...to wonder where I'll buy my bras now?

[LakieLady]

Being amply endowed when it comes to norkage, I struggle to find bras that fit, are comfortable and don't cost a bloody fortune.

For 20-odd years I've been buying Debenhams own brand of big tits bras. They fit (although sizing can be inconsistent between styles), are comfortable (have wide straps which don't dig in) and wash and wear well. And they are bloody reasonably priced for the quality - a pack of 2 t-shirt bras is around £16.

Debenhams is now officially in receivership, so what other retailer does comfy bras for the large of breat at a reasonable price? Bravissimo, Figleaves etc are much more expensive, supermarket bras generally have skinny straps that dig in to my shoulders and M&S bras are really weird in big sizes (they seem to think that big tits cover a larger area of chest, whereas I carry all before me, so an M&S bra that accommodates my boobs has cups that go right round into my armpits).

I'm devastated and think I'll bulk buy every 36G and 36GG on their website while I can.

Same worry, 34H here, when our local one opens tomorrow I’m gonna buy up every single one in my size 🤦‍♂️

Bravissimo is brilliant - You wont look back

Bravissimo are brilliant. Now I know the size and bras I like there I order them online. I went in their shop before this lockdown, if they don’t have your size you can get it delivered for free.

I usually go to Rigby & Peller (when I'm flush) but i recently discovered that M&S do really large sizes too. (they didn't when i was a teenager and i haven't lived in the UK since then)

Last time i was over i spent about 150 quid and got something like 10 bras & matching knickers which is about the same as I'd spend on one set at R&P.

I'm the same but at the opposite end of the scale. Old fashioned 34B but getting smaller so need to resize and buy some new bras. Debenhams have served me faithfully for over 10 years now (basically ever since I found them) with a 34B across any range I tried.
Where to now? And what size? I've tried a myriad calculators and they all come up different. M&S says they can't work out my size at all!
And unfortunately most of the stock in Debenhams now is black or nude whereas I prefer colours.

I came on to say bra stop as well. I usually buy about half a dozen and keep one. Weird colours in my size (a very odd 30GG/H, not even on offer in am&) but no worries. I was them by hand so they last longer - top tip.

Rigby & Peller have advised me in the past to wear my bra in the shower and wash it like that. But I don't. I put them in bra nets and wash them on the hand wash in my machine. Or the 30 minute programme.

Another vote for Fantasie. If I need to try them on then I use John Lewis. Widely available elsewhere and have a range of comfy, supportive styles for larger breasts.

Another vote for brastop here too. In fact I had a package delivered this morning, waiting to be tried on.

I usually get the Fantasie ones and know they fit and are comfortable. This time I have decided to try some other brands too, I can send them back for free if I don't like them or they don't fit, so there is no risk to me.

I liked Debenhams bras too. They did great non-padded t-shirt bras - if you're anything over a C cup WHY would you want even MORE padding?

M&S is garbage for sizing but I swear by their Olivia bra. I wear a 34GG and it fits really well for the price (wide straps, three hooks) so I stock up when I get a Sparks discount.

I’ve been fitted at Bravissimo a lot so I don’t get measured there, I just try on bras until I’m happy with the fit based on what the person at Bravissimo showed me.

Mine are the t shirt NON padded in a 34H

I've never even found another T shirt non padded bra.

There’s loads of choice when you’re a 34 back.

I’ve put on weight and gone for a. 30 to 32 and now 34. There’s bravissimo, bra stop fig leaves...you’ll be okay. May even find nicer/more modern ones now!

Pregnant so have gone to a 34I so I’ve given up and am just wearing bralettes for now.

if you're anything over a C cup WHY would you want even MORE padding?

Because "C cup" isn't a set size. It's dependent on back size. A C cup could be tiny on some people and less tiny on others.

I buy my wide-strap bras from Matalan.

I buy mine from Asda, their DD+ range is really good, lovely styles and they have different options with the strap sizing etc, very affordable too!

Ebay. I would not buy used but there are plenty of last season bras for very reasonable prices. I know the brands and styles that fit me, so I just buy similar ones.

I'm an odd size (large back, small boobs) and have recently discovered Simply Be. They do a good selection, lots of the nonstandard sizes and reasonably priced. They also sell non-padded t-shirt bras.

I just bought a load in the black Friday sale (don't know if its still on).

I have small DD cups and definitely like padding.

This is good for visualising

www.bratabase.com/browse/by-photo/28:3/

@LaurieFairyCake

Is it still safe to buy now?

They're still being advertised for sale. I also get THE ONLY BRAS THAT FIT from there

Safe? What do you think they're gonna do? Put Covid in all the bras now?

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

if you're anything over a C cup WHY would you want even MORE padding?

Because "C cup" isn't a set size. It's dependent on back size. A C cup could be tiny on some people and less tiny on others.

Also some people just don't want their nipples peaking out of every piece of clothing.

I don't like a lot of padding, just enough to avoid everyone knowing when I'm cold.

Lilmidge101

Financially safe since they went into administration an hour ago

The trouble is though, for everyone recommending other shops, for some of us Debenhams own brand just fit so much better.
I have bought bras from almost all the other shops mentioned, Bravissimo would be my next best option, but they only stock one bra that fits (panache Clara), it doesn’t fit as well, it’s more expensive & is quite hard to track down in my size. At Debenhams I have a choice of loads that fit!
Do you think another manufacturer would buy the bra patterns from the liquidator? Bravissimo own brand maybe?

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

if you're anything over a C cup WHY would you want even MORE padding?

Because "C cup" isn't a set size. It's dependent on back size. A C cup could be tiny on some people and less tiny on others.

Padding often isn’t to make your boobs look bigger, it’s just to prevent nipple show through. If you feel the bottom of a padded bra cup you can tell the difference.

Amplebosom = another place to look for bras.