Bra Size - Head Blown!

[Nohomemadecandles]

M&S - 42A
Boob or Bust - 38G

Used both calculators and I'm stumped.

I'm overweight and have never had big boobs and most of what I have now is fat but because I'm fat, they've spread across my body and are escaping under my arms!

I've tried a 38G but it was unbearably tight and flattened me out horribly.

I am slowly losing some timber but am I consigned to rubbish boobs for the foreseeable??

Where was the bra from and what brand/style?
If it was an M&S one then they miss out FF so you'd need a GG instead.

Listen to Radio 4 More or Less from last week, covers bra sizes and how bad it is, it's the last item in the programme.

Basically, it's not you, it's them! You just have to keep trying styles and not fixate on sizes.

What we're your under and over bust measurements?

42A means you measured 42 under and 43 over which is probably unlikely

I’ve always worn size 36c from M&S. my Bob size came out as 32E. I have tried several bras in 32E from different bra shops. I can do them up but they feel too tight around the band. Through trial and error I find 34D is a more comfortable fit.

Good Luck!

There was a really interesting piece - probably Woman's Hour - a couple of weeks ago on bra size and there was a lady who'd worked in the garment industry a long time and researched the history of bra sizing :) Was fascinating.
Basically, the 'formula' was only designed for up to a D cup - measuring around underbust, then fullness, and difference being cup size.
Anything over a D and it all goes awry. Also, a b cup for a 36 inch should be larger than that for a 30. If it was scientific, cup size should be on volume. - makes sense, I thought
So, not only is measuring and working out sizing very much imperfect, it also depends on manfacturer and again for different styles/designs :/

I'm sure we are all aware of most of this through experience!! Doesn't make the whole exercise less baffling though!

The M&S calculator is really strange. Doesn't use a tape measure!

@dementedpixie

Where was the bra from and what brand/style? If it was an M&S one then they miss out FF so you'd need a GG instead.

The 38g was a normal, everyday style from Next I think.

@VanGoghsDog You beat me to it, and remembered the program correctly! Yes, More or Less - really enjoy it!

@Nohomemadecandles What vgd said! It's not you. If you can, try on a greater selection of sizes to find what works for you, paying not too much tegatd to what the label says :)

*regard

@VanGoghsDog

Listen to Radio 4 More or Less from last week, covers bra sizes and how bad it is, it's the last item in the programme.

Basically, it's not you, it's them! You just have to keep trying styles and not fixate on sizes.

Ha ha. I heard that and thought of Mumsnet and wanted to mention it on here as 'something every Mumsnetter should listen to'

In fact, every Mumsnetter should listen to all of More or Less and Tim Harford and David Spegelhalter should do a webchat to discuss the risk of 'leaving DC in the car while paying for petrol vs taking them into the shop', 'can I go to the shop across the road while DC is asleep' and other common MN dilemmas.

Got onto the Boob or Bust site and use their calculation method.

With the uncomfortable bra, did you scoop? Breast tissue extends quite far around towards your back, the outer edge of the cup should be sitting well underneath your arm / into your armpit - not in front of it.

Yes, the boob or bust is a good starting point. I came out as 32GG last time I did it but have bras in 30GG, 32G, GG and H and a not terribly well fitting or flattering but very comfortable 34F.

Back straps are meant to be tight. When new, you should be using the outermost hooks and eyes. Bras stretch as they get washed/worn and that’s when you move inwards.

There's a calculator here that might help:

www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php

I find that I have to try on a few either side of my size as well as my actual size because, even with the same brand/shop, sizes can vary slightly across bra styles.

I did Boob or Bust and it's painfully awful and flattening, as per my OP!

it was unbearably tight

This can be because:

• you aren’t used to a tighter band
• the bands for that brand are known to be tighter
• you aren’t using the longest hooks
• the cup is still too small
• you aren’t “scooping and swooping”

flattened me out horribly

This is likely because the projection and width wasn’t right. It sounds like you could be more projected. Unfortunately there aren’t measurements for this and is down to trial and error. Have a look at the a r/abrathatfits wiki (linked on the subreddit). They have a list of different styles that work for each type. They can also answer any questions you might have. Bratabase is good for reviews of each style too.

If you have a Bravissimo near you or Rigby and Peller it’s worth getting them to size you and help find the right bra for you.

Next bras come up small. Try curvy Kate or freya

Freya are brilliant IMO.

Bravissimo are open again I am planning to go soon, they're great

I've just been out and bought three different sizes. I'll try on and start making some sense of it.

Bloody fat boobs & back! Grrr.

I need a bra with a lot of volume in the cup , I'm wearing an H today. My problem is my left boob is larger than my right one !

I can really relate to this. I've lost weight and my existing bras are massive and are so old they've lost all elasticity. I spent ages the other day trying to buy some new bras. I think I'm a 80b or c but neither seemed to fit properly. Whatever bra I tried 80b, 75c et c I always had a bit of fat spillage under my arms - strangely more prominent in one side. Band width of 85 definitely too big as then the cups really gape at the top. But 75 weeks too small. I finally settled on 80c as being the 'best ' fit - supported but still the underarm spillage. I settled on a black t-shirt bra, then I tried on the white version in the same size and style and it fit in a completely different way.??

I have to say I gave up and walked out and am still wearing my massively too big bras 🙄 Seriously how hard can it be?

I'm going to have to try the department store. Hopefully they have someone who can help. The funny thing is I'm not even large of bust anymore but I can't find anything that fits !

What sizes did you buy and where from?

Fantasie illusion is a great bra with good side support
Fantasie fusion is super comfy and stretchy
Panache tango, envy, or clara great for bigger boobs