Thread: Pharaonics #4 or 5?

Hi everyone,

I know that there are threads on Pharaonics bra sizing, but I'm having trouble with the search function.

I am hoping to place an order with bellydancestore, and I want to make sure to get the sizing right when I order. I haven't had a lot of luck with Pharaonics since they changed from deep to shallow cups, but I'm trying again.

I am a 36D/34DD. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up a little bit smaller- less than a year ago, I was a 34D/36C, but gained weight due to thyroid. Now that I'm being treated, I am SLOWLY losing weight again.

I usually buy bras that are marked C/D- from Dahlal, bellydancestore, and Bhuz. The last costume that I bought from bellydancestore was marked a D (it was an icicles), and it was HUGE on me- the cups were well into my armpits. I'm not afraid of a little cleavage (NOT Dina-esque), but I hate to pad my bras. I really do- whenever I add padding to a bra, my top looks HUGE compared to my hips, and I hate that look on me. I am only a 34-35" upper hip and I'm 5'2", so a really large bra makes me look comically top-heavy. On the other hand, the places I dance are a little bit more on the modest side, and I don't want to be spilling out the top- or the sides.

Opinions: should I order a #4 or a #5?

Thanks!

I'm a 36C and always get a size 3 bra in Pharaonics. I like the "full" look in my bras. So I'd probably recommend a 4... the cups on size 5 bras look much bigger than a D cup to me...

Same sizing as myself, #5's are too large for me. I prefer #4's for full coverage and support, and #3's for va-va-voom!

I'm a 34DDD and I need a #5, definitely, so I'd say you should go for a #4. I usually fit into the D and DD costumes sold on bhuz, and need 6.5"+ vertically on my cups. Hope that helps

I'm pretty sure I wore a #4 in the "old" bras- when they were nice and deep. I've never had one of the newer Pharaonics (bought one that I think turned out to be a 3, and it was too small), so I was wondering if I should move up a size, now that they're shallow.

#4 is what I suspected. Thanks, everyone!

Yep - what they said!

I have 2 in #4 and you and I are fairly close. I tried on a #5 and it fit - but it was too much coverage if that even makes sense.

Originally Posted by Nuriya

I'm a 36C and always get a size 3 bra in Pharaonics. I like the "full" look in my bras. So I'd probably recommend a 4... the cups on size 5 bras look much bigger than a D cup to me...

Originally Posted by amarasdance

I'm pretty sure I wore a #4 in the "old" bras- when they were nice and deep. I've never had one of the newer Pharaonics (bought one that I think turned out to be a 3, and it was too small), so I was wondering if I should move up a size, now that they're shallow.

#4 is what I suspected. Thanks, everyone!

I'd recommend a #4.
The #5 are D/DDs... but best for Ds with a broader ribcage.

Originally Posted by amarasdance

Hi everyone,

I know that there are threads on Pharaonics bra sizing, but I'm having trouble with the search function.

I am hoping to place an order with bellydancestore, and I want to make sure to get the sizing right when I order. I haven't had a lot of luck with Pharaonics since they changed from deep to shallow cups, but I'm trying again.

I am a 36D/34DD. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up a little bit smaller- less than a year ago, I was a 34D/36C, but gained weight due to thyroid. Now that I'm being treated, I am SLOWLY losing weight again.

I usually buy bras that are marked C/D- from Dahlal, bellydancestore, and Bhuz. The last costume that I bought from bellydancestore was marked a D (it was an icicles), and it was HUGE on me- the cups were well into my armpits. I'm not afraid of a little cleavage (NOT Dina-esque), but I hate to pad my bras. I really do- whenever I add padding to a bra, my top looks HUGE compared to my hips, and I hate that look on me. I am only a 34-35" upper hip and I'm 5'2", so a really large bra makes me look comically top-heavy. On the other hand, the places I dance are a little bit more on the modest side, and I don't want to be spilling out the top- or the sides.

Opinions: should I order a #4 or a #5?

