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Original poster

Where can I buy a bra?

113 replies

GoldenGorilla · 20/02/2022 06:40

Need new bras but would like to be fitted properly. By a woman. In a changing area that only has women in it.

Are there any actual shops I can go to? Or do I need to buy a hundred bras online and probably return 99 of them?

OP posts:
ValancyRedfern · 20/02/2022 08:27

M and S measured me as 36D when I was actually 30GG. So many years of misery could have ben avoided if I'd gone to John Lewis first! I recommend John Lewis fittings, not sure what their stance on TWAW is.

ShineTogether · 20/02/2022 08:25

I always have good experience in Victoria secret. The dressing rooms are very private and individual with locks and good solid doors. The staff very respectful of privacy. If there was another person using the service at the same time, I wouldn't even know they were there.

Svara · 20/02/2022 08:24

@AnguaResurgam

Measure yourself, by the proper 'bra intervention' method, and then just buy.

Asda bras are surprisingly good, and their returns are fine, so I'd start there.

Otherwise Rigby and Peller (not everything is expensive in there, but there isn't a cheap range either - it starts mid-price of branded ranges)

Just checked Asda, they don't have any 30 C bras at all. When are supermarkets going to start making smaller back sizes?!
Original poster
GoldenGorilla · 20/02/2022 08:20

Filming things so you have a record is a good shout. I’m also planning to phone any branch before I visit to ask if there are any trans women working in that department (doubt they’ll tell me but I like to keep flagging the issues!).

OP posts:
OhHolyJesus · 20/02/2022 08:19

@Doubletoilandtrouble good idea to take a camera, hope the trip goes well. Awful you have to consider all this.

Though I pity the staff having to deal with this too, may I suggest that you ask if there are any men/transwomen in the changing rooms before entering. It alerts them to the concerns.

Doubletoilandtrouble · 20/02/2022 07:51

I was just about to come on to say measure yourself.

  1. Use a tape measure, measure around your rib cage, just below your breasts. If you fall between two sizes (34, 36) take one of each but remember that the fabric will give over time.

  2. Try different cup sizes, you should be able to have a good guess based on how they look. Check that the cups fit perfectly, also when you jump up and down. If you have any doubts, try a smaller/bigger cup size.

  3. remember that a 34B cup is similar to a 32C cup.

  4. some brands are sized differently. Be open to a bad fit in a size you “should” fit and try other sizes for a new brand.

That is what I am doing when I am taking my DD bra shopping today. We are going to M&S because of the prices (and quality) but if we see any creeps we will leave. And any male casting a single eye at my DD, I will write a long letter to the head of the department store. I have my phone with a camera and I will photograph them.

AnguaResurgam · 20/02/2022 07:31

Measure yourself, by the proper 'bra intervention' method, and then just buy.

Asda bras are surprisingly good, and their returns are fine, so I'd start there.

Otherwise Rigby and Peller (not everything is expensive in there, but there isn't a cheap range either - it starts mid-price of branded ranges)

Original poster
GoldenGorilla · 20/02/2022 07:30

@generallyfailing - too far for me, thank you.

OP posts:
generallyfailing · 20/02/2022 07:20

Depending on where you live there's a great bra shop in Leeds - www.fittobust.co.uk

Original poster
GoldenGorilla · 20/02/2022 07:05

@Feather12 - thank you, yes they don’t seem to have fallen yet, looks like I need to save up though!

OP posts:
Original poster
GoldenGorilla · 20/02/2022 07:03

@gunnersgold - bravissimo do allow men who claim to identify as women into their women’s changing rooms, so that’s a no from me.

OP posts:
Feather12 · 20/02/2022 06:55

I really liked Rigby and Peller. They don’t do that bullshit measuring. They do it by sight and get it right every time. Boob or bust is bollocks (yes granted it is better than M&S etc but still..)

gunnersgold · 20/02/2022 06:53

Bravissimo