While I'm all for a bra that fits..

[LadyMilfordHaven]

I'm not convinced that everyone is a 32 inch back. I'm worried there are back hamsters.

I know as a 32 back that the minute I head more to 15 than 12 my bra is too tight.

So ladies. Do check your rear view

[SorrelForbes]

I'm a size 10/12 and definitely not fat! I get back fat in a 34DD and none at all in a 30GG.

[lljkk]

I shall hide these threads forever hence.

[sparkle12mar08]

You keep going on about this lljkk, and you're simply not listening to the replies you get. So why not just stop asking, you're obviously not going to be convinced.

[lljkk]

I can't help but think that people with back fat are merely fat. Like 60% of the population.

[LizzyDay]

Mercury - I know, it is a pain. If only someone would invent something comfy (hook-free, underwire-free, scratch-free) with a bit of uplift it would be great. I only have to look at photos of underwired bras to feel itchy! I also hate it when you lean back against a chair and can feel the hooks digging into your back.

[FoxMulder]

That thing about adding 4" never did ring true to me. I mean, say your boobs are 4" bigger than you chest. Then what?

I should get back on with this bra thing one day, I never did find a good un despite the wonderful help of the bra gurus.

[mercury7]

Lizzie, I can relate to what you say about bra's, I seem to be hypersensitive to any clothing touching my skin, and tight clothing anywhere makes me feel anxious, I find waistbands very difficult, as well as bra's.
It really is a pain!

[LizzyDay]

Thank you for the suggestions CelticPromise and StatisticallyChallenged Sorry I missed your replies before.

No I haven't tried Curvy Kate, though they do look a bit too much like a 'standard' bra for me if that makes sense, with lacy bits and underwiring etc. I'll have a look at the nursing bras - I did have a few when I was BFing and they were ok, but not really much more supportive than the crop tops I'm wearing now, with added clasps, hooks etc. I think I'm a bit of a lost cause tbh, it's not about the fit, it's about the general scratchiness and constrictiveness. I'm just weird...

[SorrelForbes]

That confirms for me that my boobs are (as described by married), deep and narrow set. The Jasmine and the Bravissimo half cups (eg Rococco Charm) just don't work for me at all. The gore won't lie flat no matter what size I try. They really flatten my boobs too.

[goodasitgets]

Psst I'm under a NC (because I keep forgetting to change back)
EMUZ

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Interesting goodasitgets - I would say I have quite wide boobs (but close set, just to be annoying)

I don't have those yet but have Betsy Bow, which I think is the same as cherry fling and darling heart. I love it.

[goodasitgets]

I have wide boobs (don't seem to project but are wide across)
Bras that work
Bravissimo - darling heart, cherry fling, laurel
Panache - elsa and jasmine

[IWipeArses]

Thank you. I think I'll plan a trip out to the nearest Bravissimo store actually, not sure I can bear ordering loads and sending them back etc.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Ok. As a rule, Freya are a bit of a disaster for very big/heavy boobs. The wires just aren't up to it. Fantasie is kind of similar. Panache and Bravissimo are both much better, and I believe Elomi are also great for the squishier amongst us.

I was wearing this bra yesterday and found it very generous/wide at the side and back (I have it in a 32HH so same cup construction). It's sold out in your sizes but quite a few of the new styles are basically the same bra - I think Cherry Fling and Candy Bliss are to name but a few. I generally think the Bravissimo own brand bras are good

[IWipeArses]

I'm probably a 40 band, last one I bought that feels nearly right is a 40H and def need bigger cup. Wouldn't need to lose much to be in a 38 band though. I'm very squishy.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Is that the size you are wearing just now - reason I ask is that most brands change their bra construction considerably above a GG so if you are wearing a smaller cup that would affect things

[IWipeArses]

That's ok, don't think I've said! 40(ish)H+ possibly as high as J

[StatisticallyChallenged]

What size are you after again? (memory not that good!)

[IWipeArses]

Which bras have wide sides? The ones I'm using really dig in.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Yes, some of it will be actual fat - I think you would be aiming to scoop the bulges if that makes sense. So around the armpits and the sort of section at the back between the edge of the strap, the band and the outside of your back. But basically I would scoop what you can, you will quickly get a feel for what goes and what doesn't! It'll still look a darn site better in a good bra post scoopage.

My back looks loads worse in a bra that is too big at the back.

[IWipeArses]

How do you tell how much of the back fat is from needing to scoop and how much is actual fat? Because if you're fat, lots of it will be actual fat won't it.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

LizzyDay, have you tried anything from Curvy Kate at all? Their showgirl range (tease me, entice, fleurty etc) has very very soft bands and they are quite wide cups too so they might be worth a try. They run both big in the band and small in the cup, so I would suggest you try a 32F and 32FF to start with. I haven't tried it personally but I believe the Curvy Kate Smoothie is also very soft.

[CelticPromise]

Lizzy sizewise I'd start with a 32F. I don't know loads about styles but if your boobs are wide set balconettes are a good place to start. I wonder if a seamless bra would work? There are probably styles that others can recommend but I know that Anita make underwired nursing bras without seams, worth a look? I'd say at an E/F you probably need wires, but you have to be comfy of course.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

That's bollocks LadyMilfordHaven. Scooping is part of putting your bra in properly

[SorrelForbes]

Not at all. Everyone needs to scoop every time they put their bra on to ensure that everything is in the right place.