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Original poster

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

775 replies

SchrodingersFanny · 18/07/2013 22:55

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!

OP posts:
SorrelForbes · 17/08/2013 19:13

Passthecake30 Hi, if teh 30 band on your CK bra feels OK, I'd try a 30FF and a 30G.

I measure 29.5/41 and wear a 30GG. Be warned, the lace at the top of the Juna doesn't lie flat (I don't think it's supposed to) so tuck it into the cup when trying on the bra so you can gauge the fit properly with the lace being in the way!

needasilverlining · 18/08/2013 10:09

I have just measured - 29 (28.7) and 35, assuming is OK to squash nips down slightly.

Am currently wearing 34c, how wrong am I?

mootime · 18/08/2013 10:10

Anyone know of any underwired nursing bras, I have Anita but the biggest they do is a G (although labelled an I).
Thanks in advance!

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/08/2013 10:22

mootime Ewa Michalak does them.

needasilver - I would start by trying a 28E, 28F, 303 and 30DD

needasilverlining · 18/08/2013 10:34

Thanks, Stat - I'd worked it out as 30dd but couldn't believe it! Will try out and report back.

FannyFifer · 18/08/2013 10:34

So I'm a 38 under & 51 when I measure around and let the girls hang free, dear god, that's massive right?
Currently wear a 36gg so what size would that make me?
There is no fullness at top of breasts though, I totally blame breastfeeding.

SorrelForbes · 18/08/2013 10:46

FannyFifer How do the bands of your 36GG 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?

If the 36 seems OK, then I'd try 36K and sizes around that (36J/JJ/KK)

Passthecake30 · 18/08/2013 10:48

Thanks Sorrel....think I'll be trying all the bras listed as your favourites up thread as we are similar-ish!

FannyFifer · 18/08/2013 11:08

The bands are ok I think Sorrell, they do ride up a bit at the back if I am working, but do a lot of bending etc.

I always scoop into position, can't do anything else with saggy boobs, lol

No four boob situation but def armpit overspill.

Any recommendations for non granny large bras, I usually wear Freya.

FannyFifer · 18/08/2013 11:09

Holy crap though a K. Hmm

SorrelForbes · 18/08/2013 11:55

If the bands are riding up then they are probably a little too big (unless the bras are very old and have just stretched over time). You sound like someone who needs a much smaller band than they measure to get the firmness you need. Armpit overspill indicates that you do need a bigger cup but again, you may not need as quite as big as your measurements suggest.

I'd try some 34s in that cup range (and maybe bigger) too if I were you. Freya and Fantasie aren't really going to cut it for you at that cup size, the wires just aren't strong enough. Ewa Michalak, Panache and Bravissimo own brand are probably going to be the best bet. The Panache Cleo range also goes up to a J cup. You probably need to look at balconette shapes.

The Panache Melody (discontinued but still available on-line if you hunt) is a nice unpadded bra. I have a 21 yr old friend who's a 32JJ and she wears this bra.

The Bravissimo Alana is also very popular.

Have a look on the Bravissimo website, post here with the bras you like and I'm sure someone will be able to advise on shape/size etc. or recommend similar bras.

FannyFifer · 18/08/2013 12:40

Thanks so much Sorrell, really need to go & do some bra shopping.

Will check out a few of your recommendations.

I def find balconette style best.

needasilverlining · 18/08/2013 16:52

Hmm, that was weird.

I hadn't realised that your first challenge might be FINDING a bra in 30dd! Finally tracked one down in Debenhams and found it felt really tight on the band, and had serious quadboob.

Didn't have time to try any others, will have another go tomorrow. But does the tightness mean I should try maybe a 32? I've just remeasured and got 29 and 34 BTW.

StatisticallyChallenged · 18/08/2013 17:16

What brand was the bra you tried

RubberBullets · 18/08/2013 19:18

Debenhams Gorgeous range are small in the band so you may well need the 32 in this but 30 normally.

needasilverlining · 19/08/2013 09:58

You ladies are spooky - it was the Gorgeous range!

Will try again. I don't WANT to be 30DD, hardly anywhere sells that size! Maybe they will start to if the new measuring system catches on?

RubberBullets · 19/08/2013 10:08

:)

You would have much more luck finding that size online but would probably need to order a few different ones and send back what doesn't fit. A bit of a pain but if you choose somewhere with free returns it isn't too bad on the wallet as you can get some good bargains online.

needasilverlining · 19/08/2013 11:26

I buy practically everything online so no bother there. Must admit that bra-wise, I've been almost exclusively Primarni for years as a 34c, so not really up on undie retailers - any tips beyond the obvious (M&S, Debenhams etc)?

SorrelForbes · 19/08/2013 11:28

Good on-line stores:

Bravissimo
Figleaves
Me & My Curves
Leia Outlet
Brastop

needasilverlining · 19/08/2013 14:29

OK, I don't want to be the lonely failure of the MN Better Bra campaign but I'm mystified!

Lunchtime trip to M&S, tried on 30D, 30DD, 32D, 32DD.

The 30s were impossibly tight - red scuff marks all over my torso just trying to turn it round, even on the loosest fastening.

The 32s were better, although still tight (I realise it will feel weird because I've been wearing something too loose for years, though). However, the cups were not full, even after scooping like crazy. All the bras I tried - and TBH I didn't like any of them, I don't rate M&S for undies at all - smooshed me flat, created the quad look (even though cups empty) and were very unflattering.

What am I doing wrong? I am size 10 in tops so don't see how the measurement can be that far out.

hellymelly · 19/08/2013 14:39

If I'm a 26.5 inch rib, and find 28s uncomfortably tight, so wear 30s, then how can someone with a 30 rib wear a 30 bra and be comfortable? That's the bit I still don't get. I don't think a bra is meant to be worn at full stretch, it would knacker the bra more quickly for a start. I find wearing them when the band is hardly stretched is most comfortable. Maybe if someone is a bit more padded than me then a firmer band is more supportive? Is that why?

SorrelForbes · 19/08/2013 14:44

Yes Helly, often very slim people need a bigger band as they have less 'squish' and padding!

I measure 29.5" and all my 30s are very comfy indeed.

SorrelForbes · 19/08/2013 14:46

needs tbh M&S are a bit rubbish and it sounds like their very limited styles are just not right for you. In addition, their sizing is all to pot!

I would be very surprised if you're bigger than a 30 in a decent brand. Is there anywhere else you can go locally like Debenhams? Did you try the bras on back to front?

SorrelForbes · 19/08/2013 14:49

Helly, I know someone (I may have already said this to you) that measures 25.5". She says a 28 hurts so wears a 30. IMHO she needs to go up a cup or two which would help with the tightness but she is very slim and has absolutely no padding on her ribcage.

Bras are meant to be worn at their stretched length.

hellymelly · 19/08/2013 15:01

Oh, thanks sorrel. I was 25 inch- ish ribs 8 years ago pre children, and wore a 30 then but there weren't any 28s about anyway. Also I think maybe a 30 then was smaller than now, as my old bras look tiny. As a teenager I was not more than 24 ribs, and I was in 32s or 34s with huge chunks hacked out of the backs (or knots tied!) Or any of my Mum's old 50s bras which fitted. I have more padding overall on me now than I used to but my ribcage isn't very padded really.