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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Boob or bust - surely that's not right??!!

137 replies

HariboLectar · 07/04/2020 19:37

I've not bought bras in a long time, about 20 years ago I was measured in M&S as 34a... I've not massively changed size over the years (no kids) when I do put on weight it goes around my stomach not my boobs.

Decided I would measure myself using boob or bust method and it has me at 30FF Hmm seriously can't see how this can be right? For a start, I can't see how I've lost 4 inches from the band(?) size.

Has anyone else used this method and found their new size to fit well?

OP posts:
MysteryFrog · 07/04/2020 19:40

Probably is right, M&S add several inches to your actual measurement for some reason (something to do with being able to make a smaller range of sizes)

Sanityisaluxury · 07/04/2020 19:42

I have. Was always wearing a 38C as per M&S.

Did BOB and I’m now in a 34FF and it’s amazing! Honestly, so much better support, my clothes fit nicer.

Did take a bit of settling into though, first day in a 34FF it was so tight feeling. I actually went to Boux Avenue and had them remeasure me, she recommended a different style & I’ve never looked back.

There’s a great group on FB, loads of information & also a buy/sell group for people who have struggled to find their right BOB size.

Marahute · 07/04/2020 19:42

It will be right. M&S bra fitting is utterly shite. You have been wearing the wrong size.

AllForAnEasyLife · 07/04/2020 19:43

It is right.

People used to think a FF was massive but if its on a small band its actually quite small

MayTheGodsBeEverInYourFavour · 07/04/2020 19:44

I use the new method. It took a few days to get used to, ad I wear a tighter band than I used to, but my bra doesn't move around & I have a tolerably decent bust now. I went from a 34A to a 28E/EE, depending on the specific bra. So much more comfortable.

Sexnotgender · 07/04/2020 19:44

It’s right. I was a 34B or so I thought. BoB puts me at a 32F! Comfy and supportive. Just make sure you scoop and swoop😊

noeyedeer · 07/04/2020 19:45

As others have said, BOB is pretty good. Might need adjusting for different styles, but there's no need to +4 any more.

Marahute · 07/04/2020 19:45

M&S would put me in a 34" band. I always used to hate bras and was constantly having to pull my bra down as it kept riding up. Now I wear a 30" band and it's made such a difference, bras are actually comfortable and stay put.

Sexnotgender · 07/04/2020 19:46

Also as a rough guide your band size should be your dress size + 20. I’m a size 12 and a 32 band.

RoxanneMonke · 07/04/2020 19:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

doublecheeseburgermediumfries · 07/04/2020 19:49

I had never been sized properly before the summer 😳 and measured in M&S as a 32/34E depending on the type of bra.

I'd be terrified of what this boob or bust measurement would give me! Or is this just for ...erm smaller chests?

Sexnotgender · 07/04/2020 19:50

Not just for smaller chests no.

doublecheeseburgermediumfries · 07/04/2020 19:52

@Sexnotgender sorry I didn't mean to come across rude just the previous posters had said they had measured as A or B cups and I hadn't heard of this before 😅

Sexnotgender · 07/04/2020 19:55

You didn’t come across as rude😊

In fact as someone who sounds larger of nork you’d probably do better with this as you’ll get way more support.

Queenlish · 07/04/2020 19:57

Boob or Bust is the same a The Bra Guru isn't it?

I used the Bra Guru way and was skeptical, but I've had the best fitting bras in years, ever actually.

Worked well for MIL too and she's 35 years older than me.

queenqueenqueen · 07/04/2020 19:57

Wow!! This thread is really eye opening., I'm a 38DD and have been for years. Definitely going to give this a try!

Winederlust · 07/04/2020 19:58

Most people will find if they measure themselves properly they are smaller round the band and bigger in the cup than they think. The band should sit horizontally and not ride up your back as you wear it.
You also have to remember cup volumes change depending on the back size. A 34F has a much larger cup volume than a 30F for example. A 30F is more comparable to a 34C in the cup. It's the band size that makes the most difference as that's where most of the support comes from.

Wfhwith3yearold · 07/04/2020 19:58

Absolutely awful for me. My boobs didn't even half fill the cup in the size it recommended.

I just go to a shop and try them on til I find one I like. Usually different every time.

Queenlish · 07/04/2020 19:59

I went from a 34b to a 30d

MIL is quite large in the boob department. She was amazed.

Crocky · 07/04/2020 19:59

Marks put me in a 34B. The back would ride up and I always had back ache.
Bravissimo put me at 28f and boob or bust matches that. So much more supportive and comfortable.

Singlebutmarried · 07/04/2020 20:00

34 E for years.

B o b. Now 32 F.

So much more comfortable

amusedbush · 07/04/2020 20:01

It’s probably right.

I went into Bravissimo wearing a 38D and left in a 34G. I looked like I’d lost a stone instantly!

Roominmyhouse · 07/04/2020 20:01

I went from a 36DD/E to a 34G using boob or bust. My bras fit so much better now! But also you’ve got to find you me brand as some don’t suit my boob shape. I find Freya are really good for me.

JoeExoticsHusband · 07/04/2020 20:03

I've been wearing 34b since I got my first proper bra.. I'm only 25 but seems a long time to never change. They seem to fit ok Blush but I'm sure I've gotten bigger since I was 13!? Will look up boob or bust.

amusedbush · 07/04/2020 20:03

you’ve got to find you me brand as some don’t suit my boob shape

Definitely. I always wore balconette bras and found they gave me ‘quad boob’, where the top of the cup dug in. Plunge looks similarly awful because I’m not very ‘full’ at the top so they sit strangely. I wear full cup now and they look a million times better.