It's funny that you mention natural deodorants. I use alum as an aftershave. My husband uses it for his face and he got me one to try for my lower legs and bikini line which tend to get razor burn. I use it under my arms as well to help prevent ingrown hairs. It works wonders. I wrote a post about it a while ago because it seems like such an unknown product that could really help out a lot of women. I think my skin reacts better with consistent use of alum, under arms or other area.

I have the Panache sports bra. I only have the wireless Freya Active, the wired does not come in my size, so I can only compare it to that. There are definitely differences between the two bras. The look of the Panache is by far better. The band is nice and tight, molded cups give a great shape under any clothing (not the pointy Freya shape) even if they run a touch large (I sized down 1 cupsize), the underwires are padded as are the straps. But it does not have the absorption of the Freya, it is encapsulation only no compression. The top is not stretchy like the Freya, but you still have bounce. I'll be doing a review of the Panache soon, I definitely love it and hate it at the same time. It's so comfortable, but just not quite perfect.
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I have been eying this bra for a few months now, I love the cameo detail! I'm just not sold on ordering it as I am worried about the detailing being to obvious under clothing. I currently own the Rhea, which I'm in love with. Much like the wires on the Lula, they end shorter under the arm. They also have the some lack of movement when you pull the band to stretch it. The 28 band fits my 26"/66cm ribcage very well. It also has a more open top cup and more room for breasts that are full on top, so probably will not work well for you. I love the plunge front of this bra, so I'm interested to see if the wires are as low in a higher range of cupsizes.

Because of the similarities between the two (and an older model I have) I wonder if this is a standard for the Masquerade cut and cup shape. I'd welcome your thoughts, as this brand seems to work well for me.

I'm not sure what size you need, but take a look at the Parfait line by Affinitas. Many of their bras come up a little higher under the arm. But the key thing that may help is the extra boning placed behind the wire on the bra wing. I find these to be very stabilizing. The bras can be smaller in the band on certain styles. I'm pretty familiar with their continuity bras, so feel free to contact me on my blog or the email on my contact page if you'd like some information about specific bras.

Wonderful post!! How much do you think that altered your bra down? I'm looking for ways to fit a much smaller ribcage. I'd love to be able to alter down a 32 to a 28. I know its probably not possible. I thought I could use your technique in two different places on both sides of the bra, one closest to the hooks and one closer to the under arm. If not I may try your other technique with just the stitching to keep from stretching.