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Original poster

To want to shout about my new bras from the rooftops?!

337 replies

RedPandaMama · 23/05/2018 12:03

THANK YOU to whoever it was who told me about the boob or bust method on here a few months ago. For YEARS I've been wearing a 38G as I was told that's what I was in M&S. I knew it wasn't right, my back isn't 38 inches and if I bent over I'd get the hideous double boob Shock

Measured myself using boob or bust and came out as a 32J or 34JJ. Went for 34JJ and ordered a load of Curvy Kate and Flirtelle bras in the brastop sale. They arrived about an hour ago and I've just been prancing around with the mum tum flying in all directions in my new bras. I feel AMAZING. They're comfortable, they manage to lift up my (huge) boobs and not make them look saggy, they look GOOD.

So it turns out I'm two back sizes and FIVE cup sizes (GG, H, I, J, JJ) bigger than I was previously wearing! No wonder I always had bloody back pain.

Just wanted to shout about it for all the women in the back who haven't tried it yet, or still trust in the outdated method M&S and a few other places use.

I AM SO HAPPY Grin

OP posts:
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Voice0fReason · 27/05/2018 23:34

There is no way I will be able to fit a 28 band size.
If a tape measure goes round you at 28 inches then so will a 28 inch bra band.
Put the bra on backwards to see how the band fits. If it fits backwards you have the right band size.

CocoAndTheChocolates · 27/05/2018 23:55

My new bra arrived that BOB said I was. I was in disbelief.

I've just had a new top delivered that I realised was way too small. Tight on my boobs and tops of arms and created a sort of shelf where it was too tight just under collarbone.

THE TOP IS NOW LOOSE ALL OVER WITH NEW BRA.

Put new bra and new top on and DSS said "you have lost loads of weight" (I have not)

We go to meet MIL who says "oooh have you lost weight?"

Is this a miracle! Waiting for more of my new size to arriveGrinGrinGrin

Lweji · 28/05/2018 07:43

@cakeflower

From what you said the 34 band did fit. So, it would be a matter of going down a few cup sizes (see earlier as BoB can inflate your cup size).

It looks like poor service from that assistant at Bravissimo, so you should go back and ask to exchange the bras and a proper refit.

cakeflower · 28/05/2018 09:01

Thanks @Lweji - I may do so. But the 38dd does seem the best I have tried so far - anything under a 38 feels too tight

Lweji · 28/05/2018 10:37

But did you only try a 38DD and a 34HH?
You should be trying smaller cups in the 34. Because if you can put on a 34 and still pull it two fingers from your back, then it's fine, even if it feels tight when you're not used to it. And it will mean that 38 is giving you no support at all.
However, if you're not used to the feel of a supporting bra, then why not go for a 36 to start with?

cakeflower · 28/05/2018 11:13

Thank you! I will try somewhere in between like 36f/g

PercyPigAddict · 28/05/2018 23:10

Is the band supposed to feel quite tight? I've always chosen bras that feel comfy, don't leave red marks, I generally carry on wearing them around the house rather than whipping thwm off as soon as I get home etc. But my literal band measurement (with 2 fingers fitting underneath) is 30. I've been wearing high street bras of around 34 / 36 B / C. I can see this is too big, but won't it feel tight / restrictive to have a band of 30?

DieSchottin93 · 28/05/2018 23:23

@PercyPigAddict a stretchy bra in a 30 band will feel snug, especially if you're use to bands that are too big, and might leave sock marks and like shoes it make take a couple of wears and washes to break them in so to speak but it's worth a try Smile

A good way to see if the band fits correctly is to do the backwards band test. I think it's already been mentioned but a few pages back, to recap you put the bra on upside down and back to front (so the cups are round the back), making sure it's fastened on the loosest set of hooks and pull it out. Around one to one and a half inches means the band size is correct, any more than that and the band is too big. You might have to play around with cup sizes as well as a too small cup will also make the band feel tight.

PercyPigAddict · 28/05/2018 23:43

Thanks Die it sounds like I'm just going to have to make the mental shift of not expecting them to feel super-comfy and stretchy.

SoupDragon · 29/05/2018 14:09

I’ve just tried on the recommended 32H that I ordered after measuring myself and it is horrendous! Admittedly it was a sample of 1 (and I know all bras vary, starting point etc etc) but it dug in everywhere and gave horrendous bulges at the back (yes, I scooped!)

I’m not averse to trying this size but this particular one was unwearable.

