M&S bra fitting

[Poppyseed14]

I've taken the plunge (no pun intended) and booked myself in tomorrow to be measured. I don't actually own a bra that fits me well. I was unwell with costochondritis for about 18 months during the pandemic so I didn't even bother wearing a bra unless I was going out as I was just too sore. I've also lost 2.5 stone in the last year though mostly from my bottom half. Anyway M&S is my only local option for fitting but I've heard mixed reviews. Just wondering whether anyone has any experience of them as regards measuring. Do they do that add 4 inches to the band measurement thing? Am I likely to come away with a bra that fits or just another bra to put in my already full to the brim drawer of badly fitting bras. I've never had a fitting before so any advice is most welcome.

@InTheShadeOfTheFigTree no from your description of the Millie bra it doesn't sound like I tried that one. Yeah I'm going to return this one. It's not right at all. I should never have bought it. I've tried to put it on again and I can't get it to sit any better/higher. I'm wearing one of my crop tops today which I'm finding much more comfortable. No unsightly bulges.

You are a similar shape to me. I think you need to try a balcony or side sling style, rather than a plunge or full cup bra.

Yup. Bravissimo always fit too tight imo

Poor dm went to M&S and sure enough they put her in a bigger back and too small cup.

I was surprised at the time and said it sounded too big and sure enough it is

Got measured in M&S a few weeks ago and the 2 bras she persuaded me to buy are too big. Waste of forty quid cos I've worn them now. I should have gone back to Bravissimo but it's a trek to the next county. It's true they can tell your size just by looking at you. I'm 38FF not a 40D.

Bloody M&S, they are trained completely wrong. I went in there as a slim but booby size 10 and the woman I saw tried to put me in something like a 38A. Even I knew that was the wrong way round! Wouldn't even put it on, utterly ridiculous and clearly just designed to sell me something back when they didn't do larger cup sizes. Went to Bravissimo and ended up in IIRC a 32DD.

@Poppyseed14 Bravissimo did initially put me in too tight a band, I had to insist that it was uncomfy and I needed a bigger size - I guess it's different for everyone. I'd contact their lovely online customer service people and arrange a swap maybe for the next size up (if that's a 34E it'd be a 36D) and see if that's better, there's nothing to lose after all. My favourite one from there is called Satin something, it's really comfy and looks fine under tshirts! (Like you I don't know who is wearing all these really lacey bras day to day and what they've got on over the top? a duffel coat?)

Just had a thought about all those bras we've bought and now stuffed into drawers and not worn. You can take all old bras and swimsuits into a Bravissimo shop for recycling. It doesn't matter what condition they are in as they sort them into garments that can be worn again, and those that can be recycled and made into other products like insulation or padding.

Here's a little linkie

It's not just that they're wrong it's that they swear blind they're right and you're an idiot. I remember pointing out to the "assistant" that it wasn't likely my bra band needed to be 10 whole inches larger than my waist which is quite nearby. She acted like I was mad.

I tend to wear bras with no padding as I want to minimise my bust size as much as possible itms

I am usually a 32C but went up to 34F when pregnant. Bravissimo recommended their Satine style for good support while pregnant/with tender boobs, and it worked really well for me. Looks good under t shirts too. That might be worth a try if you need support but not too much constriction?

Have you tried looking at Pour Moi? That's the only place I can get comfortable and properly fitting bras. Huge selection online.

Always had a bra fitting. All bras come up different sizes you need to try them on.

Not sure how anyone just picks up a bra from the supermarket .

OP try the side support Freya bra, it'll be a much better shape for you. The one you bought is too rounded. When you put the bra on shimmy the band upwards, scoop into the cups then bend over and shoogle!

I can’t remember who suggested it, think it was @YesItsMeIDontCare but you are my new best mate! I ordered the fantasie illusion after reading your comment about the OP picture in the black and white bra, which is virtually identical to how mine usually look. What A Game Changer!! It actually fits comfortably, it’s not too tight, I fill the cup and my boobs are looking positively perky!!
You my lady are a legend and my boobs and poor shoulders thank you 😊

👋🏻 @VodkaSodaLime Hi bestie 😂

I'm even comfy in this god awful heat!

I think you're wearing the Freya Deco op which is always tight in the band. As others have said another 34E might be fine. The Satine is lovely and smooth. Or you might need to play about BUT you know know you're not a 38A!

I'm a 36H, and got so scunnered with weird fitting bras that I bought a Skims fits everyone bra,it's amazing. Still has support but it's comfy, now only wearing underwired bras if the outfit calls for it.