Awkward sized bras - where to buy - without bankrupting myself?

[Missanneshirley]

Following bra intervention instructions I am now apparently a 28E which is all well and good except that nowhere seems to sell them!!
I've ended up on the fig leaves site and there's nothing under £25-30, which just isn't feasible.
Does anyone have any recommendations for Primark or even M&s prices but outwith "Standard" sizes?
Thanks!

I wish bra people would wake up and realise that everyone is wearing the wrong size and most are 30/32 not 34/36! So frustrating.

StatisticallyChallenged I can fit almost my whole hand at the front as well. I'm assuming that means it's too big? Like I said I have a 36DD bra and that's far too tight. Especially around the band. So I'm a bit confused.

I've just bit the bullet and ordered a 28E!

In fairness, in some bras I do wear a 34 (firm band) because I'm a size 12 with a really big ribcage.

I agree a lot of people are wearing the wrong size bra/too big a band, but it doesn't follow that most people are a 30/32 unless everyone has the same torso circumference. There are a lot of people being put into the wrong size at larger dress sizes too!

Hand in the front means band too big. Your 36dd will feel tight because the cups are too small, which nicks fabric from the band

My bras came today, both 28E. The one has cups that are way too big, and the other is okay but I think potentially slightly too tight and with a tiny bit of room in the cup. Going to try a 30D. If that doesn't work, I'm going back to braless..!

I really think you need to go to Bravissimo and get fitted - you can't beat being able to try lots of different styles and sizes, and getting advice from a trained fitter.

I just went to Bravissimo and bought a new bra so I'm practising what I preach, at least!

I'm in the middle of nowhere though Emma - nearest decent shops are bloody miles away :(

you really need to go try them on, because even in the same size, not all bras fit the same.

I'm something like a 30FF/32F. I'd say my breasts are medium sized. The OP is a 28E so really is not that busty at all.

I had a disasterous fitting session at M&S today after someone on here said that they'd sorted themselves out, which they clearly had not.

They wanted to put me in a 34DD which was loose in band and cups too small. Hilariously they currently have a 'bra fitting event' on because so many women are wearing the wrong bra size. The fact that M&S is the country's biggest bra seller has absolutely nothing to do with this, oh no .

The reason I wear the wrong bra size fastened on the tightest hooks (32D rather than 28E/30DD) is because I have quite small boobs and don't want to wear the structured bras made for larger boobs with thick straps.
If everyone agrees that the volume of 28E is the same as 34C why do only companies like Panache, Freya etc. make them, when dainty bras with thin bands and straps are available everywhere for 34C?

I was in M&S today (not for me!) and saw a sign which says they do fittings "up to an H cup" which made me and because they hardly have any bras in an F cup, let alone a bloody H.

I did have a quick look at a few of the bras and the back sizes (for the DD+ bras) seemed to start at 32/34. Not helpful for women who are 28/30!

Another thing is that there seems to be no consistently in the range of sizes on offer, each style seems to be different in terms of the range of back and cup size available.

Didn't fill me with motivation to root around for a bra to fit my massive boobs! I'll stick with Freya thank you very much!

consistency

I had a bad fitting at JL a few months ago. They said I was a 38C but gave me a 36D as I was breastfeeding. I'm not now, so I went to bravissimo to get a second opinion. My bra was too small. I was measured at a 36F. I told the woman at the time what had happened at JL and she was just as bewildered as I was. Although I'm thinking I'm closer to a 34 band as the band I have on now is a bit loose. The cup is fine.

I'm getting a bit fed up of it all really, I've wasted so much money on bras it's ridiculous. According to the bra intervention thing i do measure as a 36F though.

I think JL are better than M&S at fittings (perhaps because they do sell better quality bras in a better range of sizes) but they're still not brilliant. They sold both me and a friend bras that were too tight and uncomfortable, and we both had to return them (on completely separate occasions). Bravissimo is the only shop that has been consistently good. The first time I got fitted there, the fitter assessed my size just by looking at me (wearing a bra in the wrong size). Obviously she confirmed by putting me in the size and checking the fit. But I was really impressed.

Emma Bravissimo did the same with me! No tape measure in sight. I was impressed too.

I wish there was a site where you could upload pictures of yourself in bras and have an expert say which bits aren't fitted right. I think I'd even pay! Wouldn't be as accurate as being able to tell you your size, but at least when trying them on at home, it would be good to see where you're going wrong. Would be so helpful for rural people like me.

Becandgeo - try a 30D

Gin - that's usually my job on Facebook for my friends
I open my inbox and get a "does this fit?" And a bra photo

Anyone used the online calculators? They all disagree with each other too. I was in a 30C (because I measure 30 under my bust) but am now in a 32B which is what 2 calculators told me I should be. And having ordered a few 32Bs online can confirm they are comfortable, fit well and have 'perked' things up a treat

Just tried 3 of the calculators and they told me 3 different things!