"The time has come," the orca said, "to talk of mermaid boobs." [Archive]

Little_Orca

01-09-2014, 04:22 PM

Now that I got you here with either the cute Alice-in-Wonderland-esque title I put up there, or the mention of boobs, welcome!

Seriously, I want to talk tops and breasts.

There are so many adorable mermaid tops out there that I want, no .... that I NEED and the cup sizes on them are just a lot smaller than what I wear. Most of the sizes stop at about 34 or 36 C ... I am a 38 C. That is not a big difference when written down, but it sure as heck is when you go to put on a bra or mermaid top. :(

Have any fellow maids out there done okay mashing your breasts into smaller tops? Do you use any tape-like adhesives to accomplish this?

And in terms of cute tops, I am speaking of tops like Raven's Octopi or shell bras; I am not a fan of the scale-top look.

Currently, my shell top (click here to see (https://31.media.tumblr.com/122a8ce360582e67bc63cf4ab403da1c/tumblr_mpigqcT3jx1svtcddo1_1280.jpg)) is huge and has more green than shell on it. I am just wondering... is there hope for me to get a pretty kelp or octopus bra in the future? Shall I invest in some tape for the wedding? (I'm still planning that, yes.)

I just want to get some advice on how to get a nice top and avoid a "RELEASE THE KRAKENS!" moment while swimming and still look awesome doing it.... as in keeping the top on, not releasing the monsters.

((Wow! So many typos. I will never type without my glasses on / contacts in again. Apologies!))

Mermaid Shayna

01-09-2014, 04:25 PM

I fell you. 36D here Dx

Jessica

01-09-2014, 04:42 PM

Little_Orca

01-09-2014, 04:50 PM

The shells in the picture I have posted in the link are large lion paws, so they are pretty big. I think My main goal would be to have a top that is like 80% shell with the greenery as a decoration, not the main focal point. Something similar in proportion to this top by Merbellas (picture (http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/174/7/8/7895d145e3a0192a069142693120a09f-d6adg11.jpg).)

The main criticism I hear on my top is "That is a lot of green..." or "You couldn't find any bigger shells?" Not unless I want to strap conchs to my chest...

I don't necessarily want a complete shell-look. I am not going for Ariel. I enjoy the mix of shell and foliage, but I just have to use too much foliage. :\

deepblue

01-09-2014, 05:05 PM

I just want to get some advice on how to get a nice top and avoid a "RELEASE THE KRAKENS!" moment while swimming and still look awesome doing it.... as in keeping the top on, not releasing the monsters.

haha! Release the krakens. :D

Anyway- I had an idea for you, based on something I've been thinking about. I don't have a large size, but prior to breast feeding I had practically perfectly symmetrical breasts, and now I do not. One is a cup size smaller, so I plan to make silicone shells and sea stars for a bra-top. My idea for one side is to layer one shell underneath with another to create an illusion that my breasts are the same size- it's just for my ego because I like being symmetrical.

So, you could layer shells. Esp if you can have someone make silicone lion's paws, having them sort of overlap for coverage could work and give you the coverage and support you need, without making just really big shells.

Winged Mermaid

01-09-2014, 05:21 PM

I know this feel. 32-34 D here. I was going to make a new shell bra recently becuase I was going through my photos and realized I had WOAH amounts of cleavage (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=534081973330022&set=a.507765385961681.1073741826.375567172514837&type=3&theater) with my old shell bra, and realized that's because I made it when I was a C cup X_x At this point, it only covers my nipples cause it's a sticky bra O_O Maybe the pirates like it, but not so family friendly. Then I put on a strapless bra and took my largest lion paw and realized.. It's gonna have to be mostly foliage. See that sad realization with this photo. (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/Me%20as%20a%20mermaid/Untitled.png) *le sigh*

I want one of Raven's tops sooo bad! But her original seaweed top, if you order a D cup some of the nude cup shows. Like this:

p/ZrJoxHMUrn

Not a fan of that :/ Her new seaweed top I thought I could get, but then realized that Raven in a C cup, and that for me the amount of cleavage with that top wouldn't be family friendly either :( Same for her new octo top.
Finfolk Productions has a seaweed top that they will make in any size "if the bra size exists, we can make it". And they cover all the straps so no bra shows, and it's not extra for extra straps, which I like too!

