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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Expect all Bras labelled "38B" to be the same, or at least a similar size????

27 replies

galen · 24/02/2009 19:14

So finally it is time to ditch my 3 yr old nursing bras, but who knew that bra shopping was such a nightmare! I have spent over two weeks on the quest of a suitable and comfortable bra. I have measeured, read dabates on how to measure, remeasured, read more debates on how to interpret measurements, and tried on every imaginable bra size in desperation from 40 A to 34 DD (no kidding!) and just when I find a comfortable Bra and conclude I am a 38B I make the mistake of thinking that this means I can now buy another bra in the same size without trying it on. Oh No. Turns out the band on this other 38B is about 4 inches longer, so too big and rides up, and the cups are bigger too. So tried on a couple more today in another shop, and the band was too small AAAARRRGGGHHH
How on earth do you buy Bras? I have 6 kids, and really dont have time to spend 4 hours in a changing room every time I want a new bra.And how could you ever order on line? I'd have to buy at least 4 different sizes in the hope that one fitted.
Looks like nursing bras forever!

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 24/02/2009 19:17

Go to a good shop where they measure you - and let them bring you the bras that will fit.

I have a good small independant shop near me; I buy a load at once so I don't need to go often.

sarah76 · 24/02/2009 19:26

Ooooh you have my sympathy! I am the same, have to try on every bra in the shop before I find one, and even when I get measured, the size they say I am usually isn't right for more than 20% of the bras I try.

My solution for this has been to buy the same bra over and over again. It's an American brand and I get them on ebay. However, now that I'm pregnant and stopped wearing underwires, I am back to square one!

Agree about having someone else do the running back and forth for you. I do this for my friend, just keep bringing her different styles/sizes until we find one that works, then take note of what she likes about it and try to find similar ones!

NewLeaseofLife · 24/02/2009 19:32

I have this problem a lot! I get so annoyed at buying bras off web sites, after measuring myself to their exact instructions, only to get four bras and all of them a completely different fit. It really annoys me and there are not many shops that go up to my size.
I think that if you stick to one shop when getting measured and fitted it is best. I always ask to get measured then tell them what I am looking for and ask them to ensure it fits properly.
Sorry I can?t be more help but will watch this in avid anticipation of finding a sexy bra that actually fits.

EldonAve · 24/02/2009 19:34

buy from figleaves - they do free returns

Original poster
galen · 24/02/2009 20:15

Well yes free returns are good, but really I'd have to buy so many in the first place in the hope of one fitting it would cost a fortune, then there's the hassle of returns etc...( I know' but getting to the post office isnt always easy with 6 kids in tow LOL)...
I think I do nee dto find one shop and one style that works and stick with that....kind of boring though. I was looking forward to a bit of variet now I'm not BF for the first time in years...

OP posts:
Ronaldinhio · 24/02/2009 20:17

yabu nothing is as described nowadays, nothing
I despair

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 24/02/2009 20:21

I spent ages in M+S last week being measured and brought loads of different styles and sizes by the assistant.

In the end I decided on one style that I was really happy with so I bought 3 the same, wore one for the first time and I have never worn anything so uncomfortabe in my life so I've taken the other 2 back.

I too will be residing in nursing bras for a good bit longer!

susia · 24/02/2009 22:15

I thought I was 34b for years. I got measured lots of times, sometimes they would say 36b, 36c, even 36d and once 36a. I got so fed up with it, I had loads of bras that didn't fit and were uncomfortable.

Finally I went to House of Fraser (not marks who I think are rubbish at it) and the woman looked at me without a bra on which was quite embarrassing before measuring me and said I was a 36c, then got a load of bras for me to try on. They were all comfortable and so I bought 5!

sundew · 24/02/2009 22:16

I always go to Debenhams as they are the only bras that fit me right without having to try the entire range on.

frogthistle · 24/02/2009 22:23

If you're anywhere near London, try Rigby & Peller in Knightsbridge.

Best shop in the world - they don't measure you, just take a jolly good stare look & bring sizes/styles/colours.

You can buy sized swimsuits there too, good if (like me) you still wear your maternity one for comfort

BitOfFun · 24/02/2009 22:31

Im sure you've tried this, but just in case...measure underneath in inches, overbust next. One inch past the first measurement is A, two past is B and so on, till you get to D. Then it's DD, E, EE, F, FF etc. Don't faff with adding any inches to the band size like M&S do. What does that measurement give you?

