V small boobs but can anyone tell me what size bra?!

[pollyblue]

I've just been reading ameliagreys post with interest, about the confusion surrounding bra sizes. I didn't want to hijack her thread but would be grateful for opinions as I've found buying bras a real pain for years, and wonder if anyone could suggest the size/s I should be trying....

I measure 31" underbust, and 34" around. Boobs are small, no getting away from that! Generally I wear a 36AA from Marks which is comfortable enough, but there's a real lack of choice in that size. I have tried 34As from Marks, but did feel they were too tight, and not quite right in the cup. But poss the wrong style rather than size...?

If I should be wearing a different size, great, because I might have more choice. If not, I'll just have to be in plain t-shirt bras for the rest of my days

I have the same problem as you don't really know my exact size abd find the sizing inconsistent in different brands.
Have you tried the online company Little Women? They have quite a lot of choice and the bras I have bought from there have always fitted me.

For the small of bust, Calvin Klein do wonderful soft shape padded bras with a bit of lace. Often in TKMaxx for around £8!

I used to be 36 a-b, until I saw the light and am now a 34 C!

It's not just how you come up on the tape measure, it's if you have a narrow back or a broader one.

Dont forget you wear bras fastened on the loosest setting when new and gradually move down the hook and eyes as it gets older.

And also what shape boobs you have really, worth trying a few different styles to see which fit best- for example balconette bras do nothing for me and often end up gaping somewhere but plunge style suit me.

i've just googled for bra sizing and several of the online calculators are still working to the old add 4 inches if your and even number 5 if your an odd!

i measure 32 under my bust and 41.5 across, and wear a 32G. Online calculator says 36DD! hmmm my boobs would fall out the bottom of that!

I had a good look on Next and John Lewis last night and, as I'm not going to be able to get to anywhere like Rigby and P in the near future, have gone with the general concensus on here and order myself a few 32 b/cs in different styles, to have a try on at home. Will be really pleased if it turns out i should be in a 32-something, rather than a 36AA, as there's so much more choice in the larger cup sizes.

katz yes, i'd noticed that, which is why i thought i was resigned to being an AA. Awaiting new bras with interest!

Ah, yes, this happened to me!

I measured a 36D in M&S, went to Bravissimo and came out a 32F. The bras do fit much better and support me more... but I tend to wear a 34 as I don't like the way it makes my back look fat and it is

It also depends on the shape of the bra, I can't wear plunge bra as if I bend down they plunge out of the bra

Another 'flattie' here...

I agree (IME):

• M&S is rubbish at fitting bras
• Using a tape measure won't tell you if a bra will fit (regardless of whether you decide to add the extra inches or not). Different brands, different sizing. Different bra shapes for different body/breast shape.

However, I'm going to be controversial here - there's a big difference in the cut of a bra designed for true 'flatties' (with no more than 1 inch depth from ribs to nipple, think Trinny) and people with an (average high street store) A cup and above. Once you get down to AA, the standard proportional wire/cup sizes used for larger bras just don't work, especially if you're broad backed. As MeltedChocolate says, the wires are just too close in the middle.

I'm so tired of fitters saying to me 'oh you can't possibly be a AA, you are at least a B', only to find that no bra they stock fits. If the band fits snugly, the cups just flap around. Bigger band and the cup size doesn't go small enough.

I've no doubt lots of women are wearing band sizes way too big and find when they are refitted they are a B or more, but not if you are a true flattie.

My recommendation (if you can squeeze into a 32" or 34") is to try some of the French brands (the cups tend to be much flatter and not the standard UK cup shape). My favourite is Princesse Tam Tam, where I actually FILL a 32A and can get away with a 32B if it has padding (yeehah!). An equivalent UK 32A bra would be too tight on the band and too big in the cup. Only problem is you may have to go to France to find a good selection (JL and Figleaves sometimes stock them) :(

pollyblue - how did you get on? I'm really interested because I realise we are the same measurements. I posted here about finding a suitable bra (maternity though) but had lots of suggestions which you might find helpful.

I've actually held off buying any more bras in the hope I'll expand further, but would be interested to know if you find success!