Just worked out my bra size - can this be right?! Don't think I'll find one in this size.

[NuzzleandScratch]

So I've read the new way of working out your size, and I measure 26 under bust, and 32 around forward-dangled boobs. Am currently breast feeding, but prob planning to stop soon. Am I correct this makes me a 26E?! Surely bras don't even come in a 26! I used to wear a 32C, but latterly a 32D while pregnant/breast feeding. Please advise me Mumsnet!

Sadly, nobody actually makes 26s. It's absolutely ridiculous as so many women need them.

Your best bet is probably to try a 28D and DD, and take the back in. There is also a gizmo available on Ebay called a Rixie Clip which does this. You might also want to try (shock horroe) an M&S 28DD or E if you can find one as they seem to be running a bit small in the back at the moment. The final option is Ewa Michalak who used to custom make 26s although I have heard they may be stopping.

Thanks for the reply Statistically. I had a feeling I'd never seen a 26. I am smaller than average in the frame, but by no means some sort of pixie! There must be plenty of other women my size. I'll look into your suggestions anyway. I work near a large M&S, so will prob give that a go first.

Just don't let them try to fit you!

Thanks, I won't!

I was a 26 pre child and I used to go to Rigby and Peller, they would fit me with a bra by pining the back smaller to size. They then altered it and posted it to me. It's an expensive purchase, and really only possible if you Live near a store. It was one bra at a time for me, washing it every night and drying it over a bucket.

I

Personally I wouldn't buy M&S. bras with your figure. Their material isn't really strong enough for small backs and larger busts. They aren't constructed very well either.

Are you anywhere near an independent shop? I only really rate Rigby and peller but in desperation would go to a Selfridges over a John Lewis.

Thanks Greeneggs, I was actually thinking of going there and treating myself once I stop breast feeding and my size settles down, so that's good to know. I'm not too far from their Guildford branch, but am often in London too. What sort of price are we talking, out of interest?

I normally would not recommend M&S either - it's purely because their bands seem to be running small just now. Bravissimo if you have one will have a great range of 28s and are fab at fitting

at me having a 'larger bust'! I was working out my size using the method described on here, hence the E cup, but they really don't look very big! They sort of have a large circumference, but don't stick out much. I agree M&S not usually good quality, but not sure I can afford the posher shops at the moment. I work near Selfridges, so could give that a go. Any particular brands you'd recommend? We've just moved house, so I'm not sure what we have locally, but our nearest big town is Chichester, which I'm sure must have some good bra outlets.

Thanks, is Bravissimo a shop, or just a brand?

Bravissimo is a shop which specialises in D+ bras, starting at a 28 back. Good range, great fitting, lots of brands.

I'd say based on back size alone you are likely to have more like with Bravissimo (they make some own brand bras too), cleo or panache which tend to the snugger end of the spectrum. Curvy Kate and Freya both run looser. You might also want to try the Debenhams Gorgeous range which is notorious for being tight in the band

Bravissimo flagship store is just by Oxford Circus - I'd pop along for a fitting if you're near Selfridges.

Thanks so much Statistically, really helpful, sounds like the place I need to go! Shoewhore, I didn't know that, I'll have to pop in!

Is bravissimo on Margaret street, just round the corner from topshop?

I am afraid you are looking at around £80 for a bra from Rigby and Peller, once it's been adjusted. They do sell cheaper ones too; I've seen Freya and fantasie there in the past. Maybe you should go in with a budget and tell the fitter, I wish I had done this!

I seem to remember Anita and Prima Donna being comfortable makes. I remember they always fit you in a plain colour bra, a nude, rather than a black. I think they said black bras come up smaller; maybe that would be a good thing for you. Sorry, my knowledge is a bit out of date for various reasons.

I don't think a 26 E breast would look very big, similar to a 34 B? Going on the assumption that it's the same cup size as a 28 DD, 30 D, 32C, 34 B.

Happy shopping!

Thank you, that's good to have some brands to look out for. I had a quick look in M&S just now, just to see what something close to my size might look like, since I've been buying the wrong size for so long. Well, the selection of smaller back sizes was almost non existent. I found a couple of their 'teen' bras in a 30D, and nothing that even came in a 28. What I can't understand is their 'big busted' ranges all start at larger back sizes, which just doesn't make sense! Anyway, I wasn't intending to buy there, and now I know I can't!

Hiya I currently wear 36C which is a little bit tight at the moment as have put on some weight but generally looks and feels okay. However I just buy the same bra over and over (for 15 years!) as find other ones very hard to fit me.

Measured myself the "new" way and got 31 and 41/42. which would make me a 30H?? I didn't even know that was a size! My boobs are very saggy and 'long' so when I bend over they hang right down, they only measure 36/37 when standing up straight.

What do you think bra experts??

Nuzzle hope you don't mind me hopping on your thread!

terrible sentence there, I meant 'find it very hard to find other bras that fit'.

I'm not surprised you''ve been finding it hard to find bras that fit :)

Based on your measurements I would suggest trying 30GG/H and 32GG/G. They do exist I promise -take a look at bravissimo or brastop. It's quite normal to have a big discrepancy between upright and bending measure, it often means you need quite a deep cup so something like a cleo bra, bravissimo aleya, bravissimo boudoir beau are often good options.

Thanks Statistically! I always thought it was just the saggy long boobs causing problems

Do they have those sizes in normal shops where I can try on or do I have to get them online? Will I have to start buying expensive bras now, I've always gone for Marks and Dunnes (Cheap irish shop) before!!

They sell them in some uk shops - Bravissimo is the best, Debenhams, John Lewis sell some too. Not a hope in anywhere cheap and cheerful though and M&S won't do that size. Are you in RoI? If so you might find you need to order online as a lot of ladies have had issues finding bigger sizes there

I am in ROI so no Bravissimo or John Lewis, we do have Debenhams though. I don't mind ordering online once I know the size but would like to go and try on a few first to check out the right sizes.

I wonder is there a Bravissimo in Belfast I'm up there reasonably often.

Hopefully the new size guide revolution will kick off soon and all the shops will sell them

No Bravissimo in Belfast - I suppose I'll just have to go on a shopping trip to London...poor me

Might be worth trying debenhams - I dont know what their bra rage is like over there. maybe check the website

Debenhams seem to have a few in that size. Much more expensive than I'm used to spending though but I suppose it'll be worth it... thanks for your help.