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Need bra advice for the more 'ahem' rotund of figure

8 replies

DimplesOhara · 24/11/2012 20:17

Due to influx of hormones (cheers PCOS) my boobs have gone haywire and I cant fit into any of my bras properly, and I have no idea what size I am. Im currently wearing a 42C (biggest back that I can find) after being measured in M&S as a 50A?! I mean, do they even make bra's that size?
So I'm calling out for help because I cant go another day in this bra, any advice would be really welcome, I've always had a broad back/shoulders but I cant find bigger back sizes anywhere.

OP posts:
Ilovecrossfit · 24/11/2012 20:41

Bravissimo??
I hate M&S and their measuring service they measured me 36 GG when in Bravissimo Im 30/32 HH....look for a shop around OR give them a call they will be able to guide you over a phone.
good luck

DimplesOhara · 24/11/2012 20:50

I didnt know they took calls, thats brilliant, the closest bravissimo shop to me is about 60 miles away, and I didnt want to order a shed load without a bit of guidance first.
I can see what you mean about M&S, I just found a tape measure and Im 46in under the bust & 52 over, so I have no idea where the fitter got the 50A from?

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 24/11/2012 20:55

Ok, if you measure 46" under then that's almost certainly the back size that you should be wearing. Your across bust measurement of 52 suggests to me that you should try a 46E as a starting point.

Please ignore any fitting advice from M&S. They insist on adhering to the outdated method of adding 4/5" to the under bust measurement.

DimplesOhara · 24/11/2012 21:03

Sorrel your a star, it seems a big size but I'm just glad to have a starting point Smile

OP posts:
debka · 24/11/2012 21:05

AFAIK Bravissimo only go up to a 40 band damn them. Try brastop.com, they're ace :)

SorrelForbes · 24/11/2012 21:15

Also try:
Figleaves

Ample Bosom

Bigger Bras

Fresh Pair

DimplesOhara · 24/11/2012 21:22

Wow, didn't realise there was so many that went up to bigger sizes, can't wait to go shopping now ( oh, and breath properly!)

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 24/11/2012 21:26

Enjoy!

I would suggest ordering a few different styles (plunge, balconette and full cup) so you can get an idea of what works best for your shape boobs.

I've put this info on other bra threads before but just in case...

The best way I've found to test the band size is to put the bra (in your case a 30 back) on back to front. If you can breathe but if feels tight and you can only fit two fingers underneath the wire at the front, then that's the correct back size for you. If it's so tight it's unbearable then go up a size.

Once you've got the back sorted, it's time to get the cup right. The cup will differ much more between brands and styles than the back (IMHO). Turn the bra round the correct way, lean forward and using your hands, scoop all your breast tissue into the cups (make sure you get all the flesh from round your back and under your arms in). The put the shoulder straps up and adjust as necessary (not too tight as it's the back that should be doing most of the supporting work). If for example, you've started with a 30DD, you will probably find that after scooping, you have some bulging over the cup and quadraboob going on! This means you need to go up one or more cup sizes. Keep going up through the cup sizes until all your breast tissue is firmly in place.

And some great advice from fellow bra enthusiast StatisticallyChallenged

"Here are a few things to look for in a well fitting bra:

Firstly, when you but the bra on, lean forward then take your right hand and put it inside your left cup. Reach right round under your armpit/towards your back and hoik all the backfat/escapage forward in to the cup of the bra. Repeat at the other side.

If your bra is a good fit after doing this it should:

  • Be worn on the loosest hook (when new). If you can fasten it on the tightest hook then try a back size lower.
  • The band should be completely horizontal
  • You should only be able to fit a couple of fingers under the front of the bra. If you can get more than that, or you can pull it more than an inch or so away from your body at the back, it is TOO BIG!
  • If you raise your arms, the back should not really move - no riding up
  • The wires should be entirely encasing your breast tissue - breast tissue goes suprisingly far back and a lot of people don't realise this. If you feel where the wire is sitting under your arm then it should be sitting on a fairly firm surface.
  • The central gore (where the wires meet) should sit flat between your boobs. if it is being pushed away, then the cup is probably too small (and the back possibly too big as well)
  • There should be absolutely no lumps over the top of the cup. Take a fitted t shirt with you to put over the top of the bra and stand side on to a mirror and watch as you breathe in. If you have a bit of a bulge only when you breathe in, you probably need to go up 1 cup. If it is visible when breathing out then IME it's probably more like two cups or more.
  • The cup shouldn't gape. If it does, it may be too big or it may be the wrong shape of bra for you. Moulded cups are particularly bad for this as they don't adapt to your shape.
  • The shoulder straps shouldn't be painful and digging in. Most of the support should come from the back. If you find that you can't get enough support without the straps being so short they hurt the bra isn't for you. Most likely it's too big in the back but it may also just be a bra that doesn't suit you.
  • and on that note; not every brand works for every person. There are quite distinct differences in shape between brands which mean a particular brand may just not suit the shape of your breasts. "
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