To ask you to recommend a decent bra . . .

I'm the same size as you, I only ever buy Fantasie (try Brastop.co.uk as often cheaper) or almost anything at Bravissimo. You genuinely can't go wrong with Bravissimo.

Best bras I have found for all round support are Miss Mary of Sweden, they are pricey £50 ish but not as expensive as some. They do have ones with nice shaped padded straps, as I have a very heavy bust, my shoulders were hurting too. The back is shaped so the straps don't slip off. Very comfortable

PS... Hand wash every time, underwires & washing machines don't mix. Plus if you have spent a fortune on a bra makes sense to look after it!

Hand wash your underwired bras folks

Bravissimo def. It's a game changer. Expensive but worth it

You'll be wearing too big a back size.

Take yourself off to somewhere that has a good selection and will fit you up properly. John Lewis perhaps. I have a small independent department store near me and they are great at sorting me out with fab bras. I like Fantasie ones myself. I wash mine in the machine at 40 degrees and air dry them, they are lasting well, some are several years old possibly pre covid and still going strong. On a cost per wear basis they've worked out cheaper than anything from M&S. choose your colours/patterns carefully and they won't go grey!

You should try elomi morgan
or cate

I think it depends on whether you have big and perky boobs, or big and saggy heavy boobs. Because I have the latter but so many recommended bras for big boobs so often have, for example, quite thin straps that simply won’t support my bosom and cut into my shoulders no matter what.

I hate underwires as well, they cut into my tummy when I sit down, or dig into my ribs when I stand up.

I go to Rigby & Peller and also suit Prima Donna styles.

The thing is, what suits one of us won't necessarily suit you - different brands suit different shapes, it's not just a question of the size on the label (even allowing for sizing varying so what's a 36D in one won't be in another brand, say). Also even if you have been measured in the past, age and weight etc means your breasts change - I have gone from wearing the same style for years to suddenly finding with peri that my breasts are a different shape, and suddenly what worked before doesn't look as good as something I wouldn't have touched before. You really need to go to an expert (I have never used Bravissimo but from what others are saying sounds suitable) with a range of different styles and brands and an expert eye to see what works for you.

Even if that's expensive, it sounds like you are wasting money on ones that don't fit you so better to buy two or three that do work than five that don't!

Do the boob or bust measuring system to find your actual size, then order a few from brastop to try. They've got a sale on at the moment (though they seem to have one most of the time!) and returns are free. Do the measurements first though cos I bet you're not the size think you are

I don’t get on with plunge bras at all. (DD). Balcony all the way. M&S Rosie are generally great.

The bravissimo millie is a balconette bra, the straps will sit wide on your shoulders, a better bra for straps that sit narrower and give brilliant support is elomi Morgan.
Is say you need a side support bra

34H here and only wear one bra… PrimaDonna Deauville. Very expensive but if you try it you will never buy any other. (I only buy in sales)

I know 🤣

I think you're wearing the wrong size

Wacoal.

The wires are poking out cos you're washing your bra in the machine instead of hand-washing them, its nothing to do with size

Yep bravissimo - expensive but worth it.
I've just bought 3 m&S bras...wish I'd not.

Hopping on for some advice from the experts - does anyone know of brands where the underwire is shorter around the side?

I find them all so uncomfortable around the armpit. My boobs sit quite high so the underwire ends up digging into my armpit.

I guess I’m looking for wires that are more of a J shape than a U?!

Bras are pretty much the only thing I spend a lot on. If you work out the cost per wear it makes it a bit less painful to buy... but the comfort is worth it. I go to an independent shop and splash out once every couple of years. They sell me brands I've never heard of which I love wearing. On the flip side I've had awful bras from M&S. Spent years thinking I was a 36B (because they told me that) and that underwire pain was normal. I'm a 32E and my lovely fancy underwired bras feel like wearing soft, supportive clouds. Clouds with oomph.

Rigby and Peller, if your budget will stretch to it. Expensive but worth it.

Bravissimo.

Book a fitting in advance if possible.
They carry huge stock, range of brands & styles & fitters are all experienced, you'll will find something you like & it will fit.

Over the years I have changed shape & have always come out of Bravissimo with a bra that fits & flatters. They also do swimwear & some nightwear.

M&S bras are a disappointment, they may fit but the lacklustre quality means they sag & disintegrate far too quickly.

If they aren’t holding you in and the wires are poking out after a couple of wears, the first conclusion to come from is you aren’t wearing the right size. The right size bra will hold
your boobs in. Definitely go to Bravissimo and get a proper fitting and learn how they should fit so you can assess new bras yourself.

Most of my bras are Flirtelle ones from Brastop, big fan of Brastop, lots of sales and very easy returns for when you need to try multiple sizes/styles.

Molke