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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:
SorrelForbes · 06/02/2013 22:04

I may have shouted through a curtain in Debenhams once to tell a lady that the fitter was doing it all wrong Blush

SorrelForbes · 06/02/2013 22:06

happy Promise to come back and update us?

Remember to 'scoop' when trying on bras as it makes a huge difference when working out the correct cup. Also, if the back feels fine and then suddenly feels too tight when you've got the cups on and the straps up, it's a surefire thing that the cup is still too small. Be brave and go up again.

SorrelForbes · 06/02/2013 22:07

A few bra threads ago, we decided to hand out Bra Monitor badges for new converts Grin

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:08

when you notice a bra with good not too stretchy straps and try it on the difference is amazing.

my top bras by Fantasie.

Helena which i also have in hot pink

Fantasie Belle, it is slightly stiffer material on the cup and the lace has no give which adds to stability

[http://www.frillyslingerie.co.uk/p375/Fantasie-Cally-Balcony-Bras/ Fantasie Cally]][

happyjustobeme · 06/02/2013 22:09

Sorrel, i promise. Partly because i will be shouting from the rooftops and unable to contain myself at all if i am a C cup or over!

Binkyridesagain · 06/02/2013 22:09

I want a bra monitor badge.Grin

I'm trying to resist sorting my mothers boobage out, I don't know how long I can hold out forGrin

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:09

Sorrel, i go into Debenhams and basically tell the lovely assistants to fuck off outta my cubicle!!

I take friends there for cubicle parties.

Highlander · 06/02/2013 22:11

Infind that most bras these days are not designed at all to completely cover your boobs.

T-shirt, plunge, balcony - all only seem to have half coverage at the front to show off cleavage. The designs all seem to have an excess of padding as well so that you end up with massive boobs.

I have an old 34C bra. It's too big around the chest (I'm actually a 32), but the boob coverage is excellent. It separates and my boobs look like mine. It's a standard M&S bra. Compare this to the 32DD I'm wearing and it looks horrible; all padded (but too big dwn the sides) with cleavage that is inappropriate for work. All modern styles seem like this.

Binkyridesagain · 06/02/2013 22:12

Anyone want to flash mob M&S, we can descend on them with tape measures and guides on sizing correctly

Highlander · 06/02/2013 22:12

piratecat those photos emphasise my point. There is too much cleavage.

AgathaF · 06/02/2013 22:13

Can anyone recommend a bra with thinner straps? I've only found them with thick straps in my size, 32f, which is fine for everyday but feels a bit matronly to wear with strappy tops.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 06/02/2013 22:14

Can I just warn you ladies who will be trying on new size bras that once you find out what a properly fitting bra feels like you may have the urge to rush up to total strangers and announce "you are wearing the wrong bra!".

As a comparator for those who have been told to go down a back size or three. I am just above average height and a size 18-20 and I wear a 36FF (R&P and Bravissimo both agree on that). So if you are smaller than me there is almost no way you are a 36 back size no matter what M&S tell you

P.S. M&S tried to put me in a 40B Shock

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:14

and tighten up your bras straps ladies!!

This is a great indicator actually, if you tighten up your straps and then find the bra is riding up your back, it's too big around your ribs. So you might like to try the next size down in the back, but compensate by going up a cup size.

I always start with the back, good fit there,( say you are feeling good in a 36) then get that bra in a,b,c ,d,dd e etc

CelticPromise · 06/02/2013 22:16

Chaz Grin

I do it with my sports team in the changing rooms...

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 06/02/2013 22:16

Piratecat, that blonde model is wearing the wrong size!

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:16

highlander, that's just the balcony style that alot of women find comfortable and versatile with differently cut tops.

In those bras i have shown, each one will come in a full cup version.

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 06/02/2013 22:18

Yeah I thought that too Cheddar.

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:20

disclaimer, haven't looked at the models. many of those models also ridiculously have chicken fillets shoved in their bras too to make the balcony styles super umphy!

I was just wanting to show the bras i have found most comfy. I was a 34f in those, and am smaller these days, 32d, but the styles are a good shape, and you don't get to much side spilage, nor are they cut too high under the pits!

SorrelForbes · 06/02/2013 22:20

pirate I have dragged many a friend into a cubicle. I think they are grateful (in the end!). There's a lovely girl called Gemma in my local Debenhams who has successfully fitted my niece, DSD and DSS's GF! There is also an older lady who tried to put my size 8 niece in a 34 back. We left.

Chazs Oh god yes. The worst places are Topshop and New Look. All these tiny little size 6 and 8s wearing their 36As up round their ears!

binky I have promised my DM a trip to R&P for her birthday. She's wearing a 36DD. She's more like a 34G.

Zingy123 · 06/02/2013 22:20

Is there anywhere that does unusual sizes? I think I am a 46aa but have never seen any. I have a wide back but reasonably small boobs. I am wearing cheap sainsburys belvia type bras currently that have no support. I have some bras that are a 44a but they end up riding up under my armpit on one side.

AnyFucker · 06/02/2013 22:21

why is the blond model wearing the wrong size ? Confused

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:21

bloody hell both those pics are obvious chicken fillet insert jobs. how annoying

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 06/02/2013 22:22

Zingy what are your under boob and overboob measurements?

SorrelForbes · 06/02/2013 22:24

For umphage without too much padding I can really recommend Ewa Michalak. I have this one. I find they come up quite tight in the back so I ended up with a 32G rather than my usual 30G.

piratecat · 06/02/2013 22:26

here we are, much more realistic comfy bra Helena by Fantasie.

balcony style

and full cup version of same bra

for more coverage