I went to Bravissimo for my current bras but can't face the journey again. I am unsure how often new bras should be bought and would like some advice please

[JustFabulous]

I have also lost 12lbs in the last 3 ish months but the bras are leaving a red mark.

My options are Bluewater and Maidstone to be fitted or can someone tell me how to work it out from measuring myself? (Across breasts is 40 1/2 inches and 33 1/2 underneath). Current bra is 36F and 36FF.

I'd call bravissimo with your dilemma and they'll send you a whole load in various sizes. Send back the ones that are no good. They do free returns. If you use your credit card and return quickly you should find you're not out of pocket

I don't have a credit card but that is a good idea for those who do.

Judging by those measurements you almost certainly need to go down a back size. As a VERY rough guide, underbust measurement in inches is back size, and each inch over that is a cup. Best guess would be a 34F but you should also try sizes around that eg 34ff/32ff etc. If you have had a bravissimo fitting before you should know what a good bra feels like.

(surprisingly you can get hellish red marks from a bra that's too loose as it doesn't have enough support/tension so it just shifts arounds, falls forward and rubs like crazy.)

Oh, actually, just looked at the bluewater website and there is a shop called Leia. I have used them online and they have a fabulous range of bigger sized bras so I would make them your first port of ball.

I've been to Leia in Bluewater and they were very good. Their range of larger sizes wasn't as extensive as Bravissimos but I bought a few and ordered more on line.

The nurse said something about support but I wasn't really listening (been for breast check today, got referred to hospital ).

Bravissimo are the only bras, since having kids, that actually fit against the chest wall. M&S were crap and said I wouldn't get anything that fitted perfectly.

I could go to Leia, what sizes would I need to try on? [thick emoticon]

If you have to fit yourself I'd start around a 34f and experiment from there, but I think Leia will probably have a good fitting service. They sell many of the same brands as bravissimo - freya etc.

Hope everything is ok [hugs]

I tried on a beautiful, gorgeous, lovely bra and floaty camisole in Leia but at about £130 for both, and the fact bras never seem to fit for long, I just bought the camisole. I needed it to wear under a v-neckline dress which is a little more revealing than I wanted. Didn't do the job so rarely worn but is beautiful.

I will go tomorrow though. Actually AF is due, should I wait until after ?

Thank you for the good wishes. I have been referred to hospital.

Just seen one bra is 36H. No wonder it is impossible to get myself fitted.

There is a Rigby and Peller at Bluewater so I am wondering about going there. I got my last bras in January. I have had some terrible experiences when asking for help with bras so it is never a fun trip for me.

Rigby and Peller has a fabulous reputation so I would certainly go there - you can always check out Leia too for more/cheaper bras once you have been fitted.

With AF, it depends on how much your size increases. I get a bit bigger, but probably not a full size

I am now the proud, if rather shocked and skint owner, of three 34F sized bras .

SC!!! You were right size wise .

From R&P? Sounds like you had a lovely time . Well done to SC!

Yes, R & P. Bit worried they will end up not quite right as the middle is not flat against the chest but they feel okay, lift me and I can see that the others were too big after my weight loss. still feel sick at the cost but per month/per bra is not too bad

I have just bought 2 primadonna deuville bras...I am absolutely amazed at the difference the make to the way my boobs are lifted..think nigella
Cost a bloody fortune but so worth it. Whole family noticed the difference and thought I looked slimmer!

Prima Donna is my favourite brand. I have one of their Wonderland bras and it's amazing. Worth every penny. My mum said I look about a stone lighter when I wear it!

JF One of my R&Ps doesn't sit quite flat either but many of their bras have very shallow cups. The cost is horrendous though.

What cup size does the prima Donna go up to?

Up to a G I think.

Correction, looks like some styles go up to an I.

I have a primadonna perle with the matching girdle thing and I love them.

here

SF - does that mean they will be okay then?

If the fitter at R&P was happy then yes, they'll probably be fine. How far from flat is the centre gore?

I bought the vintage and the alondra and neither sit totally flat. I did query this on my next visit and tried on different sizes but ended up keeping the original size.

However, I'm sure they would rather you go back for a second opinion if you have any doubts at all.

ooer. Very nice

I can fit a finger between. My previous ones were flat against me, even now when too big.

She brought a bra for sizing and it was perfect. I assumed I would then chose the ones I wanted but just went with that one in 3 colours. I also feel a bit sick at the £ but then I always do when I spend more than a few quid on me.

Hmmm, that does sound a little odd. Can I ask which bra/style you bought?