Bra fitting at Bravissimo - what to expect/aim for?

[LadyVetinari]

I really need a couple of new, well-fitting bras but I have no idea what size I am or how to tell if something fits properly.

Part of me thinks that I should be pretty easy to sort out - I don't have very much padding over my ribcage or under my arms that might make it difficult to judge whether the fit is right, and I'm definitely not an unusual shape. However, I've never had a bra that feels both supportive and non-ouchy, and have been told I'm everything from a 36B (in an independent bra shop) to a 28HH (bra intervention thread).

I know for a fact that I'm looking for: moulded/lightly padded cups; absolutely no horizontal seams or full-cup styles; nothing (e.g. obvious seams, ribbons, patterns) that will show through clothing; fabric that washes well; nothing dowdy. I also know that whatever I buy has to be quite supportive, as I tend to get pains in my upper back that change intensity and position depending on which bra I happen to be wearing. I know the bands aren't too tight (and are possibly too loose), so it has to be due to the distribution of weight.

With all of that in mind, should I know what styles I'm actually looking for, or can I just give that list to one of their staff and trust them to choose something appropriate?

Also: I currently have a collection of 32 FFs and 30Gs which seem right when I put them on but then give a quadroboob effect through my clothes or allow me to fall out of them completely. The bra intervention threads have me at a 30H or a 28HH which I suppose is plausible, but I have no idea how uncomfortable a bra should be initially or how long the discomfort is supposed to last.

Can you tell when something is a good fit, or do you have to rely on the fitter's judgment?

Finally - I know they say you can show up without an appointment, but am I likely to find what I need on the weekend without one?

Thanks in advance for the advice! I'd also be grateful if somebody could please tell me what the fitting experience is likely to be like. I've heard good things about Bravissimo, but I've always been quite uncomfortable with going to get fitted for clothing!

i also want LIGHT padding - I dont want to look any bigger!

DrNick Some nice plain bras with light padding:

Cleo Juna. You can sometimes pick this up cheaper on eBay. Fairly wide wires and shallower cups than other balconettes in the Cleo range (e.g. Marcie).

Curvy Kate Daily Boost. CK bras usually come up big in the band and small in the cup.

Bravissimo Satine. Lovely plunge bra, lots of colours.

Many Ewa Michalak bras have light padding e.g. www.ewa-michalak.pl/product-eng-356-CHP-Ciasteczko.html

Oh, just remembered, the Panache Idina Balconette isn't padded and is made of a light lace material (more of an net really) but IME doesn't show through anything.

DrNick - mine is the Bravissimo Satine that SorrelForbes linked to in the post below yours . The padding is very thin and doesn't make me look any bigger, and (after close inspection) I'm certain the seams aren't showing through my thin, stretchy, quite tight vest tops .

oh THANKS sorrenza

the satine doesnt show through? hmm - thank both

Welcome! I've worn Satines with three different tops now and none of the seams have shown through, so hopefully you'll have the same experience! It's probably worth wearing a thin/clingy t-shirt when you go to get fitted, so you can check for ridges before buying.