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.

Ask him again? Explain. I guess men don't get the whole importance of bra shopping thing. Failing that how about writing down what you want to say. I don't mean read it out like a script! Just go I over it a few times before you go so that you are less likely to forget stuff.

Oops. Read posts properly. Can he rearrange swimming - although then you will have children with you.

Ok rehearse what you want to say in your head!

Morning JF. So sorry to hear that you've had a crap night. Please go back to R&P today and don't worry about being upset whilst you're there. I'm sure they'll be very apologetic and understanding. As for the refund issue, as far as they're concerned all they need to know is that you wore it for 10 mins and so and found it unbearable.

Take a deep breath and hit the shop(s)

I would be firm on the worn items issue. You bought the bra based on their recommendation and it doesn't fit - that's their problem and the whole reason you go for a fitting. I've certainly known people get refunds from Bravissimo for the same thing. If they start getting awkward you could possibly get somewhere by quoting the Sale of Goods Act at them, as the bra isn't fit for purpose since it doesn't actually fit and you specifically asked them to supply you with a bra that would.

In terms of red marks - I think that is normal to an extend with well fitting bras in the same way as I tend to have a mark where the elastic at the top of socks has been, or where snuggly fitting jeans sit. But there is a difference between the marks from a bra that fits and those that don't. I would expect it to feel a little tighter than your old one though while you get used to it - if you can get it done up and get a couple of fingers underneath the band then its probably the right back size. However, I don't know that brand and some have a much firmer back than others (in terms of fabric/amount of stretch) so given the pain you have maybe you need a 34 but in something a bit softer. We measured a few bras over on the other thread and I found that my Freya bras were very stretchy in the back which might be better for you. I also have a couple from Curvy Kate (the showgirl ones ordered online from brastop) and the band fabric is lovely and soft.

I can't vouch for their fitting service but the range at Leia should be ok. I see there is also a John Lewis, and their fitting service is generally reported to be fairly good as well.

I have tried JL twice. The first time the lady walked off as I said I couldn't believe I was whatever size she said I was. The second time was a couple of months ago and she didn't give any fitting advice, left it up to me. I think it must be me. When I dithered about buying the camisole in Leia they weren't very friendly when I went back. Maybe my boobs are just an impossible size and shape and maybe every one else can spend over 70 quid on a bit of flimsy without needing a bit of time to think about it.

I spent £230 yesterday and feel sick. That is more than 2 weeks food shopping for us.

Wow you've had a real run of bad experiences you poor thing. Admittedly, £70+ for a bra is very pricey so I would be expecting serious quality. I normally pay less than half of that.

I think you should be able to get your money back from R&P, just be prepared to be bolshy if necessary and don't get embarrassed. I think especially given they fitted you at an F, and then sent you away with a G, they will struggle to argue. They didn't even give you the right items. How does the black one feel (I think it was the black you were fitted with?) Aso, don't let them palm you off with their returns policy - make sure you brush up on your statutory rights before you go. Some retailers like to hide behind their own policies and they can't.

I think you've just been terribly unfortunate with fitters and they've been lazy and not done their job properly. There will absolutely be a bra out there for you. Do you know which ones you had from Bravissimo? I'm wondering if it would be worth you trying the same brand again if they fitted well, just in a different size to account for your weight loss. Could you maybe go to Leia or John Lewis, pick up a whole range of bras around the 34f/FF territory (since that's what R&P reckoned) and take a DIY approach? Otherwise, it does sound like the trip to Bravissimo might be worthwhile as IME they are very good at taking the time to find the right bra.

I am going now. Fed up of hanging around.

If anyone has any more advice please PM me as I can pick them up via my phone.

she kept one bra so no idea so I have one from bhs and a fantasie in 36FF

I was fitted 34G.

How did it go?

They don't open until 11 so still waiting.

Ah, ok. Fingers crossed for you

My stomach is churning. I'm worried staff might see this and be annoyed so won't help.

The staff won't see this- and even if they did it changes nothing. Good Luck

Deep breath, you are totally in the right here.

I doubt you will need it but here is some relevant legalese for you just in case:

Sale of Goods act Section 14

The common one is this:

"(2B)For the purposes of this Act, the quality of goods includes their state and condition and the following (among others) are in appropriate cases aspects of the quality of goods?

(a)fitness for all the purposes for which goods of the kind in question are commonly supplied,

(b)appearance and finish,

(c)freedom from minor defects,

(d)safety, and

(e)durability. "

But the text below is I think pretty relevant to a bra fitting

"Where the seller sells goods in the course of a business and the buyer, expressly or by implication, makes known?

(a)to the seller, or

(b)where the purchase price or part of it is payable by instalments and the goods were previously sold by a credit-broker to the seller, to that credit-broker,

any particular purpose for which the goods are being bought, there is an implied term that the goods supplied under the contract are reasonably fit for that purpose, whether or not that is a purpose for which such goods are commonly supplied, except where the circumstances show that the buyer does not rely, or that it is unreasonable for him to rely, on the skill or judgment of the seller or credit-broker. "

You made it clear that you wanted a bra that fits - they supplied you one that doesn't. So they aren't fit for purpose and given they offer a bra fitting service it was reasonable for you to rely on their skill/judgement.

Hope it went ok OP, sounds like a really shoddy experience. I was fitted in Leia in Liverpool (not there anymore) and they were fine, sadly sounds like your fitter was really lazy.

Got money back. She really did not want to do it and made me put it on. Damn thing looked quite good but I just didn't trust it would stay that way. What now? And why do they tell u they are the best seller? No one elses boobs are the same as mine.

My voice was so shaky I thought I'd cry.

Ooops, hope it GOES ok!

Well done you! I know it's upsetting as you are starting again- but at least you are not £200 down

I'm so glad you got your money back. And you are right, especially with bras it is entirely irrelevant if it's a bestseller if it doesn't fit.

I'm really glad you got your money back OP (sorry for my out of sync posts!)

Do you think a soft cup bra might be more comfortable? Where are you getting the pain?

In Leia.

Measuring 32. So confusing.

Can't breathe. Is giving me pain behind my neck.