To be annoyed there are never any bras in my size?

[belfastjun]

I hate going bra shopping as they rarely seem to have any of the smaller size bras (34A/AA) and if they do it's just an odd one at the back of a rail or something.

I already feel embarrassed about my lack of boobs so doesn't help that I often walk away empty handed! I usually have to try them on as I find that I'm a different size in some shops so online isn't really an option.

Where should I shop?! AIBU to think shops should cater for smaller sizes? Fed up of feeling like a child!

You'd normally, roughly, add 20 to your dress size to get your back size. I'm a 12 and am indeed a 32 back size.

I can get a 32FF in a store, but it has to be in a city centre where some of the less common shops have bothered to set up shop. Bravissimo for example. Supermarkets, Primark, New Look and the like have nothing, or if they do it's a plain white t shirt bra.

Why do so many stores just do 34-40 and A to DD?

For the under boob measurement, you add 4-6 inches to get the strap size. I've recently had success getting smaller bras for my daughter (34A) at H&M.

M&S add 4" on to the band which is ludicrous. Your circumference IS your circumference! You don't go to a tyre fitter with 16" alloys and expect 20" tyres to fit!

I suspect this is because they have fifty billion 36B bras in stock.

No adding inches to the band measurement. That’s an outdated way. Under boob measurement is the band measurement, give or take an inch for comfort/ squidgy torso/ fitting what’s on the market.

@SecondHandFurniture that wouldn't surprise me in the slightest!

M&S are awful. DD is a slim size 6-8 and they measured as a 34A. I'm a size 14-16 and also a 34(H or J)

Get measured properly. Inorder from Next and then return everything that doesn't fit but ideally shop in a small independent if you have one.

It stems from the olden days when bras were made from fabric without stretch. So, in order to be able to move / breathe without the fabric tearing you needed to add some inches.

However, stretchy bra fabric and better bra design (ie the band doing approx 80% of the supportive work rather than the straps) means the band should ideally be tighter to give that support whilst also staying comfortable.

No idea why m&s still do it, unless their bras are sized accordingly in manufacture (I'm.not convinced this is the case!)

Omg omg omg other 38a people!!!!! Hiiiiii!!!!!!! I generally get told I’m wrong, they try a bigger and smaller size on me and then go ‘ohhh’. When I was pregnant they told me maternity bras aren’t a thing for my size!!!
edited to add thank god for m and s!!!!

You're not alone, I'm a 32GG. It's basically impossible on the highstreet without spending a small fortune.

@Coasters4Life try 34J! A lot of supermarkets are going up to G/H now but not quite as far as J 😭

Oh and OP, consider the bra style for your boob shape too.

If you have lots of boob tissue going under your arm pit, get something with side support to gather it towards the middle of your chest.

Wide set boobs often suit a plunge, whereas narrow set boobs need a balcony. (I can't wear a plunge even when it fits, a few hours of movement and my boobs fall out of the middle)

I wore 34As for years, then after being "educated" on one of the MN bra threads found a 32B to be a much better fit.

Then I went to be professionally fitted at an independent lingerie shop, and it turns out that I am a 32D, which is an even better fit still.

Nooooooooo you don’t!!

I'm in the club too. Currently breastfeeding with my 38As. I've resorted to wearing sleep bras as daytime maternity bras as tried a million nursing bras with zero success. I think I just have huge sticky out top of ribs (that widen in pregnancy and don't go back, this is my second baby). I'm a 12-14 apart from the ribs. Usually a 36 any cup size bra is just too painful/tight and leaves marks, so it's definitely not me getting the wrong band size.

Why are you recommending this?

Try “The Little Bra Company.”

It’s in the US but they may ship to the UK.

I find Primark quite good, actually, for smaller cup sizes. Despite being quite a big/tall person, I have very little boobs but a decent size chest size, so after much measuring, I’m consistently a 38C, can get away with a B in some brands. Asda is my go to.

seven201
yes 36 are awful (as you walk around going ‘this is my size, this is my size😅’)

I tried the whole boob or bust or whatever it is method that posters on here rave about and felt like I was being cut in two. I just wear bralettes and sports bras that are sized in small/medium/large these days. Comfortable and none of the fuss of them not fitting. I don't need much support anyway being small of breast.

I struggle with getting a 40FF. A lot of bras don’t have a FF cup

I've recently bought some B by Boutique bras from M&S and I'm pretty pleased with them. If like me you can't afford to spend almost £40 on one bra!

I buy a 30E, although I'm a 28 back really. Very hard to find affordable 28 back bras.

Tbh I can get away without wearing a bra for a lot of the time. But when I want to look "nice" I do find that a nice padded bra sort of balances me. Small boobs on a broad back doesn't look great - just very wide!

No, don't do this! This is why bras don't feel comfortable as the band is too big which makes the cup too small

If you're wearing a 10/12 on top then a 30 band sounds about right. Definitely not a 34 band.