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Original poster

Bra Size - Head Blown!

89 replies

Nohomemadecandles · 16/06/2021 16:45

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??

OP posts:
Original poster
Nohomemadecandles · 16/06/2021 19:40

So none of those fit! Grin

38g - BoB suggestion again- I literally can't fasten it around my back.

42a - M&S suggestion - comfy back but the bottom of the cup lifts and it's a very flattening affair!

40c - random wildcard - pretty much same as above!

Im going to return them all and try again!

OP posts:
cheugy · 16/06/2021 19:46

still the underarm spillage

This usually means the cup is too small or not wide enough. Are you scooping and swooping?

Winederlust · 16/06/2021 19:48

Some good advice from pp above.
An online measurement from a proper site (I.e. not M&S!) is only a starting point. You then have to consider the shape of your boobs - are they top or bottom heavy, close or wide set? Different shapes fit different styles of bra better. Then you have to remember that bras are like clothes, different brands fit differently (e.g. some have tighter, less stretchy bands than others).
Basically you just have to try on a million bras to find the right one(s) for you! If you try a 38G and the band is too tight (on the loosest hooks) then go up a band to 40, but you then should also go down a cup to a FF (and vice versa if it's too big in the band).
You should be able to fit a couple of fingers between your back and the band but not much more than that (if it rides up in the day it's too loose).

I do really recommend visiting a Bravissimo shop if you can. The ladies there really know their stuff on the styles etc that will work best for you and will give you loads of good advice.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Clothing General shopping General style & beauty
ssd · 16/06/2021 19:51

Your sizing is all over the place. Measure yourself under the boobs with a bra on, Measure round where the underband goes round you and make it pretty tight..are you measuring 38-40 inches?

dementedpixie · 16/06/2021 19:52

@Nohomemadecandles

So none of those fit! Grin

38g - BoB suggestion again- I literally can't fasten it around my back.

42a - M&S suggestion - comfy back but the bottom of the cup lifts and it's a very flattening affair!

40c - random wildcard - pretty much same as above!

Im going to return them all and try again!

If BOB gave 38G then you are buying bras with cups that are far too small in the bigger back sizes. Sister sizes would be 40FF or 42F not 40C or 42A
Original poster
Nohomemadecandles · 16/06/2021 19:53

@Winederlust

Some good advice from pp above. An online measurement from a proper site (I.e. not M&S!) is only a starting point. You then have to consider the shape of your boobs - are they top or bottom heavy, close or wide set? Different shapes fit different styles of bra better. Then you have to remember that bras are like clothes, different brands fit differently (e.g. some have tighter, less stretchy bands than others). Basically you just have to try on a million bras to find the right one(s) for you! If you try a 38G and the band is too tight (on the loosest hooks) then go up a band to 40, but you then should also go down a cup to a FF (and vice versa if it's too big in the band). You should be able to fit a couple of fingers between your back and the band but not much more than that (if it rides up in the day it's too loose).

I do really recommend visiting a Bravissimo shop if you can. The ladies there really know their stuff on the styles etc that will work best for you and will give you loads of good advice.

Yes, I'm going to tweak each one til I achieve something.

I've no chance of getting into Manchester any time soon to see Bravissimo sadly.

OP posts:
Iveputmyselfonthenaughtystep · 16/06/2021 19:58

Boob or bust have a fantastic Facebook group. They offer virtual fit tests and advice and you can see what shapes look right on other women with similar boobs etc. Highly recommend

Crowsaregreat · 16/06/2021 20:01

I got fitted in a Bravissimo the other day, half an hour and I came out with bras that actually fit rather than making my front look like a lumpy camel.

woodhill · 16/06/2021 20:10

@ssd

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
Clara is my go to bra and not great thick straps and Fantasie fusion
BarbaraofSeville · 16/06/2021 20:16

@ilovespinach

Yes, it's a thing that black bras are a different size to other colours. I think they missed that known variable on More or Less. They usually do better than that.

Something to do with the dyeing process.

Weenurse · 16/06/2021 20:23

I gained 10 kg last year and ended up going to a bra shop that did fittings, when lockdown ended here. Only way I could get bras that fit.
(7 kg down now, woo hoo)

DaisyDreaming · 16/06/2021 20:24

For boob or bust I went up a band size and down a cup size to feel less squashed. I also ordered different styles and makes (from brastop which allows returns). I was amazed the size fit, it gave me an amazing shape but was uncomfy! Kept for just when I need a good shape not every day!

