Bras - what am I doing wrong now?! I don't get it!!

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

Measurements 30 / 36.

I still (despite trying hard!) can't get a bra to fit. If I buy the correct size the cups are HUGE. I cannot be a 30F.

If I wear a 30D in M&S it seems to fit in some styles. But the one I've had on today has left sore, red marks under my arms and on the outside of breast tissue. So does that mean cup is too small? I tried the 30DD and it was massive.

So do I just need to change brand? Style? I've just bought a 30C in Next... Please sort me out once and for all!!

[justcallmethefixer]

Watching with interest as that's also my measurements. I have 2 curvy Kate's in a 30f in a plunge style that are a great fit, but I have tried others that are rubbish. Surely I fit more than one bra that only comes in Ivory or black!

[dementedpixie]

It comes up as 30E not F. It is just a starting point though so different styles will fit differently

[nottheOP]

Can you go to a bravissimo? I can't do it on my own

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

Bravissimo isn't very close, and they'll laugh at me! Well, they won't but I just can't believe I'd fit into anything they have.

Missed out D and went straight to DD! Oops :)

[SunshineAndShadows]

It probably sounds a bit obvious OP but are you putting the the larger ones on properly? Do you scoop all of the flesh fromunder your arms forward into them?

I also often get sore where the side-support strips are under the arms. Tbh I often just cut out the little plastic strips at the side

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

I do scoop, yes and I just about fill the M&S D cup. Any bigger and it's empty.

I'm getting to the point of wearing crop tops

[nottheOP]

Why would they laugh at you? You're their target market.

[nottheOP]

The problem with m&s is that they're very inconsistent. All styles vary but I wouldn't say that you're a c because you're not filling an m&s d.

[OutToGetYou]

I get the sore under the arms, leaving red welts. I think it's just M&S bras to be honest, I think it's the style, they are cut too high in the armpit or something.

[Nonnainglese]

I've given up on M&S bras (36F), latest ones I've tried have ridiculously short 'backs', to get them to fasten I needed a 42F!
Every style needs a different size so I suggest getting yourself properly measured, not at M& S., try Debenhams or House of Fraser or an independent shop. That way you'll be able to try a range of makers and find which brand(s) really suit you.

I find Fantasies bras, although expensive, are consistent and last well.

[Thelovecats]

When you are measuring the underbust measurement are you doing it quite tight, but so you can get 2 fingers underneath, and the bust measurement leaning over at 90 degrees not squashing the nipples?

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

Thanks all. I do wonder if it's just General M&S shitness!!

Thelovecats - maybe a bit too tight on the band. Got the leaning over and loose right though.

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

Oh and I'll treat myself to a Bravissimo trip once DD is settled in nursery

[Snoozebox]

Are you quite skinny up top? I should be a 28 technically but wear a 30 because otherwise I'm left with red marks and soreness...there's no flesh to 'scoop' or to avoid rubbing on my ribs.

Maybe try a 32?

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

I'm a bit skinny all over

I wear a dress size 6, sometimes 8 depending on brand. I was measuring a 28 band but I'm training for a marathon and have gained a bit of weight - currently about 50kgs. I never found a 28 comfortable.

[Spurtle]

If you're a size 6 I don't think you're likely to be a 30 or even a 28, which would wxain why the cups are coming up too big. I'm a 12 and a 32 back (bravissimo measured!), so I'd guess a size might be a 26 back?

[Spurtle]

Explain, not wxain!

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

I definitely measure 30 with the tape measure tight. Maybe I have big lungs?! Haha!

[Thelovecats]

I'd say 30E is a good starting point but you need to try on other sizes round this. If the cups are too small it will steal from the band and make it feel smaller. To test back size try putting on backwards and see how far you can pull the band away from you with hooks on loosest setting.
M&s bras aren't great, get to bravissimo for sure. Most women would be greater than a d cup of they measured correctly.

[Dowser]

I went to bravissimo and was quite disappointed that the bra that was sold to me was really tight the next day. Plus I had overhang under the arms so I took it back and just have gone with what is comfortable.

They had me try on loads of 38 dd the size I went in wearing, so now am wearing one of my own.

It's comfortable. So it will do.

[Thelovecats]

Style of bra is important too- moulded bras often gape depending on the shape of your boobs for example, and a balconnette on the same size might be a better fit.

[Thelovecats]

If you're unhappy with a bra that bravissimo have fitted, then go back in and explain the problems. Their customer service is good and they should sort you out with a better one.

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

I've remeasured this morning using a different tape measure.

Underneath I'm 28 if pulled tight, more 30 if I allow space for two fingers. Over (with no nipple squash at all I'm almost 37.

[legolegolego]

Not much help but I'm similar measurements and I've just decided on crop tops because I can't get it right either!

[Thelovecats]

This is worth a try for a different opinion www.brasizecalculator.tk

Your tight measurement would be 28, and the snug 30. You can't be a 32 with those measurements, and you're going to have to trust you're a bigger cup size too.