To think I can’t need a bigger bra?!

[QueenofmyPrinces]

For the last 6.5 years I have worn nothing but nursing bras (breast fed two children consecutively) and yesterday I bought myself some normal bras for the first time in those 6.5 years.

Prior to children I was 34C but my boobs have obviously gotten a little bigger so when I was in the shop I was picking up bras sized 34C onwards and pretended to try them on by putting the cups over my boobs (over my clothes) and seeing if it covered my breast. I know it was silly to use this method but I had nothing else to go on and I deducted I needed a 34D and bought many bras in this size. The store did not allow any trying on of clothes.

I put one on this morning and it feels a little tight around my back and I can’t help but feel my boobs are pushed upwards a little over the top of the cup. I sent a photo from the side and sent it to my husband to show him and ask his opinion) and in the photo it looks like the cup wiring doesn’t sit completely under my breasts.

Not having worn a proper bra for so long I am wondering whether this appearance and sensation is actually normal and I’m just too familiar with the non-wired, non-fitted, non-flattering nursing bras?

I just can’t imagine how I could be a bigger size? I wear size 10-12 clothes, am about 5ft 6” and weight approximately 9 and a half stone. I certainly don’t look big breasted when I’m dressed.

Surely with that build I can’t need a DD cup?

I’m thinking I should maybe get myself professionally measured but for some reason I don’t like the thought of it. Has anyone else been measured professionally where you weren’t made to feel uncomfortable for getting your breasts out for non-medical purposes? Can you recommend anywhere?

If you're on Facebook you can join the Boob or Bust group and post photos there for fitting advice from an admin.

You could also try John Lewis, fitting there can be decent, not as good as bravissimo but worth a try.

If you're on Facebook you can join the Boob or Bust group and post photos there for fitting advice from an admin.

Thank you - I have requested to join.

You need to do the swoop and scoop OP. At Bravissimo they showed me how to bend over and swoop all the breast tissue that sits under your arms into the cup and jiggle myself into the bra (DH finds this hilarious)

Also, not all styles will suit you. I remember after I had been to Bravissimo I went back to try M&S bras and they were just an awful fit. I’ve never bought a bra that I couldn’t get from Bravissimo since. I’ve ordered some online now I know my size. They also do free delivery if you can’t get your size in store.

I've shopped at Bravissimo for years. Now I'm too far from the nearest shop so I do it all online. They also have great live chat advice on the website. Very helpful service all round.

Another vote for Bravissimo here! I never end up feeling uncomfortable. You’d be surprised but I expect your cup size is bigger and your band size is smaller than you think!. Mine normally is!!

Bravissimo can do fitting advice over the phone/email or live chat at the moment if you can't get to a shop. I just brought some after doing this and not only are they the right size, I've found my perfect style and fit of bra.

Worth a try at least & they're currently having their sale.

In a new 30D today. So comfortable. My default size is the 32B family, but that can be hard to down back and up cup on. Getting the bigger cup and smaller back really makes the most of what I have.

If its tight around the back then surely you need to go from a 34 to a 36? Have you put weight on in the last 6 years?

Scoop that armpit fat into the bra, it may be partly displaced breast tissue. A bra can feel too tight if the cup is too small as the breast tissue is taking up some of the back size.

I’m 4 foot 11 and 6 stone and I have GG cups. Go figure. Measure yourself. X

@QueenofmyPrinces did the 32 back fasten OK even if the cup wasn't right? If it did then just try different cup sizes on that back size.

34DD is a sister size of 32E (same cup volume on a different back size)

@ittakes2

If its tight around the back then surely you need to go from a 34 to a 36? Have you put weight on in the last 6 years?

Nope. Often when a bra can feel tight even when the band is too big, because the cup size is too small. The way to check that the band size is right is to do the backwards band test - put the bra on backwards and see how far you can pull out the band; it should only go out 2-3cm.

I've given up on bravissimo tbh, hate the whole thing. I just order off figleaves and return of it doesn't fit, but I did do loads of fittings in the past. Jenners in Edinburgh used to have the best lingerie and fitting service in the country, all went to shit when it got bought though.

Brastop online is reasonable.

I’m a size 12 and 32F, my boobs aren’t particularly big.

Most women are wearing the wrong bra size. The general advice is to go down a band size and up a cup size. Obviously not true for everyone but worked for me. Remember bras are meant to be snug but not uncomfortably tight. Many wear them too loosely.