Comments on: A question of thoracic shaping

By: Whimsicality

Whimsicality — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:49:16 +0000

What a relief to read about so many others with this condition!

I have pectus excavitum as well. It was borderline severe and so they operated when I was 3 years old to bring the sternum out. In the process they had to break and reset ribs. As a result, or perhaps part of the initial problem my lower ribcage sticks out significantly farther than the upper part. However, my upper ribcage is still fairly wide it seems… I have only found one type of bra that works ‘Okay’. Forget Victoria’s Secret- I have tried on several different sizes and types of bras and none fit correctly. I have *never* had a problem with underwires digging into my chest. I never have problems with strapless bras staying on or in place either- maybe due to my ribcage being slightly narrower just under the breasts and widening as it goes down? However- my problem is that my breasts do not entirely fill the cups because the cups are set too far to the sides of my chest. I have somewhat broad shoulders for a woman so maybe this is a contributing factor? I think if my chest were shaped normally I would be a 36A. The cups on a 34B appear to fit better, however. I have no idea why, but the cups seem to be closer together and pull my breasts into a more ‘natural’ appearance. I should try a 2 inch extender with the 34B size bra to see if the fit is better.

By: Kay

Kay — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:49:29 +0000

I have Pectum Excavatum, and I am in the ongoing search for a bra that actually would fit me and not cause pain (to either boobs or ribs). The underwire on most bra’s is rather U shaped, and rests lower than my breasts, causing it to rub against my ribs (which creates sore, swollen lumps). Also, due to the P.E., my breasts (following reconstructive surgery) are close together in the center of my chest, which causes the underwire to jab into my breasts. The front center of my bra will typicially be 1 to 2 inches from my sternum. I have spent a great deal of money on bras that simply do not work for me. I had hoped that the Cosabella Marlene bra would work, but the 32in band width was too large for me (their underwire seemed to be more “boat” shaped in that bra than most) so shape seemed promising. Victoria’s Secret bras are painful (too U shaped), Chantal bras don’t work, Le Mystere & Le Mystere #9 bras straps end up in my armpit, “econo” bras don’t come in my size (32DD,depending on brand and style, which by the way is the same cup size as a 36C). I would like to find a bra that is comfortable and attractive. I hate spending $50-$80+ dollars on a bra that looks wierd under clothing and does not fit. Help! If you have similar issues and have had any success please pass along the word. I’m sure that the brands that I mentioned work well for most women, just not for me. Last, but certainly not least, reconstructive surgery was a great choice for me. At age 35 I finally have breasts that extend past my rib cage, rather that sitting in the valley that is my upper chest. It is nice to have clothing fit correctly, and feel comfortable with my appearance.

By: Wacoal Style #65547

Wacoal Style #65547 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:55:39 +0000

[...] April I’d written A question of thoracic shaping in which I said: This will be of interest to women who have always had problems finding well [...]

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:01:43 +0000

Hey again ladies… after thinking about this some more… I have a somewhat decent bra soluction, at a very affordable price. I have been buying these ones because they are pretty comfy. On a 1 to 10, I’d give them a 7. On price, can’t beat it, $9. Anyway, not advertising, but these bras are convertible in every possible way practically. I think because the front has a closure and is therfore flexible, it doesn’t hurt the breast bone inbetween, and kind of below, the breasts as much as other underwires do. It’s a demi-cup push-up, converts into strapless and many types of strap configs, and has front and back closure. Give it a try. I love these $9 bras more than any other ones I’ve worn (and paid boucoup bucks for). Go to http://www.walmart.com and under apparel > women > bras > Secret Treasures – Convertible Strapless Underwire Bra. (Kathleen – maybe you could use this bra as a tester for your design; take the good parts from it and make it better).

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:21:33 +0000

PLEASE, PLEASE, I would buy this bra. Please make it immediately (but sell it at a reasonably affordable price!). I have this problem, and sorry ladies, but glad I’m not alone. This is the only post I’ve been able to find that seems to describe this issue.

Would like to add: La BellaDonna, ditto to everything.

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:51:26 +0000

I wish I had found out about this site sooner. This is EXACTLY my problem, every word of it.

Even though I understand you’re referring to something more subtle than pigeon chests, as a diagnosed pigeon chested woman you’ve hit the nail on the head with all the issues I have with bras. I think an egg shape-friendly bra would be such a blessing for pigeon chested women as well.

Since you’re the only person I’ve ever seen make the link between this disorder and/or shape with bra fitting, I’m going to give you the whole story just in case it helps (and because I am desperate for a solution).

I have very uneven breasts, which is exacerbated by my pectus carinatum, since the protrusion is bigger under the larger breast, making it look even larger than the other. Also, I have a major “east/west” issue because of my protrusion. The protruding sternum/ribs also pushes my bras to one side (almost letting my larger breast fall out) so even correct cup sizes/bands don’t stay in place. Can’t tell ya how fun it is trying to find a secret corner where I can yank it back into place without embarrassing myself! XD Lastly, because my sternum/ribs stick out right where underwire tends to meet between the breasts, I have issues with stabbing/itching/even slicing into my skin there. But you are correct, push up bras are a little better, though not ideal for me. An egg shape custom bra would be a godsend.

My shape/disorder has been so frustrating/time consuming/self-esteem lowering, not to mention expensive! I cannot tell you how nice it feels to hear that someone else has experienced/witnessed these frustrations and is doing something about it! THANK YOU!!

