Bra sizing help please!

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Off to Debenhams tomorrow, REALLY do not want to get them to fit me! Using the bra intervention method, i've measured 35 underboob, and then a variety of sizes across-boob when leaning forward, mainly because my boobs are now like two oranges in a sock, thanks to weight loss! I got 41 twice, 40 once and 42 once... I think 41 is most accurate, its hard to know because I'm not sure if I need to hold the tape measure flush against the top of them where they join my body, where they are narrower and shaped like this ) ( - I hope that makes sense! Any advice given would be massively appreciated!

[SwivelHips]

oh crikey same as me. I was going to try 34dd after reading the other thread earlier. I've been wearing 38c post pregnancy, feck I've never been anything like a d before

[SuperDuperJezebel]

I was in a 46c, pre weight watchers! I was a size 20-22, that was the most accurate sizing I could get, a few websites basically said 'computer says no' when I put in my then-measurements! Now im losing weight, currently in size 14 and I need to keep remeasuring almost weekly. I bought some bras about 3 weeks ago and now they're too big. Having said that I'm not sure I even measured for that that properly!

[SwivelHips]

well done you, that's great

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Think it would be better if my boobs were in the right place tho!

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Thanks too tho!

[treaclesoda]

you could try a 36 band and a 34, since you fall between them. With 6 inches difference between your measurements you're probably around an E cup, but again it's only a starting point.

[Piscivorus]

I am still at a larger size but am also heading downwards. Well done to you!

Just wanted to say the idea of oranges in a sock made me laugh as it is how I feel too. I am going to a local independent bra shop next week to try to get sorted

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Thanks, I wore a 36E at the moment, albeit an asda one, and i felt like it was riding up at the back and too small in the cup. But I tried on loads of 36Es (and 36D, 36DD) at BHS and I felt like I was borrowing Barbie's bra. Then I got frustrated and wanted to cry, and threw my toys out of the pram. Shall I just try on absolutely everything in the shop tomorrow?

[SuperDuperJezebel]

sorry i felt like the 36e was too BIG in the cup, the straps didnt sit flat where they joined the cup and there was gaps underneath them.

[treaclesoda]

and scoop! Hoik the whole lot into the bra, adjust the straps and check that it sits straight across your back. If it slips up at the back, it's too big in the band and won't be supportive enough. And if you go down a back size, you need to go up a cup size to get the samd size of cups.

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Good plan Piscivorus, I'm going to go to Bravissimo when I get to my goal weight, because I want to buy loads, but I feel like it would be a waste of money at the moment.

[SuperDuperJezebel]

I definitely scoop... Right I shall try on maybe a 34E?

[treaclesoda]

cross posted!

Sounds like you might need a smaller back size, and bigger cup size. Maybe try a 34F? Or even a 34FF, bearing in mind that you've had a couple of different results with the measuring tape.

Also the style can make a big difference. I'm pretty good on the general 'finding a good fit' in that I know it when I see it, but I'm not knowledgeable enough on what styles suit particular body shapes to be of much use there, sorry.

[treaclesoda]

just had a thought, is it a moulded bra you're wearing at the moment? Because if it is, that could easily account for the gaping, as they are notoriously difficult to get a good fit...

[SuperDuperJezebel]

No, that;s great, thank you, you've been really helpful! I sometimes get all a fluster when i'm trying them on and nothing seems to fit, its easier to give up. But have a romantic weekend away booked and I would like to have a bra that actually puts things where they should be. My friend has been fitted at bravissimo recently and raves about how much more comfortable she feels - I want that.

I am kind of a cross between a pear and an hourglass, I carry more weight around hips and stomach but definitely have some flabby bits on my back - wow i'm really selling myself! Which is why i've always assumed I just needed a huge back size.

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Yes, it is a moulded bra, its one of these beauties - not posh, but when im changing bra sizes 6 weekly, pretty much all I want to spend (up until now).

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Moulded may be part of the problem. They are terrible for gaping, and especially if you have lost volume then because they can't adaot to your shape you could be wearing the right size, and never get a good fit with it. Could you maybe order something slightly better quality online - you won't get something for £4 but amazon often have great deals with cleo bras for under £10, free delivery and returns. Ignore their photos though they are terirble fits on the models!

I'd suggest given what you've said trying a 34E and F and working from there.

Few examples:
cleo neve £7.50
cleo millie £10.80
curvy kate desire - £6 in ivory
lola £8.70

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Wow, thanks very much! I will go and try some on tomorrow to see how they fit and then order online. Really appreciate your help!

[Piscivorus]

Haha I am wearing that very same bra as you. I like the moulded cups as I hate risking showing any hint of nipples (mine are always pointing downwards or I scoop and end up with them looking cross-eyed or something!)

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Looks like mine will be going in the bin in this case! Will let you know how I get on!

[SuperDuperJezebel]

Well, that was a disaster! I went to Debenhams, tried on a load of different styles in 34E and 34F, they varied between too small in the cup, and too big (mostly fitting but a bit gapey where the tops of the cups were. No in between, really I seemed to need a 34e and 1/2! Also I scooped as much as I possibly could but I felt like I had a bit of underarm fat spilling over a bit. I don't know what to do, possibly try on a 36 back, with unmoulded cups?

[SorrelForbes]

OK, can you remember which bras (make and style) you tried?

Debenhams Gorgeous range comes up small in the band so you may well need a 36 in those.

Were you trying moulded styles?

[SuperDuperJezebel]

a mix of unmoulded and moulded:
I tried on this one
this one
and one more, I think it was moulded, also in the Gorgeous range...
I felt like the bigger ones were a bit gappy where the outside-top of the cups sat, in the 34F, but the 34E runn-eth over considerably in some of them.

[SorrelForbes]

Sorry, those links don't work on my PC (my PC issue not your link!)

It does sound like a 34E is too big so I'd suggest (as annoying as it is) trying some more styles and brands. It might be easier to stay away from moulded at the moment at stick to a simple balconette style (like a Cleo Juna/Marcie, Panache Idina, Bravissimo half cup, Freya Rio)

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Think Sorrel means too small for the 34E!

I'm having one of those days too sorrel!