Another bra thread!

[ChasingStaplers]

Don't want to hijack anyone else's thread.

I'm going to bravissimo today to return all the Pepperberry clothes that don't fit in the hope of getting a bra that supports me and actually fits and would like to go ready prepared!
Currently breastfeeding (don't know if that's relevant)

Measured myself today:
33ins under bust
44ins across (just after feeding, sob!)

I measured across my nipples with my bra on (otherwise they head south) is that right?

Anyone want to hazard a guess at my size? Or give me tips on what to look for?

Thanks :)

[ChasingStaplers]

.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I would expect somewhere in the region of 32h/hh or 34gg/h

[ChasingStaplers]

[StatisticallyChallenged]

take a look at the fitting info on thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk

[ChasingStaplers]

Thanks for the link off to look now!

[AllBellyandBoobs]

Can i ask something here please? I'm pretty sure i' m wearing the right size bra from advice on here and the feel/look of them (28H). However, i have never had a bra that sits flush against my sternum between my boobs. I have very full boobs I suppose. What am I doing wrong?

[Rockinhippy]

You are between sizes (I'm the same) so you need to try on both 32 & 34 band sizes as you are between the 2 - personally I would go for a 32 as they tend to soften & stretch with wear - you can always fasten it on the 2nd hook & eye

I would suggest trying on 32 J/K & 34H/I - but with Bravisimo theyre sizing is not really the norm so you will probably be looking at something like a 30M

Though I have to add I've been pretty unimpressed with Bravisimo - I bought into the hype a while back & I was very very disappointed, they sold me the most uncomfortable bra I have ever owned - I wore it enough to "break it in" & it still chaffs my arm pits & I would never go back.

I have noticed though, that because of the Bravisimo sizing hype, other companies sizing has changed - I've always bought a 32F, always fit like a glove (Bravissimo had me in a 30/G) - but going back to buy again, the F cup was too small & I have recently had to buy a 32/G cup to get the same fit

My size hasn't changed, they bra fit has - I am not a 32/G, but a measure as a 32F - its my trade too, so I do know what the measurements should mean.

Make sure when you try on that?

you lean forward & let your boobs fall into the cups.

Raise the straps so that the band sit straight around your body & level with your underbust

Wires sit flat to your ribs, not sitting on your bust, but around them IYSWIM

Buy a band thats a little tight - it will soften.

turn sideways to look in the mirror - you should have no bulging or gaping at the top of your cups.

the bra should sit flush to your underarms - again no "chicken wing" bulging - cup is too small - or rubbing & digging into under arm - cup is too big

HTH :)

[StatisticallyChallenged]

rockinhippy I think you missed out the double letters. ..

[SarcasticMrKnowItAll]

Could I hijack with a question please?

I always end up with a bulge of flab/boob just under my armpit and the strap of my bra always rubs it, seems to happen with any size I try. Any ideas? I thought it might mean I need a bigger cup size but to be honest I'm barely filling the cups of the sizes I have

[StatisticallyChallenged]

sarcastic have you measured yourself according to the guide on the blog linked, if you can do that and tell us what size you are wearing just now we can try to work out what's wrong. normally underarm bulge is cup but if the back isn't right you can get cup sagging too

[SorrelForbes]

AllBellyandBoobs A central gore not sitting flat nearly always means that you need a bigger cup, probably more than one size.

[SorrelForbes]

Rockinhippy But this is one of the problems people encounter when bra shopping (or any clothes shopping for that matter). There is no standardisation between brands. I measure as a 30FF but need a 30GG.

[SarcasticMrKnowItAll]

I'm 31.5" under and 35" over. I have a selection of bras ranging from 32C to a 36A

[StatisticallyChallenged]

try a 32d and a 30d/dd and maybe a 32c

[SarcasticMrKnowItAll]

Thanks, I'll give them a try .

[AllBellyandBoobs]

SorrelForbes Thanks for that. When I have tried a bigger cup size i find that i don't fill it properly and so there is lots of wrinkly fabric. I'll find time to go in somewhere and try on lots of styles and brands

[SorrelForbes]

AllBellyandBoobs That's really the best way. Very time consuming and hot and sweaty but satisfying if you manage to find some good bras. Remember to scoop, a lot!

[Rockinhippy]

Not quite sure why you feel the need to pick holes in my reply statistically I'm not saying that's the OPs size, but a good starting place to try on - & then follow my other instructions to make sure it fits properly

Yes Sorell - I agree - big time, though I think in some ways with clothing at least its no bad thing as we do come in all sorts of shapes & therefore if everything was standardised it could make it more difficult for a lot of people - at least now we have the option of finding the store that generally fits us best - though you then have to hope you also like their range I suppose - sadly bar made to measure, there's no easy answer.

As far as bras go though, I have noticed they seemed to have jumped on the flatter the customer bandwagon in more recent years though - probably lead by Bravisimo success as that seems to be their policy - my friend loves Bravisimo because they tell her she is a 30M, she's a good size 18, so no way is she really a 30 under bust, but she loves to tell everyone that's he correct size now & Bravisimo have her hook line & sinker - really peed me off my favourite everyday comfy tee bra (Debenhams Girgeous) has followed suit with flatter me sizing though - I don't want to try on, but have to now, as they aren't the same size they used to be[ hmm{

[Rockinhippy]

Gorgeous - damn you iPad

[StatisticallyChallenged]

rockinhippy I was only pointing it out because it makes quite a big difference in UK sizes-hardly picking holes.

[SorrelForbes]

Rockinhippy Hmmmm, I don't think that SC was picking holes. If she hadn't pointed out that you'd missed the double letters, then I would have.

I have to disagree about the Bravissimo thing as I've never experienced any type of vanity sizing going on. 30 band bras fit me in Bravissimo, JL, R&P and everywhere really. IMHO the Gorgeous brand comes us very small in the band. Not sure what's going on with your friend but I do know a size 14/16 who wears a 30 so it's not impossible.

I had an uncomfortable experience in HoF where the very petite fitter (size 6/8) said that after looking at my back she really didn?t think I was a 30 as she was a 30! She insisted in putting me in bigger bras which were definitely too big and I honestly felt that it was because she couldn't accept that me, a size 10/12 needed a 30 back. TBH she probably needed a 26

[ChasingStaplers]

Thanks for all the replies.
Am off there tomorrow instead so will catch up on he thread now :)