Is M&S a bad place to get a bra fitted?

[Mol1628]

I've heard they don't measure properly? In desperate need of new nursing bra and have a child free day to do it next week, only options really are mothercare or m&s.

Yes. But mothercare nursing bras are pretty awful ime.

Can you find a Bravado stockist? Or Hotmilk or Royce? They all make decent bras.

Yes! They use a very old-fashioned method of adding 4" to the underbust measurement which means you end up with the band too big and cups too small. See this current thread for how to measure yourself (no matter your size): www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2717464-Big-breasts-bra-sizes-and-just-fed-up-really

Oddly enough I just wrote that on another thread about bras. I think they are and that their bras are odd sizes.

Oh yes - they fitted me at a 38B - then Bravissimo and a local posh bra shop fitted a 34FF.

Bit of a difference!

I just started a thread about this - and got mixed reviews. Some said go to M & S and others said avoid them like the plague.

Oh yes - they fitted me at a 38B - then Bravissimo and a local posh bra shop fitted a 34FF. Bit of a difference!

So Feenie, from what you've written I'm assuming the latter measurement is the one you are most comfortable with?

I'm thinking it's probably the same with me. Smaller band size and bigger cup size. I measured myself based on two online sites and came out as 40D. Bought a bra today and it is miles too big.

The difference when you're wearing a properly fitted bra is amazing! Looks so much better too.

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html?m=1
This is a great guide for accurate measuring. M&S are absolutely terrible for immaculate sizing.

These nursing bras are amazing

www.nursingbra-shop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=112&gclid=CJ3brPqH5M4CFUaNGwod_l8MDg

Best of all they only come in four sizes s/m/l/xl so you don't need to be measured as such, just fit your existing bra size into the banding. (eg I'm 36d and a M)

You can get them in John Lewis if you want to try them on in an actual shop first.

I still wear them now sometimes even though I haven't nursed for three years!

Definitely don't go to M and S

Yes, I got nursing bras from there - the woman told me my bra was doing nothing for me - fitted me for new ones, they were too tight around the band but she said that was normal, it would relax. I had to go buy bra extenders from the haberdashery to make them fit enough so I could breathe. Waste of money.

Yep they said I'm a 42GG.
Bravissimo said I'm a 38JJ which is far more supportive and comfortable!

My local M&S is great. The woman measured me by sight as a 32C which corresponds to what I got using the intervention technique.

For nursing bras I would highly recommend Bravado ones. Will come back with a link...

[http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+bravado-seamless-maternity-nursing-bra-in-maternity-products-and-underwear+b3191]

They are so comfy - I lived in mine for 2.5 yrs. The cup is stretchy so fits regardless of whether you have massive baby-needs-feeding boobs or small baby-just-fed boobs.

Unless you're a much larger size and need the expensive options always mentioned on these threads for support, I would recommend the debenhams comfort nursing bras range. I tried a lot of different high street ones and these were by far the most supportive (look ok under clothes) and comfortable. They do measuring but I haven't tried their service, did it myself. I'm a 32F.

Thanks everyone. I got the jo jo one in the end. My baby is 18mo but not quite ready to stop feeding so ill go get fitted somewhere for a proper bra when he's done. I've been breastfeeding or pregnant for the last 4 years so I'll really treat myself when I'm done.

What a shame so many high street shops aren't getting it right.

A bit of an update.

Two of the the 40D bras I ordered online arrived this morning. One, as predicted, is miles too big - with spare saggy fabric on the cups and a gap I could shove tissues down, so that's going to have to go back.

However, the second one fits really well. I think this is because of the type of bra it is. It is one of those you can make into a halter or strapless with detachable straps, and is made out of all soft stretchy elastic fabric (even the cups), like a sports bra. The only bit of 'structure' to it, is that it has underwires.

Because it is so stretchy it clings really well and actually acts as a sort of minimiser - spreading and flattening a little. It's really comfy and in terms of style, suits my shape. Because of the nature of the bra I think it's one where sizing is less important - so although I do agree I am definitely not a 40D (having now tried two structured bras that are miles too big), with this one I can get away with it.

So at least I now have one bra that I can wear out of the three purchased so far. Two more to come!

Terrible. I was in one of their changing rooms recently when I overheard a teenage girl being fitted. When the fitter said 'And if the cups too small, you can just go up a back size', I had to seriously fight the urge to fling open the curtain and drag the girl off to Rigby and Pellar.

I can't actually afford R&P bras now - but I think it's v important to be fitted somewhere like that so you understand how sizing works and what to look out for. John Lewis can also be good. I'm off to bravissimo for the first time tonight - but nervous as I'm only a DD so not sure if they'll let me in.