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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think M&S should be able to fit bras?

24 replies

Stokey · 02/04/2012 15:03

Very pregnant, went to try and get some new bras today. The woman at M&S measured me under boobs and said I was 32 inches so would need a 38" bra, as you have to add 5 inches to the measurement.

AM Sure that is madness. Don't you measure under boobs and take that as back size and then across boobs and subtract to get the cup size?

Have been going to Bravissimo in recent years where they don't believe in traditional measuring but the last bra they measured me for (at start of pregnancy) was 30FF.

I couldn't face going into centre of town to get bras so thought M&S would suffice but ended up walking out after she recommended I try 38F.

OP posts:

cybbo · 02/04/2012 15:04

Marks are reviled for their bra measurement service

Go somewhere else

If you expect customer service, Marks is not the place to shop

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 02/04/2012 15:06

M&S are crap at bra fitting.

ForeverBoredForever · 02/04/2012 15:06

Think M&S still measure the old way, I am always a totally different size in there compared to if I go in John Lewis or my local independent bra shop.

I've given up on M&S bras now tbh

KatAndKit · 02/04/2012 15:13

There have been so many threads complaining about the bra fitters in M&S. They must therefore be crap everywhere not just in one or two branches. That measuring system is based on some old fashioned system (probably pre-dating the invention of elastic) and just doesn't match up to the sizes produced by the manufacturer. Although M&S back sizes tend to be a little tighter than some other makes, there isn't four sizes different.

The best way to be fitted is by sight, not by tape measure. A fitter will see if the back and cup are right by how the bra fits. Did this woman see you in a size 38 bra? If she did, and still told you it is the right size, then that is appalling. I think they just get told the tape measure method but have no training in fitting actual women.

Stick to Bravissimo. However Bravissimo fitting often tells you to start off on the loosest hooks which makes your bra very tight at first. if you are pregnant you should do the opposite. Get one that fits you right on the tightest hook. Then when your ribcage expands with the bump you'll still have two inches of growing room.

rhihaf · 02/04/2012 15:24

MnS are shocking! Have discussed this problem elsewhere on here about how inadequate they are, and also how matronly and know-all the sales staff/bra fitters tend to be.

Also, if you're above a D/DD cup size, you have to choose between cone-shaped Playtex 1955 bras or over-80's fashion bras...

Following pretty shitty experiences trying on maternity bras in MnS (nuff said), John Lewis (Oh my god, you ARE big!) and Debenhams (we don't make them big enough for you), I'd also recommend Bravissimo. You can order a shed load to be delivered, try them all on at home and send back what doesn't fit.
They do tend to be a bit pricier though...

craftynclothy · 02/04/2012 15:29

Bravissimo is far, far better than M&S. In fact, I don't like the bras in M&S, even knowing my correct size and trying various sizes around that I can't find any that fit me in M&S.

I tend to get measured at Bravissimo. When I know my size I often buy from Leia (they have an outlet shop online and it can save a fair bit)

digitalgirl · 02/04/2012 15:29

Best maternity/nursing bra fitting service I had was in Rigby & Peller. M&S measured me at 36DD for a nursing bra. Lady in R&P took one look at me and put me in 32F. My boobs never looked so magnificent.
Was bloody expensive - but worth it.

Original poster

Stokey · 02/04/2012 15:32

Think you're right - I need to stick to Bravissimo in future or at least get fitted there. Just couldn't face trek to Oxford St at 36 weeks, and not sure if I'm late enough for them to be able to guess my size when my milk comes in.

My nursing bras from last time round already fit me so looks like will be at least two sizes bigger so have to start all over again.

OP posts:

ifeelloved · 02/04/2012 15:35

I can second rigby and peller, was pricey £60 but so comfortable and worth every penny. I won't be going anywhere else, will just have to save my pennies

KatAndKit · 02/04/2012 15:38

Oooh I'd love a R&P bra. Once I've been bf'ing for a while and I think I am likely to stay the same size for a bit I think i will consider treating myself to one. If you are a big cup size like F, then a well fitting bra makes such a difference to what your figure looks like and how your clothes look on you.

scotsgirl23 · 02/04/2012 15:53

My general rule - go out for a bra fitting, see M&S, walk in opposite direction.

