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!

[NappyHappy]

My back size is 38" and the 90deg size is 51" so that would make me a 36H? I've been wearing 36e bras for ages and they are just not right at all

[StatisticallyChallenged]

The majority of UK brands go ABCD,DD,E,F,FF,G,GG,H,HH,J,JJ,K,KK,L but it does depend. M&S for example miss out FF as do a few others.

NappyHappy start at a 38J but also consider trying a 36JJ and sizes around there as it is quite common for those of us who are a bit more "padded" to need to go down a back size from measurement to get adequate support - especially when paired with big norks!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

and try scooping in your existing bra - I suspect a past description of "it looks like my breasts are wearing ear muffs" will apply

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)

[NappyHappy]

I think I've just fainted. I'm only really padded round the belly area ! Good excuse to buy new bras! Thanks! No wonder I've been suffering with a bad back all these years.

[llamallama]

I'm 33 and 41

And breastfeeding...where is best for nursing bras??

Mothercare say I'm 38c !

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Mothercare are mad...try a 32G, 32FF, 34FF, 34F

[TheCountessOlenska]

Gah! Measured myself 31 and 40 this morning and Celtic kindly recommended 30G, 30GG, 34F. Just back from M&S and they didn't have a 30GG but tried a 30G and a 32GG but both too tight around the back, could barely do them up Disappointed!

I'm pretty sure I got the 31 measurement right but the "hanging down" one could have been bigger than 40 (my novelty tape measure only went up to 40 ) Maybe 41 or 42.

Does that sound like 30 would be right for my back but I need a bigger cup size?

I really need to go to Bravissimo for a fitting don't I?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Did you try doing them up at the front then moving it the right way round?

Mine was too tight but it's slackened off in only two months.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

lots of reports of marks bras running small this season so try elsewhere

[TheCountessOlenska]

Ok, thanks Statistically - to be fair it was a 30GG I was looking for and they didn't have it. Will try Debenhams next time! (Have to shop in 20minute intervals due to small children!)

[SorrelForbes]

Yep is try a 30GG/H/HH at least

[llamallama]

Right I'm off to M&S... They do nursing bras right?

[SorrelForbes]

They do but I'm not whether the do your size as their range can be very limited (and doesn't fit anyone!)

[llamallama]

Right M&S had nothing...now in Mothercare (sat feeding baby)

I was wearing 38c but (though I still don't believe it) the recommended 32G fits! All boobs scoped in! However the central bit doesn't lie flat....any advice?

I'm wondering if its because its a nursing bra this no underwires?

[Fluffycloudland77]

From what I've read if the central bit isn't flat on your chest it's too big.

[llamallama]

So what would be the better size to try?

[HazleNutt]

if the central bit is not flat then you need a bigger cup size.

[sparkle12mar08]

Other way actually, if the gore isn't flat it's too small. However if it's a soft cup bra they never lie entirely flat anyway, they just don't have the structure to be able to do so. But you might like to try a 32GG and possibly an H as well, just to check it's genuinely not too small - it's easier to spot a too big cup than a too small one, and if the GG fits better then you'd know.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Hang on - nursing (non wired) pretty much never lie flat in the middle

[sparkle12mar08]

x-posts again!

[HazleNutt]

ah true, soft cup bras will never fit the same. There are some underwired nursing bras out there as well, like Anita.

[LisaMWill]

Ok, I've been lurking this thread and have been so intrigued by it I've gone and measured myself, I'm a 31 under bust and 38 around the fullest part. Surely I can't be a 32ff?! My boobs r empty little sacks after bf 2 dd!

[SorrelForbes]

Not only that, you should also try a 30FF/F!

[LisaMWill]

Wow! Have to find somewhere that stocks f cup bras blew!

[LisaMWill]

Oops now not blew