to think that a Marks and Spencer's size 34A bra...

[littlebrownmouse]

...should be the same size in whatever style? I don't mean the cups, obviously they will be slightly different according to style, I mean the back part. I have six 34A bras, all bought recently and only worn a couple of times at the most. The difference in size when I lay them on top of each other is a whole three inches!!! How can this be? Surely the 'waist band' (I know, I know, this is not right, size 34 can't droop that far but you know what I mean) should be the same size. They are labelled the same size and bought from the same shop within a month of each other so haven't stretched. Am very cross cos I thought I was putting on wieght in a kind of roll under my arm pits and was wondering what I could do about it but now find its the wretched sizing. It can't be right can it?

Apparently different items are made in different countries. I tried on two pairs of jeans, supposedly the same style and size but they were completely different sizes!!!! Why I would NEVER just by online for those sort of things from M&S.

But a whole 3 inches?! I was quite traumatised by the fat armpits!

Well 3 inches is a bit too much, and could be the wrong size tag being sewn onto the bra. Use that as your reason if you want to take it back.

I understand why you'd be so and

I once tried on 2 pairs of jeans (not in M & S) as I sometimes can be between a size 12 or a size 14. So, I tried on these jeans and found the 14 too tight to even button up, yet the 12 were baggy! Wtf? Suffice to say I didn't buy either of them.

Lol at "waist band".

Given how badly designed M&S bras are, maybe it is a waistband? Did you try putting your legs through the straps, perhaps that would give a "stunning natural shape"?

The size difference doesn't stop with the ladies clothing. DH has been told that 'some of the mens ranges come up slimmer fitting' by an M&S salesperson. By 2 inches it seems. He is annoyed by the lack of standardisation in sizes these days.

I have had to return bras because the cup size was too small, when I measured it against other M&S bras of similar style they were nowhere near the same size, at least two cup sizes too small.

You have to try them on. I can never understand why I need a size 34 with M&S. I am a size 8 short arse and have a very skinny back and yet the M&S size 32B (my size in other brands) produces hideous rolls under my armpits - and yes, so does the 34A. I have to get a 34B. The only reason I bother is that they don't fall to bits in the washing machine.