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Original poster

Bra shopping tomorrow and need help!

18 replies

ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 18:05

I desperately need some new bras but I have been putting it off for so long as I'm quite body conscious and had a bad experience being fitted a couple of years ago.

I'm currently wearing a 34B but it just doesn't look right at all anymore. I took my measurements and I'm 32 under and 38 on my bust bent over but that is supposed to be 32E and I can't imagine my breasts filling an E cup as they're quite small.

To make things more awkward there is nowhere to get measured around here other than M&S which I've heard isn't much good and the only places to buy bras are Next, M&S and New Look.

The bra I'm currently in feels too loose on the band and the cup gapes as I'm quite flat on top but I think that may be due to the style.

Can anyone help, I have a couple of hours tomorrow child-free to hopefully get a good fitting bra ahead of my man friend staying over this weekend and I really want to feel and hopefully look a bit better.

OP posts:
spudmasher · 13/08/2014 18:08

Is there a Boux Avenue anywhere close? I recently had a good experience in the Cardiff store- excellent fitters, huge range. Never been in there before as I always thought it looked naff. It really isn't. Ended up a back size smaller and a cup size bigger than I thought I was.

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 18:16

Unfortunately not, I live in a small town with very few shops and I can't get to a bigger city for a few weeks.

There is an independent place where I got measured a few years ago but they insisted on squeezing me into a 36A which then broke, it was humiliating.

OP posts:
spudmasher · 13/08/2014 18:20

Then I would start with the 32E and take it up or down from there. E cups are not massive on a 32 back size- cup sizes increase with the back size. Try lots of different styles too. Good luck!

StatisticallyChallenged · 13/08/2014 18:20

None of those are great tbh.

Lets try to work out sizing first. Can you tell me how your current bra fits? What's wrong with it? When you scoop all your breast tissue in to it, how does it look and feel?

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 18:26

To look at it how it is the band looks and feels too loose and it gapes at the top of the cups so looks silly. If I scoop all the breast tissue into the cup then there is actually some overspill which is surprising but it doesn't stay like that.

OP posts:
Branleuse · 13/08/2014 18:38

if the band on a 34 feels very loose, then you may even be better with a 30.

try a 32e or a 30f

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 18:47

I hope these shops actually have bras with a 30 or 32 band size in an E or F cup as I had a quick browse in Asda today and they only went up to 32C, if you wanted a D or E they only had 34.

OP posts:
Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 18:49

I'm not sure a 30 would be right on me though, when I measured it as 32 that was tight, I couldn't have measured any smaller even breathing in.

OP posts:
Branleuse · 13/08/2014 18:52

well 32 should be fine then. Asda is no good for 32s. Try debenhams or m&s

spudmasher · 13/08/2014 18:52

You might get a 32DD in M and S. It won't be pretty though! I'd get the cheapest you can find and wait until you can get to a better shop that has an actual range in your size.....(hence my spend in Cardiff.....never seen so many in my size before!!)

justcallmethefixer · 13/08/2014 18:55

I was waring a 34b or 32c pre a bra intervention. I did not believe I would fill a e/f cup either, but I do! I now wear a 30f or 32e depending on style and make.
The thing is you won't be buying supermarket bras any more thou as you saw in asda they don't make those sizes. Department stores, independents and online are where you have to look.

FruitBadger · 13/08/2014 18:59

M&S definitely do 32DD, that's my size and most of my bras are from there. Most styles do seem to go up to that size according to the cardboard picture on the hanger, although they're not always in stock and if I'm underwear shopping I make an effort to drive to the very big M&S about 45 mins away because I know their selection is better. I do always buy underwired so not sure if that makes a difference?

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 19:01

I think my best bet tomorrow will be next then as new look don't go above DD. I will absolutely amazed if I fit into an E or an F though!

If I do find my size then I'll try ordering from bravissimo or make a trip to the Manchester one. I looked at their website and saw some nice ones although I'm used to paying a fiver for a primark bra so the prices made my eyes water a bit!

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 13/08/2014 19:01

The reason the scooping doesn't hold is because the band is too big, so it just slides backwards. The gaping at the top issue is really common with some type of bras, particularly t shirt bras as they tend to be quite tall and very inflexible.

It could be if your current bra has been worn a bit it's softened and stretched with wear which is why the 34 is feeling so big.

If you are getting overspill when you scoop then that suggests you probably need a couple of cup sizes up (one cup size too small is actually very subtle, it's more of a slight armpit bulge or a bit of a bump when you are breathing). That would mean you need the equivalent cup space to a 34D (or more), and the volume of a 34D is equal to a 32DD.

Next might actually have some in that size, as will M&S however neither will be the best quality and please don't let them fit you. I'd probably just get something for the weekend and then order some online to get you properly sorted in the long run.

Style wise, half cups will be your friend if you feel like you have lost fullness at the top and want something a bit wow.

Alternatively, if you can afford it you could just order a bunch online with next day delivery and keep what fits.

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 13/08/2014 19:10

Yes that's my plan, to hopefully find one bra that fits tomorrow that looks ok. I know the style and quality won't be great, but I can't face being seen in the ones I have now Blush

Will definitely get some quality ones though in the long term.

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 13/08/2014 20:48

Brastop does next day delivery if necessary, and do some lovely bras that will fit the looking nice requirement as well as being decent quality

Original poster
ImNotCrazy · 14/08/2014 15:52

Just thought I'd update to say you guys are amazing!

Went shopping today and couldn't find anything suitable in the small M&S or in Next. Popped into new look but didn't have much hope but noticed they had a Kelly Brook range which actually had a 32E balcony style one but it looked huge. Tried it on and its fits perfectly!

The band is so much better and I actually fill the cups without them falling out. They feel supported and are kept in place and when I scoop it all stays where its meant to be! Not only that but I bought a new dress whilst I was in there which I've just tried on at home with the new bra and I suddenly have a much more defined and smaller looking waist!

I honestly can't believe I feel and look so much better due to a bra and I'm amazed at my new size. Going to get myself to Bravissimo asap to get some proper quality ones but I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Can't wait to get rid of all my 34Bs and even some 36As Grin

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 14/08/2014 19:05

So glad you got sorted!

Have a look at Brastop, Leia lingerie, mycurves and me, debenhams sale and amazon for bargains, it's the right time of year for it

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