Calculating bra size

[Ephiny]

Please help, I need to buy new bras and have no idea what size I am and how to work it out.

Most online size guides say I am a 36AA (based on adding 5 inches to the underbust measurement and comparing with measurement around boobs). I've told a couple of people including DP and they have burst out laughing at the thought of me being an AA - I'm very obviously not!

Reading an older thread on here people were saying that you don't add the 5 inches any more and just compare the two measurements. If I do this then I'm a 30D or 32C. Which to be honest is a lot more what I look like!

That's a pretty dramatic difference though. Most of the shops e.g. M&S seem to be saying the first method is correct, should I seriously try on their 36AA? I know I just need to try on to find one that fits, just seems weird to me that I get such a result...

You need to go and see somebody who knows ;) Not M&S - have you got a small local lingerie lady? Or Bravissimo, though they start at a D cup. Or Rigby and Peller if you are feeling flush. Or John Lewis...

No, do not add any inches to your back measurement ever. The back band of your bra is supposed to be snug, how else are your boobs going to be supported.

If you are thinking that you might be a 30D or a 32C then start by trying on those sizes with a t shirt over the top to see what it looks like.

I'll bet they look amazing.

Thanks everyone - 32C sounds likely. Not even sure what some of my old bras are as they've been washed so many times the writing has worn off the label! I have quite a range anyway as my weight has gone up and down so much.

I'l try John Lewis if M&S isn't considered so good...

Definitely avoid M&S like the plague. JL will sort you out. You just need a good bra lady to fit you. I don't think they really use tape measures these days. Most good fitters get you try bras on and they can tell from looking. You won't look back if you get a good fitting :)

Yes avoid M&S at all costs! Bravissimo are okay but I've always been more impressed by JL - and they seem to have more stock.
Always ask to get fitted and remember your main support comes from the band - if it doesn't feel tight you'll end up constantly hitching up the straps.

Definitely JL if that is your likely size range. Bravissimo are better, IMO, if you are considerably bigger; D-F kind of range you still have a very good selection of bras in dept stores, high street etc. As soon as go over that it becomes a lot harder and Bravissimo becomes your friend!

John Lewis use the same fitting method - i.e. they FIT a bra, not measure.