Bra advice needed please!

[JemimaMuddledUp]

I am desperately in need of some new bras. I have a child free day tomorrow and so can spend some uninterrupted time trying lots on, but I'm not sure where to start.

I have lost quite a bit of weight and have gone down from a size 20 to a size 14/16. I was a size 40D but now my bras are offering no support at all. I have measured myself and seem to be 36" underneath and 43" around the widest part of my chest. I ran those numbers through one of those online bra size calculators and it came out as 40C, but surely that can't be right? If I have got thinner shouldn't that number have gone down?

As I say, I have the time tomorrow to try lots on but I need to know roughly where to start!

It has got confusing recently because apparently there is a different sizing system for measuring bras now - you no longer add on 4 or 5 inches to get the band size. Which would make you a 36F or something. However as the system says I'm a 26G when actually a 32C fits much better, I don't completely trust it!! Sorry I've probably made you even more confused now. Your best bet would be to find a good independent bra shop. Avoid M&S anyway!

Thanks BedHog. I'm pretty sure the 40C must be wrong as the bra I am wearing is a 40 and the band is far too big even on the tightest set of hooks.

If you have a bravissimo near you then go there. If not an independent bra shop or John Lewis or somewhere like that. I would agree that a 36F, or maybe more.

Try Freya or Fantasie for support in bigger cup sizes.

I don't have ANYTHING near me (sob!). I am driving 1.5 hours to the nearest large town tomorrow which has an M&S and a Debenhams so that will be my choice. Not sure if there is an independent bra shop there, I've never noticed one.

no way are you a 40c if you measure 36 around the ribcage
If you have an independent shop that stocks PrimaDonna or Empriente you will be converted , the bras are amazing and much better than Fantasie or Freya in my experience.
They are bloody expensive though.
Otherwise I would suggest John Lewis or debenhams but have a look on the bravissimo website for fitting guidelines , cos invariably the salesgirl will be inexperienced. Best that you know how a bra should fit correctly. The chest band should give you the majority of the support. I reckin you should start with a 34 d and see how it fits.

See here fullerfigurefullerbust.com/ for how to see whether a bra fits properly!

study this before you go

I'd also advise you to start with a 36F. If that is too tight under band then try a 38 in maybe an E cup.

if you start with a 34 you'd need a G cup, not a D given the difference between the under and over bust measurements

p.s I got fitted in M&S and my bra fits fine.

Thanks. I think a 34 would be too tight, I'll probably start with a 36. Cup sizes confuse me though, perhaps I'll just take one of everything into the fitting rooms and keep trying until something fits!

1" difference = A (difference between under bust and over bust measurements)
2" = B
3" = C
4" = D
5" = DD
6" = E
7" = F

Klaxon for SorrellForbes!

I'd start with a 36F/FF. It will feel tight- it's supposed to. You shouldn't be able to get more than two fingers under the front of the band. The band should take the weight not the straps. Debenhams have adecent range in larger sizes. Avoid M&S!

So the fact that I can get both hands at the same time under the front of the band of the 40D that I'm wearing isn't good, right?

Stay away from calculators and yes, try around 36F

Yes 40D sounds a bit out

When I got properly measured I went from a 36DD to a 32G and I looked as though I'd lost a stone. Happy shopping!

Yup, ignore all calculators and start at a 36F as a base point.

When you get your head around the fact that a 36F is the same size as a 38E and a 40DD then you can start to see the connection between bra sizes and getting a bra to fit properly.

You want the band to fit snugly and the wires to fit flat against your chest, if the wires are lifted away from your body then your cup size is too small.
Make sure you scoop all your boob into the cups when you've put your bra on to get the best fit, this helps to stop the back boob effect and then you can see whether you need to go up or down a cup size.

Update - new bras bought in a 36E.

Thanks for all your help!

Damn and blast! How did I miss that bra klaxon?!

Sounds like you managed perfectly well without me [hwink]

Enjoy your new bras.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped.

I have worn my new bra all day. Previously I wouldn't have bought one that was so tight, but you were right! It is really comfy, the straps don't fall down and I don't have back fat. I am a happy bunny

Excellent , another good bra convert :)