Talk to me about bras.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

I've just ditched two bras, and I need to replace them. One black and one white.
I can't remember when I last bought a new one, or where is best to get them from. I'm a 34b (measured about a year ago) and can spend up to about £25 unless you tell me I can't get anything for that

Where shall I go? I'm in a large city, so most shops are here.

[MrsMarigold]

I though this was also aboyut tips for bra-shopping. All I can say is do the MN method and don't go into the shops with children, I made a catastrophic foray into Bravissimo when my DD was about nine months old and my DS was two. I was waiting for the woman to measure me when my DS did a huge poo so I decided it was best to change him on the floor of the changing room, I then discovered I had run out of nappy bags and the whole place stank when the assistant rocked up. My boobs were very leaky because I was breastfeeding and my DD tried to latch on while I was talking to the assistant. It was so awful, she was very kind but still horrible.

[flexibleworkinghours]

oh yes. remeasure. I wore a 36b for years. went to rigby and peller. 32 e. never looked back. boobs transformed.

agree re m and s. bored measuring young girl snipper snapper. way out and humiliating.

[SuperFlyHigh]

flexible isn't it galling in a way that many of us for many years have worn the wrong size bra? It really is a revelation to realise that boobs supported properly should feel firm and hoiked up (is that right?) not in a pervy way just in a supported way, it makes such a difference to how clothes look too and your posture.

I'm luckyish in that I've always had fairly firm boobs and are drooping a tad now (weight of them!) only at 43. No kids...

Thank goodness that teens (who also seem to have narrow backs some of them and big norks are being catered for there are tons of companies selling reasonably priced, fashionable bras now in their size.

[SuperFlyHigh]

flexible - I was the same - whenever I visited Allders or M&S had bored looking but well meaning bra fitters, when i got bigger I can't remember who suggested Bravissimo but I was honestly staggered at how well a bra could fit and just using their sight method.

And they actually thought about my shape boobs and what bras would suit them (not so in M&S etc).

strangely enough in HOF etc I think they've caught up now with bigger sizes and narrower backs because if I do want bras from there (Fantasie/Panache/Freya etc) they will get me the right size and ensure they fit right.

I recall a friend of mine in USA who has a 26 back and she could only get hers custom made, I think she buys them now in stores. But you can get adult 26 inch back bras now. some people just have narrow backs.

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

If it wouldn't be entirely weird I would post a photo of old bra va new bra jus to show what an incredible difference it has made.

[Bunbaker]

Why are M & S still using the wrong method of measuring?

I like their bras. As a 32B There is plenty of choice for me, but why do they persist in being so unhelpful?

[WowserBowser]

I want to say post a photo Caulk but don't want to sound like a perve...

[CaulkheadUpNorth]

You'll have to believe me, honestly it is an incredible difference. I've one from a 34b to a 34DD and it looks like they exist and I look thinner.

[Scaredycat3000]

Bun I think M&S are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They will lose a lot of long term custom and reputation if they change. I mean M&S=bras, to admit they have been getting it wrong when everybody else has been getting it right for so long would loose commercial and personal reputation. And how would they change, over night? As they re-trained staff? Would there be a crossover period where in one town I'd be a 38D, but in another town the next day a 34HH? People would be very confused if the shop they have been buying their underwear from for 40 years suddenly 'changed their sizes' or fitted the customer properly . They would also need to start making large cupped bras that actually support boobs. Women would loose confidence in the brand. As it stands they are very slowly loosing customers, every time I give them another chance I never go back again for a few years.

[DrewOB]

I wish some people made large cup bras that weren't scaffolding :( bras are all thin and cute up to an E cup, beyond that they're ugly.
my boobs don't sag fgs! :D

[SuperFlyHigh]

Scaredy somehow I think unless M&S have a massive shakeup they'll always see their way as right and Bravissimo etc as wrong.

which is a shame as they do have nice, affordable lingerie. It just doesn't support me and women do have narrow backs! I've never been back to them for lingerie apart from the odd vest top and even then been uinimpressed. same with their PJs.

In fact the vast majority of M&S apart from the food (and the bastards discontinued my fave Avocado Sandwich too in my local one anyway!) I am seriously unimpressed with and never go in there... same with my mum. we both used to shop there.

[SuperFlyHigh]

DrewOB - look online - for narrow backed bigger cups a blog called //www.investinyourchest.com has really nice younger, colourful bras, they review them etc.

Bravissimo are quite nice.

[Mrs81]

Thanks for the bra advice. I went to JL this afternoon and the wonderful assistant measured carefully, and came back first time with a comfy well fitting bra. I feel transformed! and won't buy from m&s again

[kecz]

It's great so many people are now finding well-fitting bras... but I need some more help if possible! I followed the advice abut measuring and it came out as being a 34 E or F. Today I finally found the time to get to the shops and try some on (there is limited choice where I live, not helped by the lack of a common language), ending up in M&S. Well, I tried on quite a few in a range of sizes, including some 36 DD and E (which were really loose) most of which were really uncomfortable, then ended up with a 34F which seemed OK. Wearing it now, but it seems really tight... or is that just adjusting to the change?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

It could be adjusting - have you scooped fully? Also, m and s bras aren't great so it could be that it's just not a great bra for you

[kecz]

Yes, I scooped... I think it must be just the wrong type of bra, especially as I ended up with a red, sore rash on one side of my body, so back to square 1! Will have to find out where else to go. Thanks for your help.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

You could try ordering online now that you have an idea of size. What were you wearing before?

Have a look at your breasts and try to work out whether they are:
fuller on top, bottom or all over
Have a large or small gap in the middle
Have wide or narrow roots -do they go under your arms and how far

We should be able to suggest a few potential bras from that

[kecz]

Ok...
To answer your questions: fuller on bottom (and a bit droopy after kids!), large gap in the middle, don't really go under arms.

[kecz]

Oh, and I was wearing a 36 C or D depending on bra. Are Triumph any good? There's one of those here, but I've always been put off because it's expensive... and empty!!!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Triumph bras are Ok, but their fitting isn't good!

For fuller on bottom boobs, especially those which have lost fullness after babies then balconettes and half cups are often a good choice, as you'll find that in taller plunge bras you'll fill the bottom but the bra will gape at the top almost regardless of size. Moulded t shirt bras are especially guilty of this!

A few things to try
Freya deco half cup -not the plunge I don't think although if you see a plunge locally give it a shot as if it happens to work it's a good bra.
Cleo juna
Cleo lily,millie, Minnie,lily,meg.. All the same cut
Panache idina balconette
Bravissimo dotty spot -fuller cup but quite closed on top
Freya half cups eg patsy -these might be too wide but are worth trying as if they work there are a few around, and fauve half cups are the same cut and beautiful.