Thanks!

It sounds like we are exactly the same size, height and everything! Anyway, I ordered a Great Loops in a #4 I believe (listed as a D on Bellydancestore.biz - I'm a natural 34DD) and it worked great for me. I only had to move the hooks on the band. No spillage, no need to pad, just right. I can email you a pic or measure it if that will help you order one.

Originally Posted by carpediem

It sounds like we are exactly the same size, height and everything! Anyway, I ordered a Great Loops in a #4 I believe (listed as a D on Bellydancestore.biz - I'm a natural 34DD) and it worked great for me. I only had to move the hooks on the band. No spillage, no need to pad, just right. I can email you a pic or measure it if that will help you order one.

*makes a mental note to stalk carpediem's costumes, now that I found another Bhuz body double*

That'd be great! My email address is amarasdance <at> yahoo.com

I'm looking at getting a Pharaonics Straps, but the 4's are listed as C, and the 5's are listed as D. I won't be ordering one without talking to them on the phone, though, because they don't have any configurations that would work for me listed- the only #4s have a 39-47"underbust, and I'm...I'm not sure- around 32"? And most of the belts have a high hip minimum listed as 38" or larger, and I have a 34-35" high hip.

Originally Posted by amarasdance

*makes a mental note to stalk carpediem's costumes, now that I found another Bhuz body double*

That'd be great! My email address is amarasdance <at> yahoo.com

I'm looking at getting a Pharaonics Straps, but the 4's are listed as C, and the 5's are listed as D. I won't be ordering one without talking to them on the phone, though, because they don't have any configurations that would work for me listed- the only #4s have a 39-47"underbust, and I'm...I'm not sure- around 32"? And most of the belts have a high hip minimum listed as 38" or larger, and I have a 34-35" high hip.

I have a straps in red and LOVE it.
It sounds like that underbust might be a mistake? Definitely call them to ask. The belts are two piece. I'm 33" upper / 36" lower hip and the one I have of course overlaps, but fits great.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

I have a straps in red and LOVE it.
It sounds like that underbust might be a mistake? Definitely call them to ask. The belts are two piece. I'm 33" upper / 36" lower hip and the one I have of course overlaps, but fits great.

I thought it might be a mistake, too- maybe 29-37? I would assume overlap, but not 10+" on an underbust!

If the underbust is a mistake, then there is one that looks like it would fit me well. It has a 36+ upper hip, but if I wear it low, then I'm a 35", so that would work well.

Originally Posted by amarasdance

I thought it might be a mistake, too- maybe 29-37? I would assume overlap, but not 10+" on an underbust!

If the underbust is a mistake, then there is one that looks like it would fit me well. It has a 36+ upper hip, but if I wear it low, then I'm a 35", so that would work well.

I was looking at those as well, but ended up getting an Icicles instead because of the belt shape. I really need a curve in the belt to offset my curvy hips, and was a bit worried about how the straight "straps" belt would look.

I bought what they were selling as a D - a #5, so we'll see how it goes!

I saved one of the posts a while ago, here is what it said:
Pharaonix inside cup measurements!!!
They are a sort of diagonal teardrop shape. The horizontal and vertical measurements are through the apex approximately mid-line. The diagonal is from teardrop end to teardrop end.
#2 (A)-h 6" v 5.5" d 7"
#3 (B) - h 6.5" v 6" d 7.5"
#4 (C) - h 7" v 6.5" d 8"
#5 (D) - h 7.5" v 7" d 8.5"
#6 (D) - h 8" v 7" d 9"
#7 (DD) - h 8.5" v 7.25" d 9.5"

I'm a 32/34 C cup (C+ on some days and can wear VS D).

Dahlal sized me once at Rakkash and wanted to put me in a #2, I tried it on, I thought it was too was too small, I had too much side showing. I also have #3, #4, #5 at home. I like how #3 look on me, I usually can wear them with no-to-little "umph" padding. #4 I have to pad and I have one costume with a #5 depending on what I am the day I wear it I have 1 or 2 pads in it.

