Getting measured for a bra - really embarrassed

[Mumbunz]

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?

Go to an independent foundations business.

They will eyeball you accurately and it will take all of five seconds.

I don’t rate boob or bust, it’s been crap for me every time. I think my boobs are the wrong shape. Also; as for the swooping and smooshing, when I move again all my extra wobbles just return to where they’re supposed to be. Don’t get it at all!
I just buy my bras online, whether they are ‘correctly’ fitted or not, they’re better than anything in the sizes suggested by BoB.

This thread made me bite the bullet and pop into Bravissimo for a fitting. I went in wearing a tired old faded 34B t-shirt bra and I’m now the proud owner of a couple of new 34E bras. Yowzers. In my defence, DD is 3 and my non-maternity bras are all from my carefree pre-pregnancy/bf/stretchy bra days.

Sorry, what?? I'm fat. Even so, the only flesh that sits in a bra cup is breast. The idea I'm somehow pulling up and splitting in half (two cups) some excess flesh is... Slightly bizarre at best.

The idea of boob and bust is that the cup wire sits directly under your breast, now halfway down your ribcage and that your boon then kinda goes out from there, rather than the cup just cupping part of your breast.

They're fitting it pretty snug and it's not the easiest to do alone imo so I think it's probably easy to get it slightly wrong.

I'd love to see a diagram of how you think people are measuring themselves if they get bigger than a b cup

If your putting your breast into your bra cup and when you move it's coming out the bottom again, your back size is too large. If it's falling out the top your cup is too small.
What else are you trying to fit in there?

This. They’re excellent.

I went to Rigby and Peller in London many years ago, and they were fantastic! Bit like Bravissimo, they just look at you and can tell what size you are. They also explained how to put a bra on properly 'scoop and plop'. No judgement.

I'd just measure myself then go and try bras on in a shop in the size I measured to. If they don't feel right just try on some more in different sizes like you would do any other item of clothing.

Your best bet is an independent lingerie shop. Their fitters are usually excellent.

Meant to add, M&S bras are great, but ONLY if you already know your size.

No one will see your bra, if you are measured with a tape measure it’s usually over your top , then you will try the new bras on in the fitting room. They will have a look at you in the new bra to check the fit i f you are happy with that . They will then tweak the size and style for a better fit if needed.

Bravissimo don’t usually use a tape measure though.

This is a really clever solution!

I highly recommend Curvy Kate. They have a great quiz on the website to assess your ‘boob type’ before they tell
your size, and every bra has fitting and sizing tips.

Me too. I don't understand why people say M and S are rubbish at bra fitting. Some people might have had a bad experience there but it doesn't mean all the thousands of M and S fitters are useless!
I've been measured there and they were spot on. Recently got daughter her first bra there and they were extremely thorough. They spent about 30 minutes with her measuring her and trying on a range of different bras.

I just order a few different ones online and send the ones that don't fit back. The few times I've been measured, the bras never seemed to fit better anyway. It always came down to try a couple on and 'see which fit' So I can do that without help. My bra size changes every couple of years, so it's trial and error for me, but at least I can do it from the comfort of home.

This is pretty helpful for fit

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVlWA8egEA-/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

And a bit about scooping

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnutRmSBLpR/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

100% bravissimo are best for measuring.

If you aren't getting measurements anywhere near your current size at home that's because you aren't that size!

Bras take a beating through daily wear, the band relaxes in particular. Remember your ribs often spread a bit in pregnancy so if you were a 32 before you're likely a 34 now.

Which shops near you offer a bra fitting service?

Give yourself an hour and just go try lots on in Marks and Sparks.
Bra fitting is as mythical as professional show fitting for kids aka it ain't magic.
I have the most ample norks and have yet to find any way better than good old trying loads on. Marks used to be terrible for larger sizes but have improved hugely in the last couple of years.

I measure myself then order a selection online at Next to try at home.
Do not go to M&S for measurements- other posters are correct. I almost had a row with one fitter who measured me as an E when I’m a B, C at the most.

I buy several sizes to try at home & return unwanted ones.

Thanks a lot for the advice 😊. Managed to find a local bra fitter and went yesterday, and honestly, the lady was an absolute gem .
When I self-measured with 'Boobs or Bust' it turns out I'm a 32FF, but it was pretty tight . She suggested upping my band size and slightly increasing my cup size. Ended up with a 34G, which fit perfectly well 👌, and I managed to snag a couple right then and there. Planning to go down to M&S to pick up a few more. Thanks heaps for your suggestions! 🙏

The Irish Bra Lady on Insta is great! I measured myself, bought a bra online and it fits perfectly!

John Lewis fitters are good. I second not going to M &S they are rubbish.