So I just measured by bra size and I'm shocked, is it right?

[SchrodingersFanny]

I measured under and I'm 34. Well I'm 33.5. That is taut, completely flat to skin.

When I do the lean over measurement (which made dh smirk) I measured 41inches.

Am I right thinking that makes me 34E?

I have teeny (saggy and deflated) bosoms!

I got the 36jj and the band is very tight and the top of the cup gapes slightly but I am very impressed thank you very much! And, once scooped correctly my shape has changed so (for now) will embrace my size 20. I will go for a 38j Thank you once again for your help!

Blackstiltonboots A word of warning. Marcie is quite a generous fit, especially in the cup. This will mean that if you need a H in it, you may need a HH in other Cleo styles.

Because of the way it is shaped, the best way to get your boobs in properly is to scoop whilst leaning right forward (as if doing the 'dangle' measurement). HTH

And the chances of finding that shape and size in a good department store are almost zero, never mind in Asda!

Does anyone else find themselves saying 'swoop and scoop' when they are swooping and scooping? or is it just me?

I ordered some new bras on amazo n yesterday, got a few curvy Kate bras for 11pounds each. I cannot believe they fit, I'm getting a bit obsessive, honestly I look so different. I never realised my under arm fat was boob- now it's in there it all looks so much better.

I measured my ribcage at 34, leaning over fullest part 41. Had 5 mins near a lingerie dept yesterday so tried on a 34F in 3 different brands.
It was hilarious
I can see that the band will fit, but the cup size was ridiculously large. Yes I scooped etc. Am willing to spend more time on this when I have it, but my initial reaction is not awe and wonder

I tried my new 28dd bra on yesterday and it fitted well, except for a red groove on my skin where the central gore was maybe a tad too tight. As I get more wear ot of it, maybe this will loosen up a bit?

I've been lurking in and out of the bra intervention threads and have found it intriguing and educational.

Many moons ago I was measured at Debenhams and went from 38C to 36DD. Naively I was very pleased with my new boobs as was DH! Since then I've lost nearly 2 stone and have dropped 2 dress sizes. After following your stories I measured myself and ordered a couple of bras in 30FF. They fit beautifully and I look so much better in them and feel fantastic. Thank you so much!

I have chronic neck and back pain and have had 3 spinal surgeries. It'll be interesting to see if my new, better fitting bras will help at all.

My DH is very impressed too He did ask a very interesting question which I couldn't answer. So I'm turning to you -

During my monthly cycle the size of my boobs change and they feel very tender too. Either my DH notices the change or I moan too much! He wants too know if I need a different bra type/shape or a bigger size to wear then?

shiney the elastic slackens off fairly quickly.

Treagues. The cup measurement is always harder to get right and can differ a lot between styles and brands. Can you remember which ones you tried?

I usually try about three sizes in any bra that I'm thinking of buying.

3across2down - my bras range from an H to J cup and there is a fair bit of discrepancy between the sizes. I'd maybe do a shopping trip at a bigger boobed time and pick up a couple then too as you might well find you need a cup bigger

I've just found this thread. I don't usually look in Style and Beauty.

I am so sick of my bras as they quite obviously don't fit properly - straps fall down, strap rides up etc. I am wearing 34B.

I have done the measuring thing and I am 30 under and 35 doing the leaning over thing. Looking at the above, that sounds like I should be 30DD? Can that really be right? The cups of my current bras seem too big if anything and I have really small boobs.

Someone please help me - I'd love to wear a bra that's actually comfortable for a change.

The cups of a 34B are equal in volume to a 30D - don't be put off by the letter. Also, because the back of your current bra is too big you can get pretty bad gaping issues because the band just doesn't hold it upright properly. Plus, le scoop (see below) generally reveals another cup size or two that's been hiding elsewhere in a too big back too small cup combo. Try it in your current bra...I'd start with trying the 30DD and work from there

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)

I've just tried that and I can see what you mean! The cup only just covers my nipple when I do that. I'm amazed - I've always thought of myself as being really flat-chested and it turns out I'm supposed to be wearing a DD!

I will be going out bra-shopping ASAP. Should I go anywhere in particular to try different sizes? I can't afford to spend a fortune but I'm thinking M&S may not be too helpful!

If the cup only just covers your nipple then you may also need to try an E cup. Assuming you don't have a Bravissimo locally, Debenhams seems to be about the best for range of D+ bras especially with 28-32 backs. Their fitting is ropey though, so read up on the fitting info on the blog so you know what to look for. John Lewis also seem to be ok.

M&S may stock but tbh the quality isn't great and they don't seem to scale their bras very well into the D+ range. Plus there have been reports of band size issues this season

Hi all, would like a little input please. Have read the threads with interest. Have always worn 36A and (big confession) wore strapless bras very often, like almost always over the past ten years. Because as such a flattie, I basically just wanted to pad out my flatness and cover nipple. Never imagined I needed support :( and couldn't be bothered with falling down / visible bra straps.

Anyway, following the guidance on here, my measurements are 32.5 under and 37 over so this would mean 32DD. Well, I've tried on about thirty bras -30, 32 and 34 D DD and even E. They obviously vary from brand/shop but I think 32 is right (and even 30 feels okay in some shops) and DD is fine. Can't say I notice a massive change in posture etc but the straps don't fall down - this is a revelation and I do want to start looking after my boobs, taking bras seriously etc and feeling the epiphany that many of you have felt. But my issue is that it still looks crap on the armpits, no matter how much scooping I do. I have no more back fat than before but under the arms is horrible. Is my breast shape is the issue? (wide set, downwards point, empty at top, gaping at the top is a problem)

Is there a style of bra I need to source or do I just need to keep trying?
Finally, anyone have first hand experience of the migration/armpit issue improving over time? I accept that years of too loose strapless bras have obviously not helped but I had no idea.

If your breasts are quite wide, you need bras to match. What did you try out? Generally balconettes are quite good, particularly the Curvy Kate Showgirl ones (Tease me. Thrill me, Entice, Fleurty for eg) and the Tutti Rouge range from Bravissimo. Bravissimo half cups are good too. These bras would also resolve gaping at the top which is generally particularly bad in moulded t shirt bras

Also - are you sure you have the bras high enough up (i.e. that the wire is running just under your breast not sitting lower down your body - it's easy done!)

I understand that it does improve over time but you will need to be persistent in scooping a few times a day. I find a quick scoop when I go to the loo helps. Also if the cups are too narrow then any actual breast tissue that is naturally outside the line will never sit properly in the cup by definition. Some particularly wide root cups that I've come across include the Curvy Kate range and particularly their Showgirl styles, and also many of the Bravissimo own brands.

Hello again Statistically - I've finally managed to get back on the internet after days of no signal on holiday!

P.S. Curvy kate runs big in back, small in cup. So you might want to try 30E or even F in them (the 30E is the same volume as the 32DD so the F is only actually one cup up)

You might also want to look at the Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless for a good strapless that will fit properly. Go for the 32 to start but be prepared to try a few sizes.

Hello sparkle! Psychically recommending the same bras again I see!

We're communing over the ether - this is my spiritual home, of that I'm sure!

Ditto. There were a couple of spectacularly bad bras in my office today - women I don't really know but badly wanted to save!

Please can someone translate my measurements for me? Completely confused! I seem to measure 36.5/37 around and then 45 on the bust when I lean forward.

What does that actually mean?!

Start by trying a 36G and work from there kasbah