To think bra fitting is an essential service?

[AntiHop]

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.

Honesty, I have comedy big boobs and I just did the online chat with bravissimo during pregnancy and while breastfeeding as I lived too far to make it to their shop. They were really good, even told me which bras in which size etc etc. But for God's sake, please don't go to m and s!!

Also agree that some of us working in jobs that are full on and have ample bosom can’t cope with ill fitting bras.

I get headaches , shoulder and back pain in bad bras.

Not essential. Why should a bra fitter have to put her life at risk? Get a few of different sizes and send the ones which don’t fit back...there’s plenty of videos/websites which tell you how to tell if a bra fits, what to check for, etc. Ten minutes of research will put you right.

I don’t think you are being unreasonable especially when pregnant.

Every time I’ve had a bra fitting (with one exception), all from well respected establishments they get it 100% wrong. They measure me and insist I’m a particular size but they always completely off. I just go through the motions until I start trying the right size bras on. So measuring at home wouldn’t work for me even if I tried. Not everyone is a bog standard 34 BB or can buy just grab a bra off the rack in asda and be done. The exception was when I was pregnant and they thought I had breast cancer because my breasts were on fire. I was in agony. It turned out it was because they weren’t draining properly because none of the maternity bras I could find supported me correctly. The hospital referred me to a lady who specialised in breast cancer survivors, she was able to fit me with a proper supporting bra.

I’d love to just grab a bra and say that will do, but I have to try them on, I can range from a GG to J cup depending on the time of the month. I also have to take into account supporting the weight of my breast which are ridiculously heavy. Most bras regardless of how expensive they are, only last me a few months at best as they stop supporting me very quickly. It’s gotten worse since having kids and breast feeding as now they are completely different sizes. So not being able to buy throughout lockdown is a big deal for me and other women who can’t buy off the rack, pardon the pun 🤦‍♀️

I agree that it’s not essential and OP can definitely manage without but no need to bloody bash her over the head with it like some posters are doing. Jesus.

Go on booborbust website or Facebook page
I also have big blobs and Get shoulder,back pains but this absolutely not an essential service and something you can do yourself.

Even if it's not essential, I think some posters are being unnecessarily unpleasant and superior. Some people are lucky and have breasts that are easy to fit. Other people, especially ones whose body is changing due to pregnancy need more help. And a bra matters more if you've large breasts. I am v grateful I had a decent stock of bras when this whole thing kicked off and haven't changed size.

I measured myself during the first lockdown with the help of a youtube video after having problems with infections. I ordered a bra in that size from bravissimo and it was perfect. Try just ordering one, they have sales on all the time which is when I buy mine. You can always send it back if it isn't right for you.

Talk about first world problems lol!!! What a joke.

Not essential at all. Just get a tape measure. Why should the shop staff be at risk for a choice you made.

Christ there are some real peaches on this thread.

First day into the new year, and people just want to turn on others and be nasty.

Nice.

Thanks @LividLovely
I'd been looking at molke. I'll give that a go.

@IceCreamAndCandyfloss

Not essential at all. Just get a tape measure. Why should the shop staff be at risk for a choice you made.

Surely that applies to everyone? Teachers, doctors, nurses, supermarket workers

Surely that applies to everyone? Teachers, doctors, nurses, supermarket workers

Those ^^ are essential workers.

I (like many PPs) have never had a bra fitted in my life.

Not in the slightest bit essential.
Put retain workers at risk because a friend woman who has been wearing bras for years can’t order a range of sizes and check the fit for herself?!
You don’t even have to measure. Just take your existing size and order a range of band and cup sizes that are different.
Every person you want out there in a shop, has to interact with multiple people - and often that includes public transport.
All because you can’t be bothered to order a few sizes and Google what a good fit is?

@AntiHop - I get it. I've been putting off getting dd1 her first bras because our John Lewis aren't doing fittings at the moment. They are so good, I've never had a bad bra from them.

Alas, I suspect if men needed properly fitted bras, this wouldn't be an issue.

@Branleuse

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?

Thanks so much.

My current bras are 38e, which I got when I was around 12 weeks. I've been using an extender, but that is now too small. The cup is not too bad. It's digging into my skin below my boobs, and the material is folding over. It's riding up at the back. Also bras tend to fall off my shoulders, as my shoulders are small compared to my frame.

Anita underwired maternity bras are good.

@Cocomarine

You don’t even have to measure. Just take your existing size and order a range of band and cup sizes that are different.

I don't have an "existing size". As I explained in my first post, I'm pregnant.

Riding up at the back normally means the band is too big. What do you measure under your bust?

Wonder if back size is too big and cup is too small

I don't believe you can buy a comfy bra with a tape measure.

How was your bra fitting at Bravissimo, @AntiHop? I've been sceptical they can do a proper fitting whilst not helping you adjust straps etc. I know I can't go now, but I wondered if it would be worth it when we eventually downgrade into a low enough tier.

I'm wearing no bra where possible as opposed to an ill-fitting bra. It largely means I can't move very much...

I wouldn't wear an underwire bra, they can be uncomfortable even when you're not pregnant. Go online and order a few bras after measuring yourself. They're pretty easy to send back. I recommend Hot Milk bras.

Someone recommended Hofish on a maternity page and I bought a pack of 3 from Amazon as they offer free returns, but they were fine. Pregnant women are advised not to wear underwired bras and these are really supportive.

What dress size do you wear OP. Do you have a tape measure to measure under-bust, band size?