17064

17065

But honestly.. I just don't like the look. It's too simple to be paying $300 for IMO. Raven's tops are just so much prettier (my opinion, of course). I also agree in that I'm not really a fan of the scale top look. I think they can look amazing, of course, but just it's just not my personal style.

Winged Mermaid

01-09-2014, 05:31 PM

If you don't mind sharing.....how large of a shell would you need to cover a size 38C? This is assuming you still want just a little greenery in between and on the sides a bit too.

I dont have this problem, but I know that a lot of mers do and I've been thinking about sculpting a really large shell. I would like to make silicone shells that could be adhered to a bra (for support!)

I love that some people are selling casted larger shells! I know Mermaid Atlantis (she's the one who did the fashion show at NC Merfest) sells silicone shells. One size is A-C, the other is D-G cup! You can find the listing here (http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/165286472/xl-soft-mermaid-seashells-d-g-cup?ref=shop_home_active_9) (her store link is here (http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MythandMagic?ref=pr_shop_more), in case that listing runs out).

BUT. I really REALLY wish people would sell them in something other than silicone! Yes, silicone is a mermaid favorite- we know it, we love it. But it's REALLY expensive! $45 + S&H for shells?? I could understand that if you wanted to wear them as the top with no bra. But if you're putting it on a bra base, cast them out of something cheaper! I don't know too much about casting materials, but there has got to be a better alternative than silicone for those who are just going to put them on a bra base. That pretty much cuts out all reason for them to be cast of silicone (the comfort).

I'm just sayin! Some mer needs to get on that :)

AniaR

01-09-2014, 05:31 PM

Mermaid Sirena is pairing up with another mer (whose name escapes me atm) to start a company specifically for this FYI :)

Mermaid Bella

01-09-2014, 05:38 PM

im a double d. i feel ya!

im looking into a kelp bra myself, and it is not easy. i used to get fabric and tie my girls down but it doesn't look good. nor does squeezing into smaller tops, it doesn't work :( it just looks awful when there is not enough coverage.

personally i really like your top but i can see what you mean by the shell sizes when you posted the other picture. hrmmm....

i have to agree about casting a larger shell out of silicone :/

Jessica

01-09-2014, 05:48 PM

I love that some people are selling casted larger shells! I know Mermaid Atlantis (she's the one who did the fashion show at NC Merfest) sells silicone shells. One size is A-C, the other is D-G cup! You can find the listing here (http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/165286472/xl-soft-mermaid-seashells-d-g-cup?ref=shop_home_active_9) (her store link is here (http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MythandMagic?ref=pr_shop_more), in case that listing runs out).

BUT. I really REALLY wish people would sell them in something other than silicone! Yes, silicone is a mermaid favorite- we know it, we love it. But it's REALLY expensive! $45 + S&H for shells?? I could understand that if you wanted to wear them as the top with no bra. But if you're putting it on a bra base, cast them out of something cheaper! I don't know too much about casting materials, but there has got to be a better alternative than silicone for those who are just going to put them on a bra base. That pretty much cuts out all reason for them to be cast of silicone (the comfort).

I'm just sayin! Some mer needs to get on that :)

i was actually thinking that they could be cast very thin (like the thickness of thin scales) and backed with powermesh for a little extra strength. Since there is a bra backing, you really don't need thick silicone shells. the powermesh would drastically reduce the amount of silicone used and probably cut the cost in half too :)

I think silicone is also a favorite since it has a really long useable life. Some cheaper options might not hold up to extended use.

Mainly I'm thinking about a hybrid top....silicone shells, some fishnet, greenery, a few real shells...it think it would look pretty and be lighter than a regular shell top too (I think weight is an issue regardless of bra size!)

Mermaid Oshun

01-09-2014, 05:54 PM

Jessica, what shade pearl ex is the main color on that pinkish beige bra above ?

