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.)

Think it is a factory shop..just wondering what the prices are like

My sister measures 30" under her bust and is a 30K or something ridiculous (although that's BF boobs), but she wears a size 14 usually in clothes.

It seems so common for everyone to be wearing the wrong size, but it doesn't help if shops don't stock many, if any, of the smaller sizes.

I'm supposed to be a 28E by measurements but usually wear a 30DD just because I struggle to find a 28E anywhere, even though I live in Birmingham - we're not short of shops. I just looked on M&S website and there's one bra in a 28E, but loads in a 30DD. I also find all my bras with the same size on the label fit really differently.

I've never been to Bravissimo but might try there one day when I feel like being talked into spending £40 on a bra!

I wish I did work in R&P! If I win the lottery I'll open a bra shop :)

Silvery, it is a total ballache indeed. That's why I like independents, the fitters are very skilled and you just stand in the changing rooms while they bring you what they think will fit, rather than you falling in love with a bra and then finding it doesn't suit. Not cheap, but there's no point spending any money on clothes if your boobage is all wrong underneath.

Saiorse, the best shops are usually in more obscure towns rather than big cities for some reason (I live in a major city in the north and we don't have a decent one, but there are some great ones in nearby towns), have a look in your yellow pages!

I do buy a lot of bras online, I look for ones I already have in different colours etc and look for the best prices.

That's a good tip, thanks Lenny. There's a village we often go to to visit family that has a lingerie shop, I might try there. They also have a beauuuutiful wedding dress shop that I like to look in the window of.

Do have a look, it is probably a gem of a shop. Are you married? Maybe you need to check out the wedding dresses too :)

No, engaged for 2 years and counting. DP has several excuses reasons for why we can't get married yet. A while a go he gave me a list of things he thought were more important for us to spend money on than our wedding, an iPad was above the wedding! Bastard

I do feel like going in there and pretending I'm actually getting married!

Maybe I'll start with wedding night undies, they can be used even without the wedding.