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

Can you help? I've tried this measuring method before but can't get it to work. My boobs, now BFing has calmed down are little bags of nothing

My rib measurement is almost 29 and leaning over its 35. I'm wearing an old 30C because I haven't had the courage to go and buy a bra from a proper bra shop yet.

The 30C is too big around the back (on the tightest hook) and the cups have a 1cm of spare fabric under my boobs and are wrinkly and gape at the top. It looks miles too big. But if I try a B I get over the top spillage while a smaller back gives me chunks of fat under my arms. Where does this fat come from? I don't have it when I'm naked!

widely spaced boobs could benefit from different styles and models, married here can advise. If you select a model that has closely spaced cups then you probably won't get all the bra tissue inside and hence the empty cups.

Uri same for you, the fat under your arms is all breast tissue, that should be in the cup. Scoop! But it will only stay in the cup if the cup is big enough and back is tight enough. You should try 28 and in bigger cup, about E/F/FF. I am no expert on bra shapes, but I would recommend to try a lightly padded balconnet type of bra - I get the wrinkly underside in some soft styles as well.

Thanks Hazle

Ah thanks Hazle! E?? Wow.

just a place to start - it's difficult to get the cup size right just based on measurements. But don't be afraid to start with bigger cups - it's easier to see if the cup is too big than if the cup is a bit too small.

Hi bra gurus, I'm back for more advice if possible please! I posted back in July/August as I was coming to the end of breastfeeding and needed some new, non-nursing bras. I eventually found myself a couple of 34f bras that fitted really well- I'd been wearing 40c for years, so this was a revelation! I think that I had been recommended 32g or 34ff- I couldn't get comfy in any 32s and the 34ff's were too big.

It's now several months since I stopped bfing and my bras are feeling wrong. They feel loose (on the tightest setting now) and they've started to give me back fat. I think that my boobs have lost some of their fullness since I stopped feeding.

My measurements now are 32inch band and 41inch cup. Any idea what sizes I should be trying? In my calculations I should be looking for 32ff, but I'm not sure if I've done that correctly.

Right, I measured, tried the recommended size but I just CAN'T get over the back fat bulge in the smaller back size!

I measured 31 under the bust and 36 around fullest part so tried a 32 dd and a 32 E in M&S in lots of styles. All of them dug in (after scooping even) and gave me an unsightly bulge of fat above the strap. I even struggled to get one of them to meet. I usually go for a 34 D and so far find that a much better fit, although I do go up to a DD at ovulation to avoid double boobage. It was suggested I could even need a 30 back on a previous thread . eh? How would I even fasten it?

Also, on the 32 E, the cup seemed so high it dug in under my arm pit! My boobs are quite high set nd close together, I have a natural cleavage ie no gap between boobs in middle.

OneMoreThenNoMore Your measurements suggest a 32G (9" diference between under and across measurements) which is roughly one cup bigger in volume than your current 34F. Back fat is usually caused by too big a band and too small a cup.

As Hazel says up-thread "the fat under your arms is all breast tissue, that should be in the cup. Scoop! But it will only stay in the cup if the cup is big enough and back is tight enough".

cosikitty OK, firstly M&S bras are mostly rubbish and they're sizing is all over the place! They tend to stick to the same styles, most of which are moulded and are difficult to get a good fit with. The back fat is being caused by too small a cup.

measuring 31 there is no way you need a 34! You need to try some different styles and makes. For your close set boobs, I suggest Ewa Michalak and Cleo. You will notice that bigger bras do come up further but this is because you're not used to a bra that actually contains all your breast tissue. Cleos and EMs are good as they don't come up too high at the side.

I would suggest trying 30E/DD and 32D/DD. On your measurements I would expect the 30E to be the bets bet in most 'true to size' brands.

Have you got a Bravissimo near by?

Thanks so much Sorrel, I will order a few different styles in a 32g.

Cosikitty I'd definitely second Sorrel's recs. I have the same issue as you, very close set boobs and quite high and Ewa Michalak, Cleo and a few Bravissimo own brands work for me

Step away from M&S. They really are awful, and their sizing seems to be all over the shop too

I'm feeling very pleased with myself today- had a trip to bravissimo and it was great. I went from a 34d to 32ff! The difference is amazing. I've bought a Freya deco bra as I prefer the tshirt ones. Are there any other good brands to look for?

Loads! Freya, Panache, cleo, tutti Frutti, Curvy Kate, Masquerade, Fauve, Ewa Michalak, Bravissimo own brand, Affinitas, Fantasie

Yes, there is a Bravissimo not too far away, will they fit me well, or is it better to just try the sizes you recommended yourself?

Yup Bravissimo fitting service is top notch

Dear Bra Fairies

Thank you for sorting me out to the extent I have 4 bras that actually fit me now! No huge gaping cups and side/back boob.
Going down a band size and up a cup size and a half sorted me out!

Eternally grateful!

Thanks for sorting out again bra ladies

I'm sitting here in a 32g that fits perfectly, with 3 more of them upstairs!

Great news both!

Which bras did you buy in the end?

You may think what I am about to write must be completely wrong but I promise it's the only bra I've ever had that fits, gives support and they look nothing like the model.
Wonder bra- chic lace. 30 E
I have bottom heavy boobs and this bra doesn't gape at the top.

I tried a couple of the suggested ones but I had gaping.

Not at all! The model in the pic is probably a 30J or similar

I just got some from next as I wanted some immediately and that was the best way to achieve it Also I'm slowly losing weight so I don't want to spend too much on clothing of any sort atm.

When I'm happy with my post baby weightloss two years on and counting, I'm going to treat myself to some really nice bras.

I got two padded ones and two non-padded, and they fit really well. My only concern with the non-padded is that after breastfeeding for several years, my nipples are permanently erect , so I may swap them for padded ones for nipple-hiding purposes.

Hi just wanted to say thank you Sorrelforbes and all the other bra ladies! I had been wearing a 36e and shopping at m&s for bras, which had not been a good experience and was beginning to feel like there was something wrong with my boobs! Now am wearing a 34g from Debenhams, didn't get a fitting there just ordered online after advice on here. Brilliant, straps don't keep falling off shoulders. I measured 34 under band so according to m&s method I would have been wearing a 38 band! 36 was loose enough. i have also changed the bra size my 10 1/2 yr old daughter was wearing, a 30aa to a 28a which fits her much better. according to adding inches "traditional" method she would have been a 32 band size, which is big for a little girl of her ages, the 30 was riding up at back. It is such a shame that a huge concern like M&S keep giving this incorrect advice that a bra should fit on middle hook when its new. I am currently losing a bit of weight that put on over xmas, so may be back here again for more sizing advice! But I think I have the hang of it now. Also back fat gone before even started diet with new sized bra! :)

Gah have you seen the Kelly Brook this year's Valentines range for New Look? The bras are way, way too small for her.