Jessica

01-09-2014, 05:56 PM

Iona,
you do have a good bit of bra to cover on the sides....what about attaching the fishnet at the bottom of the cup on the sides, and then running it up the cup and around the neck? You could always do an extra layer of fishnet on the bra if it shows too much....I think it would fill that area in well, without having a massive amount of greenery

Kind of like this bikini top...the halter strap attaches at the bottom of the cup:

http://www.lyst.com/clothing/shoshanna-solid-bra-halter-bikini-top/

Jessica

01-09-2014, 05:58 PM

Jessica, what shade pearl ex is the main color on that pinkish beige bra above ?

It was originally just pink gold, but to match Eva's tail I mixed pink gold with pearl white and macro pearl and painted that on top :)

Mermaid Kelda

01-09-2014, 06:02 PM

Is there any harder material you could use instead? Resin, maybe? I'm not really up to date with materials, but it'd be nice to have a pair of shells that felt realistic as well as looking realistic.

Mermaid Oshun

01-09-2014, 06:08 PM

Ty Jessica. You can buy foam shells online for like $2.95
http://www.centurynovelty.com/detail_239_092-179.html?CSE=Google%20Product%20Search&mr:trackingCode=B7100275-C772-E111-AF97-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=28552327434&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=55904275074&origin=pla
you'd still have to add a lot of something to them to cover up.
I am sure someone could cast sculptures in foam on here. Ive never worked with foam yet
Here they are for $2.79 !!!
http://www.ziggos.com/products/child-foam-sea-shell-bra?gclid=COub_sWb8rsCFW9nOgod7hoACg

deepblue

01-09-2014, 06:52 PM

BUT. I really REALLY wish people would sell them in something other than silicone! Yes, silicone is a mermaid favorite- we know it, we love it. But it's REALLY expensive! $45 + S&H for shells?? I could understand that if you wanted to wear them as the top with no bra. But if you're putting it on a bra base, cast them out of something cheaper! I don't know too much about casting materials, but there has got to be a better alternative than silicone for those who are just going to put them on a bra base. That pretty much cuts out all reason for them to be cast of silicone (the comfort).

I'm just sayin! Some mer needs to get on that :)

Amazon sells a Dragonskin 'sample' kit for about $30. If one makes it oneself, it's a lot cheaper.

But yeah, it would just be nice to have more options.

On a bra base, natural shells could be overlapped in a nice pattern, larger shells with smaller ones. Or use some that are a more shallow height, so to speak, so you don't end up with a reef on your chest.

MerEmma

01-09-2014, 08:23 PM

One thing to help with less cleavage is to make sure you're properly sized--many stores don't even know how to size you themselves! I went from a 32A to a 28D, comfort is wayyyy better and makes me feel a lot more confident! (good link to try: http://i.imgur.com/jcNkeVr.png , this is another good reference to show that 28D isn't that big: http://www.brabandproject.com/) However, this will ultimately make it wayyy harder to find a top with shells that fit you since most people tend to think D is really big, when in reality that's just a 4 inch bust difference.

While it seems that there aren't many choices it's clear to see in this thread that this is an issue for quite a few mers and there are some solutions in the making. Hooray!

Winged Mermaid

01-09-2014, 09:12 PM

http://www.brabandproject.com/)

Dude, if those images are accurate I'd be a F or FF cup O_O

Iona,
you do have a good bit of bra to cover on the sides....what about attaching the fishnet at the bottom of the cup on the sides, and then running it up the cup and around the neck? You could always do an extra layer of fishnet on the bra if it shows too much....I think it would fill that area in well, without having a massive amount of greenery

Kind of like this bikini top...the halter strap attaches at the bottom of the cup:

http://www.lyst.com/clothing/shoshanna-solid-bra-halter-bikini-top/

Not a bad idea! I'll have to play around with it. Thanks Jessica :)

MerEmma

01-09-2014, 09:24 PM

Dude, if those images are accurate I'd be a F or FF cup O_O

They're definitely accurate! F cup really isn't that big but with the way our culture just completely disregards band size most of the time, it sure seems like it would be. You can read on reddit.com/r/abrathatfits even more people who thought they were a D cup of some sort, some of them ending up being sized much much bigger.

