Finding a bra that fits

[Exileinengland1999]

I am 44 and have never had a bra that fits. M&S measured me at 38 D but it was literally baggy at the back. I went to another shop and they measured me at 34 D- how can there by such a wide discrepancy in size? I measured myself and it came in at 36 D but then that seemed baggy at the back. Someone else suggested going up a cup size but down a strap size so have tried 34DD and now the cup seems too wide.
Aarrgghh.
AIBU to think bra fitting seems like a bloody dark art?!

[CMOTDibbler]

IWillOnlyEatBeans - its the bra shape thats wrong for you, not the size by the sounds of it. Try a half cup style in the 32c and don't forget to scoop

[Twunk]

I went to Rigby and Peller for a fitting and it was a revelation! I was actually wearing the right size before but she found me 2 bras that were so comfortable and flattering I could have kissed her.

It was pricy but am happy to pay that because my bras need to be like scaffolding quite hard-working

[Exileinengland1999]

You see I always thought that if it rode up the back, it was too small not too big No wonder I have never had a bra to fit!

[Birthdaypartyangstiness]

I think it you don't want to try lots every time you buy you need to have brand loyalty with brands...I know I'm usually 36e in M&S, 34f in fantasie, 34e in Freya etc...at £20-£30 a bra I make sure I try before I buy.

[LegoCaltrops]

www.curvykate.com/blog/this-little-trick-is-the-only-way-to-know-if-your-bra-really-fits/

You need to do the scooping bit. See above link. Basically if you're not doing this, the band will feel too tight as some of the breast tissue is trapped under the band instead of being inside the cup where it should be. This is probably why so many women struggle when they get remeasured. It's essential to scoop, even if you're flat of chest (like me) without a bra on.

[Tinklebinkle]

Bra's are the devils own work! I like Bravissimo and now I know my size (34 GG - I call them my Good Gollys!) I stick to the same back size and go from an F to a GG depending on the manufacturer. Having big boobs is a flipping curse. I'm dieting at the mo to try and shrink them a bit, but even at my smallest weight I was never smaller than a DD. I've given up on trying to find a sports bra that fits. Bra's make me irrationally angry!

[bimbobaggins]

I have used rigby and peller twice when my sister stayed in London and I was down visiting. It was the best fitting service I've ever used .
Now I use bravissimo and love there service and range of bras .
I would never use m&s again

[Harree]

Bugger, why didn't that work? thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html?m=1

[TiredMumToTwo]

Bravissimo all the way, have found one of their bras that fits me perfectly & now have one in every colour - job done!

[pyrowall]

Is true about bravissimo as I've got 3 of their bras that absolutely cut me in two!
I'm left with very painful rubs where the band is.
I've really got to take them back.
Conversely they do one bra that has never fitted me better - should have just bought the same one again but black and beige are really dull!

[CatsMother66]

I was measured at Bravissimo and ended up with welts around my trunk, almost in tears! Took it back the following day for a refund. I now go to a small Independant where the ladies serving have been there forever and know their stuff. I got the most comfortable bra ever. Very pricey but as has been said before I need the scaffolding with a GG cup. I only buy this one bra now as it is SO comfortable and if I had other makes In the drawer I know I would pass them by In favour of the good one.

[pyrowall]

is it true etc etc ?

[MadeInBelgium]

Another one here who had red marks that turned into semi-permanent bruises after buying bras at Bravissimo....

[CatsMother66]

Pyrowall are you asking about taking bras back? I bought mine whilst on holiday and wore it the same day. I took it back the following day as it was obviously the wrong size. I don't know what their time policy is in returning items.

[Akire]

I'm same never find bra fit even if try on everything in 32 a 34 and a 36 in all cup sizes! Even bramission managed flog me One after about 2h never wore as dosnt fit! Honestly normal size breastsaybe they are just wing shape. I just am Wearing random Sizes now that look least worse.

[Akire]

*wrong shape not wing shaped...

[Schmoochypoos]

I went to a small local independent and was measured 32F - m and s had me in a 36c/d which I thought was a bit big on the band, I'm normally a size 10. It's a revelation wearing the correct size, it seems most people have the band too big and the cups too small.

[Kanga1973]

I went to m&s years ago and was told I was a 36dd. I walked it to bravissimo and asked to look at 36dd and the shop assistant said 'you can but that's not your size' they only had to look at me and got the size right. 32ff. Having the right bra makes such a difference. Haven't looked back since

[Squark]

Bravissimo are the only ones who measure properly. The rest add +4 to the band size. Try the "Boob or Bust" girls on FB or their calculator to get your correct size.

[treaclesoda]

I'm a huge fan of Bravissimo, but like any shop they have their weak staff members. The only time I ever got one of their staff to do a fitting, she got it wrong and I ended up with a bra that was a terrible shape on me and very uncomfortable, although it was roughly the right size.

But I'm confident enough that I know my own size and what styles fit me best, so there was no reason to let it put me off going back. But if that had been my first try for a properly fitted bra I would have been left feeling very downhearted about the whole thing.

[Milliepede]

This might help, haven't tried it myself

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html?m=1

[Milliepede]

Sorry, didn't realise someone had posted that link!

[LeSquigh]

I have always found independents to be better. The lady I go to at the moment is great and doesn't use a tape measure. I am pregnant so buying bras quite often. The two I bought most recently both fit great and are different brands and COMPLETELY different sizes. It is impossible to say you are a particular size because it genuinely depends on the make.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I've actually had better fitting on the phone from Bravissimo than I've had at some of the instore fittings. I stick with them for the Satine bra though, which is the most comfortable bra I've worn. Unfortunately my boobs aren't really right for a plunge bra and I move slightly but the comfort and shape is worth having to readjust occasionally!

On a side note, if you've bought bras in a Bravissimo store you can return them by post for a refund or exchange.