Bra shopping,where shall I get measured?

[conkerpods]

So I'm going to buy some bras next week. No idea what size I am,I have been to Bravissimo in the past but find they for the band way too tight and i get red marks.
I'm planning on going to House of Fraser and Debenhams,will their bra fitters be crap,should I measure myself??

I've used debenhams before and they are ok. I tend to measure myself so I have an idea of what I need. I also find certain brands size slightly differently. I find debenhams own range small in the back and everythime I go bra shopping I end up with Freya bras as they suit my shape best. Not tried John Lewis.

If you are confident in sizing yourself you can pick out a load to try on in the changing rooms and the assistant is usually happy to get other sizes for you if needed.

Have you had a fitting at Bravissimo? Or just bought their stuff? I find their fitters quite good. I also found the fitters at Rigby and peller to be fantastic - although their stuff's a lot pricier than Bravissimo!

I can't find the link in how to measure yourself but I'm sure one of the lovely Bra Intervention mumsnetters will be along soon with a link for you.

I also second getting fitted in Bravissimo if you didn't when you went before.

I think bras are a bit like shoes, they take a few wears to get properly comfortable. If you can stretch the band a good few inches when it's on then it's not too tight, either the cups are too small or you just need to wear it in a bit.

Red marks from a well fitting bra are pretty normal tbh. Both house of fraser and debenhams are ropey for fitting

IME Debenhams are awful but John Lewis is better. Bravissimo the best though, by far. I like the way Bravissimo don't just give you a size and expect everything in that size to fit - instead they find a style and shape that's right.

John Lewis were awful when I went with dd. She measured her at 28" then suggested she try a 32"!! When I asked why she said oh we like to add a few inches

The Bra Calculator from the /r/abrathatfits subreddit is worth checking out.

Really detailed and there's a slideshow at the top which shows clearly how to measure yourself:

www.brasizecalculator.tk/home.html

Thankyou,I have measured with the website above.
I was measured in Bravissimo when I went,I just didn't like how tight they should be. I know they need to be snug for support though. Maybe I'll try again,I'll see how I get on tomorrow.