Once again, Thank You and please keep me abreast of this study/bra and any new posts (lol, puns)!

By: Janjy

Janjy — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:52:08 +0000

I found your site by typing in 40DDD front closure, and just kept going to the next page, because everything I looked at is the same old stuff. I once spent a day specifically looking for sites for bras in other countries, and I did find that in england, france and australia they have sizes that are harder to get — small band-large cup, large band-small cup, etc. I have over the last 10 years put on a lot of weight due to thyroid problems. Had to have my thyroid removed twice (it grew back), and the third time they burned that sucker with radio-active iodine, which they couldn’t do the first two times because the doctor missed the window of opportunity, but that is another story. For most of my life I was a 32D and I wore a bra called “glossies” by john kloss for lily of france. I had dozens of them in every color imagineable! As I got larger, and that line of bras was discontinued, I started wearing the emma bra by victoria’s secret, it was fine until they changed the metal front closure to plastic and it burst open one day! And, they don’t make their bras any bigger than 40DD. Where do all the women with huge breast implants and small band sizes get bras? Say like Dolly Parton, who looks like she is a 28 Z! I do not like back closure bras, and I do not like “industrial looking” front closure bras. The best bra I even had was a front closure balconette, don’t remember who made it, but I was never able to find it again. I never tried a “push up” bra, because I figured I didn’t need extra padding, but maybe I should, except I cannot find in my size with a front closure… I have wide breasts, but they are not far apart and I frequently find I have the problem of bras making my breasts go east and west (I have returned bras and complained to the manufacturers to no avail), some bras have had wires that have too deep a U shape and the wire pokes my arm pits, straps always fall off my shoulders, so I like t-backs, and on and on. I also have the problem with shirts, which now because I have a scar on my neck it really bothers me. A crew neck always manages to bunch up right at my scar and rub it — really obnoxious. The seat belt in my car also falls right on the wrong spot on my neck unless I put it under my breasts! I FINALLY found a bra I liked, with front closure (metal and a T back, nicely fitting cups (not too far apart), wires that didn’t dig, AND, it came in a 40 DDD — It was a cacique bra from lane bryant. And what happened? They discontinued it! I wrote to them, and got a “canned” answer. Just wanted to add my two-cents! Glad I found this site, and will be back to read more posts.

By: olvia

olvia — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:57:50 +0000

To add my situation to the pattern consideration, I’m not really sure if I’m egg shaped or oval, tho from a purely vain standpoint, I may very well be egg-shaped, and I don’t like it. I measure to a 33-C (just barely a C). I finally gave up shopping for bras years ago when I walked into Victoria’s Secret and asked for a 33C bra with no padding and was met with “you need padding” as the response. Generally I get stuck with 34B bras, except the cup is slightly small and the problem I always run into is that they pull up and in towards the middle of my ribcage. If I wear an underwire bra especially, I can’t lift my arms above my head or I’ll have breast tissue squishing out underneath. 32 band is too small; Full c cups are always too big, and it’s apparent that my breasts, from the front, appear low and further apart; I frequently have issues with straps, extended fully, not being long enough on top of the “pulling in” because the girls are actually off to the side. After reading everything here on bra fitting and shapes, this may explain why I have NO luck finding a strapless bra that fits enough to fake it under evening gowns. I’ve just given up on bras altogether and chortle when people see me topless and say “wow… you look…bigger.” This site is priceless; thank you!!!

By: G

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:21:57 +0000

You mean *every*body doesn’t have that problem with the front of the shirt trying to choke you after a while? Huh!

I usually only wear shirts with shelf bras; the shirt’s neckline stays in place, and the shelf bra doesn’t dig into my chest in the various ways actual bras do. If I have to be more formal or businesslike than that, I usually wear a sports bra and have to constantly pull my shirt down.

There’s a solution in patterns for this? Oh, you tease, what IS it?? I can live without bras, but it would be relief of a lifelong irritation if I could just keep shirts from trying to throttle me.

By: Audrey G

Audrey G — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:49:34 +0000

Hello, I am replying as I have the petus excavatum, type chest. I have an indent under my
breast which makes bra fitting imposible. The breast bone doesn’t push on my heart or lungs
but is deep enough if I laid down as a kid, it held water ! I do have some heart flutters at times
but no real decrease in air capacity. I have had a masectomy & am in great pain caused by
the pulling over chest wall. The removal of skin underneath on both sides didn’t help. Also
I had enlarged lymth nodes & a disection under my arm, making it very hard on my shoulder
that did protrude before. Its worse now, but Dr. feels it will improve. I hope to have a saline
implant put in afterwards, unless the radiation makes that not an alternative if my skin won’t stretch afterwards. Living with this condition as a teen was embarassing & you miss alot of functions in life hiding away behind clothes. It does make a difference to you around guys.
I feel bad when I read about gals now in this age who are feeling this. It’s good they can fix
it now, that wasn’t an option in my youth. I am 59 but am younger looking. I have longer arms
not overly, a short wait & long body, and a slim to thin build most of my life. As I had kids later
on my chest did fill in enough to make the chest look like more cleevage than dip. Now I am back to what I was only worse. The idea of looking for ill fitting masectomy bras, leaves me with
the idea to just Remove the other breast!