Talk to me about bras.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I've just ditched two bras, and I need to replace them. One black and one white.
I can't remember when I last bought a new one, or where is best to get them from. I'm a 34b (measured about a year ago) and can spend up to about £25 unless you tell me I can't get anything for that

Where shall I go? I'm in a large city, so most shops are here.

[DrewOB]

marks, debenhams, john lewis for tough wearing.
34B, you can find nice ones from newlook and h&M but won't be as long wearing.

[leedy]

Do not, under any circumstances, get measured in M&S (their actual bras are all right, though not great for my particular shape, but their measuring approach is wildly wrong, normally ends up with a too big back and a too small cup).

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I've got new look ones at the moment, but wondered if I needed to start being more grown up in my bra-buying.

Thanks.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I got measured in JL I think, whilst bridesmaid dress shopping, and I've been this size for ages so I trust that.

[mrssmith79]

Are you absolutely sure you're a 34b op? Have you been across to the bra intervention threads??
For a good, well fitting everyday bra I've always found the Panache Tango reliable and super comfy.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Yep. I'm definitely positive. begins to question self

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I'm not going to get measured, that isn't an option, so I'm going to go with that size anyway!

[Furball]

YY - measure yourself as per mn bra guru blog

and post your sizes here for mn guru to tell you what size you should be looking for

believe in the measure!

[mrssmith79]

But you don't have to go anywhere to get measured - you just do it yourself, post the numbers and wait for one of the wise ladies on the thread to revolutionize your life ..
Ah, go on .

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Ah that's ok. I can measure myself. But I'm shopping at the moment, so you'll all have to wait till I get home.

[Superherosidekick]

Most people who think they are a 34B are actually around a 30D/DD. Please do not buy another bra until you have checked against the link posted above. It will change your life I promise.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Really? I'd be surprised if I was a d. I don't look like a d.

[treaclesoda]

Ah, but you possibly think you don't look like a D because for years M&S and such shops, plus the media have been telling us that a D is a huge bra size. It's not, because D means nothing without the band size before it therefore it is completely impossible to say whether a D cup is a big size or a small size

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Ok. The wide back bit is 35 inches and the round the boob bit is 41 inches.

don't judge me on my fat back

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

If I've got that right, it means I'm a 34D?

[treaclesoda]

Sounds more like 34DD or E than 34B. Were your old bras comfortable? Did you bulge out of them?

[treaclesoda]

Oops, Japanese is right. I counted on my fingers and got it wrong 34DD is likely to be too small, E or F is more likely

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I've just tried on a current bra. Yes, bit bulgy, and the fat back sort of stretches a bra. I never see other people in bras so I don't know what it should look like.

This is a revelation I tell you!

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

Wow. Just. Wow.

[treaclesoda]

Freya make some lovely bras in that size. Also Cleo and Panache.

If your breasts sit quite high on your body, Panache can be uncomfortable as the wires come up quite high and stab you under the arm. They are excellent bras, just not suited to some people's shape. Same with other brands, they can all have their own particular design quirks that mean they don't work for some people.

But it is not a difficult size to buy, if you go online or have a decent sized Debenhams or suchlike nearby.

[ThePrincessWhoSatOnTheSprout]

Years ago, I had a friend who swore blind she was a 34B. She was blatantly not! I took her to get measured - she was a 30F!

[treaclesoda]

here are some pictures of how it should and shouldn't fit.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

The pictures really help, thank you.

I'll start looking for new bras.