M&S bra stupidity

[JuneFromBethesda]

I know M&S have a ridiculous - wrong - measuring system for bras but I wasn't sure if this meant their bras were weird sizes too.

I tried some on today - first time in years I've tried M&S bras and what do you know, the sizes were completely screwy.

I'm a 32G. I know I'm a 32G. I've been measured properly by Rigby & Peller and Bravissimo over the years and have remained the same size. A 32G in M&S fit around the band but the cup size was painfully small - in correct sizes I would guess it was an E cup at the most, possibly a DD.

I cannot understand why the major high street retailer, one famed for its underwear, has a great big black hole of utter wrongness where bras are concerned. WHY is it so hard to use the correct sizes and make bras accordingly?? By their system I guess I should be a 32JJ or beyond - which is obviously a size they don't actually make So basically M&S have no bras to fit me, and many other women like me (and I am a very average 5'8", size 14, with big boobs yes but in proportion).

This really pisses me off

[sksk]

I have problems, too though am smaller, in that I need a 36A for comfort reasons, though I am a 34A according to the measurement- I could wear the 34 for band reasons, but the cup size is too small in 34A and too big in 36A but more comfortable. Plus, they all go out of shape in the wash (I don't have time to hand wash and anyway, they are not fancy bras, I wear) so lok bad under clothes and I can't afford to go buying new underwear.
Sorry if I it is not the same problem, but I feel annoyed, too.

[stonelog]

Because their main customer base are elderly people who would revolt if they changed their measuring system. Give them 20 years or so and once their loyal customers are all gone, they might just change to the new, proper system.

I go to boux avenue and debenhams in the meantime...the only places I know which start at a 28 band

[JuneFromBethesda]

I wondered that, stonelog, but they have some beautiful, 'modern', non-traditional bras - in fact most of what was on offer was t-shirt bras, plunge bras, balconettes in bright colours and young prints. There's a big range of designs, lots of pretty bras and not remotely old-ladyish. It's frustrating because they have some very pretty designs. It just doesn't make sense for them to ignore a huge section of the female population - and all those sales they're losing.

I wish I had a Debenhams where I live - I usually buy bras online but I was hoping to pick one up in person for a change!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

sksk - you might be better trying a 34B, as cups are relative to band so a 36A is the same cup volume as a 34B.

OP, M&S are all over the shop with their sizing. They don't match their own sizing approach but they're incredibly unreliable and variable.

[JuneFromBethesda]

But why, Stat, whyyyyyy? I want to sit down with the head of women's lingerie at M&S and demand an explanation, dammit!

Sorry for the rant but I can't quite believe they were selling those bras labelled as a 32G - I've not squeezed my bosoms into a bra that small since I was a clueless teenager (was wearing a 36D until I was first properly measured as a 32F ...)

[bialystockandbloom]

Totally agree. I haven't bought one from there for years now, but saw some nice ones recently. I'm 32F in Rigby & Peller etc. Amazingly they had that size, but god the cups were tiny. Tried on 34E and 34F to compare. The 34E was actually a better fit, and cups seemed bigger than the 32F. They have no idea how to construct a bra for anything other than the ubiquitous 34C of the 1980s, it seems. Shame as they do have nice looking styles.

But also irritating that the matching knickers only come in short/thong style, never bikini.

[stonelog]

M&S must have a shit marketing department...they're clearly not reading MN for a start...

[JuneFromBethesda]

Quite, stonelog.

I'm so cross I'm actually googling to see if I can find the name of someone in Womenswear to email.

[RedLentil]

In Dublin recently I managed to get them to measure me after waiting 10 mins for their holiday chat to finish.

The woman said ''you're a 34b - what's the size of the one you're wearing? It's perfect."

She looked a bit surprised that it was one of their 34d bras, but sold it to me and then handed me a 'review our service online' card. I declined ...

[irishe]

Interestingly, I was measured and fitted for a bra at m&s today. I was a little apprehensive bearing in mind the bad press they get on here. I had a good experience. I had recently returned from holiday, where I had been measured and purchased a 42d. It was totally the wrong size and I was in pain. The m&s fitter measured me as a 40g. When she went off to get me some bras to try on I borrowed her measuring tape to measure myself via the bra intervention guidelines and I was spot on a 40g. So some m&s fitters are measuring correctly. She was with me at least half an hour trying different styles, recommending I go up a cup in some styles and offering an opinion on which ones appeared most supportive. So all is not lost with m&s. and I agree with previous poster they had some lovely bright coloured bras in stock.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I think you get the odd rogue at M&S who obviously sits through their "+4" training, nods and smiles, and then goes behind the curtain and does it right!

[irishe]

That made me laugh, rogue fitter! She was lovely and knew her stuff. Thank god, I was in need of knowledge.

[weebarra]

M&S are one of the only high street stores who sell post surgery bras - I've had a bilateral mastectomy so this is useful. Of course, they're only available online but I'd been measured by the prosthesis lady so knew what size I was,40D (yes, also fat!).
Ordered bra, popped prostheses in and they were swallowed up by the cups - they were huge! Not impressed, but have ordered another size. We shall see.

[HelenF350]

Their bras are terribly small sized. I bought a nursing bra in 36GG and it's too small. I am currently in 36F normal bras which fit fine!