Question by Curiosity: When will I stop “developing”? Am I wearing the right size? Should I worry?
When will I stop “developing”?
I’m 16 years old, African American, 5’4″ and I weigh 158.2 pounds. I think I started growing when I was around 10, though I don’t remember being identified with a certain bra size until I began menstruating; my mum and older sisters examined me and determined me to be a 34B. I was 11, almost 12. When I was 12, no one made a big deal about my “mosquito bites”, as my older sister Love liked to call them. Then before I knew it, I was wearing a 36C (13 years old), though I know that wasn’t the right band size; I was not fitted then. I always had a suspicion that I was still growing. I finally had my first fitting. I was needed 34D bras (14-15 years old). I was fitted for this size at Macy’s. I currently wear a 34DDD (or 34F). I have worn this size for maybe 8 months – a year now. One day, I woke up and my bosom felt heavier, like I’d grown over night. (Is it normal to skip an entire cup size without even noticing?) I decided to see if I’d actually grown. So I went online to find out. After printing out a tape measure from www.herroom.com and following the directions to measure myself, I called Bare Essentials to give them my measurements. They told me that I was a 34DDD (or F). I still couldn’t believe it so I called Love and she told me the same thing.
Love is the sole notable, relevant relative with a similar size and similar measurements as me. She wears a 36DDD (or F). She makes fun of me, saying that I will have bigger breasts than her. She said she didn’t reach the size she is now until she was at least 18.
So, based on this information, can you answer this question?
Am I wearing the right size?
If you guys want to check for me to make sure, my measurements are:
34” (band size)
40” (bust circumference)
I haven’t always been this weight either. I definitely didn’t weigh this much at 11. I have been on the heavy side for a while though. It was gradual. I think I gained weight when my breasts developed more (ie. I was a little smaller as a D cup and even smaller as a C cup). People have a hard time believing me when I tell them my [cup] size. I have slightly wider shoulders than most girls, I’m sure. That may be something that hides them as well. People don’t stare at my chest because they don’t notice. I remember being called slim pre-puberty. I’m not blaming my weight on my breasts either. Is it possible that my band size is no longer 34”, that it has gone up to 36”? I’m positive that my bust is still 40”. What would that make me?
Should I worry?
This may sound gross, especially to guys, but my breasts aren’t exactly “perky”. This may sound slightly lesbionic (I’m sure I just made that word up) but I don’t really care right now. Sometimes I look at other girls’ chest areas and try to compare them to mine. I’m not worried about the size but theirs always seem to be perfectly shaped. I usually begin to covet their shape. Is it possible that this can be corrected? (Before you all ask, I’m a virgin so I don’t want to impress a guy. I just want to feel comfortable, literally, in my own skin. And no, I don’t want to undergo cosmetic surgery when I turn 18; I come from a not-so-well-off family anyhow. We’re actually “economically disadvantaged”.)
My nipples, I think, are rather small. I, again, am extremely self-conscious about this trait. What’s the issue? Is there an average female nipple size? (My areolas are fine)
Is it true that you can develop back problems because of “big boobs”? I practice pretty good posture; I carry books on my head for long periods of time. But are there bras and other affordable garments that I could use?
Also, I don’t like the selection of bras that is available to me; they aren’t cute. I’d like to have bras that give me a nice shape. Even though I don’t really need it, I’d like find push-up bras that I can wear. Have any suggestions in this area?
Those are all the questions I have…thank you 
P.S. Sorry it was so long.
Best answer:
Answer by Teressa
I had a similar ‘growth’ story to you I think, I was wearing an incorrect bra size for YEARS in my midteens. I remember first having little boobs when I was 11 or so. I was in 36Ds for a long time in my midteens, they fit horribly, but I didn’t know the difference. I just thought all bras sucked. I stopped growing at 18 I think (long after I stopped growing height-wise 
) and not sit at a 32FF.
Larger breasts just sit differently than smaller ones and often extend more onto the sides of your chest. This can make them look weird compared to smaller ones, but they are not! They are just as beautiful, if not more so, its just a different shape than we are used to seeing on models or other people. It is important to get a bra that fits well, with cups extending out to the sides to acommadate. Your bra should not ride up and the wires between your breasts should sit flat against your ribcage.
I don’t think there is an ‘average’ nipple size. Its not something I’d worry about if I were you. I’m sure they are just fine. There is wide variation for women, just like all other parts of our bodies.
It is true that big boobs can cause back problems, but it isn’t always that way. The extra weight on the front of your body can be a strain for some women. Practicing good posture is an excellent way to help prevent future problems. Yay for you! Also, try to regularly stretch your chest, shoulder and upper back muscles because they can get very tight, being pulled in by your boobs. I had this problem with mine. It is also important to wear a properly fitting supportive bra to prevent back problems.
As for all the ugly overpriced bras we are expected to wear, I found my solution at this website: http://www.figleaves.com/uk/home.asp?src=GOUKbr_global&gclid=CJb9rpfriKUCFQpvbAodYHDPOw
They actually have some pretty ones at fair prices! And their shipping and return policy is really good. They even have push-up styles for us bigger girls. Just use the search bar on the left to find what is available in your size
One final note, taking measurements to determine size gets more inaccurate the bigger you get. You should try to get fitted at a store, and try on bras in that size to see if they are comfortable. Then this will help you decide on your own for sizing if you do get one from figleaves.
Good luck!
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