Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

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:
TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 07/02/2013 07:42

amazing, what are your under and overbust measurements?

ClairesTravellingCircus · 07/02/2013 08:58

Loving this threadGrin
Having just (nearly) finished breastfeeding I'm in dire need of a proper fitting to harness uplift my two cocker spaniel ears Grin
This is when I really miss the UK!!!

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 07/02/2013 09:01

You lot are a bad influence. I've just ordered a Bravissimo Daisy plus matching pants from EBay. In 28GG! Only £18 for the set - bargain!

JockTamsonsBairns · 07/02/2013 09:22

Right, hang on a minute! I've just done my own measurements out of curiosity - underbust 33", overbust 42" - and I've been wearing a 38D. That looks like I've been wearing the wrong size if I go by the correct way to measure? What size should I be then?

SorrelForbes · 07/02/2013 09:25

Try a 32GG, a 32G and then a 34FF and a 34G

Beksybob · 07/02/2013 09:32

I measure a 33 under and 35 overboob. I tried some 32Cs and they dug in big time round the back with these big domes attached pointlessly to the front.

Is it really neccessary to wear a bra if you are more comfortable without?

showtunesgirl · 07/02/2013 09:38

Right, so I'm currently wearing a 34E which is what I was wearing for BF. DD is now down to about 2 a day so I think it's now too big but I don't know if I should be looking to go for more BF bras as I'm planning on self-weaning or to take the plunge and go back to underwire as I understand that if it's fitted correctly it's ok.

Underbust measurement is 33 and over is 38. So should that be a 32E / 34E then? Before pregnancy I was a 34DD as 32s felt far too tight and the back strap was always straight across my back so it definitely wasn't too loose.

Megglevache · 07/02/2013 09:43

Bra wizards, am measuring 34 under boob and 42 ish over...I only have the DIY tape...no rude jokes about buying a nice Malm Shelf to house these knockers.

I've not had coffee can someone else take their shoes and socks off and work it out for me-
when measured I'm told at M&S I am a 38D/DD E ??????

CelticPromise · 07/02/2013 09:48

Megglevache I'd start with a 34GG and take it from there. There's no way you're a 38!

HazleNutt · 07/02/2013 09:49

How did I miss a new bra thread!

And i agree what was previosuyl said - you will start noticing badly fitting bras all over and might walk up to total strangers to tell them they're in a wrong sized underwear. Not looking like a perv at all, oh no..

CelticPromise · 07/02/2013 09:50

ShowTunes I'd start with a 32DD/E and try bigger cups before going up in the band- if the cup's too small it might make the band feel tight.

Megglevache · 07/02/2013 09:50

Celtic, that is so funny...they measure with a huge gap that they could fit a fist into and the tape doesn't fit snugly. It's nuts isn't it, then they look me up and down and tell me I have a broad back....erm....?

GG?? That is MAHOOSIVE!

CelticPromise · 07/02/2013 09:52

Beksy I can't think why you'd need to wear a bra if you don't want to. I can't bear not to wear one, even at night! 32C sounds like the right place to start for you. Maybe try some different styles?

CelticPromise · 07/02/2013 09:55

The thing is, it's not really! But I bet you'll find if you try the right size you look like you've lost a stone. I went from wearing a 36DD to a 32G, it was a revelation!

I've no idea why they persist with the add 4 inches thing, it's stupid.

Megglevache · 07/02/2013 09:58

Oh my goodness I need to go bra shopping immediately!
Celtic if you have fitted me properly I'm going to make you a clay MN willy trophy! Or maybe some chocolates..

I love Jess's bra- scroll down link. it looks amazing.
towards the end

Binkyridesagain · 07/02/2013 10:12

Damn you MN boobie experts, just sorted my bras out, I've decided no compromise, right size or Its binned. From a draw FULL, I have 4 left, there is now about 15 bras screaming at me to bring them back into my life! I will be tough though, I'm going shopping for new bras so I don't have to listen to them.

EasilyBored · 07/02/2013 10:18

I am Very Large Of Nork. Like, bigger than my head when I was breastfeeding large. It's ridiculous. I can only shop in Bravissimo as I wear a 32HH and nowhere else seems to stock them. I was previously wearing a 38F, and going down to a 32 felt like I was wearing a corset at first, but I suffered a lot less back pain once I got used to having the weight supported more by the under bust part rather than the over the shoulder bit. It took a lot of getting used to wearing what felt like a much to tight in the ribs bra though, but now I wouldn't go back.

MrsHelsBels74 · 07/02/2013 10:33

I would so love to visit Rigby & Peller. I get scared off from Bravissimo as I have no idea if I'm big enough & the idea of being told I'm too small for their range makes me cringe Sad.

Not much point at the moment though as I'm trying to lose the baby weight so size will be changing.

CelticPromise · 07/02/2013 10:33

Grin you have to report back Megglevache!

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 07/02/2013 10:37

The clay willy thread was a total ROFL-er Celtic. Not sure where it is now though...

MrsHelsBels74 · 07/02/2013 10:39

Ok just done a quick DIY measure & I'm coming up 34 under boob & 40 over boob...any ideas where to start?

Megglevache · 07/02/2013 10:40

celtic- memory is appalling but someone's son who was 3/4 had made a clay model for his mum. It looked like the cast of Jeff Stryker's willy.

She posted pics of it. I laughed for days

Was it Greeny?

Is she still here- she was so funny.

Megglevache · 07/02/2013 10:41

PS- there was a bidding war for it. (The model)

JockTamsonsBairns · 07/02/2013 10:41

Megglevache - your measurements are pretty much the same as mine, and I've also been wearing a 38D thanks to M&S measuring.

Sorrel - thanks very much for that. It's incredible that I may be a 32 back as I don't think I've ever been that. I'm sure when I first started wearing a bra at about twelve I was a 36A (M&S again). I'd imagine someone who weasures a 32 to have a narrow dainty little back - certainly not how you'd describle mine by any stretch of the imagination.

TheDoctrineOfSciAndNatureClub · 07/02/2013 10:44

Mrs Hels, 34E, I think.