To think M&S really shouldnt sell bras

[ineedanexcuse]

Just pootering online and saw this minimiser bra for sale.

Not only is it far too small for the model but it is padded!

What sort of idiot dreamed up a minimiser bra -worn expressly to make a large chest look smaller -and then added padding. Unbelievable .

I have said this on here before, but when i went into M&S to be fitted the lady looked at my boobs and gasped, looked confused, turned me round, shook her head, told me she doubts they (or anyone) would ever be able to fit me. She called another lady to stare at my mis-shapen body. That lady looked the same and brought a couple of bras i might fit in. I didn't. At all. They then said no. M&S wouldn't do anything for my size and perhaps i should just wear vests.

I left. And cried. They were right tho. Bastards! :(

Horrible isn't it?

It feels,like your doing a walk of shame as you walk past all the bras your breasts have been deemed unworthy of.

I worked at M&S in bra dept. We were trained to measure bust eg.34.inches, then measure under bust eg. 29. Then add 5 inches =34. So this should be A cup. under bust 35=B cup, under bust 36=C cup. THIS ABSOLUTE RUBBISH. Every bra is different, this is why so many women are wearing the wrong bra. If you want a good fitting bra go to Bravissimo or similar shops. They don't use tape measures....they know exactly what size you are by looking at you. Very professional.

Yes Honey it's a really horrible feeling. I can't quite put my finger on why. But i just felt such a freak, and really unfeminine. To be fair to M&S they were being honest when they said it was unlikely any bra would fit. And i have also had similar experiences in Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Intimissimi, La Senza. I even braved Ann Summers in desperation once.

Bravissimo, while lovely, couldn't really help and in the end i got the best fitting at Rigby and Peller. However, the only range they do that i sort of fit is Marie Jo. And even then it isn't a great fit. But they said it was the best they could do.

Once i'm done with having children i'm so having the norks sorted out. I just hate that i have to resort to that, just to wear what everyone else seems to buy so easily.

I had mine done and then went on to have another baby

Thankfully everything worked out fine

I'm glad that, whilst you couldn't get the right sizes, you were at least treated with respect in some other shops MrsKoala. I'm not sure what size you need but have you investigated any of the polish brands like Ewa Michalak or Comexim?

Ushiemama - I totally agree every bra is different and the absolute best way is the way bravissimo and co do it ie by eye. However - if shops don't want to go that far with training, or want to still have a tape measure guide for a starting point then starting with the band size being the underbust would get them an awful lot closer. The plus 4 thing is the single biggest problem as when they do that the starting point is so damn far out. It's ridiculous that we can generally get women in the right size, over the internet, with a few measurements, some questions about boob shape and maybe a little trial and error yet M&S stick them in something miles off and can't even see it when it's pointed out to them. Gives me the rage!

When it comes to m&s I'm far more interested in hearing if anybody actually got their 50p chair

No. No one got a 50 pence chair.

I did get a refund for an over charge they'd made before Xmas and were dithering about though.

Gutted.

I had them once try and tell me I needed a 38c at the time I was tiny (ill tiny) and had not long before bunged 650cc hp implants on my size 6 frame.

can I just ask while there are some bra experts about what size I should be wearing
I measure 33.5 under bust and 37 around the bust
im wearing a 36d at the mo but it doesn't feel comfortable at all

I hate padded bras. All M&S pretty ones seem to be padded, have given up on them and go to a local independent knicker shop.

Liquid I'd suggest a 34c or a 34d

Some years ago, I was measured in M&S, & tried on a couple of their bras with the woman still there (not sure if this is standard but she seemed reluctant to leave). She adjusted the straps, I lifted my arms up & the bra rode up & my cleavage actually fell out the bottom. Her response? "Oh, well, sometimes that happens." I went scarlet & left, muttering darkly about their bras obviously being rubbish if they did that often.

LiquidCosh try a 32DD/D and a 34C/D. What's the cup like on your current bras? If you scoop do you get overspill?

thanks Caitlin I will definitely try both those sizes

SorrelForbes The cup seems okay its the band that always seems too tight and uncomfortable should I perhaps try a 38 band?
im a size 10/12 and 5'5" tall if it makes any difference

The "padding" is for a smoother profile and so nipples don't show. I get on well will moulded/padded bras - would be sad if they stopped selling. But you don't have to buy them.

liquid, it's your cup that is too small

don't go up to a 38 band, you need to go down to a 32 and try a dd (did you pull the tape tight, btw). You sound very petite and a 38 on you would be a travesty

I haven't been fitted there for years, but went to Bravissimo for fitting a couple of years ago and was found to be 36e. The bras they fitted me with were comfy but the straps fell down constantly, l was not impressed.

So, I went to M&S and was able to try on a huge selection of different 36Es, found one that was really comfortable and well fitting, bought several and have not looked back, they are the best bras I can ever remember having. When the bra intervention threads started I used that method to measure myself and confirmed 36E was correct.

I last got fitted by eye in m & s. She put me in the same size as bravissimo.

Bought 2 styles last week 38C as my 38B didn't seem to "enclose" comfortably (measure 37/38 and 41). Cup on non underwired t shirt bra was too big at top , crossover just seem to squish in the wrong places and there was too much flesh by the straps. Ideas please ! Very limited as to choice - M and S or nothing!

Are rigby and peller any good? One has just opened near me.

I've got one (plain black) R&P bra and it's my most prized possession - I am not kidding.

Thereslots, that's encouraging to hear

Thanks AF if I pull the tape tight it is 32.5 under bust so I'll try 32DD and report back.

Given the amount of physical discomfort and health issues that can be caused by a badly fitted bra, bra fitters should be required to have a bra fitting qualification (I'm only slightly joking here!). M & S fitted me as a 38e, I'm actually 34g. Huge choice of 38e's and about 2 34g's in my local branch, makes me suspect they are trying to cram people into their narrow range.

I think a point was made up thread about they are catering for the majority so that's why their range is as it is. I have a feeling though that their range has been designed on the back of what they believe their customers sizes are due to their poor fitting not what they actually are. They have clearly been getting this wrong for years!

Don't bother shopping there anymore, Debenhams and JL have much better ranges.