I'm in M&S now trying on bras...

[MI5agent]

...I'm a 30 around my back, they've added 4in so saying I'm a 34, and a C cup.

I think I'm more of a 32 and higher cup to tuck all the boob in (I'm not big but saggy so need to lift them!)

Is this how they size? Do I let her do what she says and try on other sizes!

Arrrh I just need a bra that fits!

You probably need a 30DD, but if you measured like this, then it could be more like an E or F.

Is there a Bravissimo you could get to instead?

Sounds like you're 30 underneath and 37 on top which is a 30f.

Don't bother wasting your time with their measuring. Go and get a tonne of bras in what you think is your right size and get trying.

Have you done your measurements interventionist stylee?

I think they recommend trying on a good few sizes so say you're 30 under and 34 over they'd say to try 30d, 30dd, 28dd, 28e, 32d & 32c or something like that.

No bravissimo and I don't feel like I'm a huge bust (small in fact) but bras of 32c / 34c or d just don't look right. If I wriggle my boobs in they're then in the wrong place to the bra.

I wouldn't be an F surely?
Running out of time on my lunch break now. Might just quickly try and 30f!

This is the 34d
But with a gap when I lean forward so don't feel I fill the cup

A 30f will have a slightly smaller (I think, or is it the same?) cup volume as a 34d.

I'd order online from bravissimo or figleaves and try 30e and 30f.

Get out of M&S, their bras are pish. A 30F isn't huge at all - cup size depends on volume. Look at a 30A and a 38A and you'll see what I mean, the 38A will hold massively more tissue.

Try the M&S 30F just to see, but be warned their sizing can be erratic.

If you're a 30 round your ribcage, you really need to try a 30 bra. I'm a 30 back size and 34 would be far too big.

And that style of bra will gape at the top if your boobs are bottom heavy - plunge styles don't suit me at all, but a half cup looks great.

And I'm a 28G which sounds huge, but I would describe myself as small busted

that looks huge on you btw, like you're having to lean backwards to keep it on.

I actually collared the two heads of lingerie in my local store (it's a big one) on Saturday just gone and told them about us on here. Told them that the reason their bra sales were down was due to their measuring method. Explained the Bravissimo / Rigby / JL methods and that due to M&S thinking we're all bigger in back / smaller in cup, their range of DD+ was hugely limited.

They were AMAZED! Said they'd never heard the alternative method and that they would tell the Big Bosses! They were VERY interested! Said they'd take a look on this site!

Fingers crossed, eh?!

Well done Single!!!

Thanks so much everyone - I was in a mad rush on my break, with little time and you all stopped me impulse panic buying. I brought a strapless 32D which was tight but fit well - will try it again tonight and see if I feel different.

My boobs don't feel like they are any particular size! Need more time to try on loads

Thanks again. And we'll done single

M&S have recently been running a bit snug in the band - so a 32D being OK-ish in there would definitely not rule out you being a 30E/F in other brands. Especially as strapless bras tend to be tighter in the band, and have different cup shapes.

It sounds like you have breasts which don't have much upper fullness? You might get on with something like the Cleo Lily/Millie/Minnie (same bra in different fabrics) if your breasts are relatively narrow rooted, or something like the Cleo Juna if they're a little wider (i.e. go round under your armpits). If they're wider the Freya Patsy half cup, Bravissimo own brand half cups and Cleo Maddie might suit too

Single you my hero of the day. Imagine, women no longer consigned to years of backache.

M&S ARE YOU LISTENING?.

Op, you cannot be that slim and a 34!.

I'm a 28, it felt unbearably tight at first but my backache went away!. Also it lifted my boobs so they looked better.

Another convert here. M&S had me in 34/ 36/B

I'm actuslly 32D/DD

M and s are shockingly bad at measuring, IMHO the bras are quite badly sized too.

Statisticallychallenged - bang on with the 'not much upper fullness'. They're tiny boobs really but they're not an A or B cup.Thanks for the recommendations, very much appreciated.

I've measure myself using the method talked about on here.

Under boobs (rib cage) sitting at 30.5 if I pull tight, but 31 if I breathe in (and expand).

Cup size leaning forward - 36.5inch

Is that 30E / 32D?

I'm a tall frame with slim bottom half, top half I'm wide shouldered and breasts start lower than most people - so have a lot of collar bone if that is possible. I don't suit halter necks or strapless tops / dresses (the strapless bra is for a strappy top to wear).

A lot of collarbone is definitely possible - I have the opposite problem where my boobs start really high.

On your measurements I'd normally say to try 30E/F and 32 DD/E as a start point.

Have a look at the bra band project. It's a really useful site for dispelling some of the myths about breast/bra size. Just lots of photos of normal women in bras which fit - it really helps to show that a DD isn't some huge size like the Daily Mail and co like to make out.

Thanks SC, that's a great link.

Will definitely get back to trying some on. I've put the strapless on again tonight (32D) and it is ok actually; it's snug fitting but needed for a strapless.

We only have Debenhams and M&S in town were I am, no John Lewis, Bravimissio etc. As long as I don't get assistance and please myself, I should be ok shouldn't i in Debenhams?

You should be able to at least get an idea in debenhams. Every branch I have been in stock Freya which would be a good place to start as they are fairly reliable sizing wise. Lots of people like their own brand gorgeous line but the sizing can be funny. Often small in the band. And while you're there try the wonder bra ultimate strapless -runs snug so start with the 32 but I suspect it will kick the ass of the marks bra.

mi5 you are shaped a bit like me, visible collar bone and tall. my fave bras are the cleo maddie and bravissimo satine (I'm 30/39 and wear 30ff)

I'm 30E and feel like my boobs look huge, quite narrow across the shoulders. in M& S wear 30DD.

you could try Debenhams or John Lewis.

This is a timely thread, and has prompted me to measure myself via the "alternative method", which I've been meaning to do for ages.

I got 33 inches around and 44.5 on top. So I'm reckoning about a 34H, does that sound right? I'm by no means slender, but I am quite "ribby" and there's not much squish there.

I've been breastfeeding for over three years now and have been in generic "large" maternity bras (the Bravado Silk ones) that I've almost forgotten what a "proper" bra feels like! I used to wear 34Fs though.