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 have major breast migration! I've always had small boobs (didn't bother with a bra most of the time) but now I'm BFing my 4th baby, they've become humongous!

I've been wearing a 34 D but most of what I thought was just fat and now realise is actually boob is stuffed under my armpits. I think it might be whats causing my painful letdown and blocked ducts!

If I measure the new way, I'm 30 under and 39(!) round my boobs when bent forward.

Please, What size should I be wearing??

Sitting here in my 32f and it fits!
I m so pleased with my new perky boobs.
I reckon the balcony style will suit me better but loving the new me
Thanks guys!

30g uri. The bad bra could well be contributing

This thread has been a revelation - thanks to all the bra gurus out there - especially the Butterfly collection blog link - what a great breast crusader that woman is!

I've measured myself at 32/41 so probably close to a 32G (the two year old 34Es I wear probably aren't cutting the mustard, supportwise).

If any experts are still out there, I'd love some tips for brands/styles for my fairly low slung, wide spaced, pointing out to the sides dugs please!!

The general method is fine, yes. Your measurements suggest 34GG, 34G, 36G or 36FF. Now most people get on better with rounding down but with 10 weeks to go your ribs may well expand a bit in the next few weeks. How is the band on your current 34 (try it back to front)

Thanks SC bra shopping this weekend!

Just done my measurements and measured 42 under bust and 48 bending forward!!! Currently wearing 38C and the cups are too big at that but the band around rib age is fine! Any ideas /advice please?

It's not unusual to need a smaller/bigger band than your measurements suggest especially for the squisihier and bonier among us.

How does the band in your current 38s feel if you put it on back to front? How far can you pull it away from your body?

If you scoop, do you get overspill/bulge in the cups?

Your measurements suggest a 42E which is a bigger cup than your current 38Cs. What type of bras are you wearing?

My turn - I've read the links and the other posters but I'm still not sure.....
I'm measuring 31 under bust and 37 while bending over. I also measured the distance between nipples (7 ins) as I thought I saw that instruction on here somewhere but can't find it now or was having a moment
I've got some pre preg 30 band bras which are v uncomfortably tight so I am assuming that 32 will be better. Do I then lose a letter off the cup size though since I am a 31 and not a 32? I'm sure I've got an underwired 30G nursing bra (optimistic fitter) which is ginormous in the cup and and too tight on the ribs somewhere.
32E or 32DD would that be right ?

As you're between sizes I'd suggest trying a 30F/E and a 32E/DD. Make sure that you try on all new bras like this as it helps you establish whether the band fits properly before confusing the issue with the cups!

Your pre preg 30 bands were probably too small in the cup or possibly were a make that runs small.

Cheers Sorrel. Am I missing some advice about style of bra being important too ? I consider myself completely flat chested so the DD thing is totally throwing me !

This is an amazing thread! I have just gone from a 34D to 32F and seem to have gained a waist and a flatter tummy in the process!
Thank you for all the information.

A DD on a 32 band is still relatively small (as is an E on a 30) so don't panic!

Style is going to very much depend on your shape. Are your boobs wide set? Start high on your chest or lower down? Fuller on the bottom or the top?

Many smaller breasted women also have shallow boobs which brings its own fitting problems.

I have a friend in a similar size to you and she seems to be able to wear plunges and balconettes quite happily.

Oh dear. Other than always wishing they were bigger I haven't the faintest idea whether they would be considered high or low set. What do you mean by shallow boobs?
They are fuller on the bottom - the top is mostly chest iykwim. Think Keira Knightley in a bikini except considerably chunkier since kids.

Have a look here for some info on shallow boobs.

Re. the high or low thing. Do your boobs start form quite high up, close to your collar bone or do you have quite a gap before the breast tissue starts.

Do your boobs seem to start under your arms/out towards your sides?

Sorrell my current 38C fits fine around the rib cage but the cups seem a little big?! They're just the t shirt plain bras with ever so slight padding. I tried going down a cup size but then the band was far too tight and I had overspill. Went to the dreaded M&S but as you know they measure with a bra on and were hopeless! Can't seem to find any decent fitting place nearby (tried a few and bands were excruciatingly tight, they suggested a 36!) I just can't seem to get it right.
I've gained lots of weight hence the larger rib cage size and would love a good bra that fits well.

Hmm - definitely shallow. Like shape 3 from left in the diagram.
High up and from my sides I guess.

janji OK, is it a moulded type t-shirt bra? If so, are the cups gaping at the top? This is very typical of that type of bra as they don't mould to your own shape. You are probably fitting the bottom of the cup?

Perhaps look at something softer. The Cleo Juna is an un-moulded t-shirt style bra and the Panache Idina Balconette is another favourite of mine. Other popular t-shirt styles are the Curvy Kate Daily Boost and the Panache Porcelain.

Can you do your measurements again and this time include a lying down across bust one?

To an extent I think we should ignore your current M&S bra sizing as their sizing is all over the place at the moment!

oscarwilde Did you see the list of recommended bras? The Cleos are all very nice.

Emailing links to my personal account for some browsing later. Internet police at work are none too keen on lingerie shopping

Thanks for all your help.

Sorrel I still measure 48 across bust whilst lying down (dh raised eyebrows several times at my shenanigans lately)!

Yes you're spot on about the moulded t shirt bra thing and it does gape only at top!

You are a bra wizard!!

Do have quite a bit of squishy back fat if that makes any difference?!?

A lot of that squishy flesh is migrated breast tissue which needs to be helped back to its correct place inside your cups.

Did you re-measure your underbust?

Your measurements do indicate a 42E. Let's stick with a 38 back though as that seems to be working for you. I'd try some different styles in sizes from 38C - FF! I suspect that the right style will probably it in around a 38E. Are you fuller on the top or the bottom? Do your boobs start at the side of your body or are they more narrow set?