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Original poster

Getting measured for a bra - really embarrassed

83 replies

Mumbunz · 02/11/2023 12:35

Since having my son I have somewhat let myself go. Anyway I have started to feel like myself again now he is 10 months old. So I thought it was time to sort myself out. Anyway I need some new bras, sexy ones not the wireless let your boobs droop type that I am wearing at the moment. My problem is my current bras are really disgusting, the colour has gone in them, ie they look grubby rather than pink! I am so embarrassed by them I can't bear to walk into a shop to get new ones fitted. I have tried to self measure so I can order online but I am getting nowhere near the measurements of my current bra. This is so embarrassing!

I've heard a lot about Bravissimo, but it's nowhere near where I live. Has anyone tried other shops like M&S, etc.? Is it worth going?

OP posts:
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KnickerlessParsons · 21/11/2023 17:23

honeyytoast · 02/11/2023 12:44

Don’t go to m&s as they don’t measure properly (unless they’ve changed it now).
but don’t be embarrassed. They won’t give a shit and if they do, they’re in the wrong job

I bought a couple of bras in M&S last week and asked to be "fitted".
I thought the woman who looked after me did a good job. The bras fit well and are comfy anyway.

Roselilly36 · 21/11/2023 17:06

Bravissimo is great, they don’t measure, all fitted by sight, bring a selection of bras for you to try. Would recommend, even if you don’t have a store locally, worth travelling.

TheMarzipanDildo · 21/11/2023 17:05

I do boob or bust and then go down 1 cup size and up 1 back size. So in between boob or bust and ‘M&S add 4 inches’ sizing I suppose. I think it’s best just to go into a shop and try a load on.

KeepYaHeadUp · 21/11/2023 16:58

Bravissimo did a remote fitting for me when I'd had a baby and my nursing bra broke. I wanted an exchange but they offered to do a fit check as I'd bought it when pregnant and they said my size would probably have changed. Sent me 2 sizes for free as I was in between and I kept the one that fit and returned the other one and the faulty one at their expense. Really really good.

SeatonCarew · 21/11/2023 16:53

ChristmasAlmostComplete23 · 02/11/2023 13:30

Ive been m&s measured for 30 years. Never had a bad fit.

"These are not just breasts... These are M&S breasts!". 😄😄😄🥰

flawless29 · 21/11/2023 16:41

Glad you found a good bra fitter nearby! I totally agree with what everyone's saying about Bravissimo – they're awesome. I always had great experiences there, so it's definitely worth checking them out if you get the chance. Never found Debenhams, that great!

Purplebunnie · 21/11/2023 15:36

minou123 · 02/11/2023 12:53

I worked as a bra fitter in Debenham many moons ago.

I promise you, I did not judge. Please don't feel embarrassed.
I saw many boobs and many old bras. I bra fiitted from the teenagers to the 80s.
I saw everything.

I never judged. My only focus was to get the best bra for you. I can't speak for every bra fitter out there, but my experience is theyve seen eveything, so very little is shocking or embarrassing.

So gutted Debenhams has gone, I always went there for my fittings. Best service ever

kentishgodess30 · 21/11/2023 15:33

I've had more luck ordering different sizes online and returning the ones that don't work. Those professional bra fittings have never really done it for me. It's always been a 'try it on and see' kind of thing. Plus, my bra size fluctuates every couple of years, so it's all trial and error anyway. At least I can do it from the comfort of my own home!

KimberleyClark · 09/11/2023 08:42

John Lewis fitters are good. I second not going to M &S they are rubbish.

user50and · 09/11/2023 08:35

The Irish Bra Lady on Insta is great! I measured myself, bought a bra online and it fits perfectly!

Original poster
Mumbunz · 09/11/2023 08:32

Thanks a lot for the advice 😊. Managed to find a local bra fitter and went yesterday, and honestly, the lady was an absolute gem .
When I self-measured with 'Boobs or Bust' it turns out I'm a 32FF, but it was pretty tight . She suggested upping my band size and slightly increasing my cup size. Ended up with a 34G, which fit perfectly well 👌, and I managed to snag a couple right then and there. Planning to go down to M&S to pick up a few more. Thanks heaps for your suggestions! 🙏

OP posts:
goingtotown · 02/11/2023 19:01

I buy several sizes to try at home & return unwanted ones.

Bigcoatweather · 02/11/2023 18:57

I measure myself then order a selection online at Next to try at home.
Do not go to M&S for measurements- other posters are correct. I almost had a row with one fitter who measured me as an E when I’m a B, C at the most.

SlightlygrumpyBettyswaitress · 02/11/2023 18:51

Give yourself an hour and just go try lots on in Marks and Sparks.
Bra fitting is as mythical as professional show fitting for kids aka it ain't magic.
I have the most ample norks and have yet to find any way better than good old trying loads on. Marks used to be terrible for larger sizes but have improved hugely in the last couple of years.

RogueFemale · 02/11/2023 18:07

Which shops near you offer a bra fitting service?

SaveMeFromMyBoobs · 02/11/2023 17:57

100% bravissimo are best for measuring.

If you aren't getting measurements anywhere near your current size at home that's because you aren't that size!

Bras take a beating through daily wear, the band relaxes in particular. Remember your ribs often spread a bit in pregnancy so if you were a 32 before you're likely a 34 now.

Fionaville · 02/11/2023 17:30

I just order a few different ones online and send the ones that don't fit back. The few times I've been measured, the bras never seemed to fit better anyway. It always came down to try a couple on and 'see which fit' So I can do that without help. My bra size changes every couple of years, so it's trial and error for me, but at least I can do it from the comfort of home.

SallyWD · 02/11/2023 17:25

ChristmasAlmostComplete23 · 02/11/2023 13:30

Ive been m&s measured for 30 years. Never had a bad fit.

Me too. I don't understand why people say M and S are rubbish at bra fitting. Some people might have had a bad experience there but it doesn't mean all the thousands of M and S fitters are useless!
I've been measured there and they were spot on. Recently got daughter her first bra there and they were extremely thorough. They spent about 30 minutes with her measuring her and trying on a range of different bras.

WitsEnd10 · 02/11/2023 17:19

I highly recommend Curvy Kate. They have a great quiz on the website to assess your ‘boob type’ before they tell
your size, and every bra has fitting and sizing tips.

QuestionableMouse · 02/11/2023 17:18

Pinkpinkplonk · 02/11/2023 13:32

If you’re embarrassed about your bra, go to bravissimo. Pick a 34 F that you like off the rack, go try in on. Then peep out and say “ I don’t think this is quite right” and bingo, she’ll size you up in an instant and she’ll never see your old bra!!

This is a really clever solution!

wannadisc0 · 02/11/2023 16:48

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

statetrooperstacey · 02/11/2023 16:47

No one will see your bra, if you are measured with a tape measure it’s usually over your top , then you will try the new bras on in the fitting room. They will have a look at you in the new bra to check the fit i f you are happy with that . They will then tweak the size and style for a better fit if needed.

Bravissimo don’t usually use a tape measure though.

DramaAlpaca · 02/11/2023 16:44

Meant to add, M&S bras are great, but ONLY if you already know your size.

DramaAlpaca · 02/11/2023 16:44

Your best bet is an independent lingerie shop. Their fitters are usually excellent.