Genie bra - opinions please

[MrsMcEnroe]

Has anyone got one? Is it comfortable? How does the sizing work? Have you tried the knockoff versions available on JML Direct etc etc??

I'm sick of squeezing my barely-A-cup boobs and poor ribcage in an uncomfortable underwired push-up bra; I'm 40 years old and I want to be comfortable!!

Here's a linky for those who don't know what I'm talking about: www.geniebra.co.uk/

[fedupofnamechanging]

I bought something very similar from Peacocks for £6 for two. They are lovely and comfy (am a 34 D), but the shape isn't fabulous and obviously the support isn't as good as you would get in a proper bra. That said, it is fine for everyday use under a jumper - if I was wearing a fitted top I would wear a more structured bra.

Best to try one on, but i think it would be fine for an A cup because you maybe need less support.

[fedupofnamechanging]

Peacocks sizing is in clothes size rather than bra size so it was easy to get the right one.

[SorrelForbes]

Nope. They (and similar) garments just don't give a good enough level of support for those of larger norkage!

The thing is, that when wearing a properly fitting bra, you should be very comfortable indeed.

I am a 'bra bore' so cannot help but ask if you want to post your under bust and over bust measurements so that I can suggest some other bra options?

A true 'A' cup means that you have a 1" difference between the two measurements. I've yet to meet anyone that has this small a measurement.

[MrsMcEnroe]

Ah. Thanks both of you . I have about a 3 or 4" difference between those measurements. But I need a 34" band, otherwise I can't breathe ....

Just measured (over a thin sweater) and the numbers are 29" and 33" .... This seems a bit odd. if I try on a 32" bra I can't do it up!! What's going on?

[SorrelForbes]

Ok you need to try a 28D, 28C and a 30C.

The reason a 32 is currently too tight is because the cup is too small and therefore the band is having to take up the slack!

Have a read of the other current bra threads for how to get the back size right and then work out the cup.

[SorrelForbes]

Remember that a D cup in a 28 band is very different in volume to a D cup in a 34 band.

[MrsMcEnroe]

Wow, really??? Ok, thanks, I will give it a try ... and I might just get myself down to Peacock's to tide me over while I figure out where on earth I'm going to find a decent bra shop..... Do I want an old-fashioned place where I'll get measured and prodded by a prim old dear (flashbacks to my first bra fitting when I was 12) or will John Lewis / M&S do the job?? Sorry to ask so many questions!

[brighthair]

Avoid M&S like the plague. Independent lingerie shops or bravissimo are your best bet. But you can always just take a stack of bras in and try
Look for - centre wire lying flat (if it doesn't, go up a cup size). Bra back not riding up (if it does it's too big). No 4 boobs effect (cup too small)
And it should fasten on loosest hook so as it wears you can tighten it

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Please do not get fitted in M&S. Or anywhere that adds 4 inches.

With your back measurement you should be in a 28 or a 30 - anywhere that says you need something like a 34, back out of the room fast!

As Sorrel says, if you try say a 28 or 30 but in an A, you won't be able to breathe. Because there won't be enough space for your breast tissue, which means the band will be getting pulled to try and make enough room. Which will cause it to feel too tight.

John Lewis are generally fairly decent, and a lot of Debenhams seem to have upped their game recently. Bravissimo are brilliant but they start at a D cup, so maybe try a few bras on and if it looks like the 28D is right (which would be my best guess) then head in there where you will be able to try on quite a lot.

[Scarlet76]

After some weight loss, I had no idea what bra size I was. I went into JL wearing a 34C. She advised I should be wearing a 30D. Initially I was sceptical as I simply did not think my small chest could fill a D cup. But she brought me a Calvin Klein bra to try and wow! The fit and look were such an improvement. DH also amused to suddenly find himself with a D cup wife!

[MrsMcEnroe]

Scarlet yes I think my DH would be the same!

Thanks you so much everyone - I am going to try John Lewis/Debenhams in town but I promise to run like the wind if they try to add 4 inches on!!!

StatisticallyChallenged and brighthair - I've found your excellent in-depth guide to bra fitting on another thread, thank you, just what I needed.

Right, I shall go shopping later this week and will report back ...!

[MrsMcEnroe]

And Sorrel - thank you too :) I might be confusing posters on the other thread now, sorry

[MrsMcEnroe]

I've just ordered 10 bras from the Bravissimo website in size 28D (I won't be keeping all of them, obviously!) - can't wait to feel comfortable and supported in a properly-fitting bra....

[SorrelForbes]

Try BraStop as well as they have loads of bargains.

[MrsMcEnroe]

Ooh thanks, will have a little looky now (can you tell that I'm bored at work today?!)