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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 · 18/02/2013 17:50

Ica - how do they come up size wise? I bought a Wonderbra with straps on from Ebay when I first got measured. I used to wear them in my old and very inaccurate size, and wanted something kind of similar to what I used to wear - thinner straps etc. It is fine on the back but the cups are at least one size too small and it's really uncomfortable. Doesn't give me a good shape either, which was a bit disappointing Grin

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 17:57

That's the one Ica, it's absolutely fabulous. I don't wear my normal size in it but some people do. Debenhams stock them for try on purposes. I think it is worth trying a few sizes around your normal - up a back, down a cup or two etc, as the fit is quite different. I was a 30H when I bought mine and wear a 32G, although if they made it I could possibly wear a 30GG.

RB, I have the rolling up issues, and I actually asked at Bravissimo. They said it doesn't necessarily mean anything - it's just that the fabric is relatively tight, there is normally a thicker bit at the bottom which can easily flip over...it seems to be worse for me on bras which sit relatively low (like my Alana does) and is probably worse because I have a short torso, so the bottom of my bra is closer to my waist and therefore on a part of my body that bends/moves more than it would on someone with a longer body.

IcaMorgan · 18/02/2013 18:01

Agatha The Gossard didn't really seem to fit in the cup at all

It seemed to squash the top of my boobs but then go so pointy that you could pinch a finger width and still not touch flesh at all, the back however was a perfect fit

If I can find a reasonably priced Wonderbra Ultimate I will try one of those - am heading into Croydon tomorrow so will see if the sell them in Debenhams

Might even manage to get a new convert as my mate is coming with me and she recommended M&S as they do fittings too so will try and convince her

IcaMorgan · 18/02/2013 18:02

Thanks SC will try tomorrow

Original poster
Silverstar2 · 18/02/2013 18:28

Hmmmm what I though was my lovely new Freya Faye REALLY started to feel uncomfortable today - rubbing in both armpits AND in the middle of my boobs, leaving but red marks.

The last bit of my order came today - a Bravissimo Daisy Chain in 36G, and so far that feels ok, although I am concerned that after taking the label off and wearing it for a day that too will start to hurt.

i kinda feel I am back to square 1! I am confident that the 36 back is right for me, but finding the cup is proving tricky!

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 18/02/2013 18:32

SS2. It sounds like you've pretty much got the size sorted. Perhaps you need to try some different styles and brands. I don't get on with Freya, Panache or Fantaste but find Cleo (a division of Panache!), Curvy Kate, EW, Fauve ( division of Fantasie) and Debenhams very comfortable and flattering.

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 18:36

It is possibly a brand issue as Sorrel describes, I'm also a Panache hater, but it may also just be new bra syndrome.

Maybe this is me, but I need bras which are quite high at the armpit to, erm, contain me...but this means that for the first couple of wears they can be a bit sore and I tend to need to break them in, a bit like shoes! If I get ones which don't rub to begin with, then they tend not to actually offer adequate support. Bit of a catch 22 really.

Btw Sorrel, ordered my first EM bras today! Found a couple in the UK so thought I would give them a shot to try and judge sizing as most of their bras would be special order in my kind of size so don't want to get stuck with a lemon!

Original poster
Silverstar2 · 18/02/2013 18:41

ok, I shall stick with it! Hopefully the armpit hell will end soon :-$

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 18/02/2013 18:55

Yes, I find good fitting bras can run the first few times I wear them and then they seem to soften up.

Ooh SC, keep me posted. I'm going to order a new EM when I get paid. A CHP this time I think.

SorrelForbes · 18/02/2013 18:55

Run? Rub!

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 19:01

I've ordered a PL Cielus and a CH Lilia. Annoyingly, the CH said it was a 28j then when the order processed the receipt said K, so god knows what I am getting. The PL is my usual size of a 30HH. I suspect neither will fit but hopefully I will be able to judge from that what I actually need.

I tried looking on bratabase but the info is totally inconsistent!

AnyFucker · 18/02/2013 19:01

the new bras I got last week made me itch like mad at the back as a variation on the rubbing

it was obviously me just getting used to a tighter band, as it has settled down now and I feel really comfortable

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 19:07

I get the opposite AF, mine itch when I take them OFF - I think it's the bits that have had slight intents suddenly going "ooooh, bloody supply!"

SorrelForbes · 18/02/2013 19:11

Oh yes SC, I get that!

AnyFucker · 18/02/2013 19:17

oh yes, I have a damn good scratch when I take them off Smile

lovely feeling that is, better than sex (nearly)

soaccidentprone · 18/02/2013 19:23

I get that too!

but only on one side due to my scoliosisSad

Chunderella · 18/02/2013 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 18/02/2013 19:45

I ordered a 28GG after advice here and it is tiny! Am going to return it and get the 28 HH at least. Yikes! Maybe I should go back to Bravissimo and try them on in-store instead of guessing online. SC, I'm in Edinburgh too!

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 19:50

Hello fellow Edinbugger!

Edinburgh Bravissimo is quite good actually, I was in a couple of days ago and they seem fairly well stocked despite their refurb. Debenhams have a decent selection too although IMO the one at Ocean Terminal actually seems to have a better range of DD+ (and more importantly G+!) Which bra was it you ordered btw?

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 18/02/2013 19:52

For the first week of wearing my 34F bras I had to alternate with the old 36Cs just to give my ribs a rest. Didn't take too long, though.

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 18/02/2013 20:13

The Bravissimo Daisy Chain, from EBay for £9.99. I haven't tried Debenhams - will have to try them! My sister's just moved to Leith so will be closer to Ocean Terminal.

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/02/2013 20:25

Few reviews of people saying they wear the same size in the Daisy Chain as the Alana which suggests it may run a little small in the cups. Just something to be aware of if you go to Debenhams and try a bunch of Freya bras on!

Secondsop · 19/02/2013 01:33

This thread is great - so much brilliant bra advice. Just to add my 2 cents - the most comfortable and supportive bras I've found are my Hot Milk nursing bras. I'm a 38f usually, 38g at the moment and I was last fitted at Selfridges into Freya bras but I didn't take to them - too tight in the middle of my boobs and under my arms. The Hot Milk are great for containing my underarm fat where everything else has failed or hurt. My boob shape is quite long and droopy with not much below the nipple but a lot above it, if you see what I mean, and I need a lot of support and generally balconettes work best for me. A lot of bras (eg the Alana) are too tight across the top of my boobs. If you're a similar shape, give Hot Milk a go - Im going to keep wearing them even when ive stopped breastfeeding. They're also really pretty but really sturdy - a good broad back strap that limits the under-strap back bulge that I often get with other bras.

StatisticallyChallenged · 19/02/2013 09:12

Secondsop, I have heart quite good things about the hotmilk maternity bras. The fitting you got at Selfridges doesn't sound terribly good. Freya bras do tend towards balcony type shapes which can be quite tight on the top so if you are very full on top then a less than amazing fitter could well end up putting you in a cup that doesn't fit properly elsewhere because they are trying to avoid quad-boob. I get the opposite when they try to jam me in to Panache. They don't fit my shape, no matter what size!! Frustrating

I think you are right to veer towards balconettes. Have you ever tried the Curvy Kate tease me, the Fauve half cups or the masquerade rhea?