Bra Intervention folk ...

[lavendersun]

I need some help!

I thought I had bought a bra that fitted me ... but having read the thread again and clicked on the link I am not so sure.

Under bust measures 33" - why do I feel like a brand new Triumph bra in a 38C fits, new today. (I thought it was 36 but seem to have ordered a 38 for some reason).

I measured myself the other day and must have read the tape measure wrong. I feel like this fits me, but it shouldn't should it.

You need a 32 back probably and a bigger cup size. What is your measurement over the fullest part of your bust while bending over?

I am currently wearing a 34DD having worn 34C for years despite my 'correct' cup size being an E according to all the charts and M&S (I found I just spilled out of an A cup especially at the sides).

I have little padding on my ribs so I presume the 34 band is OK though sometimes I feel is does ride up a bit at the back so maybe I should try a 36.

I thought a C cup was pushing it a bit but if I understand correctly my measurements mean I should be a DD cup.

It's a minefield.

*spilled out of a D

But, why do I feel like this band is right if it isn't. Scary, cropped but not airbrushed bra photo attached. Note the pink line from where I have just been bent over.

More matronly than I would normally choose despite my advancing years but I am desperate for comfort which is evading me.

Surely a smaller band would just hurt wouldn't it. I need to buy a few new bras, I want to get it right.

I would measure yourself as per this guide

There is no way if you measure 33 that a 38 is the correct size.

Post your measurements here and a bra guru will be along soon to advise what size you should be looking at

It says in the link ^To test if the band fits:
Put the bra on back to front so the cups are at the back. When new this should be on the loosest hook as bras stretch with age. The band should feel snug, and you should be able to fit a couple of fingers under it, but that’s about all. If you can’t breathe try a size up, but most of the support comes from the band so we are aiming for firm. The reason for trying it back to front, is that even if the back is correct, if the cup is far too small it can trick you in to thinking the band is too small - the cups try to steal the fabric!^

bigmammykumquat - Ignore any advice by M & S and measure yourself as per the link

for info - I'm a size 16 and measure 34 round

The add four inches is not correct, if you measure round, that is your bra inches and then you work out the cups.

A 34D is not the same cup volume as a 38D

OK, under bust definitely 33", over bust 41". Double checked and triple checked.

I can get a hand or more through the 38C band I have just bought for £30. But it feels quite comfy.

You should be more in the range of 32FF and sizes around that e.g. 32G, 34F, 34F

to the poster with a band that rides up, you need a smaller back size not a bigger one

Well put it back in it's bag to take back

and check back here.

I'm not a bra guru but my guess is somewhere round a 32G, but don't take my word for it. wait for someone else to confirm

the band should be quite tight, it does the work - Not the straps.

You need to believe in the measure, the cups letter seem massive at first but like I say believe and you will wonder how the heck you have been so wrong up til now

34FF was the other option

I have been wearing 34 A and B all my life! They felt tight, I thought it was the band and my recent weight gain!

The band probably felt tight as the cups were nicking it

Thats why they say to try it on back to front so the cups don't interfere

The new bra will feel comfortable because it's too loose. I can see armpit overspill in the photo though. And try jumping up and down to see how unsupportive it is...

What does armpit overspill signify then? I wish I could just go somewhere and get measured in the knowledge that what I bought was right. I have been measured at JL, M & S and Debenhams in the past.

I haven't had a comfortable bra for years tbh ... so have given up wearing them apart from when I really have to, but at nearly 50 I feel like I should be wearing one.

go to Bravissimo for fitting

as for why the band feels tight - the bra is several cup sizes too small. Too small cups "steal" from the band, so it feels tight when it really isn't. Armpit overspill means cups are too small and the breast tissue that doesn't fit there starts migrating under your arms.

You look similarly sized to me, and I wear a 32G.

Armpit overspill means the cups are too small (bra guru checking )

It looks to me like that bra is doing very little in terms of lifting your breasts. A 38C is designed for someone measuring 41 around, but for someone 38 underbust. It's more ornament than use!

*checking in

The other thing is when you try on your new sized bra you need to DO THIS (- taken from that blog)

Lean forward, drop your breasts in to the cups and do the bra up at the back. Now, take your right hand, put it round inside the left cup, all the way round under your armpit, and scoop all the soft tissue and flesh in to the cup. You might not know it, but all that soft tissue under your armpit is breast, and it needs to be in the cup. Now, repeat on the other side. The wire should totally encase your soft breast tissue, and you should have no overspill or wrinkling in the cups. The central gore should sit flat in between your boobs.

anything that is at the side hiding needs to go in the front cups

Thanks everyone, I am clearly clueless about these things. I could go shopping tomorrow armed with this information but only have a choice of JL or the other usual High St stores.

Is it best to just do a DIY fitting then and ignore shop recommendations?

Is there a shop that has a gold standard for fitting, i.e. one where everyone is trained properly?

There is a Rigby and Peller in Cambridge I could visit easily enough next week but are they better than everywhere else - or not, I have no idea. I don't mind spending money but would prefer not to pay R & P prices if they are not any better than a good fitting bra from somewhere else.

I really need to get it right, after years of not wearing a proper bra because of the scar on my right breast and bras hurting I want to be able to bin all the sloggi top things I wear and wear a bra that fits properly.

There is a bravissimo in Cambridge. Go there. With your measurements you are no way less than a D cup, and they're D+. Prices are a lot lower than R&P (generally £25-£35 per bra) and IMO the fitting service is better.

Bravissimo are pretty much the gold standard.

Hoik and scoop.