Statistically are you around?

[PamPoovey]

I stopped breastfeeding a few weeks need to buy some interim bras (my boobs came back to life 6 months after stopping feeding DC1. I'm optimistically assuming they'll do the same this time). My tits are pathetic empty wide set socks right now .

I want a few bras that will give me good shape and support. I prefer balcony or plunge styles.

I'm between 30 and 31 under the bust and 36 bent over (). I've bought a 30DD and even when I scoop everything I still have really bad unsightly bulges under my arms. But If I try a 30E I'm nowhere near filling the cups .

32s are usually too loose in the band.

Any ideas or specific brands I could try?

I'm sure she is around but I'll try and help until she appears

It sounds like you've lost some fullness (hopefully only on a temporary basis) and therefore you are going to be better off sticking with balconettes and bra styles that give some lift but aren't too tall in the cup. You may struggle with plunges as might tend to fall out of the centre. Due to the loss of fullness on the top of your boobs you'll probably get gaping with moulded cups so I'd steer clear of them too (for the time being anyway).

It sounds like you need at least an E cup but in the right style/brand. What have you tried so far?

Thank you Sorrell I knew there were more of you bra mavens but I temporarily forgot your names .

I have only tried cheapy (but new) bras from M+S and then supermarkets etc. mostly from Ebay. I don't have the money to be buying from bravissimo etc at the minute.

When you say no moulded cups do you mean no padding? I hate unpadded bras (nipples like fighter pilots thumbs). Always wear padded ones.

That's OK, Stats is way more knowledgeable than me! Marriednotdead is also fantastic on different brands/fit.

Moulded bras are the firm type that don't bend to your shape IYSWIM? You can get lightly padded ones that aren't moulded (e.g. Cleo Juna).

M&S/Supermarket bras just aren't great quality, size or fit wise really, especially in the smaller band sizes. If you're looking on eBay, have a look for:

Freya half cups (not the Deco), Curvy Kate padded half cups (e.g. Tease Me), Bravissimo own brand half cups, Cleo Juna, Lucy and maybe the Marcie. If you can get into BRavissimo, it's worth it for the chance to try on lots of stlyes and brands. Maybe you could buy one there and then look for similar on the outlet sites like Leia, My Curves and Me, Figleaves and BraStop?

Thanks so much Sorrel

I really like the Curvy Kate Tease Me and have found a few on Ebay. Do you happen to know if they run true to size or small/big? Trying to decide which size to go for.

Right well I've just had a session with the tape measure and I'm just over 31 inches underneath so nearer a 32 than a 30 (37 over when bent forward). The bands of my 30s have always been painfully uncomfortable, I just thought that was the norm with well fitted bras.

I think this is why I was getting the overhang under my arms. The cups were too small/not enough material.

Have bought the Curvy Kate in 32DD so will see how that fits.

Thanks again

Sorry about the delay in responding. I'll be surprised if the CK fits in the cup as they run big in the band and small in the cup but you may be lucky!

Oh goddamit . I should've waited.

I might buy another and return if required, what do you think - 30E?

I'd say 30E or maybe F. Wait until the 32DD arrives and then post again and hopefully one of us can work out whether it's a good fit or what other size to try. They're lovely bras btw.

You rang m'lady?

Try the Freya patsy half cup or maybe cleo juna - both wide necklines without much top half to the cup. The tease me is a good option too. Bravissimo alans is quite friendly to bottom heavy too, try the e as it's snug

Thanks Stat

Have either of you any opinions on the brand, Pour Moi?

They seem to have lots of really pretty and reasonable bras on Ebay.

Right it's Pam here with a name change.

Bras have arrived and I'm pissed off.

The Curvy Kate Tease Me in 32DD is huge. Too loose in the band and I'm about halfway to filling the cups .

The M+S 30DD might fit cup wise but is so painfully tight in the band that my boobs are squashed.

Any ideas on what the hell size I am?

M&S bands run tight, Curvy kate run loose. I'd reckon you are probably a 30 in most decent brands (CK, Freya etc) and cups I'd be trying a DD and E - maybe a DD first. The M&S bra won't tell you much as their sizing is mince!

Pour moi sizing is also terrible and very volatile, I wouldn't be trying them just now as they'll just confuse you.