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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think bra fitting is an essential service?

154 replies

AntiHop · 01/01/2021 17:19

I'm desperate for a bra fitting as I'm 26 weeks pregnant. I went to a branch of bravissimo a few months ago and they did a great job of socially distant bra fitting, they did it all by sight without coming near me. All the bras I tried on but didn't buy were quarantined for 72 hours.

I had planned for go again in January, as I didn't want to go to central London before Christmas, but now we're in tier 4.

I've never bought a bra without trying them on. Without being able to try them on, especially being pregnant, I've no idea where to start with buying one online.

A proper fitting bra is important for all women. I think bra shops should be open.

OP posts:

rookgizzardpie · 01/01/2021 17:47

I’ve never been fitted in my life and have managed to not damage my breasts

CakeRequired · 01/01/2021 17:48

1st world problem at its finest.

No its not essential. Get a tape measure, write down the numbers and type them into a bra calculator online, like at booborbust.

Bourbonic · 01/01/2021 17:50

Of course it isn't essential. It's a nice to have.

Phineyj · 01/01/2021 17:52

I can see it's annoying. Children's shoe shops are shut too.

mbosnz · 01/01/2021 17:52

Can you survive without a bra fitting?

Answer: Yes.

Is it therefore an essential service?

Answer: No.

Which is why I also think garden centres should not be included as an essential service, lol. We're not having to dig for bleeding England.

Hazelnutlatteplease · 01/01/2021 17:52

Last time I was fitted, I found out I was the same size as I have been more or less all my adult life and even the store assistant
had to admit the best fitting bra in the store was the one I'd walked in with, from primark, that I'd fitted myself and cost £5. I'm not an unusual size either.

Chances are if it fits and its comfortable it's your size.

LividLovely · 01/01/2021 17:57

You need to buy a bra from Molke.

Follow the measuring instructions to the letter. No wires, amazing uplift, and you can breastfeed in them. And I speak as a 34K pre-pregnancy.

Perfect28 · 01/01/2021 18:00

You don't need underwired just because you're on the larger side, although that may be all you've ever known/worn the no wired supportive options these days are fantastic. As others have said, measure yourself, order a couple of sizes and return what doesn't fit. I'm 30 weeks so I feel your pain but it's not insurmountable. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

FoxinaScarf · 01/01/2021 18:01

Not essential. You can do it yourself- there is plenty of advice on the internet. I have managed to get my 2 daughters their first bras without difficulty.
You are asking people to put themselves at risk by getting very close to measure you which is a very selfish thing to do - think of others health, COVID is not something we can just dismiss as nothing to worry about - just ask any nurse or doctor (a real one not someone here on MN making things up).

FoxinaScarf · 01/01/2021 18:02

@BitOfANameChange

Given the size I am, I need properly fitting bras or I end up with backache, shoulderache, etc, that can take a long while to go away.

I'll bet Long COVID takes a lot longer to go away...

Nomaigai · 01/01/2021 18:04

@BitOfANameChange

Given the size I am, I need properly fitting bras or I end up with backache, shoulderache, etc, that can take a long while to go away.

So do I. Fitting isn't essential. It's perfectly possible to fit a bra yourself - it's not rocket science!

wideskies · 01/01/2021 18:04

You can't just use a tape measure to work out the size or fit that will work for very large boobs, that's the whole reason Bravissimo exists and is successful - when I was pregnant I was in every 3-4 weeks getting refitted and it meant I didn't have constant back pain from my massive and constantly changing boobs. It's a tough one OP - I think the best you can do is order sizes up in the back and cup for last model that worked well and judge yourself when to make the switch.

StoneofDestiny · 01/01/2021 18:05

Would I risk my life to measure somebody for a bra - No.

ChronicallyCurious · 01/01/2021 18:06

Get a good fitting sports style bra. No underwire needed. I also have huge boobs and these are MUCH comfier than any other bra. I’m also an ex bra fitter- recommended them to every girl that came in with big boobs.

dementedpixie · 01/01/2021 18:06

Measuring would give a general idea of size though especially if she has expanded in the rib area

Branleuse · 01/01/2021 18:07

if you give us your measurements, then Im pretty sure we could help you here.
What is the size of the last comfy bra you had, and what has changed. The band or the bust or both?

CherryLilt · 01/01/2021 18:07

Me and dd just ordered a couple of sizes to try on and sent back what didn't fit

Myshitisreal · 01/01/2021 18:07

Ring bravissimo, they can look up your order see what you have and what size and you can discuss how they fit etc. They can advise and help with your postal order . I did this in September, amazingly it was perfect.

Original poster

AntiHop · 01/01/2021 18:08

@FoxinaScarf

Not essential. You can do it yourself- there is plenty of advice on the internet. I have managed to get my 2 daughters their first bras without difficulty. You are asking people to put themselves at risk by getting very close to measure you which is a very selfish thing to do - think of others health, COVID is not something we can just dismiss as nothing to worry about - just ask any nurse or doctor (a real one not someone here on MN making things up).

Wow that's a huge assumption to say I'm dismissive of covid. I'm far from it. If you read my posts, you'll see that I take covid extremely seriously. You'll also see that I wrote that bravissimo did socially distant bra fitting. They did not come close to me and did not measure me. I also do a job that involves seeing people in person that has carried on through the pandemic. I'm not in an ivory tower with a cozy wfh job.

OP posts:

BendingSpoons · 01/01/2021 18:08

I don't think it is essential but it is annoying! I only have nursing bras. DS still feeds but only at night. I'm not worried about a fitting, but do want to try on bras, which you can't in most shops. It's a pita buying several to try on and return. But as we are going to be restricted for a while now I'll have to! Who knows when non-essential shops will even reopen here (London)?!

CornishTiger · 01/01/2021 18:09

Recently got my daughter measured for first bra. I did the measuring and then we went into an independent.

Couldn’t have afforded to order the range of bras she tried on and then return them.

I think they should be open without fitter actually measuring you but providing guidance.

Meepmeeep · 01/01/2021 18:09

Absolutely not essential in the slightest - ridiculous.

Lexilooo · 01/01/2021 18:09

Nope it is pretty easy to fit yourself with a bit of guidance.

strawberry2017 · 01/01/2021 18:09

When you are pregnant it's different so get it! I had the same issue after having my baby; my body changed so much and I needed to be measured. I couldn't afford to buy loads of sizes and the online fitting guides didn't account for just having a baby. So annoying!

MissBaskinIfYoureNasty · 01/01/2021 18:10

Not essential and just don't wear underwire for a bit if you're that worried. I have "huge boobs" and haven't worn underwire for 4 years while breastfeeding. Honestly. Here is a grip.

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