Not really a style and beauty question but I'm sure you ladies will know

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

Where is the best place to take a very body concious dd to be measured and fitted for a good sports bra? We do a guess and try on and blush approach to ordinary bras but she needs a decent sports bra.

[RobinSparkles]

I don't know where the best place is but Marks and Spencer do a bra fitting service, and I think Debenhams do.

I always used to go to Contessa when I was young but it isn't there now.

[TellMeLater]

What does she need the bra for - very high impact like running? I think I'd try to find a couple of bras online that were well reviewed for the sport/activity level needed and then I'd find someone who sells them - it's likely you'll have to go online for this, so it'll be trial and error - read up on what a good fitting bra feels/looks like, I'm sure bravissimo have a guide.

I am generous on top and buy Enell - they make me look like I've had a boob reduction which is perfect because I run outside and I want to keep my boobage out of sight and under control, but I have never seen Enell anywhere but online.

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

Yes very high impact (I have a thread in chat). She's bigger than me up top and NEEDS something. Good tip about online - thank you

[SorrelForbes]

I love the Freya underwired sports bra. It holds my fairly substantial chest in place

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

I have an Enell and it's fab but your DD won't need one if she's not well-endowed.
I swear by John Lewis for bra fittings - definitely never go to M&S expecting to come out with anything that fits, flatters or is comfortable. I take my 14yo DD to JL every few months - she's as modest as any 14yo, but the fitters at JL are very sensitive and she's never been exposed. They don't usually need to measure, which is another plus with a teen - or if they do it's just around the ribs for the band size.
They do stock a good range of sizes as well - and we have bought a sports bra there.

[TellMeLater]

There's a shock absorber that's well reviewed too, it's definitely prettier but as someone once pointed out - the Enell is ugly as hell so to be as successful as it is - it must work. And they last forever too.

[crazybutterflylady]

I am big of boob and have tried a lot over the yard. This is my definite favourite. Would highly recommend.

[crazybutterflylady]

The years not the yard. Bloody autocorrect. Well done to your DD dog!! Fingers crossed for Sunday.

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

Thank you all so much.

I'm much more nervous than she is! She's very "whatever" about it. I wish I had her calmness.

[scootle]

Definitely John Lewis - I went to the one in Kingston because I happened to be nearby. The bra fitting was amazing!!! I got a sports bra and two ordinary ones.

In my London days I used to go to Harvey Nicks - that was also brilliant.

[Sleepwhenidie]

The best sports bra for high impact is the shock absorber 'Run' bra (they do lots of different sports bras for different impact). That should be fine for her (goes up to an F) unless she is extremely well endowed in which case look at Enell. The band will feel tighter than a normal bra so good to try a couple of sizes on, it needs to be tight but not so tight it will restrict breathing when runnng etc

[MagicalWonderMutt]

No advice to offer but love your name. Would love to have my dog on the bed but it's a choice between her and my DH

[xxxresixxx]

Bravissimo every time. They are fab

[HazleNutt]

Noooooo not M&S. they are horrible and will stick her in a totally wrong bra.

Bravissimo is the way to go, they have a decent selection of sports bras. And she should be fitted for a normal bra while there as well, they are very good with shy people.

[corlan]

I'm not sure about Bravissimo for a shy person. I went there recently and the fitter didn't use a tape measure but judged my size by looking at my braless norks . She was spot on with her judgement and I'm really pleased with the bra and the service but the experience might be a bit traumatic for a body conscious teenager.

[talkingnonsense]

I second shock absorber, once you have found the right size, they sometimes have them at tkmaxx

[marriednotdead]

Corian, they don't usually do braless fitting unless there's a specific reason (some mastectomies) What happened there?

[corlan]

Oh, I though it was standard!
I don't know how that happened then!! (I'm starting to think I shouldn't be let out on my own)

[uberalice]

M&S are notoriously bad at bra fitting.

[marriednotdead]

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

According to debenhams last night she's a 32DD she got a shock absorber and another bra and she's over her shyness - she went in by herself with the lady to get measured and said it was fine and she'd go again.

Now we just have to get sunday over .... she's a leeeeetle stressed and searching for the perfect pair of running trousers which I don't think exist if last night was anything to go by

[HazleNutt]

Hm. I think I have a paranoia already, because surely some people actually must be 32DD as well, but whenever I hear the size I always want to jump up and ask "are you suuuure??" Debenhams is also known to use the outdated "add 5 inches" method. What clothes size is your DD normally (waist and hips)?

[Mydogsleepsonthebed]

Top half she's a size 8

Bottom half a size 6 but they're usually wide at the waist but they fit at the hips.

[HazleNutt]

Ah as I suspected. Sorry but you need to go to Bravissimo for a new fitting. No way is she a 32 - I'm a 32 and I'm a size 12/14.
Could you take her underbust measurement, pull the measuring tape should tight - this is her bra size, none of this adding 4-5 inch thing any more. I'll eat my hat if she is not a 26 or 28 rather than 32.

[HazleNutt]

"pull the measuring tape should tight"