MrsMiddleMother · 16/06/2021 20:27

Omg I know the problem! Exactly the same plus size but small actual boobs! I've had everything from 38DD 38E 40D 42C and none has ever fitted right. Ive been measured at Victoria secret, m&s and Debenhams. Will try bravissimo soon. The closest is 42C but they lift from underneath constantly. I give up tbh

MuchTooTired · 16/06/2021 20:30

I found the right fitting size with abrathatfits that a PP posted earlier. M&S measured me at a 36B which I’d been wearing for ages, but didn’t really fit me, boob or bust came up 34g and abrathatfits was 34DD. Bought both g and dd and dd is the one for me - I was gobsmacked that it did!

Original poster
Nohomemadecandles · 16/06/2021 21:01

I've ordered 40ff in 2 styles from Brastop

OP posts:
VanGoghsDog · 16/06/2021 21:59

M&S make everyone a B cup!

daisyjgrey · 16/06/2021 22:03

I bloody HATE how complicated bra sizing is. All brands and shops and methods are all different and it is EXHAUSTING.

yoshiblue · 16/06/2021 22:09

Would highly recommend getting fitting by sight in Bravissimo. I went in a 32e and came out 30h!

Different bras I tried on it there were up to 2 cups sizes different, just down to styles (plunge vs balcony) and one bra that was smaller than others.

Came out with perfectly fittings bras, never been so comfortable in 25 years.

Fl0w3r · 16/06/2021 22:10

OP i feel you & it's so difficult with the limitations of trying on atm.

I am someone who deffo has the under arm boob & always have done even at lower weights.

This is where the measurements are crazy. If I went off measurements I would be a 34B but I'm actually a 34E!!!

When you find the right size you will be amazed at what the right fit and support will do for you :)

As pp said getting a bra fitting is your best bet & I really rate bravissimo. Their bras can be pricey but I've had a Freya t-shirt bra for almost 10 years now and it's still in great condition.

Itsafineday · 16/06/2021 22:14

Another vote for Bravissimo. They are not rigid on sizing, they go 'by eye' and know there's a difference between brands.

Furball · 16/06/2021 22:22

I find for me - the Better Bra Campaign a much simpler way of measuring.

If you measure as per that, then post your measurements here and we can translate them for you

The band may have been tight as it may be stealing material from the cups in strealth mode. One way to check this is to put the bra on back to front so the cups are out of the way. and see how the band feels then.

Also try and lean forward a bit when to drop your boobs into the cups when putting the bra on and then put your opposite hand under your arm pit and scoop any lurking flesh upfront into the cups

It also may feel tighter as you are not used to have a band like that. It should only be able to be pulled a couple of inches from the skin. It does more of the work than the straps.

PickAChew · 16/06/2021 23:29

Bra sizing is no more complicated than buying jeans. They just have to fit your ribcage then puff out enough for the boobs. Fit is where it gets complicated, just like jeans, or shoes. One brand (triumph) may be less stretchy so nerd a bigger band, another puts the fullness out more to the side, while another might be all up front. Just like some people prefer straight jeans for their shape and others prefer skinnies, you may find that a balconette fits your shape better than a plunge bra...

Original poster
Nohomemadecandles · 17/06/2021 08:59

In the olden days (!) I'd have been able to pop into town. Try M&S, the local department store, Debenhams, BHS (hoping nobody saw me) and a little independent shop just on the outskirts. Tried on loads. Got it sorted.

But there's only M&S left now. The only other choices are online.

Except Tesco and I was hoping for better!

OP posts:
SouthOfFrance · 17/06/2021 09:05

I was coming to say you need to listen to the more or less program the other day, but I see so many people have already suggested that!

We absolutely do need to get them to do an analysis of if it's safer to leave a child in a car or take them with you at the petrol station, whoever thought of that is genius!

KeepingTrack · 17/06/2021 09:11

@Nohomemadecandles the other thing is that I very much doubt a bra from Next in a G cup has ever been designed for that size. I’m finding that usually it also means that they just don’t fit well.

I’ve also recently discovered that some brands have a sizing that is completely out of sync with everyone else. I’ve order two bra, same size at the bac but different brand. One fits perfectly and I simply cannot close the other Shock