To be disappointed/frustrated with bra sizing. Help!

[AlmostAlwyn]

A while ago I read a post on here raving about boob or bust, that she was so happy that she'd finally found her true bra size and wanted to shout about it from the rooftops! I tried it, and came out as a 32h (formerly I was wearing a 36C but I've been breastfeeding for a year now and don't really have a clue what size I am currently). I ordered a couple of bras in that size and they've arrived today.

AIBU to be really disappointed that they're just ridiculously massive on me? What did I do wrong? I followed the instructions carefully!

Any suggestions on what to do now? They're quite critical of Marks and Spencer on the boob or bust website, but maybe I'll just go there and see what they've got?!

[BackByDopeDemand]

I’ve done the bra intervention thing and I still can’t find a bra that fits! I thought I was 34D. Bra intervention says I’m 32E. But 32E is SO tight! I can’t breathe.

Tried 34E but it gapes at top of my breasts.

Back to 34D, but I know it’s not quite right.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Have you tried 34DD? Same cup volume as 32E, but one band size up. a 34E is two cup sizes up from your 34D.

Do bear in mind that bras soften considerably after a few wears.

Did you have the 32 on the loosest hook?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Koalab if it's any comfort I'd say that spread of sizes is well within the range of "normal" just due to the variance between bras and brands - you're basically varying by one cup and one band depending on which bra it is (as the volume of the 36DD would be equal to a 34E, so you've only really gone up one with the 34F)

[Zadocthepriest]

If even the M and S assistant admits that a 32E in the 'normal' range has a smaller cup than a 32E in the DD plus range what hope is there! (vanity sizing? Less well endowed want to think they are bigger and the over-endowed want to kid themselves they are smaller)

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I'm not sure calling a 32E "over-endowed who want to kid themselves" is particularly pleasant...

I'd guess either a: assistant talking bollocks or b: the two ranges are produces by different companies who don't work to the same fit models.

[Curlygirly]

I've got my first time appointment at Bravissimo on Friday. Can't wait to find out what size I really am and to get my boob's back to where they should be.

[JuneBalloon]

I'm a big Bravissimo fan...! Recommend them to everyone, big or small.

It's imperative to do the 'forward wiggle' when trying on a bra (lean forward so your torso is more a less at a right angle to your legs and then shake your boobs for all you're (your?) worth) I was at Bravissimo a couple of weeks ago and the first bra I tried on was baggy in the cups... until I did the above grooves move and, voila, suddenly I had the perfect fit!

[Bettyfood]

I did bra intervention and am now a 34E, from a 36D, but only really fitted the 34E when I'd lost a bit of weight. And the only bras I find comfortable are Sainsbury's comfort lace bras (which happily cost about £8). Nearly everything other bra is uncomfortably tight in the size I'm supposed to be, and I refuse to believe I have to be uncomfortable even for a short period and that bras should fit when you buy them. I just want my breasts to be smaller really, and to lose a bit more weight, but my breasts do seem disproportionately large as the rest of me is a size 12/14, whereas my top half measures a 14-16 in most shops size charts (though when I try it on a 16 is always too big and either get a 12 or 14).

I didn't have any problems when was a 34C (and was probably actually a 30/32C thinking of my measurements back then).

[AlmostAlwyn]

Well, I've just come back from the shop with a 34E which seems to fit well and be comfortable! It's a Passionata bra if anyone's heard of it. I tried on two others (different brands) in the same size, but they didn't fit properly (seemed slightly too small in the cups), so I guess it's just a case of trial and error!