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Original poster

Bra intervention

39 replies

SnapeAndLily · 22/06/2014 22:24

I've gone back a few pages, I can't find a recent bra intervention thread and don't want to resurrect an old one.

I've just measured up - 35" around ribcage, and 42" round fullest part. I've been in a 38F for aaaaages... it's the wrong size, isn't it?

OP posts:
TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 22/06/2014 22:41

I make that 34FF or 36F. Time to go shopping!

Original poster
SnapeAndLily · 22/06/2014 22:43

Legitimate shopping... ace Grin

Thank you - will have a go with those sizes and see which is more comfy.

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 22/06/2014 22:59

How do the cups on your 38F fit?

Original poster
SnapeAndLily · 22/06/2014 23:15

It depends on the brand. Sometimes they are great, sometimes after one wash (and I do do it by hand) they end up with the dreaded 4 boob effect.

I tend to get the Panache Tango bras - they seem to hold their shape well. Don't get a cleavage from them though, and I've got plenty to work with on that front Grin I read the recent cleavagy bra thread with great interest...

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 22/06/2014 23:25

In that case I think you need a bigger cup than you measure - did you take your overbust measurement leaning over?

Original poster
SnapeAndLily · 22/06/2014 23:28

Yep. Will maybe try a couple of bigger cup sizes as well then. I guess I just need to stop lazily ordering past seasons colours off ebay and going to an actual shop.

I miss living in Cambridge - going to Bravissimo was so easy!

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 22/06/2014 23:30

If your 38F is running a bit small then you probably need to try a 36G (one cup up on a smaller band) or 34GG

Original poster
SnapeAndLily · 23/06/2014 06:59

Righto - will have a shufti around the shops this week Smile

OP posts:
MotherOfFerals · 04/07/2014 09:17

Another resurrection of beta intervention! Looking for help from sorrel and buddies please.
Measured 33 for the band and 42 for the fullest part. Gave been in a 36 DD for a few years and am railing off breast feeding. Thought I'd treat myself to some new bras in the sale.
Thoughts on my size? Cheers.

marriednotdead · 04/07/2014 10:25

Hi MOF.
How about starting with a 32G, 32GG or 34G. The crossover between G and GG is often where bra styling changes so you may find that the GG in the same bra fits completely differently and may have wider straps, extra strengthening at the top of the cup and/or a looser/tighter band!

StatisticallyChallenged · 04/07/2014 10:56

So true married re the crossover. I went through a phase of wearing gg Freya bras that were a little too big because in spite of that they were much more comfortable than their g cup stablemates. This was about 8 years ago when there was far less choice!

Swex · 04/07/2014 11:02

I'm shamelessly crashing this for advice on bras post breast feeding. Planning on stopping mid August.
Soooo, if the op doesn't mind me asking questions on her thread :
When will I be back to a non feeding size?
Will my size have changed?
Thanks! Stupid questions I know but can't remember from last time! I have worn my bra collection down in anticipation of a big splurge but don't want to get timings wrong

coralgrimes · 04/07/2014 11:07

sorry to jump on. I need to go shopping for bras today . my under measurement is 34. and leaning over is 41. I've been in A cup and B cups. Was a C during pregnancy. any help would be great

StatisticallyChallenged · 04/07/2014 11:37

Coral... Try a 34f.

Swex I'm afraid the only answer is it depends! Most people end up a different size to pre pregnancy but whether that is bigger than smaller varies hugely. Also, they tend to keep changing for a while -many women find that immediately post feeding they look a bit, Urm, deflated, but that they start to regain fullness after a few months. I would suggest waiting a couple of weeks after you stop feeding and then just buying a couple to tide you over and see how they stabilise

MotherOfFerals · 04/07/2014 11:48

Thanks married and statistically.
Just re read my post and am appalled at the typos!
Think I'll order a few of your sizes from fig leaves and see how I get on. Never thought I'd be a G cup!
People, hijack away on your boob queries !

coralgrimes · 04/07/2014 12:08

my boobs look small...think an f would drown them surely Grin. if I do 'normal' measurements it's saying I'm a 38a. I've been wearing a 38b and the cups been digging in me.. doesnt make sense!

Thank you for that.

StatisticallyChallenged · 04/07/2014 12:30

The thing is that cups are not equal at different band sizes. So a 38b is designed for someone measuring 38/40. The old method adds four inches to an underbust, which means it comes up at least four cups too small once you change the band size. Plus it tells you to measure upright in a bra that probably doesn't fit right so that messes with the cup measures.

Try the 34f and remember to scoop. If it's a bit big in the cup then work down through the cups one by one. It's easier to spot a cup that's too big than too small

coralgrimes · 04/07/2014 16:09

Thank you. I'm going to grab a couple today and take them home to try them on. I'm sick of ill fitting bras. Sad

AnguaResurgam · 04/07/2014 16:17

Could I ask a bra question too?

I'm happily in a Panache 36G. I need to get a sports bra and have been looking at Shock Absorbers. Is it likely I'll be a 36G in those too?

And there are several styles of Shock Absorber. I just want multipurpose, so would be very grateful for any thoughts on which of their styles might be most suitable. Or indeed if there is another makes which are better.

StatisticallyChallenged · 04/07/2014 16:20

Shock absorber run very small in the band so you will probably need to size up. Personally, I would recommend sticking with Panache - the panache sport which is moulded and underwired is amazing and on me fits in my normal panache size. Knocks spots off shock absorbers

AnguaResurgam · 04/07/2014 16:31

Thank you so much!

I have found the Panache ones on line, and will order this evening in usual size. There are even some in bright colours (just right to horrify and embarrass DD if I decide it's OK to run in as a bra top).

Swex · 04/07/2014 17:15

This is great.

So to measure I do band size then bend over to measure cup size? Loosely or firmly?
Then for running a panache sport bra is good?

StatisticallyChallenged · 04/07/2014 17:30

The under measurement should be tight, the over looser ie not compressing the breast tissue

Panache sport good for running

marriednotdead · 04/07/2014 22:12

A quick word about sports bras.

Non underwired ones work by compression i.e. squashing your breasts. This is fine, and works especially well if your breasts are spread across your chest or perhaps quite soft.
Wired sports bras use encapsulation- encase boobs in firm pockets and then strap them to you! If your breasts refused to be compressed, this should work better.
If you're particularly busty- H cup plus- then you may need a double pronged approach. This means wearing a wired bra (perhaps an old one) to encapsulate and then putting a squasher like the Royce Impact Free on top.

MotherOfFerals · 06/07/2014 19:57

Well, I went to JL in pursuit of 34 GG, all boobs and backfat bursting out of my 36DD, low rise jeans with high control pants up to aforesaid back fat. T'was a hideous sight. The brave and clever bra fitter girl told me to scoop and everything.
Anyhoo, measured at 34F and bought a Fantasie 36 F as the 34 band was too tight. But I'm wearing it now and the gores are digging in and the mesh on the top of the cup is quite loose (no boob fullness?).
Am about to buy a random selection of 36Fs and 34 GGs from figleaves to see what fits best. This is a tricky business!