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Original poster

Bra sizing question

38 replies

imalostcause · 31/12/2014 12:07

I was measured at Bravissimo about 3 years ago as a 34f to ff, depending on the bra. At the time I was size 12 to 14.

I've since put on some weight and my bras are really uncomfortable. I can't get to Bravissimo for quite a while and don't trust M&S, who have been measuring me as a 36c for years! I'll have to order online, but don't know what size to get. I got a 36f, but the underwiring is cutting into the side of my breast under my armpit, I think the wiring isn't wide enough for my breasts?

Any ideas what size to try next?

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 31/12/2014 12:15

what are your measurements under and over your breasts according to this guide: thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

Original poster
imalostcause · 31/12/2014 12:56

Thanks Smile My measurements are 34 inch below and 42 inch on hanging boobs Wink

That would seem to mean a 34ff, which I have been wearing before I put on weight and which seems too tight now?

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 31/12/2014 14:03

It could be that you need extra cup space rather than band, if the cup is small it makes the band feel tight. Maybe try a 34 and gg

Original poster
imalostcause · 31/12/2014 14:21

Thanks, will do.

OP posts:
Original poster
imalostcause · 01/01/2015 18:35

I've been to the designer outlet today and found a 34gg bra at M&S which I've now put on. It does feel extremely tight, but the cup size seems right, so maybe I need to try a 36gg?

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 18:43

Hmm, how tight is tight? It could just be new bra syndrome (they stretch, and fast!)

If you wanted to keep the same cup volume it would be a 36G, but you shouldn't need a 36. That said, M&S can run a wee bit on the snug side so you might find a 34GG is perfect in other brands.

LL12 · 01/01/2015 18:46

StatisticallyChallenged you are needed on the AIBU board with your bra knowledge.

WowserBowser · 01/01/2015 18:50

Well found LL12 !

WowserBowser · 01/01/2015 18:51

linky

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 19:10

On my way

WowserBowser · 01/01/2015 19:13
Grin
Original poster
imalostcause · 01/01/2015 19:40

Extremely tight Blush I managed to wear it for half an hour, but then felt like I couldn't breathe and had to change Blush I'm now back in a soft pull on crop top, as that's all I have that I can wear at the moment Sad Can't believe I've just wasted money on a bra that is still too small Sad

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 19:49

TBH, I suspect that's because it's an M&S one, however you really can't buy bras without trying them online (unless you are ordering online and returning) as there is just far too much variation in the sizing. It's like jeans - I'd never pick up a pair of jeans and not try them as there is a huge difference between a 14 in one shop and another.

We have had a LOT of reports of M&S bands running small. TBH, I don't buy bras there at all. I think they are ok for smaller sizes, but they don't scale their bras well so larger sizes are a bit shit.

What sort of shape are your breasts and maybe we can suggest some specifics? Are they fuller on top or bottom, how big is the gap between them in the centre, are the wide or narrow rooted (i.e. do they go round under your armpits?), are they quite high set on your torso or quite low down?

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 19:49

without trying them on!

Original poster
imalostcause · 01/01/2015 19:57

I don't know what shape they are Blush They seem to go round under my armpits, and they droop due to breast feeding three babies.

OP posts:
Original poster
imalostcause · 01/01/2015 19:58

I had my very impatient dd with me and very little time, so decided to risk it. I won't be able to return it, will I?

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 20:02

OK, so I'd guess at bottom heavy and relatively wide rooted Smile. Have a look at Freya and Fantasie which are quite friendly to wide rooted boobs, as are most Curvy Kates. You might also like Bravissimo Alana (possibly try a 36 in this, it's a tight band), Bravissimo Half cups, bravissimo dotty spot. If you're relatively empty on top then half cups and balconettes are especially good as you don't get emptyness at the top of the cup. And moulded t-shirt bras are generally a bit on the evil side! If you like that style then you could try Cleo Juna and Cleo Maddie which would probably suit your breast shape.

StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 20:03

If the tags are still on you can return it - I confess that I frequently give bras a longer try on at home Blush

Original poster
imalostcause · 01/01/2015 20:33

Thanks, I'll try returning it Smile

Sorry, I've never thought there were different shaped boobs, you get used to your own, don't you?! Wink I'll try and measure the gap between and work out what shape they are. I'm on a very low budget at the moment, can't afford new clothes, but just can't bear to wear an uncomfortable bra any longer.

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 01/01/2015 20:56

Try looking at the leia lingerie website, their outlet section often has good deals. Debenhams often have Freya and Fantasie well reduced in their sale, and the mycurvesandme website is good for bargains on Cleo/Panache. Brastop.com have a sale on just now, and I've had a few good deals from Amazon of all places!

Original poster
imalostcause · 02/01/2015 13:31

Thanks. I've found a bra on the Debenhams website, the Freya Faye plunge balcony bra

I'll let you know how I get on with it.

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 02/01/2015 13:38

I've had a version of that bra before, it's quite comfortable IMO and good for wider roots normally. And cos it's online it's returnable :)

Original poster
imalostcause · 02/01/2015 14:17

Thanks, fingers crossed it fits Smile but if not I shall return it.

OP posts:
Original poster
imalostcause · 03/01/2015 17:03

I was able to return the m&s bra Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
imalostcause · 03/01/2015 20:40

Well, I picked up another bra at m&s in the sale, a 36g, but it still feels like it's digging into me, so maybe the wires under the arms are too high for me? It's not as tight though and the cup seems right.

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