Originally Posted by SaNoorah

... I have one costume with a #5 depending on what I am the day I wear it I have 1 or 2 pads in it.

Sounds like you don't sew those pads into the lining but something easier so you can switch them out as needed? Do you just tack them in and they don't move?

Originally Posted by valeskah

I was looking at those as well, but ended up getting an Icicles instead because of the belt shape. I really need a curve in the belt to offset my curvy hips, and was a bit worried about how the straight "straps" belt would look.

I bought what they were selling as a D - a #5, so we'll see how it goes!

I do prefer the belt shape of the Icicles. I think I'm going to get the Straps, because I'm not wild about the fringe coming off the side of 1 cup on the Icicles. But I do prefer that belt. I have only ever liked 1 waist strap on me (on a costume where the bra didn't fit), so I'm not sure if I'll like the straps, but IIRC, they are removable.

Originally Posted by valeskah

I was looking at those as well, but ended up getting an Icicles instead because of the belt shape. I really need a curve in the belt to offset my curvy hips, and was a bit worried about how the straight "straps" belt would look.

I bought what they were selling as a D - a #5, so we'll see how it goes!

Originally Posted by amarasdance

I do prefer the belt shape of the Icicles. I think I'm going to get the Straps, because I'm not wild about the fringe coming off the side of 1 cup on the Icicles. But I do prefer that belt. I have only ever liked 1 waist strap on me (on a costume where the bra didn't fit), so I'm not sure if I'll like the straps, but IIRC, they are removable.

The straps is a two piece belt and can be angled a little bit to enhance the slight dip in the front. The front half is most definitely narrower center front than at the ends. On the models on the site it's just clipped on- but in sewing and adding hooks properly, it can have a tiny curve. I didn't really try for it... but you can see it has a tiny curve here (without trying):
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The waist strap is completely separate. You can adjust the hooks for proper fit, or not wear it at all.

I was looking at the beading on the "Straps" bedlahs on Friday, and it's really nice!

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

The straps is a two piece belt and can be angled a little bit to enhance the slight dip in the front. The front half is most definitely narrower center front than at the ends. On the models on the site it's just clipped on- but in sewing and adding hooks properly, it can have a tiny curve. I didn't really try for it... but you can see it has a tiny curve here (without trying):
The waist strap is completely separate. You can adjust the hooks for proper fit, or not wear it at all.

Bummer! Maybe I should have gone with the straps one after all... Oh well, next time :)

Yeah, Amara, I'm not a huge fan of the one-side-fringe either, but I figure I can snip it or add to the other cup easily enough.

Amara,

I know your shape, size pretty well. Go with a #4. My gold loop that I just sold was a #5 and I sold it because I thought it was too big. I thought it needed a bigger ribcage and I really disliked the way the cups fit. I'm sure much of this has already been said here, but with the new shape of the cups a #5 is going to take up most of your frame.

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

The straps is a two piece belt and can be angled a little bit to enhance the slight dip in the front. The front half is most definitely narrower center front than at the ends. On the models on the site it's just clipped on- but in sewing and adding hooks properly, it can have a tiny curve. I didn't really try for it... but you can see it has a tiny curve here (without trying):
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The waist strap is completely separate. You can adjust the hooks for proper fit, or not wear it at all.

That is really pretty in red - cute picture!

Originally Posted by carpediem

That is really pretty in red - cute picture!

Thanks bunches carpediem!

Originally Posted by Darbla

Sounds like you don't sew those pads into the lining but something easier so you can switch them out as needed? Do you just tack them in and they don't move?

I use to sew them into the lining, and then realized I liked the look of padding and it was getting expensive to put padding in each costume :) Plus depending on "the time of the month" I may not need padding or not as much.

so I have a few that are in the lining, some that are just tacked down (via sewing) at the corners of the pad and some (most) that are just pinned at the corners (I haven't gotten nicked by the pin yet).

