Is there a new bra intervention thread somewhere?

[lookout]

All of the other ones are closed now and I still need some help!

changeforthebetter How frustrating. Have you found any that are a good/great fit?

I think the satine comes up small in the cup. I know that the Bravissimo Mademoisele I had in a 30H was still too small for me and I'm usually a 30GG.

Have you tried any 28JJs?

Well I've worn a 34B for over 20 years and when I put my measurements in the lovely experts on here said 32DD, ha I thought no way. I used to be called the girl with 2 backs. Anyway I tried on a 32D today and it felt comfy round the back but I think I do need a DD.

I've always bought cheap from supermarkets so please can someone recommend a good make? Also is the bravissimo telephone measuring worth a go and where is best to go get properly measured? I am not near a bravissimo store.

Thank you.

Evening ladies. I am wearing my Cleo Juna today in 36ff, but it is not quite right. It is done up on the tightest hook, quite easily for starters. Also, I am getting a little digging in from the wire at the side/underarm - not much, just a bit on my smalled side. I am thinking of trying a 34, but will try the ff and g, as the cup seems to gape a bit at the top - I realise this is on my smaller boob, and maybe due to style. It fits the other one perfectly! I do like the shape it gives, and the softness.

My order both sizes and see.

Champagnecharleyismyname Debenhams can be good for fitting but can be a bit hit and miss! Avoid M&S (obviously), Boux Avenue, VS and La Senza. HoF and JL might be OK and there are some very good independents out there.

There are loads of good makes of bra: Freya, Panache, Bravissimo, Curvy Kate, Ewa Michalak to name but a few.

Silverstar2 The 34FF will be a smaller cup volume than the 36FF so might be too small on one boob!

Thank you, I have a debenhamd near me and I think I will order a 32DD and see how it fits. Is there anything specific to look for in the fit or is it just comfort and shape?

Champagnecharleyismyname There's some really good info about fit here

Inspired by these threads (and ticking every box on the "things that mean your bra fits badly" list), I've tried measuring and getting fitted but am still not quite there. Please help!
I've been measured at M&S for years (oops!) and they've always said 34 back. Cup has gone from C to D. When I got pregnant my breasts got bigger and I went to be fitted again. They said 36D.
When I read your thread and list, it seemed so obv that the bras didn't fit and certainly didn't support anything that I wondered why it took me that long to notice. Measured myself as 31-32 dep on how tight I pulled it and 40. Tried a 32G on and thought it wasn't too bad a fit but didn't like the style and my daughter was crying so gave up.
Decided to phone Bravissimo. They said 32F. Thought that I'd go into the store so I could get a really good fit. The Edinburgh Bravissimo sent me away in a 34DD which seemed fine at first tho I was surprised it was so different size wise to the other suggestions but they had seen me in person. They also over charged me because I was paying in a hurry as again my daughter had started crying!
I've been wearing that bra and it's not that comfy anymore (less than a week). I'm sure it's riding up, which would tally with back size being too small. But it also feels stretched tight at the front (band pulling thinner). So now I don't know what to do! Inclined to go back to Bravissimo store (and get the overpayment sorted too) but it's a right old trek with a small baby.
Oh and this is a nursing bra so my breasts do change size during the day! Excuse the essay but I'd love some advice please!

Ring their customer services first and complain. They may be able to refit you over the phone but it would be better to go into the store. As they fitted you, they will exchange the worn bra.

Am guessing it's a Royce nursing bra?

Yes it's a Royce nursing bra!
Think I will need to go into town again, just v annoying. Could phone first though and see what they say, hadn't thought of that for some reason.
Does 32F or G sound more realistic from my measurements?
Thanks x

The Royce ones come up fairly tight in the band but that still sounds wrong on you. Not always the most pleasing shape either, especially in the wrong size!

I'd suggest trying it again in a 32E or F, but alternatively the Panache Sophie is much more comfortable and flattering on most people. It's sizing is looser in the band and smaller in the cup so you may end up in a 32FF or even a 30G.

Definitely go back Elpth. The Edinburgh Bravissimo are normally pretty good at sorting out their mistakes (I have heard of a few) and that bra doesn't sound great for you TBH.

Thanks guys! I'll go back this week.

