Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum - I've never posted before because I'm nowhere near as small as most of you ladies (I'm bottom heavy), but I found the subject of petite intimates very relevant to myself (very small up top).

After reading many of your reviews on TLBC, I went to the nearest store that carried the brand. Apparently, I look much younger than my age (20 years, often mistaken as 15), and was a little put off by the attitude there - brings back memories of feelings of inadequacy, i.e. who are you to shop for grown-up lingerie? Anyway, I didn't manage to complete my bra fitting and left halfway through, and was wondering if anyone can help me determine my right size so I can order online (I live in Canada so returns would be difficult).

I measure 26.5" under the bust, and about 30" around the bust. I tried a 30 band but I could hardly do it up and had difficulty breathing once I had it on. 32B seemed to fit best in the chest, but it still felt a little tight and gave me what looked like a small inverted muffin-top. I dunno, am I simply used to too-loose bras? Should I get the 32B and hope it stretches out? Or should I try the 34A? My only reservation is it sounds somewhat weird to go up to a 34 band size when I measure 26.5" under the bust, but then again, they're just numbers, right? I'm really confused and would very much appreciate your opinions!

- Angela.

I forgot to add that the style I tried was the Lucia convertible bra.

My instinct would be to get the 32, as the band should stretch with wear. Last year I started wearing a 28 band after years in a 32, and though the 28s felt awkwardly tight at first, I soon got used to them. It's often recommended to get a size that fits snugly on the outermost set of hooks, so you'll be able to wear it on the tighter settings after it stretches, but if the 30 gave you difficulty breathing then it was definitely too small. (I don't mean that a 30 band in general would be too small, just in this specific style - your measurements make me think you could comfortably wear a 28-30 in other bras.)

I know TLBC bras fit small, but if your underbust is 26.5" and your bust is 30" I'd be very surprised if a 34A fit you properly. That said, they ARE just numbers, and getting a bra that fits is the most important thing. If going back to the store to try on a 34A is not an option, I would go with the 32, but hopefully someone with experience of TLBC can advise. (I'm not in their size range so I've never tried their bras.)

Hi Angela!

Welcome to the petite community! I've recently tried a few TLBC bras and I'm typically a 30 band. For reference, my underbust is 26" and I wear the Lucia (30 band) on the tightest hook cross-back and on the loosest hook in the regular configuration. Usually, the band should have at least a 2-3 finger stretch and should feel comfortable when you wear it. 90% of support should be on the band and 10% from the straps.

When I first tried on the TLBC Lucia bra, I did notice a little bit of bulging on the side, but once I "scooped" the breast tissue into the cup, I didn't have any problems and the bra was flush against my skin. Also, you can switch between the hooks to determine which one fits better. TLBC supposedly runs a little smaller than average band sizes with cups more close-set, which can account for difference in sizing.

Sizing numbers are relative and when trying a new brand, if you have the option, go for your current size, a size smaller, and a size bigger for comparison. Jen from Frmheadtotoe.com discovered that she wasn't a 34A but a 28B in TLBC! So, I recommend that you try the 34A and compare it to the 32B to see what works for you. The numbers aren't as important as the fit.

I hope this helps!
Jess

Thanks so much ladies for your input! Unfortunately, I will not be able to try on the 34A. I'm leaning towards the 32B right now, but I still have some reservations (the 32B I tried on was tight on the loosest hook, and a TBLC rep I spoke with online says that the band stretches a maximum of 1/2". She also suggested a bra extender, but I would prefer it to fit perfectly without one). I also noticed that Jen remarked that the new Lucia convertible bra ran slightly smaller than the regular one (I want the convertible one). Hmm...

Hey Angela,
I was wondering if you live in BC, Canada. I was planning to go visit the store that carries TLBC bras here but I'm worried that the sales associates there wouldn't understand my "needs" (since I also look a lot younger than my age).