda & Morgan, though I had to sister size up to 34F for those since they do not make a 32FF). I'm trying to try on and return as they arrive so as not to get too overwhelmed (which I already kind of am!). But I would love any thoughts/advice on where to focus and what my shape needs might be!

(Oh, and yes, I am scooping & swooping!)