Dear lovely bra interventionists, I've followed your advice and been to Bravissimo and I am now wearing a Fantasie Elodie in a 32F from 34DD very comfortably although it does seem a bit weird after clearly allowing my breasts to try and escape round my back for a while. I look a stone lighter as am only 5'2 and short waisted. My waist has returned and you can see my ribcage. I have no back fat! Thanks so much for constantly posting on this thread and being inspiring.

I also bought their own brand spotty Pretty as a Pin Up bra (apparently it is their Melrose shape) which I needed in a 32FF which shows how difficult it really is to shop bras mail order which I usually do as Bravissimo means a trip to London for me.

There was no hard sell in Bravissimo. In fact I would have bought another bra had I been encouraged in any way.

My question is if these are the bras that suit me what does this say about my shape and what should I try next? I could do with a t shirt bra but I dont like thick foam. I also need a sports bra and something a bit sexier than the above I bought. Would a balconette ever be suitable? I used to love them.

And please could someone explain what all the different shapes mean & do? E.g. Balcony, plunge etc

Springy
I am sitting here also wearing an Elodie
It sounds as if fuller styles suit you, with a bit of side support to stop your boobs from spreading under your arms.
For a tshirt bra I'd suggest the Fantasie moulded which appears a bit hard and scary but is actually a really good fit. You would probably need it in the same size as your Elodie as most Fantasie styles run a cup big. If you would prefer one that just has the usual material cup, they also do a non foam version. Bravissimo sells both.

As you are short waisted, many bra styles will either have too long underwires or a strap that catches the side of your armpit at the top of the cup.
From the styles you have mentioned, I would say your core size (start point) would be a 32FF.
Many of the other own brand Bravissimo styles may be suitable, although they often run small. I'd suggest starting with the Aleya in a 32FF and the Alana in a 32G.

So, I have been looking and trying on my bras and my 36E bras, I can easily do up on the tightest set of hooks. I am definitely going to take the advice from further up and try a 34F. So glad I didn't go mad buying bras and can wait to try some more on before I commit to buying any more of them.

MrsHelsBels74

BRA STYLES

Balconette- Medium height centre, curved accross the cup towards the armpit, straps set to the outer edge. Think sweetheart neckline. Suit most people unless they have very narrow shoulders or round or close together boobs/something that makes a centre wire painful.

Full cup- as it sounds! Higher centre, fuller coverage at the top of the cups, shoulder straps closer together. Good for maximum coverage/modesty or very soft breasts. Many non wired, less modern styles are like this.

Half cup- also sometimes called balcony. The upper part of the cup is uncovered so an 'eggs in an eggcup' look can be created. Good for very rounded breasts. Also a way of presenting softer breasts in a more flattering manner than a plunge.

Plunge- varying degrees of a deep V shape so very low in the centre front. Good for lower necklines. Breasts that are too soft will slump into the centre leaving unsightly overflow there, whilst gaping at the top near the strap.

Side support- a side sling is stitched along the outer edge of the cup from the bottom, joining onto the strap at the top. This helps to pull in the breast and create a narrower profile. Usually on either full cup or balconette styles.

Onelittlelady
A good start. Be aware that as the bra gets closer to your body, the amount of boob that has been hiding in your bra may become apparent! Be prepared to go higher than an F, to FF or even G. And to then find that as you finally give your boobs all the room they need, that you may even need a smaller back.
Persevere, it's worth it

marriednotdead, that's brilliant help, thanks.

I've just had a look at those and am really pleased that I am going to have great colour choice. It is invaluable to understand what my core size is!

My gym had one of those charity bra boxes a while ago. I filled it then and need them to bring it back to fill it again.

Aaarrrgghhh new bra is digging in more as the day goes on .
The underwires at the front keep crossing over each other. Ans its digging in under one boob.
I can't stand the thought of more bra shopping!

Tortoise

So I was a 38/40 D depending on which ancient bra I was wearing.

I measured myself as a 36F based on lovely Sorrel's advice. Bought some bras from M&S which seemed to fit but still felt slightly strange.

So today I've been to Leia and I am in fact a 34E! Clearly I wasn't being firm enough with the tape measure!

Totally thrilled with my new boobs!

Limelight Excellent news!