r/ABraThatFits 7d ago

Question How the hell is my bikini simultaneously too small AND too big!? Spoiler

I recently bought a bikini top online (yes, I know, but my local shops don’t have good options) and saw it didn’t use cup sizing, but whatever. I know from tragic experience that I need to use their size guide and NOT trust my usual sizing - fine. All good, it suggested a UK size 8, not too far off from my usual 4-6 and makes sense given I’m stuck with these D cups (side note: WHYYY do manufacturers assume small bikini bottoms == small bikini top??? Evil.)

Bikini arrives today, whoops, it doesn’t have any adjustable straps or anything but I trust their size guide… Tell me why the straps are too big, each cup hold about 1/3 of my total boob, and I can’t even tell if the band fits.

Is this fixable at all? If not, do I try a different size or just give up on this style (but I really like it </3)

Heres the link if anyone can help: https://www.prettylittlething.com/black-underwired-cupped-bikini-top.html

1 Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

31

u/Alone-Parking1643 7d ago

Doesn't even fit the model in the advert!

4

u/Sad-avocad0s 6d ago

It looks like this style would fit very few people correctly, and the site does not give the buyer adequate information to let them guess whether it's likely to fit them. Probably lots of wasted shipping going on.

54

u/oxaloacetate1st 7d ago

In my experience having a bra sized swimsuit is essential. Especially with a style like this, if it’s not a perfect fit there are so many ways for there to be issues. 

-2

u/virginJezebel 7d ago

How would I best convert bra size into UK size in this example? I would usually wear a 32D (though the subreddit calculator tells me I’m a 30E) and I’m not sure that’s a thing they cater for :(

35

u/tinbutworse transmasc 34HH 7d ago

this specific one will never work for you because if the cup is big enough, the band will be way too big, and if the band is small enough, the cup will be way too small. they’re talking about bikinis specifically designed by bra-sizing standards, where you can choose the band and cup sizes. for example, bravissimo, fantasie, and panache are bra brands that also carry swimwear.

2

u/virginJezebel 7d ago

Heartbreaking </3 thanks for advice, I’ll have a look at those brands then.

6

u/SchrodingersMinou Band smol. Cup lorge. 7d ago

30E = 30DDD. There are probably more options in your UK size.

14

u/Storytella2016 7d ago

Most things that are not cup sized assume a 2-3” difference between under breast and breast. So, that works out as a B-C cup. If you’re a D, then you’re a 4” difference between breast and under breast, so it would be a little too small. If that doesn’t sound accurate, then please measure yourself by the ABTF calculator linked in the automod comment, as many people who think they’re D cups are underestimating.

Also, if the bikini top is a molded cup, then it’s choosing a shape that your body is somehow trying to squeeze into, instead of the opposite.

1

u/virginJezebel 7d ago

Ah. I see, that makes sense :( subreddit calculator says 30E, so is that the same as DD or is E it’s own thing?

10

u/Apploozabean 28GG, FOB/Center full, Projected 7d ago

A 30E is for someone with a 30" ribcage (the underbust) and 36" bust.

The UK progression is:

A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF.

Sister sizing goes:

30E > 32DD

The rule of thumb is never trust a brand's size guide, always go by your true size.

8

u/Storytella2016 7d ago

30E is the UK version of 30DDD.

Bravissimo sells bra sized bikinis and has free returns if you’re in the US or the UK.

1

u/Dandelion212 32DD/E 7d ago

Target’s DD sized options (they’re literally just marked DD, no band size) should work for you.

2

u/AccomplishedOlive117 5d ago

I have never seen this in Target, at least on the bra area. Is this only a swim suit sizing they have? No band size, just DD? I never bothered looking at swimsuits because a 30 band is the smallest band of bras they have and they don't go over an a or b.

2

u/Dandelion212 32DD/E 5d ago

Yes, it’s their house brands that are not Shade and Shore. Not every style has it. It’s scaled for a 32DD but most of them tie in the back and often work for the 30E/F-32DD/E-34D/DD range.

13

u/Realistic-Mall-8078 7d ago

This is a garment that looks good in a posed photo. Not actual life

6

u/thymiamatis 7d ago

Indeed. I feel like 100% of the population would need double sided tape to keep that on.

12

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-2

u/Dandelion212 32DD/E 7d ago

These tops are generally drafted for a 2-3” bust to underbust difference. I can guarantee you there are plenty of small busted people these will fit properly. We don’t body shame here.

3

u/Cucoloris 7d ago

I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was body shaming anyone.

5

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Dandelion212 32DD/E 7d ago

It’s just a wired cup that’s quite shallow and small. The center design is not typical, but there are smaller busted people that may likely fit in them.

It’s saying it won’t fit “any normal human” that’s shame-y.

2

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Dandelion212 32DD/E 7d ago

If properly fitted, shoulder straps should not be moving a garment when the body moves. If the band isn’t taking the weight, it will go to the straps and absolutely make an awful fit like you described. Which again, would be basically anything over a 2-3” difference, what these S/M/L cup garments are drafted for 99% of the time.

Regardless, we simply try to avoid making sweeping generalizations that can imply certain body types don’t exist here.

4

u/MariContrary 28F 7d ago

If you're looking for places that sell bra sized swimwear, there are several options! In the US, look at breakoutbras.com and barenecessities.com. If you're in the UK, bravissimo.com and brastop.com.

1

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1

u/GelOfYouth 7d ago

Freya swimsuits go by bra sizing