Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 13:27

That's good timing!

My shoulders are largely out of the equation of my bras. They hold the top fabric of the cups in place and sometimes lift a little bit, but by and large they don't do a whole lot. Since I started wearing well fitting bras I don't get the painful digging in that I used to get to the shoulders.

I'm inclined, based on that, do think you are definitely NOT a 40. With mos of my bras, I either wouldn't be able to fasten one size down at all, or would be able to do it up - but it would be painful. I certainly wouldn't be able to fasten two back sizes down.

Unfortunately the Alana stops at an L. But I would say you probably need one cup up - so if you feel the 36 is too tight then I would try a 38L but otherwise it may be necessary to look at a different bra. Let me have a wee hunt.

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 13:32

SC has just said that the Alana, despite it being Bravissimo's most popular bra can be a bit tight fitting across the top of your boob, so maybe try a Melody balconette or maybe a Portia?

piratecat · 18/02/2013 13:33

hotair, that's a disgrace. When they had only two stores in Central London, they prided themselves on being courteous, friendly and well, nice.

Perhaps now they have more stores their ethos is waning, but no matter, noone should laugh at anyone. There was always a long long wait for a fitting, becuase we never made appointments, as one could never ensure the timing of a fitting.

hotair · 18/02/2013 13:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hotair · 18/02/2013 13:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 13:35

GRRR< forgot how pathetic the L cup range is. I would try a couple of things:
Loosen the straps on the 36L just to see if it gives you a little more space (it sounds like it is certainly better than the others)
Try the 38L. If the cups are right, get the back adjusted. It's relatively easy to take a tiny tuck out of either side of the back strap and if you do a bit from each side you won't distort the shape
Have a look at Ewa Michelak. They have 32 and 34LL listed and I know they do custom sizes and are not extortionate. Sorrel is the expert on them but I believe their backs come up small so you may need the 38.

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 13:42

hot air

ignore my earlier postBlush

try this it's a bit pricy though

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 13:46

One other suggestions hotair - Fantasie and Freya both make 36ks. I know this is a smaller size but IME they come up bigger than the Alana. My boobs aren't hugely full on the top, and I take a 30HH in the Alana. Most of my Freya are a 30H although I do have some 30GG. I also just bought a new Fantasie bra (at the same time as an Alana) and it is a 30GG. So the sizing is quite different, and if you are full on top you may find it is even further out due to the design at the top. Freya tend to use slightly stretchier fabrics at the top. Elomi is part of the same group too.

Apols if you have tried these before but thought it was worth a mention.

hotair · 18/02/2013 13:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 13:53

these come in a 36l but areConfused

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 13:54

this

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 13:58

as SC - different brands/styles fit differently, and also depends on how stretchy they are ie their Lycra content

this is a more reasonable price

Velve · 18/02/2013 14:03

Well, I'll be getting my first Curvy Kate bra this week (depending on the quickness of figleaves return and swap this time) so will let you know how i get on with that one. I just get so grumpy because a bra feels wonderful and is super supportive but wearing it for four hours really leaves a painful mark. Thankfully the marking only stays for half an hour to an hour and then fades completely.
I really wish high street stores would stock smaller back sizes as I'm bored of the whole order-try on-send back for a swap-try on-send back etc. On and on and on.
And why do cup sizes vary within the brand? If you order several different balconette style bras in the same size from Panache, almost all of them will have a different size cup. What is up with that?

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 14:03

another 36l

hotair · 18/02/2013 14:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 14:21

sorry, no ideaSad

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 14:23

maybe ring fig leaves and ask them?

I'm not an expertBlush

hotair · 18/02/2013 14:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 15:18

Really glad to hear that hotair. I have to say their CS has been great for me in the past too, I had a bra which developed a fault. I had owned it for over a year (but hardly wore it as I bought it just before falling pregnant) and they not only replaced it, but actually gave me a whole new set in a different design as that one had been discontinued.

Id try those ones on the tightest hooks tomorrow, which will give you a pretty good idea if they will work post adjustment. Fingers crossed for you though.

IcaMorgan · 18/02/2013 15:38

I need to start the search for strapless again

The Gossard ones I ordered arrived today and although they fit great around the back the cups are really strange, they look fine when just holding them but as soon as you put it on it looks like a Madonna video from the 80's they are so pointed so they have to go back

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 15:57

IcaMorgan, try the Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless, it's absolutely fantastic

Original poster
Silverstar2 · 18/02/2013 16:45

I've been thinking - I have several hardly worn, 38E's - decent enough makes, a Freya Faye in white, and a Panache Andorra in Mink (I think). I will end up putting them in the charity pile, but if anyone here wants them, I will happily send them to you! They cost about £30 new and have been worn about twice for very short times as they rub and I shoved them to the back of the drawer. Free to a good home.........

We should start a bra-swap service!

SS2

OP posts:
RubberBullets · 18/02/2013 16:56

If the band rolls up at the bottom, what does that mean?

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 18/02/2013 17:09

Ah, I only got credit for my brastop (aka lovebra) return.

I knew i should have exchanged straight away!

AnyFucker · 18/02/2013 17:32

Rb,, I would imagine the band is too large