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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be so annoyed at Debenhams' bra fitters?

72 replies

selsigfach · 21/10/2013 20:53

My breasts have a mind if their own and seem to double in size if I put on so much as a pound, grrrr, so after finding myself falling out of my 30e bra, I went to the nearest Debenhams at the weekend.

An assistant saw me with a few bras, asked if I was ok and offered a bra fit. Brilliant, I thought. Tried on a 30f which I thought was perfect... Only to be told it was too tight, she could only fit a couple of fingers underneath the strap and that I needed the 32", which offered no support at all. She measured me with a tape (came to somewhere between 28" and 29") and then told that this meant I'm a 32

OP posts:
meganorks · 21/10/2013 21:34

What I only found out the other day though was that there are 2 completely different ways to measure! I knew the old way - measure under bust, add 4 inches to an even number, 5 to an odd to get your bra size. Then difference in inches from this and size round the bust gives cup size. The other way is just to measure under bust and that is you bra size. So obviously these would give completely different results. And different shops use different ways. Not that any bra fitters actually measure anyway!

scrummummy · 21/10/2013 21:38

bra fitters are crap never got a decent one. varied from 34-38 dd/e/f

now after a MX sometimes I'd love a crap bra fitting as now I can't get any true bra fitting.Sad Sad

HavantGuard · 21/10/2013 21:39

It was only MN intervention that had me try on a bra in a smaller back size in an Shock F cup. It fit perfectly.

Original poster
selsigfach · 21/10/2013 21:40

ha, sorry sorrel for any offence! I'll consider myself told off and will embrace my curves (don't know how to write that without sounding like a Daily Fail hack!)

OP posts:
Original poster
selsigfach · 21/10/2013 21:42

What an apt name for a contributor to this thread, meganorks!

OP posts:
sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea · 21/10/2013 21:50

Right, that's it. Tomorrow I am going to get my norks judged.

I always believed I was a 34B, because when I was 10 and grew tits overnight, my mum thrust a load of her old saggy bras at me and said 'You might find these helpful.' I've moved around to 34C, 36B/C, 34D, back to 34B.

Sod it. I am going to whap my baps out and find out that I am actually a 40A. Because I am developing a toast rack chest from lack of brassiere support.

LaGuardia · 21/10/2013 21:55

40E here. I just took 30 bras to M&S changing room and kept on trying until I found a boulder holder which fitted ok.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 21/10/2013 22:03

meganorks never use the +4 method. Bras are manufactured to fit the "new" method.

ILetHimKeep20Quid · 21/10/2013 22:05

Ladies, listen to sorell, and learn.

Don't add. Don't guess. Just listen and embrace the new boobs!

38d now in a 34ff and they look amazeballs

MumToOneMogwai · 21/10/2013 22:10

I went for a bra fitting there when I was 8months pregnant the CHILD who measured me was visibly repulsed by me and told me I was a DD, I ignored her, went to a proper shop and established I was a G. Fuckers.

KatyTheCleaningLady · 21/10/2013 22:15

It was a bra size thread on here that got my attention. Someone said that true a cups were extremely rare. I thought I was a 36A.

I followed the bra guru advice and found out that I am a 32C.Grin

It's definitely a snugger fit. And that means that not every style of bra will necessarily work. But I do think it's the way to go.

enriquetheringbearinglizard · 21/10/2013 22:19

I get fitted at an independent store where a woman gazes intently at you and then comes back with armsful of bras which you try and judge on fit, comfort and the shape it gives you - cue sucking in of breath and 'hmmm we can do better than that' which is her, not me. No tapes, just judging the fit and no pressure to buy.

gobbin · 21/10/2013 22:19

I tried the tips on bra sizing on here and it didn't work at all. Tried going down a back size/up a cup size and all variants in between, tried measuring myself with boobs hanging down etc. Everything either hurt, bulged, squashed or gaped.

Still came away with bras the same size as before.

CelticPromise · 21/10/2013 22:31

sadeyed check out the bra guru blog and do it yourself, more reliable than most of the high street!

Binkyridesagain · 21/10/2013 22:44

When you find a brand that fits your shape still try the bras on.

Freya fit very nicely on me most of the time, at a 32J I don't have much option of where to buy, so Debenhams is a regular haunt of mine for the sales. Last week I tried on a 32J,34HH,34H and finally a 34G(all of the same design) None of the blasted things fitted, ranging from a massive cup in the 32 and a band that was slightly to0 tight, to a still massive cup and band way too loose or way too tight in the 34s. I have not changed size as I checked when I got home.

SunriseSurprise · 21/10/2013 22:55

Well I'm amazed, just tried the 'new' way of measuring, never heard of this before! I've always measured the old way of adding 4 inches and been a 34d/dd for as long as i can remember. Got a drawer full of ill fitting bras that do nothing for me and i've been getting seriously fed up at my non shape and falling out of my bras (boobs like jelly since having the kids unfortunately). 'New' way is measuring me 30f - could this be real?! And could i possibly get some shape back!!

goodasitgets · 21/10/2013 23:55

Definitely real Grin
Go and try some on!

ShowMeYourTARDIS · 22/10/2013 02:52

YANBU. I was once "measured" as a 36B. I'm actually a 32F.

Most bra fitters are incompetent. Additionally, measurements are merely a starting point.

Bodicea · 22/10/2013 05:18

M and s a are shocking too don't go there. They told my tiny petite friend she was ok to wear a 32- she was really a 28 - as they don't stock 28 or even much 30 - it was a few years back - they might stock 30's now.. What is laughable is that all the models in heir campaigns are prob 28.
Pre. Pregnancy I wore a 30e so feel your pain too.
Don't see how measuring 28 can make someone 32!!!

Bodicea · 22/10/2013 05:26

Also v true what some are saying said about bras being different sizes depending on make/ material.. I have always gone for panache or fantasie. Used to like Freya but they don't seen to fit very well any more.
Best sites to order from are brastop and also just found a site called limon ivy which sells really old lines of bras really cheap!

AllOverIt · 22/10/2013 05:47

What is the 'new way' of measuring? Blush

screamingskull · 22/10/2013 06:02

i think this is the new way :- The other way is just to measure under bust and that is you bra size.........copied from meganorks post

Furball · 22/10/2013 06:12

Read the instructions on the better bra blog

Believe in the measure Wink - you really won't regret it.

the old way of add 4 inches just seems so bizarre now, imagine if they measured your waist then added 4 inches - Hmm

worldgonecrazy · 22/10/2013 07:02

The problem is shops haven't kept up with the new way of measuring and are still full of 34 to 38 B to E cups. I'm average size and am 32F in the new system, but high street shops only seem to do F cups and larger in the dreadful boring designs aimed at larger more elderly ladies. I want pretty bras with matching knickers, not plain boulder holders with matching plain draws that cover from mud thigh to belly button, in an oh-so flattering shade if creamy grey. We need a mumsnet campaign.

LustyBusty · 22/10/2013 07:11

I'm a 38hh. Fitted by bravissimo with no backfat, no shoulder digging, no quad boob. M&s told me I was a 44ff. Seriously. I asked the lady if the bra I was wearing looked like a good fit. She said yes. It was a 38hh. M&s = crap.
To the pp who said about sores in her armpit - I get this too if I buy full cup bras. I find the wires are just too long up the side of my body, so I now wear plunge styles and never have the problem.