Q&A about bra-fitting with the expert team at Panache - ANSWERS BACK

[RachelMumsnet]

We're running a Q&A this week on bra-fitting. Do you have any questions about how to find the perfect bra? Do you struggle to find the right fit? Are you looking for advice on bras for maternity, nursing or special occasions? The expert fitters, designers and technical bra boffins at lingerie manufacturer Panache are here to answer your questions on all things lingerie, from styles to sizing to picking the perfect bra for your shape. Send your questions to the experts before the end of Tuesday 20 November and we'll be linking to the answers on 29 November.

[droves]

Why don't you make bras for short women ?

I can find quite a few in my size ,but the adjusting straps are always too long even when the are fully adjusted to be at their shortest length .

The problem is a 5 foot women doesn't have the same length body as a 5"6 or 6" woman .

I'm sick of getting out my sewing machine to alter bloody bra staps .

And it's not like I've got tiny boobs either ...32 e/ f ( depending on make and style) .

[droves]

And why is 90% of bras underwired ,or with padding ?

I'm an E ...I don't need anymore padding I have enough boobs of my own thank you very much without having fake bits sewed on to my clothes.

[kellestar]

Tyranasaurus I have a similar question...

Last time I was pregnant I wore 34JJ nursing bra's, they were horrible and unattractive, I had unaboob through the 15 months of feeding. I wanted to go up a cup size but couldn't find anything that fitted well, the K cups actually felt smaller, even if I went up a back size. I liked the Elomi Bra's with Soft Flex wires, but they just came up small and there was no chance they would fit. I was a 32G before I was pregnant, after I stopped breast feeding went to a 34GG.

I am pregnant with DC2, my boobs have already gone up 2 cup sizes and a back size and I'm 18 weeks. I am currently wearing a 38JJ. I am worried that once I start BF'ing that I won't be able to find anything to fit.

Why aren't there bigger cup sizes for nursing bra's? Also why don't they offer more support like soft flex wires?

[justcait]

I have exactly the same problem as CMOTDibbler - 36B with a lot of space between my breasts. I've more or less given up on finding a bra that fits. Help! Also, why don't bras come in half sizes? I actually think a 35 would fit me better, but they don't exist...

[HellothisisJoanie]

agree re padding although a TINY bit does stop nipple show through

[musicposy]

Would second the 26 back bras. I have a slim (not underweight, just narrow) but quite well developed 13 year old. She is currently in a 28B but the cups are now too small so we will have to source a 28C. These are very difficult to find.

However, really 28 is much too wide for her. She has the band on the tightest fit and it is still too loose. She's really a 26C and therefore we cannot find a bra to fit her properly. As she's so narrow I can't see this improving, just getting worse as her cup size increases. How can I find her a bra to wear?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Musicposy M&S (of all places) do a 28c and there is a polish company called Ewa Michelak who can do a 26 back I believe.

But yes, we definitely need 26s and probably even 24s to become mainstream.

[RachelMumsnet]

Thanks for all your questions. We'll be sending 20 over to the experts at Panache later today and will link through to their answers on 29th November.

[RachelMumsnet]

You can now read the answers for the experts at Panache here:

Q&A about bra fitting and sizing