Bra shopping,where shall I get measured?

[conkerpods]

So I'm going to buy some bras next week. No idea what size I am,I have been to Bravissimo in the past but find they for the band way too tight and i get red marks.
I'm planning on going to House of Fraser and Debenhams,will their bra fitters be crap,should I measure myself??

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

I've used debenhams before and they are ok. I tend to measure myself so I have an idea of what I need. I also find certain brands size slightly differently. I find debenhams own range small in the back and everythime I go bra shopping I end up with Freya bras as they suit my shape best. Not tried John Lewis.

If you are confident in sizing yourself you can pick out a load to try on in the changing rooms and the assistant is usually happy to get other sizes for you if needed.

[Bisquick]

Have you had a fitting at Bravissimo? Or just bought their stuff? I find their fitters quite good. I also found the fitters at Rigby and peller to be fantastic - although their stuff's a lot pricier than Bravissimo!

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

I can't find the link in how to measure yourself but I'm sure one of the lovely Bra Intervention mumsnetters will be along soon with a link for you.

[alphabook]

I also second getting fitted in Bravissimo if you didn't when you went before.

I think bras are a bit like shoes, they take a few wears to get properly comfortable. If you can stretch the band a good few inches when it's on then it's not too tight, either the cups are too small or you just need to wear it in a bit.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Red marks from a well fitting bra are pretty normal tbh. Both house of fraser and debenhams are ropey for fitting

[Runningupthathill82]

IME Debenhams are awful but John Lewis is better. Bravissimo the best though, by far. I like the way Bravissimo don't just give you a size and expect everything in that size to fit - instead they find a style and shape that's right.

[Buttwing]

John Lewis were awful when I went with dd. She measured her at 28" then suggested she try a 32"!! When I asked why she said oh we like to add a few inches

[blushrush]

The Bra Calculator from the /r/abrathatfits subreddit is worth checking out.

Really detailed and there's a slideshow at the top which shows clearly how to measure yourself:

www.brasizecalculator.tk/home.html

[conkerpods]

Thankyou,I have measured with the website above.
I was measured in Bravissimo when I went,I just didn't like how tight they should be. I know they need to be snug for support though. Maybe I'll try again,I'll see how I get on tomorrow.