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Original poster

Bra Intervention, Please.

50 replies

MrsBertMacklin · 11/07/2013 12:35

I need some new bras (dieting at the moment) so hoped to get some advice on sizing...

I've read a couple of the previous threads, so hope I've measured properly.

Band measurement: 34 if I pull the tape very tight, 35 if I pull the tape so it's very taut, but with room to wiggle a finger in between, 36 when I fully exhale.

Bust measurement (taken following advice on previous threads about bending over: 42

I've been wearing a 36DD but that's definitely no longer the right fit!

OP posts:
goodasitgets · 11/07/2013 12:39

Try a 34 FF and a 34G to start Smile

Original poster
MrsBertMacklin · 11/07/2013 13:03

Thank you, hoping to get to M&S this evening to get some well-priced sports bras, fingers crossed they have stock.

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 11/07/2013 13:09

Bear in mind that many M&S bras come up small in the band and that they don't do a FF, they go straight from F to G!

SorrelForbes · 11/07/2013 13:10

Bear in mind that many M&S bras come up small in the band and that they don't do a FF, they go straight from F to G!

Original poster
MrsBertMacklin · 11/07/2013 13:16

Sorrel, does this mean if 34 doesn't fit, I should try a 36F or 36E?

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 11/07/2013 13:51

Possibly but you might need a bigger cup as opposed to a bigger band. Try the 34 bra on back to front first. If it's tight but not uncomfortable then stick with that band size (in that particular bra anyway). Then put it on the right way round, remembering to scoop. If it suddenly feels too tight, then you need a bigger cup.

SorrelForbes · 11/07/2013 13:53

Sorry, just re-read your original post! OK, M&S bands are small so yes you may well need a 36 but try them out first as described above.

34G, 36F (they don't do a FF!).

Is there anywhere else you can go bar M&S? My favourite sports bra is the Freya Active underwired which you can get on-line.

Original poster
MrsBertMacklin · 11/07/2013 13:58

Thanks, Sorrel. I would normally get a Shock Absorber, but because I'm dieting at the moment, I'm not keen on spending £££s for a bra that I'll need to replace again in a month. There is a Fenwick in the place I'm planning to shop tonight, so might try the Freya etc. if it's there and see if it's in the sales online, thanks for the tip.

OP posts:
Adair · 11/07/2013 14:21

Can I hijack? Am reading with interest, have ONE bra that fits properly but obv cos I bought it in TKmaxx impossible to buy another.
Am wearing 32dd (this is the decent bra that fits...)
29 under, 38 over, any suggestions?
Ta!

goodasitgets · 11/07/2013 15:07

Try a 28G, 28GG, 30G

Original poster
MrsBertMacklin · 11/07/2013 17:09

Was so looking forward to shopping for these, but motherfucking UPS have not yet turned up with the parcel I need today, so I am stuck indoors and won't make it out for 7pm closing now.

The Freya sports bra is on sale, so I've bought that in the relevant sizes.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsBertMacklin · 15/07/2013 18:09

SorrelForbes thanks again. I'm a 36F in M&S. Tried on a few bras in there at the weekend, 36F is a perfect fit.

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 15/07/2013 19:28

You're welcome. Good to hear that you found some bras that fit. M&S are quite limited with their styles/shapes and their bras aren't always the best for support/lift so do have a look on-line for some alternatives if you can.

lurkingaround · 15/07/2013 19:42

Oh, bit of a hijack! Apologies. So you're supposed to pull the under bust tape very tightly? That changes things a bit for me. I haven't read your big bra thread. I'm probably in need of intervention. And there I was, all smug. Hah. That'll teach me.

SorrelForbes · 15/07/2013 19:50

Yep, but not so tight it hurts. We'll be right here waiting for you Wink

lurkingaround · 15/07/2013 20:08

Thanks Sorrel. 28.5 ins under with tape measure firm, 37 ins at fullest part. 8-9 insdifference, that's a H? I obviously have ENORMOUS boobs. .I'm currently in 30F and I think it's not bad but this might explain why there are so few bras that fit me well, literally only one or 2 styles, cup fit is never great.

StatisticallyChallenged · 15/07/2013 20:15

You missed the doubles - 28.5/37 would put you around a 28G ish. So your 30F isn't miles off, but it would be enough to make the difference.

AwkwardSquad · 15/07/2013 20:26

Hello, could I have an intervention please? If you don't mind a little bit if hijacking, OP?

I've lost some weight and my newish 34D bra is now too big as well. I've measured and I'm 32 around if tight, 33 when I breathe out. 38.5 bending over. My breasts have lost a lot of volume so advice on style very gratefully received as well!

I was thinking of trying John Lewis on Saturday.

Thank you Smile

StatisticallyChallenged · 15/07/2013 20:33

Awkward, I'd be looking at starting with a 32E and 32F to start with.

Can you try scooping in your current bra to check the fit as that will help narrow it down

Scooping!

All those bumps, lumps, back fat, armpit fat - they get yanked in to the bra! However it only works if A: the back is small enough and b: the cup is big enough.

Basically, put bra on, then stand side on to a miror. Lean forward, put your right hand inside your left cup, reach round as far as you can and pull/scoop/yank all the flesh/soft tissue that is bumping under or over the back, around the straps or the armpit and haul its ass in to the cup. Repeat at other side. You might need to do it a couple of times (as doing one side knocks the other out slightly)

AwkwardSquad · 15/07/2013 20:42

Blindly, I was thinking I was a storm in a C cup! I shall go forth and scoop. Am I trying to see how much of the cup I can fill?

IsabelleRinging · 15/07/2013 20:46

Can I hijack too?? I read the previous bra thread with interest and my measurements are 31.5 under bust and 38 around the bust (bending over). So off I popped to M&S and tried on a 32dd and a 32e. The dd seemed fine in a plunge style and the E seemed to sit a bit high on the cup and would have poked out of the top of a low cut top. Does this mean the E cup was too large? I tried a different style in the 32dd and it gave me slight quad boob, but seemed fine elsewhere. Will I be the same size in a different brand? Have I worked out my size correctly?

Was previously wearing a M&S 34d.

AwkwardSquad · 15/07/2013 20:50

Oh, interesting! I've done my bra up on the tightest setting and had a good ol' scoop, and I do seem to have filled the cup up a bit more! I shall experiment at JL.

AwkwardSquad · 15/07/2013 20:50

And I meant to add thank you, StatisticallyChallenged!

lurkingaround · 15/07/2013 20:56

Thanks Stat.

Who knew. 28G. Sheesh, the things you learn when you check into MN!

SorrelForbes · 15/07/2013 21:25

IsabelleRinging Sounds more like a style than a size issue to me. I'd try DD/E in a range of styles and makes if possible. M&S bras really aren't that great. I would guess that an 32E might be your core size but a DD better in some styles. Unfortunately, sizes vary between brands and styles. It's very annoying. TBH though I'm a 30GG in pretty much every bra, it's just that some bras just won't work on my shape no matter what size I try.

Have you tried a 30 back at all?