Bra intervention - a bit shocked

[firesidechat]

Having bookmarked the bra intervention page for about 2 years I've finally got round to actually measuring, mainly because my bras have been agony recently.

I've put on weight over the years and am a size 16/18 and boobs aren't what they were at 52 years old. I measured at 39" (pulled tightish) under the bust and 47" round the bust.

What size would you say that was? I've been wearing a 42a and have never been more than a b cup or so I thought.

Do you have a bravissimo near you op?

Not really. The closest is and 1 hour and 15 minutes away, but I'm quite tempted to go there.

It was a horrible experience because knowing what I did about M and S bra fitting, I knew they would look at the sizes I had picked and think "why the hell is she trying those on?"

As Bravissimo is far away, could you buy a couple online based on your intervention measurements? From stores with good return policies. For your band size Elomi and Panache Sculptress might be good to try. Keep up the search. You'll get there!

If you get a next account you can order loads of bras without parting with any money or postage and try loads on . That's what I do .

I'm feeling very positive about it really despite my frustration with today's hunt. Until recently I used the old method of measuring and decided I was a complete freak and had to buy my bras from a specialist website. Once I've tried on a few more bras I know that I should be able to walk into lots of shops and find the right fit.

The bad reviews about M and S bra fittings have been going on for years and I don't understand why the company ignores this. There was a young girl getting measured in the cubicle next to mine and I bet she walked out with all the wrong advice and the wrong size.

Back fat doesn't necessarily mean you need to go up in back size. I get that if bra is in fact too big and does not sit where it's supposed to.

I ordered some off figleaves outlet & posted back the ones that didn't fit.

I am currently wearing a 36G (when I was comfortably a 38F, M&S said I was a 46A ) and losing weight (so all my bras are supermarket specials because I'm dropping sizes at a ridiculous rate) - I get more back fat when I need to go down a size than when I'm squeezing into one (if that makes sense).

I also have shallow, wide-set boobs and find Asda's underwired but not padded bras suit me very well (and the bonus is they're £6 each)

I couldn't do up a 36 band, so it's not that. I am fat, there's no getting around that.

I used this calculator and it puts me at a 40DD when I remeasured, so I will try those and see how they fit.

www.sophisticatedpair.com/bra-size-calculator/

The calculator there is pretty accurate. However if I put in your measurements from up thread (39/47) it gives me 38G not 40DD. I honestly think that you need to stick with a 38 to get the right support and go up in the cup to alleviate the overspill/backfat. Are you scooping with vigour?

The extra fat (why do I humiliate myself like this) is actually on my back where the band is, so not really overspill if that makes sense. I also measured myself again today and I'm only a tiny bit less than 40". I will try again though when I'm not so pushed for time.

Honestly, you'd be amazed how far back you can scoop from! It's also really common for slightly larger ladies/those with a squidgier torso ( no offence meant I promise) to need to go down rather than up in the band in order to get sufficient support and lift from the band.

I have a bra question if there's anyone that knows the answer - how do you measure saggy boobs? It says to measure the fullest bit but they're kind of like snooker balls in a sock iyswim. I'm pregnant and my bras are hurting me but I can't work out what size to buy. I've always found Bravissimo bras to be really tight and uncomfortable. They seem to want to squeeze my back into smaller sizes.

Start with the guidelines from the better bra campaign website anyway, the approach for your band size doesn't really change but you may find that it overestimates your cup size however it's better to start too big in the cup and work down until you find one which is right, as it's easier to spot too big than too small cup wise.

Bravissimo normally fit properly band wise but if you've been used to wearing one which is too big it will feel strange to begin with. It's like breaking in shoes.