Bra intervention help!

[Vajazzler]

Ok so I measured myself. My stats are 46/56. My boobs are very saggy thanks to 5dcs and yoyoing weight. I'm also fat and boobs seem to merge into my armpits can you tell me what size to try and any styles that may suit?
Thanks x

Ok, your measurements suggest a 46GG as a starting point. However, it's not unusual for women in the 36+ bracket to need to size down in the band to get the support they need.

If you go down in the band, remember to go up in the cup. So, try a 46GG, 44H, 42HH, 40 J etc.

Try full cup and balconette styles with side support. Brands like Panache, Fantastie, Elomi, Prima Dona, Empriente and Goddess all cater for your size range. Bravissimo stock up to a 40J.

Thank you so much. I've never worn a bra that fits properly and having lurked on these threads i'm hoping to finally feel comfortable!

Right so I ordered a bra in a 46gg and the band was fine but the cups were massive. I went into town and fitted myself into a 46dd. In the shop it felt great but by the time I got home it was massively uncomfortable. Wires in armpits! Where do I go from here? Thanks x

Just double checked and it's a 46e not dd!

Just double checked and it's a 46e not dd!

Ok, if you put the bra on back to front, how far away from your body can you pull the band? If you scoop, is there any overspill?

Which bra is it?

With the wires in the armpits it sounds like the cup is too small, the wires need to fit further behind, so it's not sitting on the breast tissue otherwise it would be uncomfortable.

Why don't you go and get fitted? I work as a bra fitter in debenhams and the amount of people who here a bra way too big on the back and small on the cup is astonishing! In the branch I work we never use a tape measure as it's too inaccurate, we go off the bra you're wearing that day and the fit of a new one, because you'll never be the same size in every single bra.

When you do get the right fitting bra it's like getting a new pair of boobs

(Also if you've already been fitted and not been happy with it then just ignore me!)

Ditto to what Sammie101 says.

I'd take bets that you need a smaller back/bigger cup.

Sammie, I've had some really good fitting experiences in my local Debenhams, all from the younger fitters. The two maturer women, both add 4/5". One told me that her tape measure had the 4/5" already added so it didn't count . She tried to fit my size 6 niece into a 32 band. Do you get trained to add 4/5" or to fit completely by eye?

The smaller one is from yours clothing. The gg one I ordered is a goddess bra but because I needed a bra desperately I had to go and buy one before exchanging the goddess one via post. Im going into town after school run but we've only got an m&s and john Lewis to get fitted in.

Hmmm, I don't know anything about Yours I'm afraid.

I doubt if M&S will be any good TBH. Their bras in larger sizes really aren't great and they also miss out double letters so their sizing is a bit strange. JL may come up trumps and their fitting can be very good.

Did you try the bra on back to front?

Back to front?

Yep, just do up the bra with the hooks at the front (obviously you won't be able to put the shoulder straps up or wear the cups). You should do this when trying on bras as it allows you to test the band without the cups skewing the fit. Cups that are too small 'steal' material from the band and can make a band feel too tight.

@sorrelforbes

At first when the store opened one of the supervisors taught us to do it by tape and then the measurements converted to a specific size, however actually fitting people like that the bra that the tape said was always awful so we just do it purely by sight!

As a younger person I've noticed myself that older bra fitters aren't always as good, one of the women I work with always told me my bra was too tight, but it wasn't uncomfortable and it gave my (mahoosive) boobs support :)

Also I would avoid Marks and Spencer's for bra fits as I know they fit using a tape measure (not sure if that's just my local branch though)

Never been to John Lewis for a bra so if you go you'll have to report back to us

Ok. Try it back to front. Will do. for you thank you for helping me

Vajazzler If you can pull it more than a couple of centimetres away from your body when on back to front, then the band's too big.

Sammie101 You're right, almost without exception, M&S fitters use a tape measure, measure you very loosely under bust (I'm 29.5 and they measured me at 31) and then add 4/5". Bloody awful.

Well I'm back from the shops. I went into john Lewis but they had a very poor selection so had a look in m&s. The fitter was quite helpful and didn't get a tape measure out at all. She fitted me by sight and I have a couple of 44e bras. They fit comfortably so I'm happy. Thanks for your help everyone. I really wish there was a proper bra shop nearby!

Can I have an overdue intervention, please?
37" and 45"
I tried pulling the tape to 36", but it was a strain.

It's the last day of Figleaves 20% off, so it seems like a good time to do this!

... I'm wearing a 38DD, but my boobs (and fat ) are a bit loose in it. Never thought I'd be THIS confused!!!

you could try a 36FF or somewhere around that.

I know you said 36 was tight using a tape measure, so you might panic at the thought of a 36 bra, but don't forget that the bra will be stretchy in the band. If there are free returns I'd suggest some 36FFs and some 38Fs and you can try them all on and compare them.

Yep, I'd try a 36FF/G and a 38F/FF. I suspect a 36 will be a better fit in most brands.

Are you scooping in your 38DD?

Thanks, Sorrel and Treacle :) Yes, I'm scooping but I suppose it might be flopping out again if the band's a bit loose. Figleaves does returns, so I'll order some 36/38 F/FF/G.

20% discount code for full-price items, ends tonight: TWENTY (wouldn't have guessed, that, eh?!) About half the stock is already marked down by 20%.