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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To despair at EVER finding a bra that fits?!

999 replies

Silverstar2 · 06/02/2013 17:41

So, I have read every website on the subject, been measured at Bravissimo, and STILL find every single bra uncomfortable - even the ones that Bravissimo said were the right size. I just want to rip the thing off as soon as I get in from work. They seem fine for about an hour, then start to dig in.

I find that they just 'curl up' at the back, and I get horrible back fat, or dig in at the side/arm pit, but mainly on just one side! The band never seems to sit flush to my side iyswim. I have tried going up a band and down a cup, down a band and up a cup etc, have tried every style going..........

I found when I wore my saggy old too big bras they gave me no shape or support, but my god they were comfy!

I think I am about a 36/38 E/F. I have ordered and sent back about ten bras this last month as they just all HURT.

So, AIBU to just let 'em all hang out and be pain-free??!!!!

OP posts:
AgathaF · 08/02/2013 11:28

MrsKoala the fitter who laughed - that is so unprofessional Angry

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 12:10

Double Angry at that fitter!

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 08/02/2013 12:16

Someone on here told me the golden rule was that the underbust measurement is the band size you go for - since I stopped doing the adding 4 or 5 inches as M&S do to the underbust i have had great fitting bras. I am not a 36DD but a 32G!!

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 12:20

It was in John Lewis. I said while I was clothed I had a 40 chest and an a cup and the lady burst out laughing. I then took my top of and her face looked horrified and she said 'oh god, I thought you were joking'! Er yeah, that hilarious bra size humour. M&S said no bra would ever fit me unless I had it made and suggested I wear vests. I have been in shops sobbing before. Pathetic I know.

HoleyGhost · 08/02/2013 12:21

agathaf Thanks for linking that. It was a revelation last time I went for a fitting when the fitter pointed out that most bras don't work for me because they are not designed for women with natural cleavage. I am a 30 F, of course they are close together!

No wonder big bras in small back sizes don't sell when they don't actually fit well. The lack of stretch was not something I'd considered.

princessnumber2 · 08/02/2013 12:37

Haven't read whole thread so sorry if this doesn't help but I'm a 34GG and find bravissimo good but only if I am an active participant in the fitting. This means putting it on and then when they go out I do loads of stretches, bends, jumps and quick swishing of arms like I'm power walking in the cubicle. Smile

This has ruled out lots of bras that felt fine to start with but actually started rubbing even in the changing room.

I like Freya balconette styles that are low under the armpit but my boobs have a gap in between and then go way to far under my arm pits.

I've also got better at saying to the fitter 'no it doesn't fit' when they assure you it does.

Mail order is good but such a pain to send loads back.

RubberBullets · 08/02/2013 12:47

Right I've just measured myself but find it hard to believe the numbers. 36 under, 49 over. I did the leaning forward and let them dangle method so maybe I did it wrong Confused

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 13:11

Rubber - try a 36J. The leaning forward does work well with bigger boobs.

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 13:47

MrsKoala - have you been fitted anywhere else apart from JL and M&S?

Most M&S fitters wouldn't know a good fitting bra if it hit them in the face (plus many of their bras are poor quality and badly fitting) and JL can be a bit hit and miss in the fitting department.

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 14:08

I've tried debenhams and they couldn't help either. I tried to book rugby and peller when pregnant but no one got back to me. Now I'm waiting for after dc as my boobs are lopsided ATM and will continue to be for the next 5 years I reckon. Then I'm having some surgery to sort them out. I hope then to be able to find some underpinnings to actually fit me!

Is there somewhere you would advise?

AgathaF · 08/02/2013 14:17

MrsKoala - have you tried Bravissimo? Their fitters are knowledgable, helpful and professional.

ihatethecold · 08/02/2013 14:21

Well I went into John Lewis today. Tried on lots of bras as recommended by the lovely experts on here.
Was so disheartened by the time I left.
Nothing felt right. I think the best size was 34 e. my measurements are 33 and 40.

I went into rigby and peller to book an appt for mon but the prices really scare me.

