Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be so frustrated with my bras?

113 replies

Elephantina · 31/12/2018 15:57

Last year I tried the "bra intervention" method of measuring, and after years of wearing a 36G found I was more of a 34H or HH. 32J at a push.

So I bought a multitude of different makes of bras in various sizes, shapes and types, and spent a bloody fortune. 50% went back as they didn't fit me at all. Some fit but the wires dug in at the front or under the arms, or the side boning was uncomfortable. Some fit but the straps constantly slip.

After 12 months of trial and error I still have no bras that fit reliably, so I kept the ones that felt most comfortable and bought some clips to hold the bloody straps up, and binned the rest.

I did finally find some nice 2-packs in great colours on Simply Be - the 34H was a touch too small in the cup, so I ordered 6 of the poxy things in the sale, in a 34J. Cup is too big, and it doesn't come in an HH or a 32K.

Bravissimo is expensive, Brastop is alright but I haven't had much luck with the fit really, Simply Be don't have any value packs in my size and I just want some inexpensive bras that are vaguely the right fit!

Any ideas? My bosoms crate a massive shelf about 4 inches wider than my actual ribcage. So fed up with looking so wide.

OP posts:
AloneLonelyLoner · 31/12/2018 16:08

I hear you! I’m not all that big (32DD) but as of yesterday I have nothing that is even vaguely comfortable. My one comfy bra that I bought about a year ago has been worn to death and the wire is out on one side and it’s just awful and doesn’t support. I wore a sports bra to work today. Nothing fits and everything Feels awful. Following with interest.

TroubledMuchly · 31/12/2018 16:10

M&S Fuller bust bralets.

They. are. Amazing.

RivanQueen · 31/12/2018 16:13

38E over here and I completely understand. I think you'd be doing yourself a favour to go and get a proper bra fitting done either at M&S or a lingerie store so they can tell you what size you should be wearing. If you're ordering online try Curvissa, they have some lovely bras that are comfortable and true to size (I don't know if they go up to HH or above though). Good luck!

easyandy101 · 31/12/2018 16:14

My partner goes to a place called d'braz in banstead (near Sutton/Croydon) that's amazing if you take unusual sizes

They don't appear to have a website though

TheMobileSiteMadeMeSignup · 31/12/2018 16:18

I'd avoid M&S for fitting, tried to tell my friend she is a 36...unlikely as she is actually around 32. Never heard good things about their fitting service.

I'm 30FF, I get fitted at Bravissimo then buy online.

Some shapes just don't work, some companies don't adjust the wire shape so despite being longer wire they don't curve properly. I like curvy Kate bras.

Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:22

M&S fuller bust bralets - really? I'm sure I checked and even the XL wouldn't be big enough...

OP posts:
WindyWednesday · 31/12/2018 16:29

18 is the biggest. They have rave reviews but I’m not sure I’d be comfortable wearing one.

Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:30

They only go up to a G. Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:32

I'm not convinced they'd be very supportive, I need scaffolding.

I wish I knew how to find that elusive perfect fit. Why does everything keep mine so far apart, what I really want is to push them forwards?

OP posts:
UtterlyDesperate · 31/12/2018 16:33

Elomi - I buy mine from ebay. They have revolutionised my boobs.

AlsoBling2 · 31/12/2018 16:33

I have used bra fitting services at large department stores effectively in past. It's worth it. You also need to think about style. My breasts tend to go.sideways rather than down, so I find balcony style are good. A basic t shirt bra is an absolute disaster. K need something that hoiks them in from the side rather than pushing them up and/or apart. Which is what a lot of bras do.

LakieLady · 31/12/2018 16:35

Debenhams have a good range of large cup sizes. You might need to try a few different styles to get the best fit; I'm 38EE in some and 38F in others.

DearTeddyRobinson · 31/12/2018 16:36

Have you been professionally fitted? If you can make it to a Rigby & Peller or a Bravissimo they should be able to assess which bra would suit your particular shape.

Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:36

Yes, everything pushes them apart when I want the opposite! I have terrible trouble with straps slipping so balconettes are a bit wide set - but I have a strap to connect them now, so it won't matter much.

Elomi you say, I've seen that name on Amazon...

OP posts:
Kleptronic · 31/12/2018 16:37

It's very frustrating. I'm a 34DD which isn't even big, and the fit varies so much between styles and brands. Freya are good for my shape but Panache is awful; gives me a huge underarm bulge. Balconies in any style are a bust (see what I did there). M&S are sooo random - one style will be great, the next the cups are gaping - Rosie for Autograph I'm looking at you... Not tried a Curvy Kate as my breasts have a wide root but they are shallow on top, they seem to be for full-all-round.

There's a website with lots and lots of pictures of real women's breasts at every size, shape and type. Sadly I can't remember what it's called but a Google should turn it up. It recommends brands based on your shape and size. E.g. mine are wide set (big gap between them) with a wide root (base) and sightly east-west pointing nipples.

Possible slightly too much information there but it's to illustrate that there's a lot to think about!

stilllearnin · 31/12/2018 16:37

Side support are my favourite 34 GG. I use Debenhams and pour moi

Apileofballyhoo · 31/12/2018 16:39

My DM goes to Debenhams and takes zillions of bras into the changing room to try on. M&S usually don't have big enough cup sizes.

Notwiththeseknees · 31/12/2018 16:40

I have found my people Smile

Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:40

Wow, the Elomi's make your boobs big and round and further apart than ever!

I tried a Gorsenia (?) bra that did that, amazingly uncomfortable.

OP posts:
redyawn · 31/12/2018 16:40

I go to a small bra shop and get fitted. All my bras are different sizes and they all fit. I also got one from Victoria Secret which is v good.

monkeysox · 31/12/2018 16:43

Fantasie. Alex with side support. Debenhams stock these.
You're welcome Flowers

rockchickchickyrock · 31/12/2018 16:44

I love the Freya Deco- also hate the separated boobs look! I go to Bravissimo once a year to make sure I’m still wearing the right size, maybe buy one bra then then buy a few more from eBay/other online cheaper stores. I have to travel an hour to my nearest one, pain in the arse but they are the only shop who has ever fittted me correctly and I’ve been happy with the shape under clothes etc

Jellylover · 31/12/2018 16:44

Another vote for Fantasie. Got measured at John Lewis and buy on line when reduced.

Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:46

I know Kleptronic - I get so confused. Mine sound similar, rather far apart (big gap between) and definitely pointing East and West. Not sure about the root though??

I also have slopey shoulders, and my boobs start well under my armpits. I loved the shape of Freya but they came up very small. I got on ok with Panache but they were pricey for quite a flimsy bra.

Has anyone with wide spaced bosoms found anything comfortable that pushes them out from under your arms and forward? I tried a 32 band which was better in terms of cup placement (ie the cups were closer together at the front), but it was too tight.

OP posts:
Original poster
Elephantina · 31/12/2018 16:47

Thanks Monkeysox. Do they go up to an HH though...will go look!

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread