Bra intervention - have I got this right?

[Wenchelda]

Hi - I'm new, hope its ok to come straight on with a question....I Somehow stumbled across one of the bra intervention threads a couple of weeks ago and have been following them in amazement ever since.

I've always worn an A cup (32/34 pre pregnancy, currently 36A) - never been measured professionally but always done it myself based on the "add 4 or 5 inches" rule. I have pretty much constant back ache and neck pain but never ever imagined this could be caused by boobs as they really are so tiny!

But after reading your fascinating threads, I think I should be a 30/32D! My measurements are 31 under bust, 35 at fullest point when bending over to 90 degrees, and 34 above. Have I got that right? If so I am truly truly in shock that my almost-not-there boobs are a D!!

Thanks

More happy boobies devonsmumy, yey!

36F for me. Not quite perfect yet but at least I don't feel like Quasimodo!

I can finally wear strapless tops on my holiday next week!

Thanks Stats X

It can take a LOT of trial and error to get the perfect bras, even once you know your rough size. I order and send back loads on a regular basis :)

So, I'm at 29 and 36 which would make me a 28/30 G/E - does that sound right? I'm a bit skeptical as I don't consider myself to be particularly well endowed and feel I'm actually too small for the 32DD M&S gave me. Help!

29/36 would be around a 28F/FF or a 30E/F (there's doubles catching you out)

Now - lets talk about that 32DD. It's designed for someone who measures 32 under and 37 over. It will have roughly the same cup volume as the 30E and the 28F (just the way bras work, D's are not the same on every band size).However the fit will be different, the cups will be held more upright rather than falling forward etc.

Thanks Stats - it's all very confusing! Armed with this knowledge I will try and find a comfortable bra

The most important thing is knowing how to put the bra on properly. I know that sounds stupid but it really is

Lean forward, drop your breasts in to the cups and do the bra up at the back. Now, take your right hand, put it round inside the left cup, all the way round under your armpit, and scoop all the soft tissue and flesh in to the cup. You might not know it, but all that soft tissue under your armpit and round your back and straps is breast, and it needs to be in the cup. You might need to be pretty firm here! Now, repeat on the other side. The wire should totally encase your soft breast tissue, and you should have no overspill or wrinkling in the cups. The central gore should sit flat in between your boobs.

Ooh help - I'm 'hurting' in an M&S measured 38b

34 under boob and 41.5 maybe 42 at 90 degree 'swing low' angle

No wonder you're hurting- try a 34F/FF

Bloody hell Stats, never thought of myself as a 'FF' (sniggers at thought of actually having boobage) but going to try it, thank you

Have a look at this page - women in properly fitting bras. Quite informative!

Ok, this could be a really silly question but.....does your rib cage expand during the day? My bra band always seems to be uncomfortably tight in the evening but fine during the day.

Stiffg&t - my newly bought bra was super comfy until around 4pm today.... I wonder?

Strange isn't it! Off to put my comfy PJs on

I think mine does a bit, but if yours expands a lot then some bras tend to stretch more or be softer at the back so might suit you better. The Curvy kate showgirls and smoothie spring to mind, as do my Ewas

Thanks Stats - will check out your suggestions.

Me again. Got measured and fitted in John Lewis and I am still a 32gg. I was just wearing the wrong the style.

I read unthread about sports bras. What size would I need to get?

Depends which one, but I have/had shock absorber and freya and in both cases, up a back and down a cup (so 34G) worked for me

I have a Panache and find it true to size

And same band but up a cup in the Bravissimo Inspire.

@ Sparkle, went shopping today. Rigby and Peller measured me by sight and said 30E as you suggested. All the 30E's fitted perfectly and got one but will be back for more when I get paid. Thank you!!

Yay! It opens up a whole new world doesn't it - my card took a right battering when I first started looking at my proper size!

Can someone remind me what debenhams gorgeous fit like. I vaguesly remember someone saying to go up/down a bandsize.

I am looking for a strapless/multiway in 32DD/E ish. Any guidance on what their sizing is like would be gratefully recieved.

They're quite tight on the back so if you're in the middle of two sizes definitely go up on the band, and correspondingly down on the cup if necessary. I measure 31.5 and 42, and generally wear a 30H everywhere else but I nearly always need a 32 in Debs bras. Just try a load in the relevant sizes and send the rest back.

I've finally got used to my band size but have lost a stone since I last measured and the cups are so flappy now. If I was a 34FF, what cup size should I try now? Do I need to remeasure?