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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Getting measured for a bra - really embarrassed

83 replies

Mumbunz · 02/11/2023 12:35

Since having my son I have somewhat let myself go. Anyway I have started to feel like myself again now he is 10 months old. So I thought it was time to sort myself out. Anyway I need some new bras, sexy ones not the wireless let your boobs droop type that I am wearing at the moment. My problem is my current bras are really disgusting, the colour has gone in them, ie they look grubby rather than pink! I am so embarrassed by them I can't bear to walk into a shop to get new ones fitted. I have tried to self measure so I can order online but I am getting nowhere near the measurements of my current bra. This is so embarrassing!

I've heard a lot about Bravissimo, but it's nowhere near where I live. Has anyone tried other shops like M&S, etc.? Is it worth going?

OP posts:

Guest234562 · 02/11/2023 12:36

I’ve just done mine yesterdayonline on BraStop. Easy to follow instructions and just wear your current best fitting bra.
How accurate it’ll be I don’t know 🤣

Ihaterhymingrabbit · 02/11/2023 12:43

If you’re that embarrassed buy a cheap
supermarket bra in your current size to wear to the fitting.

Otherwise, suck it up, they won’t care and you can even say you haven’t bought new bras in ages cause you were growing during pregnancy then losing weight after pregnancy xx

honeyytoast · 02/11/2023 12:44

Don’t go to m&s as they don’t measure properly (unless they’ve changed it now).
but don’t be embarrassed. They won’t give a shit and if they do, they’re in the wrong job

fyn · 02/11/2023 12:45

I never go in a shop, just use a measuring tape at home with boob or bust!

honeyytoast · 02/11/2023 12:45

Also have a look on A Bra That Fits on Reddit, really easy home measuring guide to follow on there.

LambMomo · 02/11/2023 12:46

M&S have a terrible reputation don’t go there.

Tbh I’ve found Bravissimo the best, they just look at you and somehow know your size.

Also, learn how to swoop and scoop!

minou123 · 02/11/2023 12:53

I worked as a bra fitter in Debenham many moons ago.

I promise you, I did not judge. Please don't feel embarrassed.
I saw many boobs and many old bras. I bra fiitted from the teenagers to the 80s.
I saw everything.

I never judged. My only focus was to get the best bra for you. I can't speak for every bra fitter out there, but my experience is theyve seen eveything, so very little is shocking or embarrassing.

StarlightLady · 02/11/2023 12:53

I think @Ihaterhymingrabbit has the best idea, if your budget permits, a cheap one for the fitting and then stock up.

As for loss of colour, that is exactly why l go for bold colours. I have no bras at all in white or beige. The latter makes my tits look as if they are made of cardboard 🤣. Perhaps surprisingly, red does not show through lighter tops.

GlasgowGal82 · 02/11/2023 12:54

We've all been there and the wonderful ladies who work in Bravissimo will have seen hundreds or thousands of worn out nursing bras as they help women feel like themselves again. It would definitely be worth the effort to make it to one of their shops, but if you really can't do that I am sure they also do online fittings. I wouldn't go to M&S - their size range is too limited and they tend to fit women into bras that are to big round the chest and too small in the cup to compensate.

Autumcolors · 02/11/2023 12:56

Go to a small independent bra shop. Much better service. Sometimes they do swim suits as well

MrsMoastyToasty · 02/11/2023 12:58

Go to an independent retailer. If you're in the south west of England I can recommend Perfect Fit in Keynsham (between Bristol and Bath).

OfMiceandWomen · 02/11/2023 12:59

I went to a small independent bra shop.Lovely service.
Support the small business to keep them going.

Original poster

Mumbunz · 02/11/2023 12:59

I tried 'Boobs or Bust.' I am a 32FF, so I ordered a couple of bras online in that size. However, the band was extremely tight (I was struggling to breathe) and the cups were too baggy. This makes me think I need a professional fitting service.

OP posts:

MigGirl · 02/11/2023 13:00

Avoid M&S, no idea why they just can't fit bras. Bravissimo is definitely worth it if you haven't got a local independent shop (ours closed). I do have to travel but it's nice to make it a treat.

SirenSays · 02/11/2023 13:00

If its just the colour could you try to dye them

JollyHostess101 · 02/11/2023 13:01

I went to John Lewis 2 weeks after bringing baby home in a complete state as both my nursing bras broke within days…… I truly looked and felt awful but I was in and out in less than 5 mins it was amazing!!

girlfriend44 · 02/11/2023 13:02

Go and get a proper fitting. Nothing to be embarrassed about and you will be glad you did.

You need a proper fitting and help to try a few bras on and see what they are like.

Gummybear75 · 02/11/2023 13:03

Bravissimo do a little quiz thing on their website to help you with sizing.
I guessed a while ago I'd go up to a certain size but it's too much effort to go and get fitted nearby (M&S are horrendous) and supermarkets don't sell my size.
Bravissimos quiz thing told me the exact same size I'd guessed I'd be.
I've done the tape measure thing and I just can't work out the maths of it. Never makes any sense 🤣

BirthdayFlower · 02/11/2023 13:04

Honestly just go for a fitting. They won’t notice whether your bra is a bit faded. Complete waste of time and money buying a bra just to wear to a bra fitting.

Duddlepucklane · 02/11/2023 13:07

Don't be embarrassed they really won't care. But you could always buy a cheap bra to wear to the fitting if you're really embarrassed.

When I needed some new bras I just measured myself using the "boob or bust" site and then went to try a few bras on in store.

fearfuloffluff · 02/11/2023 13:08

If there's one thing bra fitters hate, it's the sight of a pair of boobs. Especially if the owner of said boobs hasn't bothered buying a new bra to go bra shopping in.

Seriously OP, they don't care. I have hairy armpits and I've never had anyone bat an eyelid. They're professionals doing a job, not a shame squad.

If you're wearing the wrong size now, the right size might feel tight around the back as it will be different, and they loosen a bit with wear.

Bras of the same label size are often different actual size (and shape) and you even small differences can make a big difference - so trying on before you buy is crucial rather than trying to find the exact size that will sort you out. Some manufacturers come up small, some are wide etc.

Noseyoldcow · 02/11/2023 13:14

I buy online from Bravissimo. Returns are free, and they fully expect you to buy the same bra in different sizes, in the knowledge that one will be coming back. Haven't called it in ages, but their helpline was good - as in good at answering "if I'm this size in Brand A, will I be the same in Brand B or what?"

Flossflower · 02/11/2023 13:15

Mumbunz · 02/11/2023 12:59

I had the same problem with a professional measuring service at John Lewis.
They measured me at 32C. Yes, I could hardly breathe. I don’t think all people are the same and it is not possible to measure everyone in the same way. I have a large rib structure in my chest and this doesn’t seem to be taken into account.
My way of trial and error seems to work, obviously I just bought 1 bra at a time.
currently wearing 36B.

Fixyourself · 02/11/2023 13:17

Boob or bust!!!

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 02/11/2023 13:21

I always go to bravissimo as they seem to know exactly what you need and what size just by looking at you. M and S are awful

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