M&S bra measuring - absolute insanity?

[Aperolsprizter]

Just wanted a sanity check here. I’ve not had a bra measure in a few years, used to love Debenhams. Had an experience with m&s when I was younger and hated it but thought I’d have to give it another go as nowhere near me does bra fittings on the high street any more (have tried boom and bust, measuring myself but never seem to get it right).

anyway, go in wearing a soft unsupportive bra and state that I’ve been wearing 38Ds, but feel they aren’t holding me and I can pull them onto my stomach so want something with more support. She tries to put me in a 44 B - I humour her and try it on but can literally pull it out miles on the back and the cup clearly doesn’t fit. She then says my current bra made my boobs look deceptively small and actually I might be a 40 D. I try and then again, don’t feel supported. We size down to a 38 E and it’s still too loose. I eventually ask for a second opinion (possibly snippy but I don’t want to spend 40 on badly fitting bras!) who says I’m a 36e. I try this and it gives support and fits fine.

she then tells me it’s policy to size up at least four inches on what you measure (so she was a 32 but said she was wearing a 36) and I must like bras a lot more fitted than most women.

is this normal??? For context I’m 5’3, a size 12/14 and yes, quite top heavy with a comparitifely wider back to my hips

I find both M&S and BoB an estimate.

With M&S just reduce the band size and increase the cup size. With BoB it's the other way down.

BoB had me at 28F. M&S had me at 34C. I wear a 30D!

And then don't forget different styles also fit differently depending on your boob shape!

I was looking at M&S bras today actually, I wanted to know size I would have to buy, if in boob or bust size of 34H what would it be because of the cup size skipping?

It was on my mind earlier, then I saw your post, what would boob or bust 34H be in marksandspencer available sizes?

I don’t understand why 28s are so bloody difficult to get. I am a 28 back and when on the skinnier side a 26 but there’s no hope of finding a 26. Bravissimo for 28s.

I have 28 backs from E through to GG, depending on my weight (it comes on and off my boobs, rather than anywhere useful).

I would say Mumstheword1982 is about right. I’m also 5ft 2in and also a size 12-14. I am also in a 34, I can’t fasten a 32 as its far too small. I fit in a 32 when I was a size 8-10.

The bras are fine. Their measuring method isn't.

I don't get the love for Bravissimo, I've wasted so much money in that shop because they insist on fitting the bra band so tightly. My dress size is 14 and they fit me in 30 and 32 inch bands which feel fine in the fitting rooms but are extremely painful when worn for a few hours.

Now I prefer to go into M&S, grab as many 34 F FF G and GG as they'll let me try on and pick the best fit from those.

Don't agree. cup sizes are too wide compared to back size.

We are all different shapes and sizes. They are a good fit on my modest measurements.

We are all shaped differently true.

But the quality of their bras is poor. I buy fantasie.

But the quality of their bras is poor

I don't find that to be the case. I also have some expensive Wacoal bras bought from a brilliant independent lingerie shop and they seem to be of similar quality.

I suspect that it is because I don't need any support so my bras don't need to work so hard (for want of a better phrase) that I can't tell the difference in quality.

So many people say this, I must be doing something wrong!! I am a size 10/12 and wear a 34dd. I did the boob or bust thing, measured 30 inches around ribcage, came out as something like a 28f. Honestly anything under a 34 hurts and leaves marks on my skin.

If you saw me you would know I'm not a 28f or whatever it was.

28F = 30E = 32DD = 34D with regards to cup volume @BellesJar so a 28F actually has a smaller cup than a 34DD.

If you don't have a lot of padding then sometimes you might need to size up in the back. I measure 37 under bust but like it to be snug so wear a 36 back.

Where is good to go for measuring? I was going to try M&S but won't now.

Your local department store (if you still have one), bravissimo, rigby and peller (you don’t have to buy there), John Lewis isn’t bad either, lingerie shop/boutique. I’ve never got on with measuring myself but you could try that.

If anyone is in the Sheffield/Huddersfield/Barnsley area I can recommend an excellent independent lingerie shop.

I found it was rude and rubbish and clueless customer service with the woman speaking over me every sentence, and the bras did nothing for me.

Went to primark, described what I wanted to do to a passing staff member, and they knew and fetched what I needed in a moment.

It's not hard to measure yourself/ work it out for yourself . Especially using the 'modern' method.

Years ago I walked into a very old fashioned lingerie shop that was closing down. I asked the elderly man behind the counter for a 34C and he said, no you need a 32D. He was right!

They've always been AWFUL at bra measurements. Years ago I went in wearing a 36 c which I knew was wrong. They measured me at ....a 36c.
I went to Bravissimo the same day and they measured me at a 32FF. Life transformed.

Boux Avenue also do lovely 28" bras with larger cups.