Bra help needed - Desperately need help to find a comfortable well-fitting bra

[katalex]

I am having an absolute nightmare finding a comfortable bra. I have put on a bit of weight so my 32DD was a bit tight. The underwire was pressing into my ribcage and there was a bit of overspill in the cups. I always go to M&S to get measured and fitted and I always come out with a comfortable bra. I have never had any problems. This time, however, I was measured 34DD. The fitter got me the same bra that I had been wearing but in this new size. She told me it fit me nicely and it seemed comfortable when I was in the changing room. I wore it for a few days but it was so uncomfortable. The underwire was digging into my breast and poked me in the armpit every time I bent down. I went back and tried on dozens of other bras in various sizes. I even bought some of them and wore them at home but they were all uncomfortable. I then found a 32E which seemed really comfortable in the changing room but after a couple of hours wearing it, I was in pain from the underwire pressing into my ribcage under my breasts.

I decided to try John Lewis who measured me 32DD. The fitter found me two soft, non-wire bras (I had been put off wires by this point). She said that both of them fit well so I bought one of them. After a couple of hours wearing it, my breasts were so painful that I had to take it off. I guess that they were squashed and I suffer with painful breasts anyway so I was in agony. I went back and tried the 32E but that didn't seem much better. So I thought I would see which underwire bras they have. I picked out a 32E which looked and felt like it fit perfectly. However, I get the same problem with the wires pressing into my ribcage under my breasts and it hurts.

My underbust measures 30 inches with no bra on. My overbust is about 35 inches with a bra on. I thought maybe I should try a 30F but, if I'm in pain wearing a 32 band, wouldn't a 30 be worse?

I am so stressed trying to find a good fitting bra. Please help me find one. I need one where the band is thin and soft and preferably no band around the front. I like a full cup and I have a short torso. The one I normally wear from M&S is this one but they don't go down to a 30 band.

www.marksandspencer.com/floral-jacquard-lace-underwired-full-cup-a-dd-bra/p/p22079331?prevPage=srp

@katalex I like new balance ones (from tkmaxx usually) but actually primark do 3 packs of non wired seamless ones for not very much which are actually pretty good too.

I have several of these too, they are very comfy

3 pack seamless

I will add as a disclaimer, I don't know how good these are for long term boob support- I am in the unique position of being very wide cupped but have zero fullness at all so my bust is not heavy at all. I don't know how much support these would give to a fuller, heavier bust.

Have you tried a local independent bra shop? I find that in the ones local to me they are able to measure me correctly and sell me very comfortable bras. I also had a good experience at Rigby & Peller in London. Not cheap but worth it if you can afford it.

I'm having the same problem! I found a size calculator on Anita.com and it also advises on what shape bra best fits your body shape. Haven't actually got to the shops to see if it's correct though!

Seriously, go to an independent lingerie shop. They are amazing. They know their stock so well, they will find what you need. They listen so carefully and understand what you say, I will never go back to anyone else.

The Reddit A Bra That Fits guide is good. It includes how to determine your shape.

I like Curvy Kate plunge bras (not the Lifestyle ones, though). I find CK's underwires wider than Freya. A lot of people seem to like the Panache Tango.

Once you find the brand and style that work for you you'll be able to buy cheaply from eBay. There are a few stores there selling ends of lines.

My comfortable ones are all from bravissimo and I took my DD's recently who have inherited my ample bust size. They have lots of styles and are pretty helpful but it can be hard to judge in store, ensure you can do up on middle hooks so you can let out if needed and look for good cushioning over the wire

I don't know how they work for a larger size but I'm 34B/C and started wearing these a few months ago because I was finding bras uncomfortable. They're amazing!! Some websites describe them as 'crop top', they're not the same as the bralette though I haven't tried it, it may be good too. The pads tend to come out in the washing machine but are easy to slip back in. I've found some great bargains online- have 3 now and only worn a normal bra once since getting the first one (they weren't quite right for under my wedding dress...!)

uk.sloggi.com/women/labels/zero/10186804.html?cgid=s900021&color=0004_Black