Reddit mentions of Maidenform Women's 2 Hook 3/4 Inch Spacing Bra Extender, Multi (White/Nude/Black), One Size

It sounds like you might want to invest in some bra extenders, which basically just increase the band size. It might be that you only need a little bit more length in the band, but not a full band size. Bras also do stretch, so an extender can help until the 40 band stretches to a comfortable length.

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+4 Sister Sizing Method

Base Band: 44" loose + 4 = 48
True Band: 42 or 40; 38 if a band runs particularly loose
Base Bust: 50/51/52 = 51 average
Base Size: 48 B/C/D
Sister Sizes: 48 B / C / D
46 C / D / DD
44 D / DD / E
42 DD / E / F
40 E / F / FF
38 F / FF / G

I think this method can underestimate for larger women with firmer breast tissue, which you appear to have based on your photos.

Relative Sizing

Underbust | Bust
T | S | L | St | Le | La
---------------------------------------------------
My Measurements: 34 | 36 | 40 | 50 | 51 | 52.5
Your Measurements: 39 | 42 | 44 | 51 | 50 | 52
----------------------------------------------------
Difference: 5" | 6" | 4" | 1" | -1"| -0.5"

I'd say we're around the same cup volume, maybe you're one cup smaller, but you're two to three band sizes larger. I wear a 34J/36HH, so that gives:

-1/+0 cup: 36H/HH
+1 band: 38GG/H
+2 band: 40G/GG
+3 band: 42FF/G

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Based on the above and on your photo I'd start with 40FF and 42F, but without being surprised if they're still a touch small ;)

If you're in the US (or nearby), Lane Bryant carries these sizes and labels them as 40G and 42F respectively. Cacique, the name of their lingerie brand, is not highly recommended for its quality and can be tricky to get a good fit in because all of their bras are molded cups, but if you have a store nearby that stocks these sizes then it can be nice for trying out the volume before you buy anything in your new size.

If you're fine with buying online, then I would recommend trying the Cleo Marcie from Amazon in 38G, which is on sale for $27 with free shipping and returns. The band stretches to about 41" in a size 38, so it shouldn't be horrible. You might order an extender just in case the band is too small, so that you can still reasonably try the cup volume.

My wife opted for bra extenders so she doesn't have to keep buying bras she'll just grow out of. She highly recommends.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0083QLPY8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478458076&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bra+extender&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2B6QfCCi3L&ref=plSrch

Definitely try a 30 band, I'd say. But if you're worried that it would be too tight, you can get a bra extender to give you a little bit of wiggle room as the band stretches out or your tissue settles back into place. (They're available online and in fabric stores like Joann's, if you have one near you. Just be careful and order the right hook spacing.) If you buy a bra with a borderline-too-big band to begin with, the bra will wear out much faster and you'll have to spend money buying bras sooner. Also you should read this guide to see if you might have shallow breasts, and if so take the bra advice accordingly.

They make these to extend your bra, if it's the band that's bothering you.

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