Bras - what am I doing wrong now?! I don't get it!!

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

Measurements 30 / 36.

I still (despite trying hard!) can't get a bra to fit. If I buy the correct size the cups are HUGE. I cannot be a 30F.

If I wear a 30D in M&S it seems to fit in some styles. But the one I've had on today has left sore, red marks under my arms and on the outside of breast tissue. So does that mean cup is too small? I tried the 30DD and it was massive.

So do I just need to change brand? Style? I've just bought a 30C in Next... Please sort me out once and for all!!

I'd suggest trying some 28s, but from a brand which has quite soft band like Freya or Curvy Kate so they're not too firm and shocking! Your measurements would suggest somewhere around a 28G although I'd suggest also trying maybe an F/FF too given the issues you've had with cups.

Why can't you be an F? I went to bravissimo after having my two dc. I'm an F cup and used to be a C. I now have well fitting bras.

I'm glad I found this thread as I have the same measurements and am having the same issues - bought two new Debenhams bras in 30F yesterday and while they fit, they are rubbing me raw underneath the arms not to mention how matronly they look. I think it's a bra styling issue - there seems to be so much fabric/scaffolding to bras when you size according to the bra guru, but for those of us with smaller boobs it really isn't needed. I'm tempted to go back to "old style" measuring because I much prefer the daintier straps and lower cuts of bras in my size according to that method.

mycat i suspect the discomfort is that you won't be used to the bras encasing as much tissue at the outside edge of your breast. That should get better quite quickly. In terms of matronly - I'm a 30HH and I don't think any of my bras are matronly although some undoubtedly are. I wear mainly Cleo and Ewa Michalak.

I hope you're right Statistically. I like the fact that the underwires are in the right place but everything else about the bras seems so big compared to what I used to wear!

I look at the 'bigness' of the bra, think it can't possibly be me and put it back...

I'm going to order some online and try at home.

Have you actually been fitted properly? And not by m&s.

Why would bravissimo laugh at you? I found them to be wonderful.

What styles do you try?

I only fit plunge & balconette styles well. Full cups don't sit well. I have 'high set' breasts that not many brands/styles accommodate for.

I have been fitted properly, was put into a 28 back and it was so tight and uncomfortable. I was only a few months post-breastfeeding at the time so my size and shape was changing.

I've tried balconettes, but the straps seem to sit too far apart on my shoulders. I don't think I've tried the correct size in a plunge, they always look strange.

DD starts nursery next week so hopefully I'll soon have time to go to Bravissimo.

I'm a 30dd/30e and I would recommend shopping around. If you can't get to a Bravissimo, could you order a whole load of styles from Figleaves or Amazon and then return the ones that don't fit.
I have always got on well with the Wonderbra Everyday D-G moulded bra - it's not a push up style bra, just a really comfortable t-shirt bra with a nice shape. I also get on ok with some of the M&S Rosie bras but the sizing is a bit erratic.
For non padded bras I get on best with Panache. The Andorra is nice because it's stretchy lace which seems to give me a better fit than more rigid bras. It looks nice too.

I know they get a bad rep but m&s were fantastic with DD'S first bra

We are no where near a bravissimo but I had measured in accordance with they're instructions. We tried to find bra they were uncomfortable too tight etc.

We limited local options we tried our local marks. Lady roughly measures the strapline, pronounced a size and scurried off to get some bras. I whispered to DD no way you are that don't be too upset if it doesn't fit!

First bra she came back with was a perfect fit and totally suited to DD'S needs. She was well supported and comfortable. I would never have picked that size. We tried others to be sure but you could see the difference

I'm not convinced by this smaller bra band larger cup business. I do think it depends on body type. Ultimately it should be about if it is supportive and comfortable.

If you have a local marks don't rule them out