On the pharaonix in question, I had pads sewn into the lining and realized i need a second set so that is just pinned in.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, everyone! If I can find the right costume, I'll definitely go with the #4.
I'm not getting the one that I was looking at, because I confirmed with bellydancestore, and it's not a typo- the underbust really is 47". I can't have 16" of overlap on the bra!!!

Does anyone know: Is the belt on the Pharaonics Straps one piece or 2? Most of the belts that they have listed are over 40" long, so if they are 2 pieces, I can maybe work with the overlap- 3 or 4" on each side. But if they're one piece, there's no way I could make it work, I don't think.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by amarasdance

Thanks, everyone! If I can find the right costume, I'll definitely go with the #4.
I'm not getting the one that I was looking at, because I confirmed with bellydancestore, and it's not a typo- the underbust really is 47". I can't have 16" of overlap on the bra!!!

Does anyone know: Is the belt on the Pharaonics Straps one piece or 2? Most of the belts that they have listed are over 40" long, so if they are 2 pieces, I can maybe work with the overlap- 3 or 4" on each side. But if they're one piece, there's no way I could make it work, I don't think.

Thanks!

It's definitely two pieces - have a look at the close-up pic. You can see the clips holding both sides together!

Originally Posted by amarasdance

Does anyone know: Is the belt on the Pharaonics Straps one piece or 2? Most of the belts that they have listed are over 40" long, so if they are 2 pieces, I can maybe work with the overlap- 3 or 4" on each side. But if they're one piece, there's no way I could make it work, I don't think.

Thanks!

Definitely two piece. Easy to overlap.

Thanks. Hoping one comes in my size someday! This one is perfect except for the underbust- I checked and it is 47". So the sides would wrap completely around my back and hook under the opposite arm! I'll keep waiting, in the hopes that when there's one that fits me, I'll have the money to buy it!

(Yes, I know that special ordering is an option, but I know that it would drive me crazy- spending $$$ on a costume that I won't get for months.)

Why not cut and edge the underbust strap? Just takes a little patience, basic sewing skills, and something to stop the threads from coming loose (I've used both clear nail varnish and superglue in the past!!)

Oh no... I just ordered a gold Great Loop, and I ordered the B cup. But that is a number 3 pharaonics cup, and me beeing a small B, it probably will be waaay too big!

I just received my Icicles set, and the bra is really strange - it's kinda football shaped, with a pointy seam across the top like the cheaper Egyptian bras, and it's also too small - only 6" vertical. I keep ordering #5s and they keep coming too small - this is the second I've had from the store with the same issue. It's heartbreaking looking forward to them for so long and then having to return them, let alone the cost of return international shipping! At least this wasn't a custom order so I don't lose my deposit.

But the shape! Is this the "new" Pharaonics style? It looks terrible on, even apart from the fit - I cried when I saw it. The ones in the pictures on the site don't seem to be the same shape from the angle they're photographed from - could I have just got a bad apple or do I need to swear off Pharaonics for a while until they change again?

Originally Posted by valeskah

I just received my Icicles set, and the bra is really strange - it's kinda football shaped, with a pointy seam across the top like the cheaper Egyptian bras, and it's also too small - only 6" vertical. I keep ordering #5s and they keep coming too small - this is the second I've had from the store with the same issue. It's heartbreaking looking forward to them for so long and then having to return them, let alone the cost of return international shipping! At least this wasn't a custom order so I don't lose my deposit.

But the shape! Is this the "new" Pharaonics style? It looks terrible on, even apart from the fit - I cried when I saw it. The ones in the pictures on the site don't seem to be the same shape from the angle they're photographed from - could I have just got a bad apple or do I need to swear off Pharaonics for a while until they change again?

Oh no! That's terrible! I know that the newer cups are shallower, but that sounds like it was terrible! Makes me hesitant to order one (I would have to custom, since they don't have one close enough to my size in stock).

SO sorry it didn't work for you- how frustrating!