Very plus size bra fitting?

[LifeInsideMyhead]

So I'm very plus size (sadly).

How do I choose a bra size to order and try on? I could literally be trying tons so I need a starting point!

I know size 40 is too small. Also 40 with "extender straps" doesn't fit...

I lnow some theory from when I was slimmer about "going smaller on back size and up a cup"etc but I literally have flab so I cant have it squished tight as it hurts.

Help!

Well what are your under bust and over bust measurements? Having a cup that is too small can make the band feel tight too.

Wider band and wider elastic will spread the pressure over a bigger area and it won’t dig in so badly

Go on the bravissimo website and web chat with them, they’re amazingly helpful. Not sure if it’s only during the office hours though. Even better if you can get to a bravissimo shop.

@LifeInsideMyhead In a previous thread I recommended the following Reddit guide for measuring yourself: A Bra That Fits. It may look like too much information to take in but just start with the section on determining your size.

If possible (although the sizes can be limited) you could look at longline bras.

Apologies if this is simply out of your price range: there is nothing that beats a fitting at https://www.rigbyandpeller.com

As a very self conscious teenager, who was developing a stoop to hide my 'plus size' I read an article in Cosmopolitan magazine by June Kenton, who founded R&P, originally as a market stall and built it into what it is today.

Her recommendation that anyone contemplating a breast reduction should come first for a fitting, to see what a properly fitting bra could do for you.

Desperately embarrassed by my own shape, I saved up and had a day trip to London.

It was brilliant, no tape measures in sight. I was wearing a puffa type coat and still the first bra the lady brought me to try was perfect. I still get a bit tearful when I think about it.

Now I go back anytime I have lost or gained a significant aunt of weight. Totally worth using a day's annual leave.

Agree with @alphasox
Bravissamo were great help when I went for a fitting but they didn’t do anything past a 40inch back. The fitter there guessed I would be a 46F so I ordered some online from playful promises (after checking returns policy) & it fitted perfectly! Best fitting bra I’ve ever had. Bravissimo were doing online bra fittings so have a look to see if they still do them.

Thanks everyone.

@alphasox I am too big (band wise) for bravissimo 😭. They were very kind and tried to fit me - hence knowing a 40E plus extender is too tight 😳.

Thanks everyone for suggestions. I wasnt sure if the "plug your measurements" websites are the same when someone is very overweight.

Also I can't just go by feel off the shelves as I am too big so will need to order selection. But at this rate could be ordering 46/48 and anything from E-G maybe?!

Id be happy with a stretchy thing that doesnt do much as I often dont wear one at home at the moment but need to when i leave rhe house!
Maybe I just put a ton on credit card and return?!

Rigby and Peller would be amazing (assuming they do very overweight!? Bravissimo dont). But I'm nowhere near one even if I couldd afford. One day...

What do you measure under bust?

Yours do bras in their shops up to a 50 back, H cup. Nice wide band too.

Triumph Doreen bras go up to 44J

They aren’t the most glamorous but are extremely comfortable.

assuming they do very overweight

I checked recently: they have a very wide range of sizes and can absolutely promise to fit anyone. They stock a wide range of sizes and also have a made to measure service.

When I first went, I was convinced that I would need the made to measure. I'm a standard size albeit in the I/J range of the alphabet.

Really hope you get a chance to try them at some point.

'Id be happy with a stretchy thing that doesnt do much as I often dont wear one at home at the moment but need to when i leave rhe house!'

MOLKE! They do actually lift them though but are absolutely perfect for if you're unsure of your size/want something for between the house and outside (go for rating 2 as 3 is v stiff)/aren't planning on trying to seduce anyone in it

I wonder if you might try this bra from M&S, which goes to a 44 back and an H cup. I know that you feel you might need a 46, but it’s stretchy and non-wired so the sizing is more flexible than with a stiffer wired bra.

www.marksandspencer.com/flexifit-non-wired-full-cup-bra/p/clp60438189?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I suggest it because I have it! I wear a 40 back and find it really comfortable - the band is wide and stretchy, and it doesn’t dig or roll. I tend to wear it at home or under loose-ish tops because it doesn’t give the best ever shape. But it’s totally fine, comfortable and only £20. Might be worth a go?

Also: don’t give yourself a hard time. Bras are hard to buy at all sizes but it is super frustrating when shops don’t carry larger sizes so you have to order loads to find out what works.

I came on here to say MOLKE too!!
They use the same method for measuring as boob or bust and they have people who will give personal advice and will also make alterations if you need shorter/longer straps

I like the idea of molke but not sure I like the idea of climbing into them!

@PleaseStopExplaining thanks I was thinking of ordering from Yours or Simply be. I will just have to order quite a few in order to see what fits first- never kind the style 🙈. They must be used to that? I'll feel bad sending 10 bras back (or whatever) but to try 46E/f/G 48 E/F/G 50 Dd/E/F I sill need to wont I!

Roughly if you add 20 to you dress size that will be you band size. Eg I'm a 16 and wear a 36 or a 34.

Don't be too hard on you self too.

Asda do a 42H. They also do great stretch crop tops which you might consider up to xxl.

I'm plus size (size 22) and the boob or bust method works for me.

Although I've just realised that @cherrypiepie is correct. I'm a 42!

Look at Marks and Spencer Flexifit ,that might be suitable. Not the underwire version.

Try Elomi

Doesn't work for me. I'm a 20/22 and wear a 36 back (36GG/H)

Brastop goes to a 48, and they have a lot of sales.

www.brastop.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw77WVBhBuEiwAJ-YoJCk37hGo2vePdFViXxnO2QopJgUcqBZOfD0S-kXpkz013TutUVsSMBoCgOUQAvD_BwE

Otherwise, try Amazon. Feels very counter intuitive, but they do sell brands like Gem that aren't really sold anywhere else in the UK but go high in the band size.

If the back feels tight, have you tried doing the band test? Try the bra on back to front tucked right up under your boobs to see if the band fits. Once the band fits then you can fit the cups, if a bra feels much too tight but the band test is ok then you need to try a bigger cup size.

The problem with long line bras is when you are fat and squishy the area under the long line isn’t the same diameter and they usually roll up. I also hate Molke bras, they are difficult to get into and they look awful under clothes. Ok to wear in the house but not outside.

I’d echo a PP and try the boob or bust page and Facebook group, the admins are brilliant and they can offer fit check advice in the group.

You don't say whereabouts you are but if you are within an hour or two of Northamptonshire I suggest you look at the factory shop at Desborough, Northants. They have a big factory there that makes a lot of different quality brands and the fitting is fantastic. It's called the Wacoal factory shop. They have a basic website and a better Facebook page.