Bra sizes... say what???

[Methenyouplus4]

Since bfing my 4 kiddos, I've worn a 34b (34C previously). They fit well round the waist and if anything, the top of the bra (I wear a padded t-shirt style) tends to have a gap as my boobs are pretty deflated.

Now my weight/ boob size has settled, I am investing in some decent underwear. However, when I put my measurements into online calculators, they are sizing me at 28dd or 32dd- surely this can't be right? I barely fill my b cup!

If I am just going to have to go in store, where is a good place to get measured?

It probably is right! The size of cups changes with the back band size. A 34b bra will have a much bigger cup than a 28b.

The change in the calculators is to do with people realising that there are two ways of measuring for a bra and one gives a generally much better fit than the other (smaller back size bigger cup).

What are your actual measurements?

Bravissimo if you have one near you.

They may not measure you as such, but try different sizes based on their experience.

Cups depend on the band size. But your B cup is probably too wide and your band doesn't offer enough support, which is why they gap at the top.
In any case, try different cup shapes. Balcony tend to be better for low hanging sagging breasts than full cups.

Bra sizes work in inverse proportion so
34b = 32c = 30d = 28dd = same cup volume
Underband needs to be snug, but not strangling.
And different makes all bloody vary.

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html?m=1

I think your problem might be that you are wearing bras that fit you well round the waist

This is a useful guide too www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/wiki/beginners_guide

I'm totally flabbergasted. I feel like if I went into a shop and asked for a dd I would be laughed out of the store.

I measure 29 round waist if I rest tape measure and don't pull it tight (don't really have any fat round this area so presumably don't need to pull it tight). Chest when standing/ leaning forward is 35 and 34 if I lie down (only did all this because it was suggested by calculator I used).

There is a Bravisimo in a city near where I live so I can stop by.

Can't get the link to work.

I did try M&S online calculator which was only one that had me at a 34b still but didn't ask me to measure chest, just under bust where band would sit and rest was just a series of questions.

Parcel- the above is one of the ones I used.

I've been wearing a 34b all my life. I went to Bravissimo last year and in now in a 32FF!

You have to measure around the chest, right under the breasts. Not the waist.
Then you should measure around the breasts leaning forward.

I reck

Sorry I don't know what happened there.

I reckon 32dd is right. I went bra shopping with my 11yr old dd yesterday (who is 5ft 2 and in a size 10 womens clothes!). We tried on hundreds of bras and she came with a 30d in one bra brand and a 32c in another. Both fit in my expert eye perfectly. Her boobs aren't massive by any means.

Sorry, I didn't mean waist (defo don't have 29 inch waist!), I meant ribcage.

I went from a saggy m&s-measured 34c to a perky 30dd thanks to the links and advice on here.

Seriously, try it - a proper bra gives you so much confidence.

I wore a 36B for many years -!I think because my mother suggested it was about right?

Lost a bit of weight and started buying 34C. I had been measured by this time (in marks and Spencer tho)

Since reading up on the new sizing I have been comfortable in 32E or DD depending on brand and style.

It makes a huge difference to get it right.

Different bra styles and makes fit differently, so don't be put off by needing different sizes from different places.

try a 30D or 30DD in a brand like Freya or Cleo. They fit quite standardly according to measurements

If you're measuring 29" without pulling it tight, then a 28 would be right.

M&S are notoriously shit at bra fitting. Seriously, go to Bravissimo, Rigby & Peller or some other specialist lingerie store and ask them both to fit you and to explain how a bra should fit so you can judge for yourself if buying online in future. A well-fitting bra makes a massive difference.

Also bear in mind that breasts come in different shapes as well as sizes and different styles/brands suit different people even if the label is the same.

Made an appointment with Bravisimo- I even rang ahead to explain otherwise they'll be confused as to why I'm rocking up to D+ stockists with my tiny offerings. Hubby and I even laugh about how when I lie down my ribs protrude further than my nipper! That's not just for added humour, they actually do.

Nippes even.

Or maybe even nipples...

voldysgonemouldy, i measure 29 without pulling it tight, and i wear a 30.
If youve got quite a skinny ribcage, then you cant really pull your bra in another inch, like you might be able to if youve got more padding on your ribs. Ive never found a 28 that fits me ever

Just thought I'd update after you were all so helpful with your advice: I was 'measured' at Bravisimo (they use sight/ guidelines etc rather than tape measures). Young lady doing it was really lovely and put me at ease- not the hard sell at all or turning her nose up at my small boobs in a D+ shop. She basically said I was 30D but as I wanted a bit more 'omph' then to try a 32c (which they didn't sell) as my boobs aren't very full.

I've ordered a load online to try on in my own home- thank you all for the tips, defo think my waist band looked stupidly big when she showed me how much room there was in it. Thank you again for tops- I've seem the light!