To think that the perfect bra doesn't exist?

[caddywally]

Even when I find a bra that fits how it's apparently supposed to and feels fairly comfortable, it doesn't put my boobs where I want them to be. Is it abnormal to want them hoiked up somewhere around my neck? Even if I find a bra that seems to provide the correct level of support, it feels like my boobs are being supported too far down my body for my liking. Do I just have unrealistic bra expectations?

It's worth a trip to Rigby and Peller, it will transform your boobs. Ideally go to the one in central London ( off Bond St), you will need an appointment but your boobs will thank you for it. Pricey bras mind you

Teddy there seem to be two R&P branches near Bond St - which one do you mean? And why that one, out of interest? Might give them a try, although I had a rubbish experience twenty years ago getting my first bf bra - nearly gave me blocked ducts.

Honestly, bar Rigby and peller (that I'd love to try but the Irish sea separates us) I have tried all of these, curvy Kate, panache, Freya, Bravissimo own brand, I've tried being measured by booborbust (I've send pics of me in a bra in several prescribed ways to strangers )... Nothing has resulted in a comfy, pretty bra. Boobnbust have said I'm a 34j, but these cut me to shreds on the underarms. I get the point Bit breast tissue migrating under the arms but scooping it up in the bigger cup is agony under the arms. Bravissimo think I'm a 36F/38E depending in brand... I think they're spot on but very few bras fit and don't hurt after a few hours.
M&s are generally patronizing and tape measure bods, I just don't agree that I'm a 40 d/42c at all. It's crazy, I'm a size 16 on top. They are the worst. But it all means so much money and I'm still uncomfortable!!!

Are you wearing the right style? Do you know what 'type' of boobs you have? Bottom or top heavy? There's a lot more to a good bra than size and brand.

I have given up on supermarket and high street brands, mainly because they think a bigger bust is in the D-G range and I'm a H. I've found Fantasie is my go-to brand. They seem to appreciate that large boobs equate with heavier boobs and their elastic seems to have more tension. I'm lucky enough to have an independent lingerie retailer within walking distance of the house.

booborbust.com

Try the calculator on this website!!!

I went from a 40 H to a 36 K and it's the first time in YEARS my bra has been comfortable and stayed in the right place!

I'm a 32E and I've found my perfect bra in-Peacocks! It's non-wired, padded with removable "fillets", no hooks and stretchy.

I'm wearing the size 8 equivalent. £4.

With curvy Kate do you get your normal size? Just I got the daily boost and gave me 4 boobs. I've done the bra intervention too.

How the hell have you ONLY got 2 responses saying get yourself measured properly? !?

Go out, today, and hit debenhams, M&S, Bravissimo, hell, even Ann Summers do bra measuring and GET YOURSELF MEASURED!

You will probably find that you do get slightly different advice/sizes from each place but you should come away with a better idea of what size you should be looking for. Talk to an expert about where you want your boobs to 'sit', and any problems with rubbing and discomfort etc.

Absolutely no point whatsoever in ordering anything online if you don't know a) what size you ACTUALLY should be buying and b) if your expectations of comfort vs position are realistic.

....why have you avoided getting measured properly up to now? You shouldn't be embarrassed - and I hope you are regularly checking your boobs as we are advised, it infuriates me when women say they're too shy to get 'this teeny lump' checked out by the gp or have their smear regularly...

You need to get fitted and a good fitter will pick out bras that are right for your shape. You will also find different makes work better for different shapes even if they are a similar looking bra.

I have found independent shops that only sell large cup bras (good ones in se London) to be far better than bravissimo (too much sales patter) or m&s (rubbish) Debenhams have also been good in my experience but does depend on the experience of the fitter

I used to love Freya bras but recently the quality has been poor materials are different I wonder if they have changed manufacturers

Curvy Kate some shapes I find good and panache. My boobs are quite rounded and high and if not wearing a really well fitting bra to get 4 boobs not a pleasant look

Stronger - I've been measured umpteen times; I know how a bra should fot. As I said above, I've also found that Bravissimo assistants are happy to selk you something that 'fits,' even though it looks shite under a t-shirt. I get quizzical looks when I say, 'but they're pointing at the ground!' Maybe it's because I'm over 50 and they think it doesn't matter what your chest looks like at that age. I should make the effort to find a good independent, but, again, in the past it's always been a matter if the assistant gushing, me falling for it and ending up with the same old lumpy/low-slung/bouncy look. Anyone know a good bra-fitter in Gloucestershire?

I've been measured in the past and have worn 36dd or 38d for years.

Was measured recently and then had fat hanging around my armpits. I tried on loads and eventually ended up with 34G from the Gorgeous range in debenhams. Fits better than more expensive ones I tried on. No way should I be a 34 at size 16 but there you go. You just have to try loads on.

I had an unlimited budget as I was determined to find the perfect bra but I basically fit myself. The staff were useless in every shop and had I left it to them I'd not be as comfy as I am now.

agoddess Have you tried Perfect Fit in Keynsham?

For me it's the bravissimo satine, I'm a 30gg (sometimes h as my weight fluctuates) it's just a shame they cost so much! Any other style rubs my ribcage, and other brands of plunge bra just don't seem to bring my boobs right up like I want- for this reason, you might want to try it!

It will be the wrong size/fit. Try this thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

I did it and have had well fitting bras ever since.

My 36Js love the panache Jasmine. Like 2 bowling balls under my chin.

No MrsMoasty, but that would be an hour's drive from me. I could make the effort if I was certain it'd be worth it and I wouldn't get fobbed off.

It's shape (which is not the same thing as perkiness or lack of) as well as size. Different brands and styles suit different women even if they measure as the same size.

No way should I be a 34 at size 16 but there you go. You just have to try loads on.
I'm a 30 in band size, even now when I'm about a stone overweight. So I'm now a size 14/large, but I've been down to a 10 at a stone and a half lighter but the band was still 30.

That's true Schnitzel. Mine are 'full at the bottom' and 'close set,' which means there has to be minimal space in the central gore between the cups, and plunge styles don't work either.

My band size hasn't changed when I've gained or lost weight and it stayed the same through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

No way should I be a 34 at size 16 but there you go

Out of interest do you mean that 34 sounds
small or big for someone who is a size 16?

I'm a size 14, sometimes a 16 and a 34 would be huge on me, and would ride up at the back. I usually wear 32, but have one bra (a Freya) that is a 30 back.

I'm a 14 top (because FF cup) and a small 32 band. Size 16 and a 34 sounds right to me.

Small.
For donkeys years I've been wearing 36 or 38 after being measured. They weren't too big around the band then. Finger tips and all that. I'm bigger now than I've ever been.
I swear they've changed the sizing in recent years. Vanity sizing. It's been about 4 years since I last bought bras though, so I was surprised at the 34. I'm pear shaped rather than apple shaped so not huge up there apart from my large norks.

Just me then?