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Original poster

How tight should the bra band be on a new bra?

52 replies

shopalot · 26/07/2013 18:26

I have been converted by mumsnet bra intervention....!!! Have got some bras in 30 e which is what I measured. But they are tight around the band as in firmly holding me at all times when fastened on the loosest hooks. Is that right? It is bearable but a little tight but then i have been wearing a 34 which moves up and down when I move!!!!!

The bras I have are cotton t-shirt bras from M&S and I tried a 32 dd but the fit wasn't good. The only size I haven't tried is 32e as there were none in the shop. But I am worried the bra is going to stretch so should maybe stick with the 30e..........

TIA

OP posts:
FamiliesShareGerms · 27/07/2013 08:07

6"!!! Good grief!!

I must say that I've never had my bras expand and contract so much that I have had to adjust the hooks during the day. I just get them so they fit on the middle hook then I've still got scope to move in as it gets to the end of the bra's useable life and if I put weight on I've got scope to let it out a little. I see that Bravissimo recommend fitting on the outer hook, but some other fitters do recommend what I do. Otherwise - genuine question- what do you do if you need to let it out a little?

StatisticallyChallenged · 27/07/2013 08:14

I think the only time I've ever bought with it on a middle hook was when I was pregnant and expecting to expand :)

My boobs are quite big and stretch bras easily, so I generally just buy for the size I am just now and accept that I will need to buy new if I gain weight. It's a good incentive! I do own an extender though.

marriednotdead · 27/07/2013 08:32

Fabric softener should not be used on bras or indeed any garment that contains Lycra.
To soften, it breaks down the structure of the material, thus weakening it. You don't want a weak bra!

SorrelForbes · 27/07/2013 08:38

Bras should always be bought to fit on the loosest hooks. I have never met a fitter who says otherwise.

I second SC, elastic marks at usual. I got far worse in my old badly fitting bras.

HoneyDragon · 27/07/2013 08:54

shopalot do you mind my asking what dress size you as I have measured 30e too.

BreasticlesNTesticles · 27/07/2013 09:48

I am definitely a 36, but have a wonderful 34GG from Fantasie. It's just more stretchy, so you do need to experiment with brands and even fits in different models of the same brand.

I can't wear Freya for example, my boobs always look odd and they hurt.

I was wearing a 38D until I got fitted for my wedding dress about 6 years ago and my lovely seamstress was aghast!

SorrelForbes · 27/07/2013 09:51

Fantasie do tend to come up a bit big. I don't get on with Freya bras, they just don't give me the ridiculous Marie Antionette-esque lift I like.

lurkingaround · 27/07/2013 10:05

Apologies in advance for hijacking again.

So you correctly told me I was a 28, maybe G. I took myself off to Bravissimo, and they gave me a 28G, in a half cup or balconette (not sure) as I am quite shallow. So I bought 2 bras, but I sort of wondered if they were fine, the assisstant convinced me they were. I bought them cos it is very difficult for me to get to Bravissimo. Arrive home and yes, I have a good bit of 4-boobage going on. Really annoying.

So do I return and get a 28GG or what will I do?

SorrelForbes · 27/07/2013 10:15

If they fitted you with the bras then they will definitely refund/exchange them for you. It sounds like you need a 28GG or maybe even an H.

Which bras did you buy?

lurkingaround · 27/07/2013 10:28

Bravissimo Roccoco here. I really liked it, even the colour, and I'm usually a black-white-nude woman.
And Panache Cleo Maddie moulded here. Not keen on the colour but loved the shape it gave me.

I got the feeling the sales assistant had 'something else to do' and was in a rush. Not great given that I spent £98. I can't get back to them so I will have to return/exchange by post. I used to find Bravissimo to be excellent.

binger · 27/07/2013 10:29

Thanks so much ladies for all your bra thread help. I didn't actually post on any of them but followed your advice and have gone from a 34B to a 32 DD. my measurements were 31.5 / 35.5. Tried a few in Debenhams and actually band size 30 seemed to fit but I was struggling with cup size and I couldn't be bothered going in and out the changing rooms umpteen times with different bras. BHS had nothing below 34 and M&S started at 32.