They are bloody awful. And it's not just down to a brand difference/being different sizes in different shops etc - the bras they put you in just do not fit. My experience is that I can be standing there with a bra that is blatantly too big in the back, way too small in the cup, and because "that's what the tape measure says" they will try to sell me it anyway

giveitago · 02/04/2012 17:37

Oh - can't get into M&S bras. Went to bravissimo - they were crap - went to R&P and they were truly truly crap (the one in brent cross) and then just went to selfridges and they were fine.

Just as well that I do know my size really.

msbossy · 02/04/2012 17:46

I swear by bravissimo but their range of maternity and nursing bras is very poor. I found [http://www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/] to be very good although you have to judge fitting for yourself.

HandMadeTail · 02/04/2012 17:51

Well, apparently YABU!

I never knew this about M&S, so a very useful thread!

neolara · 02/04/2012 17:58

For future reference, I got measured for a nursing bra in R & P and was told I was a size a most definitely was not. I'm sceptical that the woman measuring me had any experience / knowledge about fitting nursing bras.

But yes, M & S are crap. Go anywhere else but there.

GirlWithALlamaTattoo · 02/04/2012 18:55

I've never had a problem with M&S. It must depend on who you get.

GavisconJunkie · 02/04/2012 19:46

At ours you have to make an appointment to be measured! I went in at 37 weeks (4 sodding weeks ago, I've moaned about being overdue on every other thread, I plan to hold my record) and was told she could bring me some to try on but if I wanted to be measured I'd have to make an appointment for the weekend. Ok I thought, not her area of expertise, until she then trotted off with a tape measure to measure the one other woman in the deserted lingerie section that Monday at 10am!

So 16 bras later (I kid you not, thank goodness my DD 2.2 was being an angel) I found one I was happy with. Honestly, way, way more trouble than it was worht. I won't be back. But then I said that last pregnancy when they DID measure and it gave me 4 boob syndrome before my milk even came in!

BUT YANBU to expect them to be able to do it and do it well.

Chubfuddler · 02/04/2012 19:52

I think r &p go for a vanity sizing approach - tell someone they are a 32f rather than a 36b as it makes you feel simultaneously skinnier and bigger of nork.

My sil and her sister paid a fortune for undies for sil's wedding they did not fit properly and gave the sister a shelf for breasts from r & p. I got mine from the old lady undie shop in home town. Beautiful, cheaper and actually fitted.

IvanaHumpalot · 02/04/2012 20:13

I second Chub.

Being an early and well developed teen, and now a huge amply busoomed lady I shop local. My mature ladies pull and push my pups into submission and now they sit up and beg, rather than lie down.

Catsmamma · 02/04/2012 20:19

I cannot recommend John Lewis enough....they generally do not use a tape at all.....they seem to KNOW, even through your coat. :D

And ime they are very helpful at running in and out with styles and sizes.

SpamMarie · 02/04/2012 20:30

Last time I went for a bra fitting at M&S I literally could not breathe comfortably (I'm not pregnant either!) and the fitter insisted it fit me.

I have an oddly shaped ribcage, so cannot wear underwiring at all, but she said, you just have to get used to it. Get used to not being able to expand my lungs enough to get a good lungful of air? And this was a sports bra!

I did not know John Lewis offered bra fitting, I will have to check them out.

Spuddybean · 02/04/2012 22:43

i went for a bra fitting at M&S in Jan (when i was 6 weeks pregnant) i was measured and told i was unbra-able. I left the shop crying as they told me to just wear vests. However, i have also been told the same thing from Debenhams, John Lewis, selfridges and i was actually laughed at in La Senza (left crying then too) :(

The only thing i fit in now (19 wks pregnant) is a extra large maternity crop top type bra. It's fucking hideous and i feel like a freak. And now that's starting to feel tight.

Loopymumsy · 03/04/2012 06:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

emdelafield · 03/04/2012 08:09

I have long and bitter experience of poor fitters ( Marks and John Lewis) and lack of availability in my size.

I now go to my local independent store. At first I thought it would very expensive(it wasn't ) and there would be pressure to buy( there wasn't).

If you can find someone local who you like and trust this would be a good solution.

I also remember when I was pregnant ( in pre Internet if not prehistoric times) there were ladies who came to your house to fit and supply nursing bras. I am sure there must be something similar today or is everyone selling cupcakes?

Good luck with everything.

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