Bra gurus - please help!

[SpiralArchitect]

I've lurked a little, and measured...and now am feeling brave enough to post....

So, I come in at 32.75" underneath (though if I pull the measure really really tight I'm 32"), and 38" in the oh-so-unattractive bending over position. Currently in a 36B, which doesn't fit in many, many ways, but I'm thinking 32E/F might be more like it, which is a bit of a shock to the system!

Please could you lovely ladies advise on sizing and possible brands/styles, etc.

TIA.

Pop into M&S or any other department store and make an appointment. Measuring yourself is good but you can't beat the experience of the ladies. What size you are depends on the cut of the bra too so try on all different styles, M&S do a fuller boob selection. Remember that the ladies have seen it all so don't be embarrassed. Treat yourself.

Ummmm,sorry no, please don't go to M&S. Their fitting service is appalling. Try a 32E/F and similar sizes to start with.

Are your boons wide set it close together? Shallow or more projected? Fuller on the top or bottom?

Avoid M&S at all costs. This much I know.

And listen to Sorrell.

Agghh, boobs*

DON'T GO TO M&S, THOSE PEEPS DON'T KNOW CRAP ABOUT BOOBS.

Avoid M&S like the plague. I was in there last week and they still insist on adding 4 or 5". I overheard a poor lady being measured as 36B after 5" had been added when she clearly looked like a 32 back when I stood behind her in the queue.
How they still get away with it I have no idea. And the bra fitting lady had the cheek to comment that her current bra clearly didn't fit.

I know M&S are appalling - that's why I'm here instead!

My current bra was fitted by them. It feels loose though strangely it doesn't ride up, has no support, I have quad boob, the straps are falling off my shoulders - even when they're at their shortest they have never dug in...I could go on.

There was a lovely lingerie shop where I used to live. Everything I got from there fitted. Now I've moved 200 miles away and appear to be stuck with M&S and Debenhams for my sins...

Sorrel, my boobs are fairly wide set, projected and fuller on the bottom. I think my shoulder strap problem is caused by having a relatively short distance between boob and shoulder - it's a problem I've had with all bras, even ones that fit everywhere else.

Your shoulder strap problem is almost certainly caused by the band being too big. If yo go down to a 32, it will vanish :)

For fuller on bottom boobs try a balconette style as this avoids the top gaping ( a particular problem in moulded t shirt style bras!) - do your boobs go round under your arms?

Thanks Statistically.

My boobs go round under my arms, but I wouldn't say particularly far....

Sounds like you're wide set (i.e. a reasonable gap between them) but the actual breast roots are fairly normal so you should have a reasonably good selection. I'd maybe try Cleo Juna, Freya Patsy, Bravissimo own brand half cup bras, fauve half cups, freya deco half cup, you might get on ok with the cleo unpadded half cups like marcie, millie, lily, minnie, zia etc too.

Can I have some help too? 30 under, 39 bent over. I was wearing a 28H before I had both my children, but need help with style really as I know how a bra should fit, but can't get out of the house to be measured at the moment so I have to order online. I'm fuller at the bottom, close-set, not much in the way of arm pit boob, they're not flat if that makes sense - still a reasonable amount of fullness in spite of pregnancy and breastfeeding, but fair amount of droop. My nipples seem to permanently stick out post-kids so I really want a bra that will camouflage that a bit!

P.s thank you!

`Size wise I'd start with a 30G on those measurements - how do your 28H's fit?

I'd suggest possibly cleos for you to start with - possible not the juna but the unpadded ones I mentioned might work well. As you're still reasonably full you might also be able to get away with some of the mouldeds bras like the Freya Deco.

Plunges will probably be hit and miss - they're good for close set as there is less central gore to annoy you, but they don't always work on bottom heavy boobs as the cups can be too tall so trial and error there! The Deco, bravissimo satine and panache porcelain plunge are all worth a shot.

I suspect that actually the best bras for you will end up being the polish brands ewa michalak or comexim as they are fabulous for close set boobs.

Statistically, you are wonderful!

Next appear to sell the Cleo Juna online, so as an existing customer that will be my first port of call (assuming they have my size in stock).

When I did this on here, I was told I was somewhere between a g and hh. I didn't know better and thought ok this is how it should be when trying on bras.. Prior to this had gone to m&s and measured F..
Please go and have a proper fitting in a store (not m&s). Don't order online until you know your size and style because it really is frustrating having all these nice pretty things that do not fit.
With the measure from here I had the side boob that had to be pulled round. I though having big bobs this is what it was like (after having youngest they grew a lot very quick and stayed big. Previously a b cup). I have had proper fittings since. Straps no longer drop. There is no dragging all the boob round, plus many other things and proper measured, with a wide set boob, I am an E, verified in 3 different stores.

bloodyteenagers, the advice we give is a starting point - that's all. We're always telling people to start from x size and work from there. We also give advice on how a bra should fit. You absolutely shouldn't just choose a size and decide that's it.

Scooping is necessary for some people - it depends on your breast shape. But you just crack on having a go at us eh.

^^ This

Well I'm bed bound after cancer surgery so will have to order online. Anything that doesn't fit will be sent back for a refund

The 28Hs do go on, but they're well worn so I couldn't reliably say they're a good fit. Remember reading about Ewa doo-dar a couple of years ago... Will have a google. Thanks!

Ps. Plunges are just a disaster on me. I just seem to fall out the middle!

I was suggesting the op goes to stores and gets fitted and not do online shopping because it really is dissapointing having lovely bras come and they don't fit. To get a number of different fits to make sure it is right.

So how is that having a go?

That's very common for bottom heavy boobs beccajoh - it's a problem with being close set. You might like the Ewa Michalak S, SM or CHP styles as they aren't low enough that you would fall out of the middle.

clarification - it's a problem when you are also close set as the natural place to go for comfort is plunges...but then you fall out!

Well, I ordered 32E & F in a couple of different styles - if they don't fit, they go straight back and I try again. I'm well aware that this is only a starting point and if the fit is off, at least I'll know which bits need adjusting...

pop back if you need advice once they arrive - sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint what's wrong