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!

Sparkle I don't have a tape measure but last time I measured I was a 31 under bust and 38 over bust. I'm wearing a 34F at the moment, it doesn't offer enough support and is a little too small in the cups. I just can't get into a 32 without great discomfort.

You are struggling to fit into 32s because the cup is much too small. If an F cup on a 34 is too small then you need to try at least a G on a 32 band (and probably a GG) and even a 30GG/H.

I have tried 32GG but they are too painful. I keep having to take it off because it cuts in too much and I can't fasten it on my own.

The bravissimo woman said that there is no such thing as a standard bra size and you have to try each bra on individually to find the right fit. It makes buying online very difficult.

When I was slimmer Bravissimo were the only bras that I got on with. I think I need to lose weight and try them again.

Yey! Brilliant news.

Thank you so much, Statistically and Sparkle. I lost track of all that I've tried on....Triumph, Fantaisie, Calvin Klein, Janet Reger, Wonderbra...

Thanks for the recommendation on Curvy Kate and Bravissimo. I definitely like the look of Curvy Kate. I have found I have too many issues with online buying (I just keep everything as I can't be faffed with returns/live in the middle of nowhere so returning to shops isn't possible/can no longer be objective once something crosses the threshold of my house) so I will persevere with what I have newly purchased in 32DD (a Lepel, Calvin Klein, a Janet Reger and something else I can't remember) and hopefully the armpit issue will improve with regular scooping and eventually, I will get to a Bravissimo or a shop where they sell Curvy Kate. I think I've had a skinful of bra shopping for the moment.
By the way, do you Bra Gurus go bra shopping with your friends who need help? If so, they are very lucky! Bra shopping has been a bit of a torture but I guess once you find the holy grail, it might be a pleasure. Thanks again

I go bra shopping with friends and family whether they want me to or not

So, I have been bra shopping today, armed with the advice that StatisticallyChallenged gave me yesterday - thank you.

I couldn't do up any of the ones with a 30 back, but of the ones I tried, the 32DD seemed the best fit so I bought two. I'm wearing one (still with the label on so I can take it back if necessary!). It's definitely loads better than what I was wearing before, but there are a couple of issues:-

The band feels tight, but I can definitely get more than two fingers behind it on the loosest setting. I really couldn't do the smaller ones up though, so I'm guessing that's ok.

Also the cups feel fine when I'm just standing straight, but at times the bra gapes a bit at the top - is this just style? It digs in a little under the arms (the base of the strap) but I think that may be just me as I have a short torso and narrow shoulders.

Any thoughts anyone? Does that sound like it fits ok? I don't trust myself to know as what I was wearing was so wrong before! (My measurements are 30/35 if that helps at all).

Curly, what bra did you buy - can you link?

Curlyfrizzball Which bras/styles did you try and which did you buy?

Measuring 30 you should be fine in a 30 band in most brands, the only exceptions I can think of being some M&S and some Debenhams bras which run small.

Some styles of bras, especially the moulded t-shirt type, tend to gape on a lot of people. Many bras will gape depending on posture and whether you need to re-scoop.

I can't find them on the website at the moment but they are T-shirt style ones from Debenhams, so that may explain the problem! Also, in the sale which may be why I can't find them online. I've only ever worn T-shirt style bras (and the odd strapless one) so just tried those in different sizes as that's what I know. I had DD with me so couldn't spend ages! Sounds like I may have shopped too hastily?

Sorry, I'm very clueless about bras - I spent quite a few years pre-children not wearing one at all, as my boobs were tiny and I found them uncomfortable!...

Maybe I need to order a variety online and send back what doesn't fit? Suggested websites? (not too expensive).

The sizes I tried were 30DD, 30E, 32D and 32DD.

T shirt style and gorgeous branded by any chance?

Yes!

I've just realised that now I've got used to it, I can move it up to the tightest setting, so I guess that means the back is too big? It feels tight now, but not uncomfortable.

Gorgeous branded bras run small in the back, as a rule. So I suspect that in most brands you will actually be a 30 back. T-shirt bras are generally trickier to get a good fit with as they can't adapt to your boob shape.

Have a good look at your boobs and try to work out where they are full. If they're quite empty at the top (common after babies!) then t-shirts are often a nightmare however it might be worth trying the curvy kate smoothie and the freya deco. The smoothie I would probably try a 30E, the deco maybe the 30DD and E, as it runs a bit big in the cups.

I would also try something balconette like a cleo juna. I think this runs fairly true to size, so maybe try a 30E. It's a good option for people who like t shirt bras but have less full boobs as it isn't as high at the top, so no gaping. These three will all have quite different shapes (each company has slightly different wires and some are wider/deeper than others) so hopefully one will fit or at least get you in the right direction

Fantastic - I'm off to order those now.

Thanks so much for your help - you're really good at this - you should set up business as a bra adviser!

Ps Yes, definitely less full at the top - ie fairly non-existent!

Ok, I've read a few of these threads, so I thought I'd give it a go.

Rib cage measurement was 42 (though I lots of back flab)

Round the boob measurement was 48...

Can you tell me what sizes to look for? (Eeek, it's definitely not going to be the size I'm wearing now, thats for sure!!)

tihs might sound silly but do you meausre around the fullest part with or without a bra on?im guessing without?

ah just saw on that blog!

leaning forward, no bra

mrsannekins, start with a 42E. What are you wearing just now? You may well need a smaller back and therefore bigger cup than you measure eg 40F/FF

statistically, you'll laugh but I'm in a 38C at the mo, and was wondering why I'm constantly tugging at my bras, or having to readjust my boobs as they are escaping out of the top!!

Can't wait for payday, I might take myself up to Bravissimo as well!

Can you test the back on the 38? Put it on back to front and see how it fits. It could be that you need a 38 (it's really common for slightly larger ladies to need a smaller back than they measure to get adequate support - no offence meant!) so if you need a 38 you may need to try even bigger cups in the FF-GG range