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Original poster

I need the bra people - is it possible I have worn a bra 6" wrong all my adult life?

105 replies

CharlotteSimmons · 05/10/2014 20:19

I am not sure of the names of the bra experts but I remember reading a thread a while back and finally got hold of a measuring tape...I am pretty petite, sporty and extremely flat chested, especially post breastfeeding. I always wear a bra, and prefer under wired padded ones, but I don't think I actually need one. I have always worn a 34A, I was measured once I think but they have always kind of fitted, I think...anyway, they have not fitted nearly as well since finishing breastfeeding and I was trying to come to terms with the fact I must be a 34 AA but then I read the thread, finally got a tape measure and...I am a 28" and a 32", so what bra size do I need? And where makes good bras for people with an underwhelming chest?

OP posts:
AccidentallyInLove · 07/10/2014 15:15

Charlotte that's my sizing too and i wear a 30/32B but my bras never feel comfortable. I've tried smaller bands though and they just dig into my ribs.

AnythingNotEverything · 07/10/2014 15:18

Looks - this is the revolution Grin

Bring your friends.

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 15:18

AccidentallyInLove I would guess that you need to try bigger cups at the same time. However, it's not unknown for those with very slim torsos to need a slightly bigger band than they measure (less padding!)

AccidentallyInLove · 07/10/2014 15:25

Thank you sorrel Smile

PinkAndBlueBedtimeBears · 07/10/2014 15:29

is there any info as to how to measure myself for a bra that actually fits? Currently in a 34-36dd but I know it doesn't fit. Hoping to join the movement of women in bras that actually fit!!

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 15:37

Follow this guide and post your measurements here.

PinkAndBlueBedtimeBears · 07/10/2014 16:01

Under bust 34 1/2, boobs (when dangling) not a nice sight after 2 dc! are 44inches.....

ouryve · 07/10/2014 16:07

The 34 is right, Pink, but more like GG than DD!

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 16:09

Ummm Pink, if you scoop (whilst wearing your 34DD), have you got some quad boob going on?

EvilRingahBitch · 07/10/2014 16:10

John Lewis are normally good if you have one locally.

knickernicker · 07/10/2014 16:14

It amazes me that M and S and JL sell such a volume of wrongly fitted bras. If I didn't know I was a 32E, they'd happily sell me a 34C, especially M & S.

knickernicker · 07/10/2014 16:16

Pink, go as tight in the band as you can comfortably then bend down and scoop your boobs and back fat into the cups, then stand up and see if it looks right.

PinkAndBlueBedtimeBears · 07/10/2014 17:07

If I bend over and scoop everything in and stand up it looks awful... Boob spilling over the top :/
GG?! What should a bra that fits properly actually feel like? I think il probably try it on, think it feels odd and think you are all weird!!

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 17:44

PinkAndBlueBedtimeBears Sounds like what someone on here described as "it's like my boobs have got earmuffs on"

All that flesh you've just scooped needs to go into the cup. Not a DD cup though Grin. A few years ago now I went from a 34DD to a 32G so I know what a shock it can be! I'm now a 30GG/H and a firm believer that regular scooping helps get the back and under arm bulge back round the front where it should be.

A properly fitting bra should feel snug but not so tight that you can't breathe. You should try on a new bra back to front first to see how the band feels. If it feels OK but then once you've put it on properly, it feels too tight, go up a cup (or more). All your boob should be sitting within the wires, the central gore should be flat and about 85% of the weight should be supported by the band, not the straps. The band should be horizontal/parallel to the floor.

Butterflywings168 · 07/10/2014 18:22

Yay there are proper bra fitting converts here! Grin
I recently discovered I am a 32F/ 34E (ish), not 36B. Excuse to go shopping Feel so much better.
Bf was Shock. And then commented that my posture was much better. Posture Hmm.
DM just refused to believe me.
Ah well.

M&S, although as everyone says fitting is crap, are not bad if you know your size already.
And BHS 'voluptuous' range are surprisingly OK! Was expecting huge/ ugly granny bras but no. Got some quite pretty ones - and on sale.

Online shopping: have used Brastop, Figleaves, Simply Be & Amazon.

Aside: For those looking for bras to fit teen dds, nieces, god-dds etc M&S Angel appear to do 28 bands in a range of cups, and Debenhams don't but their bands do come up small so 30s might work. (Had to save a friend's dd from 34AA bra hell help a friend).

ColdTeaAgain · 07/10/2014 19:09

at the risk of sounding a bit thick... but what exactly does everyone mean by scooping? Blush

ilovepowerhoop · 07/10/2014 19:11

stick your hand in the sides of your bra (go in from the front) and drag any tissue/loose bits from under your arms and into the cup of the bra

Original poster
CharlotteSimmons · 07/10/2014 21:15

Hi all, thanks for all the tips on places to look for bras - and styles that work for small chests, even if some of them are for starter bras (boo hoo!) or maybe I should just suck it up, they are probably cheaper! I have ordered a couple of 28Ds from John Lewis which I am eagerly anticipating, although reading one of your comments Sorrel am now wondering if I should have gone for a 30C too as I do have a slim torso! hence lack of boobage. Am limited as have no shops nearby so having to do everything online and cannot afford to get a huge variety of sizes to try in one go, so will try the ones I have ordered first. If they feel too tight I will try and find a 30C. I am just waffling now...

OP posts:
ColdTeaAgain · 07/10/2014 21:29

Ah right, thanks ilove Smile

Charlotte, same issue here - lack of shops and time, so will have to be online shopping. Please update if you find any bras which fit you properly!

Well ladies, the dangers of poorly fitting bras is very real...and it could happen to you.
Picture the scene. You are giving your 16month old their bedtime bottle, all cuddled up together on the chair. They have been a bit peeky that day. And then with no warning whatsoever, they throw up the whole bottle of milk, mixed with some of tonights dinner. Your bra is a bad fit; it's all gappy at the top. Yep, you've got a bra fullof toddler sick. I need new bras!!

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 22:09

CharlotteSimmons Try the 28s first, making sure you test the band by putting it on back to front first (see above). I measure 29.5" and I can wear some 28s so you should be ok.

RonaldMcDonald · 07/10/2014 22:36

Jesus I was the same

I was not only wearing a bra 8 inches too big in the back but I was also doing it smugly

MrsRonBurgundy · 07/10/2014 22:56

Hi bra gurus. Can I get a size please? I'm 34 inches under and 42 inches around bust when bent over
Currently wearing a mixture of sizes but mainly 34d or 36c but always losing my straps and making them
Shorter to try and get a fit!
Thank you

SorrelForbes · 07/10/2014 23:00

Your measurements suggest a starting point of 34FF. How are your current bras fitting? Overspill?

MrsRonBurgundy · 07/10/2014 23:02

No overspill but a little bit of gaping at the top. But then sometimes I have double boob so I'm not doing myself any favours by just guessing and ending up with bras in a whole host of sizes.
Thank you for your help - I'm going to go on a trying on session this weekend and will start with 34ff and see how they fit

christinarossetti · 07/10/2014 23:54

I wore 32/34A for years then saw the light.

I now wear 28D. Freya bras seem to work for my shape. I did order some Bravamissio ones, but they came up huge in the back, even the 26 inch ones.

You will never look back when you've found the one.