Bra sizing

[used2bthin]

I was chatting to a mum from toddler group yesterday and somehow we got round to bra sizes (think we were moaning about post DC bodies!). I told her I'm a 36b and she was adament that I should go to Bravisimo because there is no way that I am. Before having DD I always wore 34c but have worn 36b since stopping breast feeding because I feel I have very little cup wise but am fatter. Would they laugh if I took my very unimpressive chest to Bravisimo? Are there any other places that are good for measuring? We only have debenhams and m and s here and in both I have had very uninterested staff say that my 36bs are ok.

[goingslowlymad]

what size clothes do you wear?

what is your measurment in inches around your rib cage?

It's really, really common or women to wear back sizes too large and cup sizes too small

[used2bthin]

I am size twelve, sometimes wear ten in shops like Monsoon that are generous! I'll get my tape measure but actually I think I'm 34, which will be really silly if I am and hadn't related it to being in the wrong bra size!

[onepieceoflollipop]

Bravissimo would NEVER laugh. They are lovely and professional. Why not go and see them - even though they don't use a tape measure they would give you an honest opinion re your current bra. I had a 34c (am size 10 usually) and ended up a 32dd which fits beautifully.

[used2bthin]

GSM where am I meant to measure is it under my bust or over if that makes sense? If under then I am 31!

[goingslowlymad]

Measure under breasts, around rib cage. I would guess you are more likely to be a 32d than a 36b.

Definately get yourself to Bravissimo. Your norks will thank you for it, trust me ;)

[used2bthin]

I actually tried to go to Bravisimo today but they were all outside because there had been some sort of leak and there were fumes, a very nice girl apologised and said do come back etc but I couldn't help but feel that they were all thinking HER need US?! We haven't got John Lewis but maybe if Bravisimo is no good I should try going somewhere that does.

[goingslowlymad]

hanaflower that measuring advice is fairly outdated now I think.

[Lilymaid]

Have a look at this guide then link at bottom of the page to the size calculator. This will give you an idea ... but it is far far better to go for a fitting.

[used2bthin]

I am confused now! I am 31 inches round my rib cage but about 35 round the fullest part. But I am wearing a padded bra so that must surely make a difference? Definately need to go and try again and get measured, I would be so happy if I could wear their stuff as there is a swimming costume I want, someone linked it on here and I was all I didn't have the cleavage for it.

[PortAndLemon]

Look at this page from Figleaves (and the linked page on "how to work out your true bra size" -- it (plus a good mirror) will give you a reasonable idea of how your current size is measuring up.

I'd be very surprised if you were a 36, because I'm a 36 (am even a 34 in some brands) and am considerably fatter than you.

[goingslowlymad]

PAL me too. I wear a very snug 34 and could probably do with a 36 now as have put on a stone and am a size 16.

[melrose]

Cup size on a 34c and 36 b are the same if that makes sense (so John Lewis told me) so if you go down a back measurement (most people need to) you also need to go up a cup size. I ahd always worn a 36B pre kids (and between them)Am now a 34D!!!! And I really do not ahve big boobs

[melrose]

Oh meant to say i am a size 12/14 so would think you should be a 34 or 32

[used2bthin]

Thanks for the link I had a quick look through and it does seem that my band size is too big I will try and get into town again tomorrow to get measured, I wonder if Bravisimo would measure me even if they can see I'm too small cup wise to wear thier stuff? The mum I spoke to kept saying she can see I'm not a 36 and that they will tell me without even measuring that I am in the wrong size. Thing is it seems sizes are different everywhere despite it being done in inches don't you think? Or maybe thats just about different styles of bra. I would love to go to a shop that just told me what size and style to wear then brought them to me to try I hate underwear shopping.

[used2bthin]

Omg I will be soooo happy if I am double d with any back size! I am quite small on top actually (very pear shaped I think as I am more 12-14 on trousers) so I think 36 probably is wrong. How exciting thanks everyone.

[goingslowlymad]

When you get measured please come back and update this thread. I love knowing how people get on after MN advice

[PortAndLemon]

I'll put in a guess at 32D. Let us know how it goes!

[used2bthin]

I will definately update the thread. PortAndLemon I hope you are right. Bit scared I'll be an A as compared to pre DD I have very little there. Will let you all know though, thank you! I love bravisimo stuff I'm always looking in the window and wishing! Bet ladies who are better endowed would hate me saying that though as its probably far easier to find underwear if you are flat chested like me.

[used2bthin]

Ooh not sure about prize...something VERY exciting thogh I hope one of you is right. Please not that I am actually AA. Thats how I feel though!