My newest bra is 11 years old

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I should be ashamed of myself. I've been ignoring the bra revolution threads because I get lost with the 'science bit'. Would somebody kindly explain in lay terms how I need to measure myself and then what to do with the figures? Thanks

QuinnFabray, it depends a bit on your breast shape as to which bras suit you best. The big brands for 30GG would be Panache, Cleo by Panache, Curvy Kate, Freya, Fantasie, Bravissimo (they sell all of the above but also have their own branded bras which are excellent)

There is also Debenhams Gorgeous range but beware, they run small in the back so don't try one of their 30s and assume we are all bonkers. Steer clear of M&S - their fitting service is terrible and quality not much better and recent reports suggest their sizing is also shot to shit :)

Thank you. My boob shape is "two tennis balls in socks". Currently mainly wearing Panache, so will probably stick with what I know, just in a drastically different size!

Quinn -well done on the weight loss!

And don't worry about the shape of your boobs, lots of us lose some fullness on top with age or pregnancy, it's very common. With the right bra you will regain your shape :-)

I think that you should go to professional bra-fitters in professional shop and buy one new model and use it couple weeks to make sure that is good for you and make you feel comfortable.

I'm not doing very well here. I have tried 30 and 32 in cups E, F and FF, all were tight around my back and I didn't fill the cup AT ALL. These were all Fantasie.

I have just tried a Thiumph Doreen in size 36B, it is too big around my back, fair enough, but I am shocked that I don't fill the cup either. I like the Triumph Doreen because it looks like an armour . Maybe it runs a bit big I don't know.

What style of bra were they ?

Full cup bras from fantasie always look half empty on me, especially at the top of the cup. I suit balconette styles more. You need to try a lot of styles.

They will feel tighter round the back if you have been wearing the wrong size. As long as you can stretch them (when on the loosest hook) to fit two fingers underneath they are quite probably the right size.

If I am right a 36B has the same cup size as a 30E.

What sort of shape are your boobs, are they quite bottom heavy?

Hi thank you. I have been trying full cup styles because that's what I like. I am after something sensible, smooth, no nonsense with fantastic hold and that looks good under clothes without bumps or lacey bits showing through. I always find that balconette bras leave half the boob outside.

I have small boobs and they are in pretty good shape, not saggy or anything, there's not enough to be bottom heavy

Balconette styles only leave a lot of boob out if they are very low cut (half cup) or they're too small!

The Cleo Juna and Panache Idina balconette are both excellent balconette styles which are plain enough to wear under t-shirts etc.

I can only think of one person I know who wears full cups. I don't get on with Fantasie at all myself as I find them quite matronly in style and they seem to give my boobs an 'east/west' appearance!

When you put the bra on, you need to scoop breat tissue forwards into the bra, it seems to migrate into armpits otherwise which means the band feels tight and the cups seem empty.

Bend forward reach into the cup and scoop.

If you are size 8 there is no way you are a 36 anything. I'm a size 22 and wear a 40 band.

The band will feel a bit tight especially if you've been wearing a saggy 11 year old bra as it is the bit that is supporting the weight of your boobs. All the straps do is stop the fabric in the cups flopping down, you aren't trying to suspend the weight of your boobs from your shoulders.

Just try some balconette ones in a 30F cup.

Not everyone suits a full cup bra. It does depend on the shape of your breasts. Full cups are always half empty on me in my correct size (30gg) whereas a balconette always fits fine. Balconette bras can be supportive and sensible in the right size! Your boobs should never be hanging out of them- if they were you'd need a larger cup size.

My personal favourite bras are alana bras from bravissimo and cleo juna. People seem to hate alana bra on here but they are the only ones that fit me properly. I have one in every colour!

I like alana, fab uplift! I like the cleo unpadded like the maddie too.

okay, I'll follow your advice, all of you, next virtual stop, bravissimo.