Measuring for bra and where to get from?

[ViperActive]

Can someone advice me the correct way of doing it? I think after baby that i need some new bras as my boobs have gone south and not just for the winter
Also, I've always had trouble buying bras as I have a large frame and small bust. I find that 40+ back size bras are always in big cup size or they just don't have ones I like, I.e. Padded and underwired.
Any help be greatly received

P.s. How many bras do you have in current use ?

[beccajoh]

Are you actually as large a frame as you think? Try measuring according to this blog thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

[beccajoh]

Try again thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

I've got 3-4 bras regularly in use.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

If you can measure according to the link beccajoh posted we'll go from there. I suspect you might not be in the right size though - were M&S involved in your 40+ fitting by any chance?

[ViperActive]

To be honest I kind of just estimated since I can remember
I got measured at Mothercare when I was pregnant and she said I was 44 b or c
I just measured according to that blog (thank you for that beccajoh)
And I measured 41 and 45
So I think that's 40 or 42 and I'm confused on other bit as I worked out Id be a d cup?? But that can't be right, I think it's cos my poor boobs are more not as full shall we say post baby and look droopy

[StatisticallyChallenged]

It's very unlikely you'd need a 42. Most people round down anyway, and those who are a little "squidgy of torso" often need to go down even further in the band to get a good enough fit so that the band is firm and well fitting. Also, a larger band will stretch more in absolute terms which also often means going down is necessary.

I'd start by trying a 40D/DD and possibly a 38E/F too. A DD isn't massive once you scoop properly in to the bra. Try it with an underwired bra you have - pop the bra on and stand side on to a mirror. Lean forward a bit. Pop your left hand inside your right bra cup, reach round underneath your armpit as far back as you can and pull forward all the softer tissue you find there. You shouldn't have armpit bulges, they belong in the cup. Repeat on the other side.

In terms of post baby boobs, what that often means is that you need a different shape of bra, typically something like a half cup or balconette which is more open at the top so you don't get that full at the bottom, empty at the top issue.

[Lweji]

But that can't be right, I think it's cos my poor boobs are more not as full shall we say post baby and look droopy

Same here, but when supported by a properly fitted bra they look fab.
You'd never guess I fit a DD-F, depending on bra shape and back size (30-28).

[ViperActive]

I love you guys! This is so helpful!
Where do you recommend to buy decent but not too expensive bras?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

It depends a bit on your shape and you will probably have to try a few to find a good fit, bit Brastop, MyCurvesandMe and Leia Lingerie do good deals. amazon can also have some bargains once you know what you are looking for. Brastop is free returns which is useful for working out your size. Curvy Kate, Panache, Freya, Fantasie, Cleo, Elomi, Sculptresse, Bravissimo own brand are all good.

[ViperActive]

This will be interesting, I just ordered a panache bra size 40D
On Amazon so we shall see how that goes!

[ViperActive]

Thank you!

[Lweji]

If you can (say on a credit card), you should order a small range of sizes to figure out which is best and return the rest. One may be good, but the nearest size may be even better.

[ViperActive]

Just want to thank you all very much!
Turns out I'm a 40DD im in [shocki thought I was 42/44 B at most! How amazing the bra fits nicely and has boosted my droopy post natal boobs nicely
Great help and great link

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Glad you got sorted! You should find you have a much better selection of bras available to you now as well which will be a nice change!

[BlueEyeshadow]

Debenhams Gorgeous are quite good and reasonably priced, and if you know your size and don't let them anywhere near you with a tape measure, there are some good bras at M&S too, IME.

[ViperActive]

Ooh yea I never thought about the selection I would now have being a more 'usual' size (opposed to my unusual size before).
This has made me so happy I can't tell you.

[shereebobbins]

Hi, I'm new, a quick google sent me here here :)
I've measured myself at 31' under bust and 37' around the fullest part.
Am I 32dd or 30e? Have I calculated it right?
I have tried a few different 32dd bras One in particular seemed perfect, but after scooping I still have underarm fat so I didn't buy it.The e cup looked to big but it was a moulded cup so not too sure. I'm going into Manchester next week for a day of bra shopping so can anyone help? I've been wearing 34c for years. Thanks.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Your measurements suggest trying 30E/F or 32DD/E. Armpit fat means you probably needed a bigger cup, or a wider style. Moulded bras are harder to get a fit with, especially if you have list fullness at the top of your breasts as they can gape even if they're not too big in other areas!

If you are going to Manchester, you could go in to Bravissimo for a fitting

[shereebobbins]

Thanks so much.I have been wearing the wrong size 30+ years, always adding 4 inches to the band. I have lost fullness at the top so that explains the moulded cup not fitting right. Bravissimo,with credit card, here I come.