I got a good sports bra and 3 normal bras but one of them is killing me at the front (wires digging in) so I'll try bending them a little. I still have fat sticking over under my arms though, any advice? I am scooping as much as I can and I doubt a bigger cup size would work as dd seems to be right.

Thanks

SorrelForbes · 27/07/2013 10:52

lurkingaround I think if you ring their customer services they will arrange a free return/exchange for you.

SorrelForbes · 27/07/2013 10:54

binger I really would consider trying a 30 back as the band needs to be tight enough and the cup big enough to contain all the under arm bulge etc.

Try a 30D/DD/E.

lurkingaround · 27/07/2013 11:07

Thanks Sorrel

Original poster
shopalot · 27/07/2013 11:37

Honey dragon....sorry for late reply I was engrossed in ordering bras last night!!!!! I am a size 10-12. Usually 12 on hips and 10/12 on top. So not big by any means......30E sounds enormous doesn't it!!!!!!!!

OP posts:
marriednotdead · 27/07/2013 11:40

Just to complicate things further- sorry! There can be times when the cup is big enough but the volume is in the wrong place- this will need a change of style.

Examples are that if you have wide shallow boobs, you will try the next cup up to eliminate overspill underarm, but it won't improve it and will gape at the top as well.

At the other end of that extreme, narrow set but projecting forward shaped boobs will have cups that appear to flap about at the top but still overflow when scooped/in a smaller cup whilst having empty sides.

MakeMineACafPow · 27/07/2013 12:04

This is my first post on one of these threads as I only look in on one at the beginning of the week. I must say I was very skeptical at first as when measured I worked myself out to be a 32f and surely that couldn't be right could it, I was wearing a 36b but I kept rolling it round in my mind decided to buy a cheep one on eBay to try for size still being totally convinced 32f would be outrageously huge I settled on trying a 34DD. Well its just been delivered and I have to say its not bad at all certainly not the monstrosity I was expecting. I have it on the tightest hook and it seems a fairly good fit, and it has given me the confidence to maybe try a 32E or F on the loose hook. Just wanted to say a big thank you to all who contribute to these threads its been a real eye opener! Thanks

binger · 27/07/2013 12:21

Thanks sorrelforbes, I'm going to Debenhams later so will arm myself with various 30 s.

Lucylloyd13 · 27/07/2013 13:40

It should be snug and firm but not tight.

goodasitgets · 27/07/2013 13:58

Mine always feel really firm at first, and I do get red marks. But I'm pale and mark easily, the marks don't hurt, but the weight of a JJ cup on the band is pretty considerable so I can see why I mark!

Bunbaker · 27/07/2013 14:14

I agree it is trial and error. According to the advice on here I should be a 30C, but I find a 30" band way too tight, but a 32B from M & S was absolutely perfect for me. After a couple of washes and the bra retaining its shape well I dashed out and bought two more exactly the same. They are the best fitting bras I have ever owned.

marriednotdead · 28/07/2013 09:18

Bunbaker M&S bras usually come up viciously tight so you probably are
a 30C in most brands.

RollerCola · 28/07/2013 09:44

Can anyone help with a new first bra for my daughter who is 11? She measures 28/31 which makes her a 28c but I unfortunately that happens to be that elusive size that you can't get anywhere!

I believe M&S do/did one but I can't find it online now & I'm fairly sure it was underwired which I don't really want her to wear yet.

We went to M&S yesterday and the closest I could find were some soft non-wired first bras in 30b so I figured that this should be the same cup size as a 28c. They seem ok & I just told her to fasten them up on the tightest hook instead of the loosest.

Has anyone found any 28cs in a soft first-bra style?

SorrelForbes · 28/07/2013 09:58

Underwired will be absolutely fine for her to wear even at 11 if you're concerned about the health aspect.

HoF often stock 28Cs as do the Little Bra Company.

Figleaves stock the Freya Deco soft cup but it's a moulded bra so probably a bit much for her!

RollerCola · 28/07/2013 10:53

Thanks, it's more that I just thought wires would be uncomfortable for her at first - she's only been used to a crop top until now. I'll have another look.