SorrelForbes · 29/05/2018 17:44

SoupDragon, what bra was it? Did you try it on back to front first? That will help establish whether the band is correct. If it is, we can start to work out the issues with the cup.

SoupDragon · 29/05/2018 18:54

No idea what it was. Yes, I did try it on back to front as that is the only way I can fasten them,!

There’s nothing to work out, it was just a bad fit.

SorrelForbes · 30/05/2018 17:33

Did the band feel OK when back to front?

With the cups, did the central gore lie flat, were the cups empty at the top/bottom? Wrinkling? Too wide at the edge? Did they come up too high under the armpit? Lots of variables to consider which would help one of bra geek types work out what might be better for you.

Branleuse · 30/05/2018 17:55

the fact that bras vary and its a starting point, is actually very important though. You really need to try on a few different styles and often one of the sister sizes too

It actualy drives me a bit crazy that so many people just try on one in the new sizing and then dismiss it all. Such a shame, because there will be many out there that fit differently according to the shape of your body, and you need to try a few to get the right one.

SoupDragon · 30/05/2018 18:45

Did the band feel OK when back to front?

No.

GrumbleBumble · 30/05/2018 18:45

Payday has arrived so I have ordered a few different styles and sizes from lingerie outlet store. Fingers crossed something will fit and be comfortable, the looking slimmer would be an added bonus.

SoupDragon · 30/05/2018 18:50

the fact that bras vary and its a starting point, is actually very important though. You really need to try on a few different styles and often one of the sister sizes too

Yes. I know. That is why I said it. You’ll notice I also said I am not averse to trying sizes. It’s simply not practical to order loads of sizes and styles online.

SequinsOnEverything · 30/05/2018 18:54

Thank you for this post!

When measured in M&S I came out at something like a 40F, but never wore that as I knew it was wrong. I'd been wearing a 38F and having issues of double boob at least once a day. Measured with the boob or bust site and came out 36GG. I couldn't get that in the cheap asda bra I wanted to get, so got 36G and it's so comfy! No shoving my boobs back in either!

houseofrabbits · 31/05/2018 08:25

An update from my last post. I usually wear 34A but the boob or bust method said I was a 28FF. I went to MandS and couldn't bring myself to try the 28 band sizes. I tried 30D and the band was way to tight and the cups massive! I went up in increments and everything was just too tight/cups too big. I eventually got to 34B and it's really comfy. Not back fat and cups fit nicely! I am small, size 8-10 but all the fat I have is around my back and stomach, so the smaller band sizes just looked and felt awful. I'm sorry the boob or bust method didn't work for me!

FreshHerbs · 31/05/2018 08:41

I'm the same size as OP. 34J
I buy my bras from bravissimo. I love the feeling of a good fitting bra that doesn't dig in or hurt your back. Well done for finally getting their and finding your correct size. It's a revelation to most women and boy does it feel good

dotdotdot12 · 31/05/2018 12:05

I thought I was 34G but have now measured a 32k using that calculator. I've ordered a 32k and a 32JJ and they were delivered today and the 32jj fitted really nicely and supportively in the back but the cups were gaping at the top so I'd be surprised if I'm even 32HH or even a 32H so I've ordered a couple more to try. The cup size according to the measurements is definitely too big for me, good to know I'm actually a 32 back size tho as I could tell it was making my boobs much more perky and supported

dotdotdot12 · 31/05/2018 12:57

I forgotten I'd also ordered some panache bras in the same sizes (the others were curvey kate) the back band feels slightly tighter on the panache but the cup on the 32jj is fitting perfectly. I'm hoping the back band will give slightly with wear and I can imagine it being perfect then!

It's really lifted my breasts having a decent fitting bra! Smile

chickenowner · 31/05/2018 13:24

I'm currently wearing one of my new 34GG bras - I used to wear 38D!

The cup actually fits, I hadn't realised how badly fitting my previous bras were until I tried one of my new ones.

Initially the 34 band felt tight, but now I'm used to it it feels fine, just more fitted and more supported.

SorrelForbes · 31/05/2018 13:48

houseofrabbits that 30D didn't for because the cups were too small and almost certainly the wrong style. As an 8/10 there is no way you need a 34 band. If you get a chance try a 28 and a 30 again but start with an FF and an F cup respectively. You need to try the bras on backwards first to test the band and then worm out the cup.

Original poster
RedPandaMama · 31/05/2018 15:26

@houseofrabbits have you tried bras not from M&S? I find their sizing like Primark clothes sizing - completely erratic and random! At a size 8-10 I highly doubt you're a 34 back!

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