Bra back fat. Can anybody help me find a bra that properly fits?

[PerfectionistProcrastinator]

I measured myself by the boob or bust measurement guide recently. I’ve been wearing a size 34c but knowing that it’s not right. I was shocked when the results put me as a 32G!

I went to M&S today to see if that was anywhere near a correct size for me. It seemed ridiculous as they looked so big for what I’m used to trying. But...it seemed a very close fit!

Cup size felt much more comfortable and accurate. No sagging or gaping whatsoever. However, I’m not convinced that I’m 32 around the back. I had what seemed to be a lot of bulging and back fat rolls. It felt very tight and the bit between my boobs made my skin red where it pressed against me.

I tried a 34G instead but that didn’t feel right either. I will remeasure again when I can find my tape measure. I’m wondering if I’m a 32GG instead, does that sound like a possible answer?

I’m frustrated. Desperately in need of new bras, I live nowhere near a bravissimo (which I’ve read fab things about) and for once in my life I want a bra that I know is fitting my properly!

Any advice? Surely I’m not meant be be squidging out from the back band so much?

I believe that M&S miss out DD in their bras so GG will actually be a G iyswim?

They had DD in the shop though, so what would that mean?

I don’t understand how 32 can be my measurement but feel like I’m wearing a band 3 sizes too small 😣

Did you try lots of different styles on?

I went bra shopping (in JL) last month and tried on 15 different bras. Two fit. I'm a similarly odd size (30E) and m&s don't tend to have enough stock for me to try that many on unfortunately. But I find the style and cup shape and brand just as important as the size on the label for fit or not.

Sometimes the band felt too tight, but sizing up the cup was too big and then sizing the cup down to compensate didn't fit either and gave me lots of back fat. I've come to the conclusion that it's just a time consuming numbers game where the size gives you an indication it might fit...

Oh and when I say 15 bras, I mean 15 different styles / brands. Some had multiple sizes in that particular bra!

Although that moment when one fits properly and your boobs finally look amazing is almost worth the pain...

M and S sizing is awful. Debenhams tend to be better and have their own range in larger sizes which I find fit better. They don't just rely on the tape measure method which tends to give a false result.
But for fitting I would always recommend Bravissimo. They can fit you over the phone if you call them. And once you pay for the first order they will exchange for free. So I'd suggest talking to them and maybe ordering a couple of styles and/or sizes to see what fits best.

You should be fastening the back on the last hook so that you can tighten it when it stretches as the bra ages.

If it's uncomfortable, remember if you go up a back size you should go down a cup size, so try 34 F not G.

Also, it's like clothes - 32, 34 etc isn't a standard thing unfortunately. Some makes come up small and some come up large.

Use your measurements as a great starting point but try a size either way until you get a good fit.

Thanks for replies. I tried about 5 different styles on. All had that same tightness though. I did think about ordering a load online and just keep going til I find what’s right.

I went to Debenhams first and they didn’t have a single bra in 32G. The only other department store near by was m&s with a much much bigger range which is why I tried there. I never believed a G cup was anywhere near right. I’m a size 12 with what I classed as medium sized boobs. I know it doesn’t work that way but I never even thought I was as big as a D before!

I didn’t know bravissimo would help to fit over the phone. I’ll definitely be giving them a call so that’s for that

A properly fitting bra, with a snug band does tend to result in back fat, unless you are so slim you don’t have any back fat at all. If your bra is loose enough not to press into the back fat then it’s almost certainly too loose around the ribs and isn’t properly supportive. The majority of support should come from the band, not the straps.

I did wonder about that Queen. But it felt a bit extreme. Especially when it was making the skin between my boobs red from the pressure.

The comfiest and most supportive bras I own are from SavageXFenty. 2 for £29 which I think is a bit of a bargain.

M and S offer a bra fitting service. Maybe there's one where you are.

