"Armpit fat" isn't normal over bra?

[Pigflewpast]

Just been to Bravissimo for a long overdue bra fitting and buying session. They don't measure you, just bring out bras to try based on whatever you went in wearing ( in my case a long past its best 36B from Debenhams). She decided I was a 34dd.
Every bra brought to me gave me varying degrees of fat, including double fat with its own cleavage, above the sides, in front of my arm pits. The fitter just said "yeah, some people get that, you just have to choose the best".
So I left with nothing, except embarrassment, and annoyance that I'll have to find somewhere else to put myself through it again.
I'm a size 10-12, and whilst not skinny not so large that I should be accepting armpit boobs above my bra surely??
Any advice anybody? Please? Dreading going anywhere else now.

Sorry, cross post. I should have refreshed the page.

Laiste There's a file somewhere on the Reddit A Bra That Fits subreddit which lists all makes in order of wider to narrower wires. If you can get to a London branch of Bravissimo I can recommend a fitter.

I agree. I’ve had to return my 2 bravissimo bras, twice.
I was measured years ago, but recent bravissimo fittings haven’t been as professional.
And I’m not sure about their views on such a tight back fitting resulting in back fat. Or the type of bra, resulting in the fat OP refers to.

I’m just not sure..... anymore.....

No didn't try balconette, I asked for everyday smooth style and they were all ( 11 or 12) variations on that. All size 34DD though, she didn't try others after she thought the first of those was a good fit

I would try John Lewis - lovely fitters IME and a decent range of moderately priced bras (not cheap but decently priced). Debenhams also have a wide range at affordable prices - never been fitted there but pps rate them.

Did you go to the Solihull one, OP?? I had this exact same conversation with them there a couple of weeks back!
I’d done the boob or bust measurements and came out as a 30G, ordered some and couldn’t do them up whilst also having enough cup space for 6 other women. Went to bravissimo for some real fitting and erm yeah, back fat r us! She said a well fitted bra would give you back fit and also that marks being left was normal and to be expected.
I ended up buying the best fitting bra I could but even that is digging into my ribs.

Looks like a trip to the big city rather than more local one, so I can go to Debenhams and John Lewis if I need to. Sounds like Debenhams can vary so have to hope ours is a good one.
Thank you all

No not Solihull, but sounds very similar. She seemed shocked that I thought it wasn't right.

34GG Freya full cup here. I'm not slim but totally no armpit fat at all.
I buy the same bras from Bravissimo on line but my fitting was from a brilliant old lady at an independent shop who has worked in the West end in the 40s!
I think there's a huge difference in styles and advise a full cup for you.

she didn't try others after she thought the first of those was a good fit

That is odd.

I'd always try a larger size just to make sure even if one looks to fit well.

Different brands can feel different, though, so it's worth trying different styles and brands in at least two sizes.

My local Debenhams is crap. Last time I was measured there the girl didn’t have a clue and it was hard not to laugh when she suggested I tried a 38C as I’m actually a 34HH!

I now where the Bravissimo Satine but I still have armpit fat (and everywhere else fat at the moment!) so I think it’s my shape as I’ve tried various sister sizes.

Oh my... I was in Bravissimo today too and I can't believe this thread has appeared!!

It was a ridiculous experience all round and I think even the fitter was embarrassed too in the end.

I am a 42C in most shops but was persuaded to get 'measured' by a saleswoman. The 'fitter brought me 38F and when I told her 38 wouldn't go near me she proceeded to stretch the band by pulling it hard before I put it on.

Imagine ALL my back fat encasing the unbelievably tight band at the back and the extra large F cups spreading my fat boobs outwards across my chest. I looked horrific!

She told me that a little fat spillage at the back and sides was normal.

You have got to be joking... you couldn't see the band at the sides when the bra was on, it was enveloped in fat!

I told her that I'd think about it & made my excuses.

Honestly. She didn't have a clue.

(Pic not me BTW but gives an idea of what I looked like!!)

Great picture😀. Who on Earth is training them? "Er yes it looks horrific but that's normal" I bet they're not walking round in bras that look horrific so why do they think we should think it's fine?

You have to scoop and swoop the armpit/ back fat and keep doing it. Day in, day out. Eventually it just stays!

A lot of it is cut/style too. I actually measure 34 under bust but a 34 rides up so I wear a 32 band. No back fat at all and I'm pretty squishy!

Pigflew I know! I had a bit of time to waste this afternoon & thought I'd pop in as a went past. I'm still now... I definitely wasted time in there. She had to 'help' me on with one particular bra. I thought it was going to rip she was pulling it so hard at the back to close it.

I gave up on fittings at bravissimo a couple of years ago after I came home with a load of 30gg bras which looked great under clothes but gave me deep red weals all around my back, ribs and the outline of the underwire was embedded in my skin. They were the most uncomfortable things I have ever worn. I thought with time they’d give but really they were just too tight.you have to find a balance between support and breathing.

OP, try looking for bras described as side sling - you used to be able to search for it on the bravissimo & Figleaves websites. That style really helps for me. I also find Curvy Kate is always a winner. Panache also good.

Last time I got measured (34H post breast feeding), I went to an independent specialist shop local to me. The excellent fitter said that often back size is about preference - some people prefer a larger back size for comfort, others prefer a tighter look & feel. I liked that more flexible approach rather than “this is your size no matter what”. She also demonstrated the huuuuuuge difference between styles and brands - you always have to try on!

OP, definitely try the balconette style. I prefer a snug fit on the band as it is actually more comfortable. The best thing is to try a variety of brands and sizes and find what suits you :)

Why on earth would you even need a 36" band as a size 10, unless you are very flat chested? I'm a 14 and currently in a 32" band.

And you have to remember that bra fittings are as individual as shoe fittings. I bet that, if you're a size 6 shoe, not all size 6 shoes fit you comfortably. And htere's probably brand which are comfotable, so long as you go up or down at least a half size.

Surely you need it tight to give your boobs support and lift them up. I think surely it depends exactly how much fat we're talking about here? I mean unless you're super super skinny with no fat on you at all then everyone's going to have a bit of fat so I find it hard to comment without knowing what we're really talking about here. But I know I feel much better if the bra back is tight to give me support. The first time to be honest it did take some getting used to but I know it looks better the more lifted they are

Sounds like you've run in to a really dodgy fitter. Bravissimos method is sound BUT it relies on a skilled fitter taking the time to get it right. The fact she only brought one size says it all as bras vary quite a bit between sizes so only one in itself suggests a lack of knowledge iyswim

Given you're talking armpit fat the cups are likely the problem as Sorrel has said but this can come from a few aspects
-just plain too small so you can't get all if your boob in the cup
-cups not tall enough so your breast tissue continues over the bra. Most common with those who are long in the body
-cup isn't wide enough as even in the same cup the wire width can vary a lot. Think of s jug vs a bowl, might hold the same volume but very different shapes

Finally...moulded bras are the hardest to get a good fit with because they can't adapt to your shape at all. I'd normally suggest try ing non moulded to suss out what size and shape you need first.

Can you remember any of the bras you tried?