How many bras do you own ...?

[Ooopsadaisy]

I've been in denial but I have to face it.

I have expanded.

I need new bras.

I am sporting the classy, "four-boob" look which is spectacularly dignified and smart under my tight fitting work t-shirts.

Even more classy is the "wrench the fabric over your boobs after you've bent down, cos they've fallen out, and I don't want anyone to notice" look.

So, bearing in mind I am on an arse-clenching budget, how many of the bloody things do I need?

They are sooooo expensive and suuuuuuuch a waste of money that I really resent this.

I am also an awkward size so this makes the whole experience really horrible.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

(Hitches tits back into straining fabric angrily).

Thank you all for your advice and for allowing me to whinge.

I am going to have a really good think about these bras I've bought. My instinct tells me that if I'm not sure, then they are probably not right for me, and I need to broaden my horizons. I'm not sure that I can buy online as I am so fussy and picky and will get so stressed if they don't fit properly, but I do need to get myself to a Bravissimo sometime.

I need to stop being so tight with ££££ and ask myself what is worth more: ££££ or my sanity?

I will never have a fitting in M&S again.

Oooooh, this feels like one of those enlightening, skipping off into the sunset moments ... (holding onto all 4 boobs, of course).

Honestly, if you are not small of nork then it is often worth paying a bit more for bras. Yes, it is bloody painful! I found that even when i was a small enough cup size to technically fit M&S, I still didn't - the shape of their larger bras seemed to be quite poor and literally just a scaled up version of the smaller ones with straps that were overly thin, flimsy support etc.

I have had both the fantasie moulded and the Freya Deco - both good bras which I think would be your kind of style. I would suggest you go in to bravissimo and try on half the shop sp you can establish what shapes/styles/brands work on you. Most people find that they don't all suit - I can't wear panache but love Freya and Bravissimo own brand. Then you can think about looking online for cheaper ones at brastop/ebay etc.

OP's Feedback!!!!!!!!

On a friend's advice I went to the most amazing factory shop where I was fitted properly by a wonderful woman who was so kind that I had a little cry. Yes, REALLY. She explained what she called the "science of a good bra for an individual person" and spent 2 hours with me.

She took one look at me in my bra and declared "30F - but I'd like to try you in a 28". No tape measure required.

She got quite upset when I used the term "putting on my bra" and explained how I should "dress into my bra" instead. She proceeded to watch me practice this. Usually at this point I would be a bit disturbed by her attention but she was genuinely inspirational and concerned to help me all she could.

She ran around and I must have tried on about 50 bras.

She was bang on with the size and explained how each bra suited me or didn't, and why.

I now have found the ffffffffing perfect bra.

As it was a factory shop she didn't have the white or black in this bra in stock as they all go out to the shops to be retailed at full price but she did have a purple one at two-thirds the price.

I bought 2 purple ones and 4 thongs (thongs half price!).

I have now ordered 2 black and 2 white from a website called uplifted lingerie where they currently have a 15% discount.

I also treated myself to a special bra and 2 thongs which were half price. This also fitted perfectly but was too lovely for every day!

Ladies - I have now discovered the Fantasie brand and will never look back.

I have also discovered this amazing woman in this amazing factory shop.

Sorry for the long post but I am sooooooooooooooo excited.

My posture is fantastic again and I have a proper shape. My confidence is back and my clothes are so much better than I thought they were.

Any ladies out there who shared my pain during this thread - get yourself sorted. It doesn't have to cost the earth, but even if you pay much, much more than you wanted, the benefits are worth so much more.

"I am sporting the classy, "four-boob" look which is spectacularly dignified and smart under my tight fitting work t-shirts."

You have my sympathy OP I have the same problem.

O.t
I own... 11

Moominmad - Read this thread - we are not alone. I had a hideously stressful experience in M&S and also in Debenhams (which I didn't depress anyone on here with because it was too awful)

Then read my last post - headed (rather excitedly) "OP's Feedback".

I have never had a bra fit this good (I am 42) and have never felt so confident with my posture.

M& S is shocking for fittings I refuse to go there,

I'm on the implant & loestrin I'm gueassing the amount of oestrofgen being pumped into me continously wont help my chest gtet anymore discreet, I'm a Gc cup so its more I keep popping out and its not easy to find

I had a look in george nothing at all :( I'll have to remortgage my house lol

Find a factory shop, Moominmad!

The one I went to has Fantasie, Freya, Fauve, Goddess - all with £££ discounts. They are not seconds - just last season's stocks. Each season they get a new load in. Tons of G cups! What band size are you? Baskets full of matching thongs/pants so you can make up sets. What part of the country are you?

I am so over trying to buy a cheap bra. It is not worth the despair.

What and where is this factory outlet of which you speak? Come on, woman, don't keep us in suspense.

The shop is in Desborough in Northants.

I had a 20 mile trip to get there and 20 miles back but it was absolutely worth it for me.

It is next to the factory itself where many of the high-end brands are made.

Well I had a bit of extra money come in lately so I've bought 3 new bras

This site has some bargain Freya bras www.leialingerie.com/ if anyone else is looking. There was also this site but they didn't have anything really cheap in my size www.lembrassa.com/

I have 5. Had a cull recently and got rid of more than 15 that simply didn't fit. Aand then got some new ones.

2 black, 2 white, 1 nude. Two a bit pricey but worth it.

Am glad you're happy with your new bras. A good fit and comfort well worth a 20 mile trip, it seems.

im up north

factory shops? I'm intrigued

moominmad - I am still buzzing with excitement over the whole experience. Ask friends/relatives/neighbours/Google etc to see if there is a factory shop or ex-stock bra place somewhere near you.

I will never, ever waste my life on cheaper brands ever again.

Once you have found the brand that suits you, the style that is good for you (all explained to me, in amazing detail, as the "science of the right bra for me as an individual") and the size that fits you - and I mean really fits you - get yourself onto the Uplifted Lingerie website.

I'm still gushing here.

I keep posing in front of mirrors and feeling my boobs. All my tops and t-shirts look completely different. I am a new woman.

you're a new woman oopsadaisly haaa

I'll have to take a look you've convinced me :)

It really really is worth getting a proper fitting moominmad - it sounds to me like the woman oopsadaisy did the same kind of fitting as bravissimo do where they actually find you the right bra, rather than just telling you a size (just in case you can't get to the factory shop)

It really does make a difference.

yeah I havent been to a fitting for a while, but I'm trying to loose a lot of weight atm so I'm gonna wait for a bit off before splurging lol

Oops - just read the thread, was about to say drive somewhere, anywhere, for a good fitter - and you had done it!! I am a G and love Freya and Fantasie. For me it is not just knowing my size but also which make and which style!! Glad you so happy now. I find Bravissimo great, but when find a bra there I like, buy one and order other colours of it etc online etc too.