I’ve heard from several adult women of average height and build that size AA bras are too tight across the front. The underwires are too narrow and close-set to fit an average figure properly.
This problem usually isn’t solved by going up a size in the band or cup, although it’s always worth a try if you’re in love with a particular style.
If you’re over 18 with an average figure, the reason you may have trouble finding a comfortable and proper fit in size AA is because these bras are usually designed to fit either petite women or teen girls.
Either way, the proportions are wrong for most women of average size and shape. It has to do with the shape, length and positioning of the wires.
In junior-sized bras, you may also find that the straps are too short even at their longest setting. I’ve actually had this problem on occasion, even though I measure a 32AA and certainly qualify as petite.
Straps are my biggest bra pet peeve. Unless I maintain perfect posture throughout the day with my shoulders back and evenly squared, bra straps seem determined to ruin my life. They slip down, sideways and around the corner.
If I leave them on the shortest setting, straps do stay put but the band of the bra is soon going up on an express elevator — and god forbid I should raise my arms.
The only way this doesn’t happen is if I wear a band size that is too small for me, in which case I’ve not only got straps from hell digging into my shoulders but also a medieval brace leaving permanent dents in my ribs. At that point, I’m absolutely ready to throw the damn bra in the trash and go commando for the rest of my time here on earth.
Fortunately, I’ve found a standard-size bra that runs very shallow in the cup, so that an A cup also fits size AA: the OnGossamer Bump it Up (microfiber; also comes in mesh).
It’s got quite a bit of padding — great news to some of you, but disappointing for others. Don’t worry; I’m still on the case to find non-padded, non-push-up bras for average body types with itty bitty boobs.
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This is exactly my problem! Every time I find a bra that fits me it gets discontinued right before I try to stock up on more. First it was gap body’s wireless padded bra – perfection but sadly it is discontinued, second it was pink by VS’s wireless bra – again a great fit although I don’t care for hot pink hearts on the straps…I think I found a replacement in the Grace style at aerie however all but the black color is sold out in my size. I also tried on a slew of other styles from aerie in aa only to have the same issue with wires mentioned above…I guess that’s what I get for buying bra’s from a store frequented by tweens. Implants don’t sound so bad sometimes…
Also, victoria’s secret now sells size AA (online only) and I tried on the two pack t-shirt bra (http://tinyurl.com/24hvluh) in store in a size A and it fit well enough that I’m confident the AA would be perfection.
Hi Janey,
The Victoria’s Secret Pink two-pack bras are the only kind I can tolerate from this brand. I hate their mega-push-up bras (anything with more than level 2 padding) because they are horribly uncomfortable. Have you tried the VS Miraculous bra?
Hi, no I have not tried the VS miraculous bra – I try to go for a natural look, and super padded bras just look wrong with my bony diaphragm area. The only upside to implants would be ease of shopping – it’s so frustrating that there aren’t more options for the flat chested.
One more bra brand that I just discovered this week is Gilly Hicks. They carry multiple options for the AA ladies and I can vouch for a great fit. I especially love the Logan wireless bra with light padding – comfy, cute, a pretty range of colors and natural looking great fit. The cups on the wire bras look just right in the AA sizes, although I haven’t tried any on yet I can tell from looking that they would also be a great fit. Sometimes I wish I could just send my favorite discontinued bras to be produced somewhere…We need more options. Bra shopping shouldn’t be this frustrating! =)
Amen, Janey girl… it should be way easier. Where is Gilly Hicks sold? I haven’t tried their bras, but would like to.
I’m not a petite gal, I have an athletic build & work out regularly so I got the whole broad muscular shoulder thing…bra shopping was always a disaster and my old bras that “fit” were rather embarassing since they were falling apart but I had no alternatives, so glad there is one now!
I have to say after reading these comments a month ago and checking out Gilly Hicks online…I am SO HAPPY I tried them out! They have the Abby style on clearance for $15, bought 5 bras in 34AA and they fit PERFECT!!! Not only is the quality superior to the original Body by VS, but they are adjustable in every which way & have plenty of space between the cups. I just ordered another 5 bras just incase and am trying out one in their Jordan style – I should be set for awhile!
I also see there do have a retail store in NY, it’s 40 minutes away but may swing over there if I’m out that way & see how other styles may fit in my size!
Wow, that sounds awesome. I’ve been tempted to order from the Gilly Hicks website, but since I’ve never tried them on I have no idea which style to get. From the photos it looks like all of them could be exactly the same bra, but I’m sure they aren’t.
This is exactly my problem too! Thanks for the suggestions, I am going to try some GH.
I need to find a 36AA or nearlyA bra
Hey Rosanne,
There are a few bras that seem to work especially well for size 36AA women. Here are my top picks:
Wacoal Women’s Petites Lace Front Contour Pushup Bra #75627. Please see my review on the product page for more information.
Timpa Duet Lace Underwire Demi Bra (16449). You can’t beat this gorgeous demi for sheer sex appeal. It runs small in the band, so I recommend going up one band size; i.e., for a 36AA/nearly A, order the 38A.
36AA is a tough size to fit. If you’re an “almost A,” you could also try the 36A styles from Aerie. They tend to run small. The Aerie store near me stocks nothing in 36A–not sure if they are all that way, but you might have to order. They’re good about returns, though. The Katie in 36A fits ME, and I am almost always a 34AA. If you’re not sure, I suggest the Aerie Ella in 36A, which runs just slightly small (in my experience, anyhow–the 34A is comfy on me).
And @Beth–I have the same problem! I’m not a petite woman, just athletic with a wide ribcage and little breasts! I don’t know about you, but I have an awful time with shoulder straps, too! Aerie has been wonderful for me. I am totally in love with the Ella bra.
I haven’t tried Gilly Hicks, but I may after reading this. What annoys me about Gilly Hicks is that they do not tell you which of their bras come in which sizes. Some only come in AA cup in a very limited group of colors. There is no search function, so basically you have to sit there clicking 100 tiny little pictures to see which styles/colors come in your size. I emailed customer service and they wouldn’t give me a list of their AA cup bras, though I think it is only two styles. They told me to call and ask… I don’t know about you, but calling someone to order something on the Web is just something I do NOT do… If I have to call, they lose a sale. So, maybe one day I’ll fight through their site to figure it all out, but not just yet!
Jackie, I think the cups in Gilly Hicks run small enough that you’d be able to wear a size 34A in most of their bras. And I agree, their site is totally annoying.