Binkyridesagain · 08/02/2013 14:22

12 bloody bras I've tried on this morning, 12 bloody bras and I've come home with one. It's a Freya 32HH, I started this bra fitting journey at a 40f, measured properly, lost some weight and I'm now a 32HH.

32HH! , 32HH I feel like Dolly Parton, I need a lie down, of course I'll be propped up, I wouldn't want to suffocate myself with these ridiculously sized boobs.

Disclaimer: I know Freya measures bigger, but still 32HH!

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 08/02/2013 14:25

Did you try a 32FF, ihate? Sorry it was so frustrating.

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 14:28

Agatha - bravissimo already told me it wasn't worth measuring me as my cup was too small, they start at a d I think. I am flat as a pancake unfortunately.

soaccidentprone · 08/02/2013 16:03

Mrs Koala - have you tried wearing a secret support vest instead?

tbh it sounds as though you have tried so many things that just haven't fitted or felt right, or are just downright ugly!

Or just something pretty and feminine?

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 16:21

ihatethecold Actually, it sounds like you made a good start! on those measurements, a 32F should be your best bet but it does differ so much between styles and brands.

What did you like best about the 34E and what was still wrong with how it fitted?

Binkyridesagain Ummm, I usually find that Freya runs true to size in the cups, however I don't like the fit so gave all mine away. If it make you feel any better, a 32HH is only the same volume as a 34H, 36G etc etc Wink.

MrsKoala Debenhams have really improved lately so it may be worth going back for another try (if you can bear it). House of Fraser can be quite good too. If you've got a Bravissimo near you it might be worth popping in as they measured someone I know (32C) and then recommended some brands/styles to try elsewhere. I wonder if you live near any of us? I'm sure somebody could help you find something suitable.

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 16:23

Yes, the vests sit weird, with the cups too close and sort of stick out like fake boobs and the second gives me no shape at all and is like something my nan wears :) I would wear it to bed, but not as undies. I need a sheep dog bra - one which rounds them up and points them in the right direction!

I know I'm fussy. Thanks for trying. :)

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 16:26

Thanks. i live in mk. I tried the debenhams here this time last year. We do have a house of Fraser also so I'll pop in there. I'm embarrassed tho because I'm so freakish.

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 16:27

OK, if you like something that brings your boobs, front and centre, have a look at Ewa Michalak CHP and CH styles.

I would take your actual underbust measurement (sorry if you've posted it up thread but I can't find it!) and then go up one size as their bands come up a little small.

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 16:28

Honestly, you're really not! You've been very unfortunate to have such awful fitting experiences. I am so Angry on your behalf.

MrsKoala · 08/02/2013 16:42

I am 40 under bust and ATM 44 over. But that is because one boob is massive and one looks like a fried egg. Usually im 40 under and 42 over. And when slimmer pre dc I was about 38 under and 40 over. Was wearing 38b But as someone up thread said my breast tissue was being squashed into my armpit. So now I have sort of 2 boobs with a dent in between. If that makes sense.

SminkoPinko · 08/02/2013 16:46

Sorrel, can you advise on just under 31 underboob 39.5 full bust (if you are not tired of this valiant public service!)? Really really really need some new bras. Using some old pre breastfeeding ones that are falling apart and though they are not a terrible fit are not perfect by any means and are so old and worn that I can't see the size on the label Blush and would be mortified with embarrassment if I had a terrible disaster and my top had to be ripped off to provide cpr or blew off in a strong wind or something.

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 16:50

Sort of! Ok, so technically then usually a 38B or a 40B but at present a 40D?

Hmmm, a too big band and too small cup will definitely squash your breast tissue into the wrong place as it'll result in breast tissue migrating round to under the arms and the back (causing the back fat lumps that we all want to avoid).

It might be interesting (!) to get fitted at the moment whilst you're measuring slightly larger than usual, just to see if you can find something that will give you that forwards shape you like (the Cleo Juna is quite a good bra for giving that shape).

SorrelForbes · 08/02/2013 16:52

SminkoPinko Eek, we need to avoid that happening at all costs!

Try a 30H, 30GG, a 32GG, 32G and a 32FF.