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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:
LilQueenie · 09/02/2013 11:41

ok havent actually read all this but going to add I have the same problem. Always wear a bra that fits the bigger boob. Beware of freya as some styles have been made way bigger than they should have. Only certain ones mind. Here is a link I found helpful including a blog or two. blog.butterflycollection.ca/2012/05/bra-school-not-all-d-cups-are-same-size.html

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 11:53

Polo - your 34E is the same cup volume as a 32F. You might want to try balcony styles as they tend to help with gaping.

AnyFucker · 09/02/2013 12:55

I am off to Debenhams in the Trafford Centre today to find my new holy grail bra Smile

Wish me luck !

fatlazymummy · 09/02/2013 13:48

I don't understand. I've tried several websites and calculators, and they all seem to add 4 or 5 inches to the band size. Are bras in British shops still being sold by this method?
When I put my measurements in (33,40) it gives me 38b, which I can tell is total rubbish. There is no way I am a B cup (since the age of13).
I would really appreciate some advice here, as I have recently lost a lot of weight, and have had difficulty getting bras to fit since then.
Just to add, my boobs seem to be big all over, and I'm not pregnant or breastfeeding.

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 13:54

Step away from the calculators Grin. Some UK shops have seen the light and their fitters no longer add inches. However it doesn't appear that any of their online calculators have been adjusted to reflect this!

M&S, La Senza amongst others still insist on adding inches. Ignore!

I would try a 32FF, 32F, a 34F and a 34E.

fatlazymummy · 09/02/2013 14:00

Thanks Sorrel. I will try those sizes. There's a slight massive difference between a B and an FF cup, isn't there!

HyvaPaiva · 09/02/2013 14:10

I've been using calculators that are clearly all wrong.

Under - 32
Over - 34
(above is 32 if needed)

I've been wearing a 34B moulded bra that feels too big at the back on the tightest hook and falls forward at the cup. I think that could be because the back isn't supporting the cup. Should I try a 32B? Or an A?

Thanks Thanks

MrsHelsBels74 · 09/02/2013 14:13

Well I had a session with Bravissimo & all the bras I tried on had back fat spilling over. The fitter said unfortunately that was a fact of life & everyone had it. Is this true?

HyvaPaiva · 09/02/2013 14:13

That's not true, MrsHelsBels!

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 14:42

MrsHelsBels74 It's definitely not true! TBH, some bras are going to gie a smoother line than others and some of us just have a bit more flesh than others (I'm quite a squidy shape!). However, back fat is usually sign that you need a bigger cup. Scoop, scoop and scoop some more and you'll probably see immediate quadra-boob! Very disappointed that someone in Bravissimo has told you that. I'd be tempted to email their head office.

Regular scooping over time does result in moving all the migrated breast tissue back to where it actually should sit.

HyvaPaiva Try a 32B (and possibly even a 32C in plunge styles). The 34 band sounds much too loose for you. A B cup on a 34 band is the same volume as a C cup on a 32 band. You may find that a tighter band solves the cup problem for you.

fatlazymummy Just a bit! Good luck.

HyvaPaiva · 09/02/2013 14:49

Sorrel, thank you. I'll try both 32B and C (the 34B/32C comparison you gave me makes perfect sense too, great).

Megglevache · 09/02/2013 15:10

I'm going to have to insist on pics!

AnyFucker · 09/02/2013 15:21

It's not going well Sad Angry

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:12

AF Can you elaborate? I'm sure you're in a hot, sweaty, annoyed frame of mind by now

AnyFucker · 09/02/2013 16:14

The fantasie bras are horrid and don't fit

Everything I try doesn't fit

The conclusion is I want something to give me great boobs

No such bra exists Sad

AnyFucker · 09/02/2013 16:15

Am traipsing despondently through John lewis

soaccidentprone · 09/02/2013 16:17

AF

what's up. I can't imagine the Trafford Centre on a Saturday afternoon. it must be packed and hotSad

have your figleaves bra's arrived yet - I bought 2, one fits really well, it's really comfy and I'm wearing it nowGrin

it's this one

the other one the band is just a little tighter, but it'll be OK after a few wears

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:18

Hmmm, TBH I don't own any Fantasie, Freya or Panache bras as I decided that good quality though they were, they just didn't give me 'great boobs'.

The brand range at most JLs tends to be limited to those three for larger cups.

Have you got a Bravissimo? They stock Curvy Kate and Cleo, both good, flattering brands.

A good bra does it exist for you. Keep the Faith!

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:19

soaccidentprone Nice bra but shocking picture. That band is up around her ears!

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:21

AF - what about trying Boux Avenue?

soaccidentprone · 09/02/2013 16:21

JL only had one bra which fitted me and I bought it even though it was ugly. had ds2 with me and he was really unhappy in the lingerie section.

do selfridges sell bra's?

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:22

Or Selfridges?

soaccidentprone · 09/02/2013 16:27

bravissimo is on the top floor at the corn exchange and is open till 6 today

SorrelForbes · 09/02/2013 16:32

Get you to Bravissimo AF Grin. Try the Cleo Juna, it's my go-to bra for uplift and comfort

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 09/02/2013 16:43

I'm so glad to have found this thread! I'm in my very early 40's and I'm certain that I've never, ever worn a bra that's the right size. Please can someone who knows their stuff help me to work out what size I actually am?

In the past M&S have measured me as 34B. There's no way I'm a 34 back, for a start. I'm a size 8 and very petite. I had an attempt to measure myself and work out my own size a few months ago and ended up with some 30D bras that seemed great in the shop (Debenhams) but the back leaves major red marks on my skin and I think the cups are too small as when I breathe in I get a slight 'four boob' effect.

Having just done the measuring thing, I'm 28.5 under the bust and 32 across the fullest point with my bra on and about 31 with it off. Should I be a 28 or 29 back? C or D cup? It's so confusing!