Bras, bras, bras

[shoeprincess2]

Hi MN ladies! I've lurked for a while on this forum, but this is my first post, so go gently on me. I'm pretty good when it comes to selecting clothes, but bras are a different matter. I'm at the point where I haven't really a clue about what size I am. i was about to take myself off to M & S for a fitting, but I've read that they're not very good. So, I got a tape measure and my under boob measurement is 28" and my round the boob measurement is 36". Should I be trying on a 28", 30" or 32" band? I don't really fancy taking an armful of bras into a changing room. Any thoughts?

I'd go to a little lingerie shop and get them to fit you - they are fab, and know what style bra will fit you.

But I'd start with a 28

There's one near my work office. I've always avoided it, as it looks a little twee, but maybe I need to pluck up the courage and pop in. Are Fantasie and Freya really worth the money? I've always tended to go for M & S own brand, or Debenhams Gorgeous range?

I really like Freya - would rather have 3 really good bras than a whole load of M&S ones as the difference in my shape is marked

Give them a try and see what you think

I get hot and bothered in changing rooms! But, i guess it's worth it if i end up with a few good fitting bras that don't end up going in a charity bag. Right ladies, tomorrow after work I shall go on a bra mission. Wish me luck

You can order bras online - from John Lewis, debenhams, bravissimo, figleaves etc and send back those that don't fit. You do have to pay out initially for all the bras and wait for the refund but if you really hate changing rooms its a good way to find what fits. I think Freya bras are worth the extra - M&S never fit me (and rub) and this year they seem really expensive. My DD likes debenhams gorgeous and miss ultimo

Nooooo don't go to M&S, they are absolutely useless. And yes, Freya and Fantasie are worth it. Do you have Bravissimo around? They are very good and will actually have some choice in your size, which I guess is around 28G or so.

My nearest Bravissimo is about 30 miles away. But maybe a trip to Manchester is on the cards... 28G- cripes

so you've been wearing something like 34dd and wondering why it is not very comfortable, yes? I know, I thought I was 36DD as well (am 32F)

a good and properly fitting bra is worth those 30 miles. People call it "the Bravissimo diet", you will look like you've instantly lost half a stone.

32DD and constantly getting the 4 boob effect. Sitting at my desk at work hoiking my boobs into my bra (trying to do it surreptitiously!) Oooh, I'm actually getting quite excited about getting that lovely sleek outline. Oh, the back of my bras is constantly riding up as well, so that is another sign of a too big back band. I'll keep you all posted on what I end up getting.

Absolutely do go to Bravissimo - narrow back & large cup is the most difficult size to fit. Fit can vary between styles even in the same range, let alone different brands. I would get a fitting & probably you will end up buying a couple of bras, then you will know what a good fit is & can attempt to find other bras in your local area (& see how crap M&S etc are) or buy online. I am 32G & once an independent shop attempted to fit me into 38E & another one actually gave up!

Using this bra size calculator with your measurements puts you at a 32H

www.calculator.net/bra-size-calculator.html?bustsize=36&bustsizeunit=inch&framesize=28&framesizeunit=inch&x=50&y=7

Which is a size bigger than me :)
You really need to get yourslef to a bravissimo shop to be sure though!

Crikey! This bra sizing is a minefield. No wonder i just usually stick my head in the sand.

I have similar measurements - 29 under boob and 36 at fullest part and I am 32DD in Triumph bras (what I always buy now as I find them the best for my particular boobs!) You have to get fitted properly though. I've found John Lewis & Bravissimo excellent. M&S are IMO to be avoided like the plague for bras

I've checked bra calculators online and almost all of them are wrong, so is this one. If you measure 28 under bust then your bra size is in fact around 28, there is no need to add any inches.

And yes shoeprincess, you are certainly wearing a too big back and too small cup. Go to Bravissimo, but come back and tell us how it went!

Will do. Thanks ladies for all your help and boo to all those online bra size calculators giving us different sizes. Goodbye double boobage- I'm going to be a new woman (or something like that)

Check before you head to Bravissimo if you need to make an apptment. I just turned up and had to wait for an hour!

I am 26/27 around ribs and 35 around my bust and I wear a 30FF. A 28 would be tight on me so I imagine you might be better with a 30 or even a 32 depending on the style/make. Cup size is really hard as it depends on much more than inches,the shape and volume of your breasts will make a difference too.I would take in as many as you can cope with trying on,in a selection of sizes,a pain yes,but you are more likely to get a good fit if you try lots of different styles and sizes.

I got measured in a lovely little shop and they put me on the road to buying Fantasie bras which I love..also like Freya and I would rather have one bra by either than a few M and S bras...in fact any M and S bras I have had i have basically ditched. Saved a few so that i can wear them now and again when handwashing my Freya and Fantasi ones.

It's definitely worth going to a big department store or Bravissimo to get yourself properly fitted. And yes, Freya and Fantasie are worth the extra £££. I've bought loads of other bras from places like M&S, La Senza, Debenhams on a whim but have always ended up chucking them out having hardly worn them. Whereas I've kept my Freya and Fantasie bras for years and years. They last well. Especially if you hand wash them.

Once you know what size you are and what style works best for you, you can get good quality bras cheap from Ebay (new ones, not second hand!) and discount bra places like Figleaves Outlet and Brastop.

As everyone has said - go to Bravissimo - they don't really measure you but find a bra that 'fits' - genius, every time. Sizes can be very misleading and differ with every bra.

Bravissimo everytime.

M&S had me in a 38C, Bravissimo a 32G/34FF depending on make and I looked totally different.

Love their Pepperberry shops too!