to think that a certain well known clothing store is crap at bra fittings

[RachelWatts]

And WIBU to return the bra they sold me in the wrong size without a receipt? It hasn't been worn...

I got fitted for a bra at said well known clothing store a couple of weeks ago - they fitted me as a 36DD.

I got fitted again today in a specialist lingerie store - they fitted me as 32FF - a bit of a difference!

Kinkytoes - I bought the bra as I was flustered due to DS2 working his way up to a screaming fit as it was lunchtime. I thought I'd allowed enough time but then the fitter was 20 minutes late for the appointment. She turned up just as I was about to give up and go get some lunch.

Plus I thought I really needed a new bra as I was no longer BFing during the day and my feeding bras were all too big. Turns out some of my feeding bras fitted better than the one they sold me.

Sorrell, I've never seen that method of measuring before. I'm going to give it a go and look crazy while doing so.

The thing where you bend forwards at a right angle and measure the widest part of the breast; surely the result will depend on elasticity (or lack of it) as much as size.

An older woman who has breastfed for many years might measure differently from a younger woman who has never been pregnant, even though their breasts would take up the same amount of space in a bra.

And what if someone has tubular breasts?

The measurement gives a guide of where to start from, then you try sizes /styles around the measured one until you get a feel for what fits best.

The measurement gives a guide of where to start from, then you try sizes /styles around the measured one until you get a feel for what fits best.

That sounds sensible.
Luckily I've been fitted at R&P and bras (mostly Prima Donna) fit beautifully. If I did the bending forward thing, it would have to be a pretty long tape measure.

I've been wearing a 38F as per M&S recommendations for years and thought they fitted OK. Went into Bravissimo on Monday and was fitted into a 32H!

Yes, they are firmer under the bust, but they are providing support and they stay in place all day. I hadn't realised how much fiddling and adjusting I was doing with the old bras until I wore the new ones for a couple of days. Yes, more of a faff to put on with all the scooping malarkey, but once they're on, they're on. No spillage, no gaping, no four-boob look. It takes a bit of getting used to but it's definitely worth it.

I'd also say that I don't think Bravissimo would turn anyone away for being 'too small'. If nothing else, that would be discrimination against the small of chest!

I agree with Bravissiomo fitting, but the bras they sold me were crap, went to M&S and bought the size Bravissimo fitted me in and they are far, far better fitting.

I'm a bit peturbed with Bravissimo at the moment. The fitting is spot on - but I've currently got an underwire stabbing me in the armpit. Perhaps it's just this style, but I've had underwire issues far more with bravissimo than other brands.

Any tips for shuffling an underwire round into a less painful position? Ideally without looking like a loon.

I went into M&S for a maternity bra 6 weeks ago and after a 10 second flash of a tape measure was told I was 34D. Bought some bras that I knew instantly didn't fit, but was told that they were fine. Went to a specialist independent underwear shop at the weekend and am 36G and bought some perfectly fitting bras. Have been toying with whether or not to complain to M&S but doubt they would take much notice.

Perhaps different brands make their own sizes to fit in with their measuring system. I mean, with any other item of clothing sizes vary from shop to shop. It's just that the staff don't measure us for tops and jeans!

Yes they are crap and debengsms aren't much better. Measuring me as a 38dd for years. What am I really? 34g.

My advice currently having the heaviest wabs ever at 15 weeks pregnant (at 40 they'll need to go in the pram) that you go in and ignore them. Try loads on until you find one that doesn't ride up at the back, nothing escapes and no welts in your flesh. It should still 'lift' your chest and show off your stomach.

Top tip is to lean forward. If anything moves or gives you clevege (unless it's a wonder bra) then it's not right.

A properly fitting bra takes pounds off.

They always measure you when you have another bra on!! How does that help?

Why don't M&S ever learn? These threads crop up with reliable regularity and yet nothing seems to change. They don't seem to get that they're getting it very wrong.

hotair " But even if you are an M, double MM or N there are ways to get a bra that will fit you. (ie. Buy a KK cup bra from a better shaped brand for your boobs in a higher back size and alter the back size down to fit)"

I don't agree with that at all. A 36N would need a 46KK (38MM, 40M, 42LL, 44L, 46KK) to get the same size cup as the N. Even after adjusting down the back it would mean the underwires are wider than the ribcage so it would fit totally wrong. Such is the plight of the big-boobed woman.

I had a friend suggest: www.morethanahandful.com.au/products/502-kate-sports-bra-no-underwire-by-ulla.aspx which goes up to N and also this one: www.ewa-michalak.pl/Size-Calculator-chelp-eng-10.html but it only lists up to KK.