Bra fitting

Ah, the bra fitting journey is so difficult but you will get there (ha, that sounds wanky and pretentious but it's midnight on a Friday night and I've had wine so meh)
I think it's FF that M&S miss out. So yes that's already one cup size too small.
It will feel tight and leave red marks, that's normal and you will get used to it although it won't be so bad in a properly fitting bra- sounds like this one was too small in the cup so boob tissue will actually be under the band, making it feel tight and causing 'back fat'.
I had hideous back fat until I went big enough in the cup, it is really wtf - I was also in 34Cs but was actually 30J ish. Genuinely try going down in the back and up in the cup until you find your size.
Agree with pps, your size will differ between different styles and brands - and some just won't work on you (as in, everyone has certain brands and styles that work and that don't).
Have a read of bra fitting blogs, and go online to Brastop, order a ton of likely candidates in various sizes - so maybe you identify that Curvy Kate and Panache balconettes should suit you and order ones you like in eg 32FF, G, GG, 30G, 30GG or if you want to try 34s similarly 34Ff etc, and return whichever don't fit (they accept returns no issues and are so helpful, post not sponsored by Brastop )
Finally - if you post your actual measurements people can advise better.
Good luck.

A properly fitting bra, with a snug band does tend to result in back fat, unless you are so slim you don’t have any back fat at all
This isn't actually right. 'Back fat' is usually actually boob not fitting into a too small cup. I'm not saying there will be no flesh at all obvs. I was overweight when I was figuring all this out, but had virtually no 'back fat' once I was wearing around a 30J

And I'm not tiny now but have no back or armpit 'fat' - because the cup is big enough.
Btw OP are you scooping properly? That is also important.

Thanks Broken. I think I will do just that and order my body weight in bras to find one that fits. But what with the sizes and styles coming up different on each, how will I know what I truly am 🙈

I am going by the boob or bust measuring. My measurements are the following:

Dress size - 12
Tight (tape measure tight under the best so it feels it might snap) - 31
Snug (tape measure under bust but enough room to comfortably fit 2 fingers under it) - 32
Standing (widest part around bust) - 39
Leaning (widest part of bust whilst bent over at 90 angle) - 41

Bravissimo are v good for returns and advice over the phone so might be worth a go. I have one from there that seems to have a wider back and scoops everything in!
I don't look massively busty but I'm a 34K (size 16 top) so 32 sounds about right for you

Also brastop are mega quick with returns and refunds and cheap, lots of brands

If the bit in between your boobs is digging in (the centre gore) it's usually a style issue. I can't wear panache bras as they all try to impale me with that bit!

For brands
Curvy kate and Elomi are usually wider cups
Freya and panache - most people can wear one or the other, Freya has never fitted me
Bravissimo can come up a cup size small or so

@Broken11Girl

Wow, okay thanks. Can’t wait to see how big my 34JJ/K tits are gonna be once the fat which is literally on my actual back has worked it’s way back into my bra.

To the OP, some brands just have a central gore that comes up too high for some people and does make you red and sore on the sternum. It depends what shapes feel comfortable to you and the distribution of breast tissue, etc. Some people have bottom heavy boobs, others are “full on top”, it really is a bloody minefield once you start looking into it.

Curvy Kates have never worked for me, the cup shape is all wrong for the shape of my boobs. No matter what style I try from them it’s always the same problem. I find the band elastic too stretchy and not firm enough as well. But I do enjoy Elomi, Panache and a few others. Bravissimo make a lot of styles that I feel are missing from other brand ranges, however, they can be quite poor quality and have had several underwire mishaps with Bravissimo own brand bras.

Ewa Michalak are a polish brand that have some absolutely amazing stuff and can literally make you a bra to measure (for a cost). Still never managed to make sense of the sizing or ordering process but definitely worth a look.

36E

M&S... No, no and more no. They are shit.

Look on the better bra campaign/bra guru

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.com/p/fitting-advice.html

Lots of very helpful advice here. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply.

Lots of you saying m&s is not good for bras which I did read before going. But for where I was there was nowhere else with the size range and I could not believe I would be that cup size so had to just try it.

I felt like what I tried on wasn’t too far off being right and it felt so secure and nice having my boobs sitting nicely in the cups that I now feel determined to get it right.

I will take on board all the advice. That blog link was v helpful too.

I am 36 this month and I have come to the conclusion that I don’t think I have ever owned a bra that is the right size!