To think bra sizing is a loada crap?

[ChickenSoupChef]

Or maybe just M&S

I went to M&S and measured a 36D a while ago, I've lost a good bit of weight and decided time for new bras. I've lost 2 inches from the bust and about an inch from underneath and I measured again and I'm now a 38A.

I looked online a bit and can see there are 2 methods, one is subtracting the underneath from the bust to get your cup size which makes me a 34D or using the calculators and M&S online measuring tool I'm a 38A.

I can't see how regardless of back size if there's a difference of 5 inches between the 2 measurements then I should be bigger than an A cup and I didn't lose weight to go up on the band size.

Do M&S just make it up as they go along or are bra sizes that odd and why 2 different methods with completely different results?

I got measured in John Lewis but, after that initial purchase, bought other actual bras in M & S. I made the mistake of going back to John Lewis for a second bra a few months after the fitting and buying it without trying it on. Never again. It was an expensive mistake because I don't live near a John Lewis so I couldn't take it back. Went to M & S, tried on the size that JL said I should be and it fitted like a glove. If you know roughly what size you are, I haven't found any problems with M & S bras themselves, just the people who measure them.

I understand why the real experts don't use a tape measure though. The best thing you can do is keep trying them on until you find one that fits properly rather than being totally reliant on the measurement as I was with the second JL bra. You'll know when you find 'the one'!