Elle

01-09-2014, 09:59 PM

yeah. it seems everyone is trying to cram their girls into bras that are just too small. For ages I thought I was a 14C (which I think is 34 or 36 for you guys) then I was told I was a 14F. now I'm sitting comfortably in a 16DD it pays to get measured up and shop around. Bras differ brand to brand and then you have different models to each brand - confusing or what!?!

NerineArcticMermaid

01-09-2014, 11:16 PM

36E here. I make tops for larger busty mermaids. Made a top for celeste. Made 2 for myself. and working on a 3rd soon. I dont do silicone tops yet. Still learning the process.. but I can definetly do shells and make the shells more noticble than the foliage.. plus i match to tails. ;)

PearlieMae

01-09-2014, 11:40 PM

Jessica

01-09-2014, 11:44 PM

Not to cross post, but I think it could be relevant to the conversation...I'm working on this as a top for myself, and the shells/scales are silicone. I'm doing a basic triangle bathing suit top with pearls to go around the back of my neck. I could probably cover any sized bra and run the shells all the way around and over the straps with as much or as little coverage, to suit personal preferences. I'm very big in the chest, 36/38, but only a B cup. The shells are silicone (real shells could be sharp and dangerous), and there are five different sizes in there. Granted, the photo just shows them pinned into place right now, but I plan to keep them so the edges aren't sealed flat together so they look like real shells.

I would love some opinions...
17077

you already know what I think! They are absolutely stunning!! I think this would be a great option for larger sizes....it's a hybrid...btwn the shell top look and the scale top look :) you could even just cover the cups on a bra, and then decorate the rest as usual with netting, greenery and little shells....it would be just gorgeous!! :)

PearlieMae

01-09-2014, 11:53 PM

:D I know YOU like it!

Wrangling my girls has never been an issue...I was an A cup until I had my daughter!

PearlieMae

01-09-2014, 11:58 PM

I could probably work a little octopus or some seahorses in there, hiding amongst the shells. If only I knew where I could get some... :thinks:

Jessica

01-10-2014, 12:02 AM

:cool: I have no idea where you could find those...!

Little_Orca

01-10-2014, 02:14 PM

I do like that seaweed bra. *ponders* I guess it's good that my wedding is probably not until next year, so I can wait and see what comes out. However, as an everyday mermaid... Rawr! Hehe.

Meemerdd

01-10-2014, 03:30 PM

I didn't think about how difficult it might be to find large enough shells for a good price. Haven't looked at all, you know, I didn't think it would be that hard. XD I'm going to try something out, crossing fingers and hope it works.

Miyu

01-11-2014, 02:34 AM

Bah. I have these issues as well. I guess I'm somewhere around a D cup (I disregard band size for mermaid tops, as I do surgery on them anyways as in my tutorial thread). Any shells I find are either too small to provide convincing coverage, or are very "domed"... I'm a D cup only because of the extra skin that came with lactation, then losing weight.

So far I've covered my first bra in excessive fabric plants. My other plans are a swimsuit made to match my spandex tail, a bra covered in nude spandex with netting and some seaweed, and a decked-out shell/sequin top a 'la Mermaid Hannah :)

I do have one huge abalone that holds me in nicely, but it's such a pain to find them in that size >.<

SeaGlass Siren

01-11-2014, 08:18 AM

Wait guys I just have to do this at least once...

"of fins and ships and deck wax, of cabbages and kings!"

NerineArcticMermaid

01-12-2014, 12:17 PM

Like I said.. Im a 36E.. Totally know the woes od being big boobed. plus I kno where to find larger shells.. Im going tobe making one with clam shells soon. :D

Anahita

01-13-2014, 03:00 AM

http://www.brabandproject.com/

:$ This one doesn't even have a picture of my boob size on it....

MerEmma

01-13-2014, 09:58 AM

It doesn't? You could always submit to help out the site. xD

PearlieMae

01-13-2014, 11:08 AM

Hey! I got cleavage! I just keep it in the back, and two feet lower.