Original poster
galen · 25/02/2009 13:02

Well sadly were up north so no good for London LOL
And you see what is this business with adding 4/5 inches on??? Some places say yay some say no.....so how do you know?
4/5 inches can make a big diff!
Also does sagginess affect the size After 6 kids and several years of BF there is certainly a fair ammount of droop involved! The thought of ANYONE looking at me without a bra on is just

If I measure under bust I get 34 or 35 inches (depending how tight I pull tape LOL)
Then across boobs I get about 39 or 40 inches.My most comfy nursing bra at the mo is 36C , but of course that isnt unbderwired...I got a couple of 38Bs which I thought were right, but now dont think so. 38 is seeming too big, as band is riding up...but had done the adding on inches thing which got me somewhere round a 40A - which I tried on and was just ridiculous.
Maybe a 36C or D then???? But did try a 36D which was really uncomfy. What does it mean if the underwire keeps stabbing you in the underarm/ (not digging in to breast, just the end of it stabbing underarm when I bend etc...)

Oh boy I give up. Maybe I just cabnt do underwires anymore. Anyone got good tips for styles for good support/lift for totally saggy boobs??

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 25/02/2009 13:57

You are size 34E!

Honestly, try an independent lingerie shop near you (I wish I could see you, lol) and experiment with sizes in this region. Because of the shape of your breasts, some styles will support better than others, and you do need to try a few different types- but I can promise you that you are not a 38B! The band on a 34 will feel tight at first because you aren't used to it, but it needs to be to give you the support, as it is doing most of the work, not the straps.

Hope this virtual fitting has helped

fumingmum · 25/02/2009 14:12

Its a nightmare. In one week I was measured as a 32FF, a 34G and a 34d.

In the end I went to Bravissimo who took a look at me and gave me a pile of 32FFs all of which were lovely and comfy.

Not that size any more as need to lose a lot of weight. Sure my current bra is wrong size!

BitOfFun · 25/02/2009 14:18

I agree, Bravissimo has a great reputation if you can get there in person for a fitting. They do it by eye rather than tape measure, and I know myself that can be the best way if you are an experienced fitter.

Birdly · 25/02/2009 14:36

Agree with Galen that buying bras that fit is a nightmare, and also with fumingmum and BitOfFun that Bravissimo is a fab place to go.

I had a fitting at John Lewis about a year ago and came away with nothing. I couldn't find anything comfortable in M&S, and the sizes varied to a ridiculous degree. My local independent shop fitted me, sold me a £30 bra which turned out to be utterly unwearable, then refused me a refund. Bravissimo, as I said, are fab, but not that close to me.

In desperation I tried John Lewis again and had much better luck - but even within styles within brands the sizes vary. I tried one bra in a 36DD, and the assistant suggested I try it in a 36E too - the DD-cup fastened nicely but I couldn't even do up the E-cup. Remember this was the same bra in a bigger size!

We're all doomed!

NewLeaseofLife · 25/02/2009 19:16

It was when I ordered on line from Bravissimo that I had all the bras that didn?t fit. I have moved recently and may be nearer one of their shops now so may see if I can get in there to get properly fitted.
Off to look now.

BOF Will measure now, is that the criteria you use at work? Do they do on line?

NewLeaseofLife · 25/02/2009 19:21

Cant find a bloody tape measure, I know I have loads but cant find a single one!!!

Will have wine, calm down and use string and a ruler.

pssst, bof, If they are really saggy and I generally need rolling up to get them in a bra would I have to wear a bra when measuring

Original poster
galen · 25/02/2009 19:22

Oh gosh bitoffun thanks. A bit Havent tried that size - obviously need too LOL
Going to go shopping on Sat, when hopefully I can ditch some of the kids and have a big try on session....just need to find somewhere reliable and local...is Debenhams any good? no independant place nearby...have got M&S but they dont sound too good..

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 25/02/2009 19:24

It is! I need a tape measure tonight but can't find one either Tomorrow is another day...

Original poster
galen · 25/02/2009 19:25

newleaseoflife good Q _ I wondered the same.Measurement without a bra comes out slightly diff, no dounbt due to total sag factor here!But then measuring in a poor fitting bra (ieany of mine currently LOL) cant be a good idea either can it?

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 25/02/2009 19:33

You should wear a bra when fitting, yes

BitOfFun · 25/02/2009 19:37

Debenhams can't be as bad as marks , but I don't know which technique they use for measuring...try doing your own before you go (Galen, 34E, honestly!) and just grab an armful and go and try some on before you let them meddle, would be my advice!!

nuttygirl · 25/02/2009 19:42

Bravissimo is great if there's one near you at all.

If not some of the bras they stock are also stocked in Debenhams. I know there is one brand at Bravissimo that I cannot wear and there are two that are fab. I find Freya bras the most comfy and Debenhams stocks those.

If you go on the Bravissimo website there's a section that explains what to look for when fitting and trying on bras.

Just as a comparison I went into Bravissimo a 36C and came out a 34F. When I first put it on it felt tighter around the back than I'm used to and I had to lift my boobs into the cups. Then if you lean forward and wiggle them they settle in nicely and it's really noticeable that the back gives the right amount of support.

Original poster
galen · 25/02/2009 19:54

Right will go and try on Sat!BOF have to say that I like the sound of 34E slightly more than 40A LOL What is with the adding 4 inches on ? Who came up with that idea?

OP posts:
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