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Original poster

Where do you buy your bras??

84 replies

GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:10

OK.

Bra shopping has reached desperate levels.

I hate shopping with a passion.

I'm a 34F/G depending on fit and my daughter is a 30D. We went bra shopping today and came home empty handed again.

Most places seems to cater for 32-40 AA-DD which doesn't cater for either of us.

What I am I missing??

I really don't want to spend a fortune on bras!

I usually end up in M&S but they only have a very limited supply outside of granny bras and minimisers.

I'm aware this is going to be because I'm missing something.

OP posts:
Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:12

I don't even have big boobs. I see women with actual big boobs out and about and wonder where on earth they shop.

OP posts:
Sexypyjamas · 21/02/2023 18:12

Marks and Spencer.
Have tried other brands but only the above feels adequate.
Watching with interest.

illiterato · 21/02/2023 18:14

32E. I get Triumph brand bras from Next online. I know my size so they always fit.

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TellerTuesday · 21/02/2023 18:15

I have been having this issue for the past couple of years and it's driving me insane. Have always used M&S but they now all seem to be cotton and I prefer the shiny material. I've had some luck with Next but they're not the same as the old style M&S ones that were my go to. Asda have also not been too bad.

Pixiedust1234 · 21/02/2023 18:15

I have a large back plus very very fat. Cant find anything 44,46 without huge cups and tons of scaffolding. My actual boobs are small. I hear you!!

Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:16

I only find the Rosie range comfortable at M&S. The other bras don't seem to fit properly and don't feel comfortable. But the Rosie ones are always silk and lace and a bit much for wearing every day or to work at around £30 each. That's a lot of money on bras.

OP posts:
mynameisnotkate · 21/02/2023 18:17

Bravissimo! They have a great range of bras in a very wide range of sizes. They’re the only place on the high street where I can get bras that fit.

Setyoufree · 21/02/2023 18:18

Independent bra shop. The bras cost more than m&s but actually I think work out not a million miles off in the end because the elastic doesn't stretch out, and they're so comfortable compared to an m&s bra

Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:18

illiterato

I'll have a look at those. Thanks.

OP posts:
BlueThursday · 21/02/2023 18:20

Brastop.com does some great prices if you don’t mind old seasons (I certainly don’t!)

Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:20

mynameisnotkate · 21/02/2023 18:17

Bravissimo! They have a great range of bras in a very wide range of sizes. They’re the only place on the high street where I can get bras that fit.

They're expensive though aren't they?

M&S claim to have quite a wide range available in DD+ sizes but they have almost nothing in store.

30 inch bands seem to be aimed more at first bras.

So my daughter and I are both stuffed 🙄

OP posts:
Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:21

BlueThursday · 21/02/2023 18:20

Brastop.com does some great prices if you don’t mind old seasons (I certainly don’t!)

I don't care about old seasons! I just want a variety that look nice and actually fit!

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:23

Kind of reassured I'm not alone in this though and there's not some well known bra shopping secret I've missed out on.

Doesn't seem to make any sense though. Why not cater for a wider range of sizes. The racks are full of some sizes because they're clearly not selling as many of them. So why not make sizes they can sell!

OP posts:
rainyskylight · 21/02/2023 18:24

Calvin Klein will have nice options for a teen daughter, especially if in the sale. I’m a 30D or 32C depending on brand and have the same issue - I very rarely find anything in my size to try on. I’m even more limited since breast feeding as my shape changed.

If you have a large department store near you - Selfridges, John Lewis - it could be worth a trip, getting measured, and letting the sales lady go out and make a selection. Then you’ll know what brands and shapes work well for you and DD, and can keep an eye on the sales.

Redruby2020 · 21/02/2023 18:29

Glad someone else has said this too. Yes i have experienced this for many years, especially since gaining weight and I was already an FF so then went btw there and HH.
I buy online, bought some Elomi ones via JD Williams i think, and Bra stop i think they are called do some nice ones.

One thing i hate, is a lot of the bigger sizes only seem to be made in the balcony style which doesn't suit me.
I much prefer either a moulded t shirt bra or plunge ones, just because of the shape of the cup.

I look forward to reading the replies you got or get of where anyone else can suggest!

Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:29

rainyskylight · 21/02/2023 18:24

Calvin Klein will have nice options for a teen daughter, especially if in the sale. I’m a 30D or 32C depending on brand and have the same issue - I very rarely find anything in my size to try on. I’m even more limited since breast feeding as my shape changed.

If you have a large department store near you - Selfridges, John Lewis - it could be worth a trip, getting measured, and letting the sales lady go out and make a selection. Then you’ll know what brands and shapes work well for you and DD, and can keep an eye on the sales.

There is a Selfridges in town but that would mean going into The Big City... 👀😭

Just feels so unnecessarily expensive though!!

OP posts:
thehappyhaggis · 21/02/2023 18:30

I second bravissimo! I'd love to be able to buy cheap bras but with my big chest I realise I need to fork out to minimise discomfort and maximise support!

Having said that, I usually get fitted at bravissimo and buy one or 2 then check out the brands on eBay. I'll then buy last season etc for cheaper. Obv size changes depending on style / brand so need to make adjustments around that.

MrsMoastyToasty · 21/02/2023 18:31

An independent bra shop in my local high street. I'm an H or HH so generally can't just pick one up in supermarkets or department stores. I sometimes get one in John Lewis though in the sale.

Original poster
GreyCarpet · 21/02/2023 18:32

Redruby2020

I prefer the plunge ones too because I tend to wear wrap dresses and anything else shows. I've got quite a curvy, hourglass figure and so shopping for clothes generally is also a nightmare!

I just appear to be completely the wrong shape 🤷🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
Rayna37 · 21/02/2023 18:32

Have you tried different M&S stores? I've always seen plenty of bigger sizes in my two big local ones.

rainyskylight · 21/02/2023 18:34

Yeah it’s expensive, but it helps to try a range of different brands and shapes all in one place.

I also find that the more upmarket places tend to have more choice in 30-32-34. I’ve given up on M&S… Make of that what you will! It can be helpful to find a size/style that suits and then buy last season or a different colour online. And then never bother changing brands ever again because it’s all such a bloody hassle!!!!

I tried on 14 bras last Thursday and came away with 1. But I considered that a win!

Newpuppymummy · 21/02/2023 18:35

Bravissimo.

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 21/02/2023 18:36

M&S bras are terrible, they never fit. I buy mine from Ample Bosom, you can return if it doesn't fit but I generally buy the same bra (Lily Rose from Empreinte) because I know it fits. There are measuring instructions on the website and the owner is very helpful. www.amplebosom.com

welshweasel · 21/02/2023 18:36

Go to bravissimo and find bras that you like, then shop on brastop/Amazon to get them cheaper. I'm a 34G and I like the Freya plunge bras, you can always pick them up cheaply if you search around. Asda also worth a look.

cocksstrideintheevening · 21/02/2023 18:37

I find m and s a bit crap in any size, two teens with tiny backs and me a 38c (boob or bust). I've found Victoria's Secret really good, they go the Pink side and I go to the other side for t shirt bras. I'm not sure what they're like in bigger cup sizes.

No one believes me when I say I'm a 38 back but I very much am!