Bra Gurus this way please!

[JimmyCorkhill]

I posted quite recently for bra advice and got some lovely replies but I still don't have a suitable bra that fits .

Back then I was a 30F but I've lost some weight (cheers low carb bootcamp!) and I'm now a 30DD, 30" round the ribs and 35" round the boobs when bent over.

I am really struggling to buy a bra. The high street has proved fruitless as they have minimal 30" band bras. I also don't want to ask assistants for help as they will want to size me their way.

I have seen some lovely bras online after the advice on my other thread but can only afford to try one bra at a time. This is proving very frustrating. Got a Daily Boost bra today in 30DD and the band is perfect but the cups are half empty despite all my scooping.

This is the problem I am finding on both the high street and online. I am not filling the cups. But when I downsize on the cups I am spilling out of them. My boobs kind of settle in the bottom of the cups and there's all this space on top.

My nearest Bravissimo is a train journey away. It's getting to the point where I think, just get measured at M&S and get some bras that fit their way as I'm currently wearing ancient nursing bras that are waaaaaaay too big and pretty decrepit.

Can anyone help?

OK, where is the daily boost too big? Top where straps meet? Is it too wide as well by any chance?

Are your boobs quite bottom heavy?

Oh thank you!

It was too big about halfway up the cups. I have no idea if it was too wide, didn't consider that. My boobs are bottom heavy. Kind of deflated/empty above the nipple. Every bra in the correct size has had this problem.

The 30" band is great (apart from in Debenhams where it cuts me in two!)

That's standard for the Debenhams gorgeous range - I think they must use the CM side of the tape measure when cutting!

I strongly suspect this is a style issue. When you are emptier up top (either because of natural breast shape or thanks to babies and age!) then styles where the top of the cup is higher tend to gape. It's particularly obvious in moulded cups, as they just can't adjust to your shape at all. The issue you describe is really common.

You'd probably be better with something which is more of a proper balconette or a half cup. The Cleo Juna, Cleo Maddie, Curvy Kate tease me/thrill me/fleurty/entice, bravissimo branded half cups etc are all good. Unpadded Cleos like the Marcie/Millie/Minnie/Lily/Meg (and ones with that cut) are also options. You might also like the Freya Patsy half cup.

I just typed a really long reply to this but now it's just 'hanging'. Apologies if it eventually appears and I repeat myself.

This is the brief version.

I am 30DD too and sound a similar shape.

These are my favourite bras:

Absolute favourite from Next

Also good from M&S

Best t-shirt bra from Calvin Klein. Not perfect as cups are a little small but not noticeable under clothes.

Try John Lewis own brand for strapless.

I find Next bikinis in 32C/D fab and they are great value.

I've found with the Debenhams Gorgeous range if you go up a band size and down a cup size they fit well. That would be a 32D for you.

I love you all

I will look at every bra mentioned. I will also try the 32D in Debenhams.

Thanks again!

I just hope you can find something to suit. I know I was really excited to be properly sized (and find I was a DD instead of a B) so it was a disappointment that it was so hard to find something to fit. It's a pain but you need to persevere.

There are experts on here like Statisically who know an amazing amount. I only know what works for me.

M&S do quite a lot in a 30DD but most of them made me look flat chested. Also, I found most of the specialist DD+ bras over engineered for the smaller band size - wide straps and bands, then excessive frills, bows, bright prints etc. Not my style or practical if you like to wear fitted tops. I also like to match with my knickers but the choice in the specialist brands seems to be one extreme to the other - thong or big knickers.

I only managed to find one bra at Bravissimo and it wasn't quite right so I've never worn it.

Rant over but, I do feel strongly that the high street brands need to start catering for all the size 6, 8 & 10 women who buy their clothing and are likely to be a 30 band or less in bras.

I have the Next bra in almost every colour and have written a review requesting more styles in a 30 back - we can but try.

Pinkflamingo are you out there?!! I can't get your link to work for the Next bra and it sounds so fab I can't bear to miss it. What is it called please?

I'm here

Here's another attempt at the link [http://www.next.co.uk/x53262s1#896864x53?i=30dd]

The item no. is 896-864 for the white one. If you can find that then there are other colours too.

Hope you can find it and it works for you.

pinkflaming0

I am sat here wearing the pink Next bra! They actually had a 30DD in stock in the shop so I tried it on and snapped it up. Off to order some more online. £10 too, amazing!

I shall be saving up too for the Freya Patsy and Cleo Minnie that Statistically suggested.

Cheers guys. It's so nice to be in a proper bra