Back smoothing bra

[Athrawes]

I had a couple from M&S but they seem to have stopped them. I want a bra that doesn't cut my middle aged slightly lardy back in half. I am a 34 C at M&S. Any ideas?

Ok first thing, if M&S have been fitting you there's a fair chance you are in the wrong size I'm afraid as they use an outdated fitting method. To give you an idea, when fitted correctly I'm a 30HH and they tried to put me in a 36f. I could have tied the band in a bow. But, funnily enough, the band being far too big actually gave me far worse looking backfat - when the band is the right size you scoop (explained below) everything forward in to the cups and the band is firm enough to keep it there which helps a lot with backfat as quite often it's actually breast tissue which has migrated backwards. Have a look at this site for fitting advice, and there's also an article on backfat too.

Once you've checked your size there are also some great longline bras out there where the band is deeper with more hooks - I know Freya, Curvy Kate and Cleo all have some out this season. They can really help if scooping alone isn't enough. this style for example, once your size is checked we can find ones to suit

scooping: now this only works prpoerly with a bra that fits. Stand side on to a mirror (bra on). Take your left hand and put it inside your right cup. Reach round as far under your armpit as you can so your hand is towards your back and scoop/otherwise maneuver the soft tissue you find there forward in to your bra cup. Repeat on the other side.

Thanks. I have done the figleaves size calculator and think I am probably right at 34 C. It's not lower back fat that's the , not fat coming out the underneath of my bra, but fat comes over the top at the back sides, I need a bra with a bigger back or wider band upwards? I like three hook bands but makers seem to think I only need 2 hooks. I have a Freya Active that fits well at 34 C.

Fat coming over the top at back and sides is the sort you want to scoop the most, as if the bra has a firm enough band and big enough cups then the wires will hold it forward. It honestly makes a massive difference.

Wider bands help too but they are generally wider down the way rather than up the way.

I would have a re measure to be honest as per the link in statsicallys post

If you measure round underbust - are you a 34 inches? or is that what the calculator says you are?

I thought I was a 38 C but it turns out I'm a 34DD/E

I'm fairly impressed with Debenhams bra, but I wouldn't let them measure and fit me - I did it myself as I didn't trust them after reading the various bra intervention threads on here.

34 measured under bust myself. Maybe I should just eat less cake.

Just thought I'd double check Athrawes as M & S and some others like to add 4 inches onto the back size for some completely bonkers reason

I find a few things help to get a smooth back; wide enough band, wide enough straps, no padding in cups and a really good fit.

Currently I'm really happy with this bra. It is really comfortable, gives a nice smooth line and has wide straps in a C cup. I suspect it wouldn't be supportive enough for the large of nork, I wear a 36 C and it is just right for me.