Please can we talk about measuring for bras- looked at John lewis guide.

[ameliagrey]

Why do John Lewis add on 4 inches to your back size to get your bra size?

After a lifetime in 34As and occasionally 34B an assistant in a small lingerie shop took one look at me and said there was no way I was a 34 back. I am a size 8 usually verging on a 10.

I then began to try on 32 backs and they fitted much better- no always fastening on the tightest hook.

I now wear a 32 C or sometimes a 32D and very occasionally 34C.

HOWEVER just been reading the John Lewis size guide on their website and they are still sticking 4 inches onto your back measurement- so my measurement of 30 inches ( round rib cage) is classed as a 34 inch and they make me a 34B.

So come on you experts- under bust is 30 inches ( just- verging on 29) and over bust is 35. ( or 34 depending how tightly I pull the tape.)

Just to partly answer my own question- I was told, or read, that if you can fasten a new bra on the tightest hooks, and it is comfortable, then it's too big round the back. The tightest hooks mean you are wearing the bra as if it was the next size down- so if you can fasten a 32 back on the tightest hooks straight off, then you could probably get into a 30 back.

I think this is what i found- I always used to fasten a 34 inch on the tightest hooks, so a 32 fits okay.

My new 32C from la Senza can be fastened on the tightest hooks - just- so next time i will try a 30 back.

yes you should always fasten a new bra on the loosest hook, they will stretch and then you can tighten later. If you are size 8 then I do believe 32 is too big - I'm wearing 32 and I'm size 12.

Hazelnut, I'm 32 and size 12 but only because I'm a F cup!
If I was a B cup, reckon I could wear an 8!!!!!

I'm F too :) but I take 10/12 skirts too - if you are otherwise 8 then chances are you might need even smaller size bra.

Don't get measured, just go to Rigby and Peller. None of this faffing around with tape measures, you go into a changing cubicle, strip to the waist, and a nice middle-aged lady comes in and has a jolly good look. Then she disappears for a few minutes and comes back with a handful of bras, makes you try them all on with much poking and prodding and furrowed brows, and then tells you which ones you should buy. When you put them on, your bosoms will be in a completely different place from anywhere they have been before, and you will walk out looking as if you've lost a stone and gained a cup size. Your wallet will be several stone lighter too, but it's so worth it.

I measured myself and am 30 inches under the breasts and about 33 inches (I think - did post it on other bra thread :)) around my breasts. So 30c seems about right (and it fits which is the main thing).

Another question, perhaps Melfish can help? Do different manufacturers actually size their bras differently? So, if John Lewis and M+S are advising 'measurement +4' is that because they make and label their bras that way, while others use 'measurement' alone?

no, they don't. A M&S size 36 bra still fits a woman measuring 36 and not 32, like they claim.

Think i will get myself to a Bravisimo.
I'm having a bit of a nightmare trying to find a bra that fits properly.
I went to M&S who got it way wrong, la senza got it wrong twice, so have got a couple of bras that felt comfortable and looked right.
They are 36F. The E cuts in.
The strap across my back raises a bit and I sometimes end up with a back ache, but when I adjust the shoulder straps, they don't stay in place.
Am very confused.

It seems that those of us with a small ribcage measurement (30 or below) are struggling to both find bras in that size and also to wear them - I have tried a 30 band but I could hardly fasten it and it left big red marks. I've just measured again and I'm actually 29 so in theory a 30 should be fine.

I must be an odd shape though because even measuring 29/35I've never worn a size 8 on top, always a 10/12. I must have wide shoulders.

I don't have a bravissimo near me so not really sure where to go to try some on. I'd like to try some more 30D/DDs just to see what they're like but I just haven't really looked for them properly. Debenhams didn't really have any and there's none in tesco or asda (that I could see)

John Lewis seem to be getting a bit of a kicking, so I'd like to speak up for the lovely young woman in their Oxford St branch who transformed my shape by getting me out of my dreadful old 34As (and the appalling 34AA which M&S forced on me) and into some lovely Triumph 32Bs.

Silver I would guess your band is too big. try 34G (or FF if the brand has that size) or even 32GG

Really Hazle????????
I am rubbish at getting them to fit.
Right now I am wearing a 38E, the back is rising a bit and the bit between the breasts that supposed to be flat, is not, and I'm bulging over the top.
So I need to try bigger??
But then, I think there is extra material of the cup in the F. The cup contains the breast, I'm not bulging out, and it is flat against my skin, but I am able to get a finger between fabric and skin.
Oh, I'm so confused!

Oh, and when I take the bra off (the 36 and the 38), I have red indents

yes, if back is climbing up then it's too big and if middle part is not flat, cup is too small. what's your underbust measurement? this usually gives at least an idea what size you might be.

The middle bit on the F is flat.
My under-bust measurement is 37 inches.

hm that is a bit odd, because 36 should not be climbing up then. Could you go and get measured in Bravissimo?

Just looked at Bravissimo as per advice on here- but they only do D cup bras onwards. I think I'm a 34B but not certain- does that mean they wont stock stuff small enough for me?

I think I will, but on having a closer look (I get confused, so many bra's, so many sizes) and I think the 36 is ok in the back, but the bit at the front doesn't tough the skin, so cup is too small(?)
On the 36F, I think the back rises a bit, but the front bit isall where it's supposed to be, my breast are contained in the cup, but there seems to be a bit of extra material in the cup.
Will def try to get to a Bravisimo soon.

Please be really careful of Bravissimo - I have been a 32F since I was 16, veteran of trying to find small band/big cup bras, and I think they're rubbish. The fitters are very hit and miss and they are quite pushy to get a sale. The quality of the bras tends to be poor for the price too IMO.

A small independent lingerie shop, Rigby and Peller or Selfridges are all much, much better.

People who don't fit Fantasie, etc, try Prima Donna, they are great if you find that other makes are too "wide" in the wiring and the straps are fairly near together!

SilveryMoon, you probably need to try a different bra altogether. Boobs are all different shapes and weights as well as sizes, sometimes a bra just won't fit you whatever size you try :)

Such a PITA Lenny I really want to just be able to buy a bloody bra without having to try on 12 first!
Yeah, maybe I should go for a different style.
Hate bras.

I need some new bras but hate being fitted by assistants and can't face having to take in every size to see what is right.

Lenny do you work in rigby?
I love prima Donna. Fit me a dream.
Cant afford them though!
And rigby price so so high. Sob

Agree about bravissimo tho.
I think figleaves rock.
Just a different way to shop

Has anyone been to the Eveden outlet? They make Fantasie, Freya, Fauve and Rigby and Peller bras?