:O_o:

Miyu

01-13-2014, 11:22 AM

Woah. I just learned how to measure myself properly, and not only was it interesting seeing others of the same size, but now I understand why none of my bras fit - I'm a hard size to find :P

MermaidMyrthe

01-13-2014, 01:29 PM

Well i wonder if those images are accurate... Then i must have a DD and i am 12 :shame: and all my bra's are in cup B. So i am a bit sceptical...

PearlieMae

01-13-2014, 01:41 PM

Nothing to be ashamed about! I was almost an A until I was 24!

MerEmma

01-13-2014, 01:42 PM

They're correct for American sizing, not sure about the Netherlands. If your bras are in B they probably don't fit correctly even if they feel right. Measuring yourself according to the guide I also posted will help you determine, B could be your right size and just visually not seem that way.

Like I said, I used to wear a 32A that I constantly had to adjust the band and straps of but now in a 28D it fits perfectly.

Miyu

01-13-2014, 01:43 PM

It *is* possible. I am apparently (true size) a 30 D... sometimes to a DD depending on time of month, etc... But that's a pretty hard size for me to find, so I have to look for the (still hard to find) 32 C. I am very small - just about child-size. I shop in the kids' departments a lot!

Myrthe, have you measured the difference between bust/underbust size? Just to make sure? :P

Meemerdd

01-13-2014, 01:52 PM

I don't wanna look! XD I know there is an 8 inch difference between bust and waist, so maybe I should see.
But I don't wanna try and find some complicated size!

Don't worry about it! As my dad says all the time.... "guys like boobs!"

Miyu

01-13-2014, 01:56 PM

Meemerd, I thought it was "measure underbust (area where bra strap fits) snug but not tight; measure around nipple height in best-fitting bra, snug but not tight"

Then it's round up if odd number for underbust - that's your band size
and each 1" difference between band and bust is a cup size?

...I think. That's how I got my measurements, and they make sense to me... -_-;

Meemerdd

01-13-2014, 02:05 PM

I know that, I wasn't measuring for a bra at the time. But it gives me a slight idea, and I don't really want to hunt down the proper fitting bra when they feel fine, So I don't want to know. XD

Echidna

01-13-2014, 03:31 PM

You don't have to measure if your bras are sitting good, it only adds confusion :p

I was measured by fashion pros, and I re-measured after reading all those smart sites how fashion pros are no good at bra sizes.
From measuring alone, I would have 70 C/D, but when I tried bras on, that was WAY too tight.
75C fits me well, but only a certain model.
Some bras are 80B and too large on me, while others are 85B and they are ok.

Long story short...try all bras on, and take the one that fits best, because even the manufacturers have no clue.

Mermaid Dottie

01-13-2014, 06:47 PM

Well, I'm somewhere between a 34C and a 36D, depending on the bra. Not a whole lot of difference there. I am in the want of a more modest top, though, since I can't seem to find any that fit. Remember my lily pads?
Anyway...I just made a duct tape dummy of my waist to shoulders area, purchased a tight-fitting sports bra, and am about to start sculpting a top on my dummy.I love my lily pads, and I'd like to do something similar, but, I'm not sure what else to do with it....
Any ideas?

Mermaid Galene

04-16-2014, 02:59 PM

Love this top! Wheels turning in ma brain.

Mermaid Jaffa

04-17-2014, 05:32 AM

For years I believed I was a 12A (US 34A), it wasn't till recently that I went to buy some new bras, and got properly measured that the lady told me, I was actually a 12C (US 34C)!

I said to her I had tried underwire bras before but I didn't like them cos they dug into my ribs and were very uncomfortable. After she measured, she went and got one in the new size, I was amazed! It was so comfortable and I didn't feel the underwire at all! Since then, I've switched to underwire bras and I never looked back! Well except for my swimwear, they've just got removable cups in them.

So if in doubt, go get yourself measured by a professional.

I use this one when I'm shopping on overseas sites.
http://www.85b.org/bra_conv.php

MerEmma

04-17-2014, 08:29 AM

Where did you get measured? Generally it's not recommended to go to a store like Victoria's Secret or Nordstrom's as they're often wrong and they use outdated methods. I'm glad you have a bra that fits better, but it's always worth double checking your measurements. :) (we have another thread about bra fitting around here somewhere with a LOT of amazing references!)