Surprised at bra size change

[blushrush]

I've always been a 36C, or that's what I thought. For the past 10 years or so, I've always automatically bought the same size and seemed to get on just fine with them.

However, on a whim I decided to fill in one of those online bra calculators, as my bras just didn't look 'right'. And wow! I was way off! Apparently, I'm a 34E!

I thought it was a glitch so have tried 4 more online calculators and they've all come back with either 34E or 34DD.

Good excuse to go new bra shopping at least!

I recommend Bravissimo as they have a big selection of DD+ bras (unlike a lot of shops) and they have well trained fitters who can advise on fit. The bras are more expensive than, say, M&S, but they're worth it IME!

I was the exact same! was in 36c for years and now am in a 34e/f :D

Thanks AnotherEmma, will take a look!

chocdonutyy Do you think bra sizes have changed over the years, or do boobs really keep growing as you get older? I know they can change if you put on weight, but I've been doing to opposite and lost a few pounds recently.

I'm a bit lost with bra sizing as different brands can fit differently in the same size! I stick with m and s bras now so at least I know they'll fit (dont get measured there) cant afford bravissimo right now.
I do think boobs change as we age and gain/lose weight, I'm the biggest boobs size I've ever been but have been at least 2 stone heavier before! (and 3 stone lighter :( )

I think a lot of dramatic "size changes" are from measurers putting you in the wrong size to begin with - eg M&S used to (and possibly still do, I will never darken their measuring door again) add 4 inches to your underbust measurement, which will give you a bra that kindasorta fits because the too-big band will make up for the too-small cups but not nearly as well as one with the actual right size. I spent years in my 20s as a "34B" when I'm pretty sure I was a 32C or 30D.

Though your bra size can also change over your life, of course, I was visited by the boob fairy when I had my DC and they never went away...

I also think those 'measure with your bra on' calculators are a bit rubbish! If I think I'm wearing the wrong size, how is measuring myself in an incorrect bra going to give an accurate result?

I once went to Ann Summers (I think) to get measured and they said I was a 34A. I really, really wasn't an A...

I was convinced I was a 36D (Debenhams) for a while until I went to bravissimo and it turns out I'm a 36F. John Lewis measured me before I went to bravissimo a few months ago and told me I was a 38C/B.

It hasn't been very consistent, although the 36F fits really well.

Another vote for Bravissimo..... I definitely went up from my " usual" size to a 36f when I went there. They don't rely on tape measures and kind of assess by eye and then adjust by trying on. They have lots of pretty sets and good neutrals for everyday wear which I have worn to death. I recently needed to replace one and couldn't get into a store so had to do an M&S run. I hated the larger sizes.... They were all very full cupped and frumpy. When I finally found one that fitted I discovered that when I sit in it for too long the central section ( between the cups) kind of digs into my solar plexus and makes me feel sick. I have never in my life felt sick from wearing a bra. I sometimes undo it on the train on the way home! Quite a look.

I've just switched from a 34A to a 32C/D! Result! I was absolutely gobsmacked, however, when at 7 months pregnant and boasting cleavage for the very first time, M&S measured me at 40A!!!!! Does / should that size even exist?

Bonhomie Your ribcage expands when you're pregnant, so it's not impossible, although I'd be surprised if you went from a 32 to a 40 - that's 4 back sizes! I've gone from a 34 to a 38 so far...

I took my mum into bravissimo with me once. She wore a 36B for years.

The bra lady said no...you're more like a 32D.

Reader - she swanned round the shop like a fembot from Austin Powers, waggling her new found boobs about and couldn't wait to run home and tell my dad (who was distinctly non-plussed by this revelation)

she swanned round the shop like a fembot from Austin Powers, waggling her new found boobs about and couldn't wait to run home and tell my dad (who was distinctly non-plussed by this revelation)

Brilliant...

Bloody M&S woman tried to make me try on a 38A last time I was in there. I didn't actually ask for a fitting, just asked where I could find bras in my real size (32F). FFS!

I did say I wasn't going to be a 38 as that would mean my ribs being nearly 10 inches wider than my waist (!), but I didn't say that having spent my whole adult life as "the one with the big tits" I found it v unlikely that I was an A.

Bravissimo is wonderful, but they will try to put you in something that "fits" and that can mean painfully tight IME. So if you try on something and it actually hurts, do tell them and insist that you want the next size up!

StVincent I agree with that! I did have to take a bra back to Bravissimo because I realised it was too tight after wearing it for a few hours. The fitting advice is usually excellent though. No comparison with M&S who are shit!

she swanned round the shop like a fembot from Austin Powers

I love this!

I'm off bra shopping this weekend and I'm actually quite excited about trying a completely new size. Hoping it will give my bust a boost

I had a bra fitting at M&S today and it was good. I've been wearing 32B for decades but the new fangled way of measuring made me 30E/32D. I'm 5 weeks pregnant so bigger than normal and ended up in a 34D from M&S. That's tight enough so would hate to try a 32 or smaller.

M&S told me I was a 38A, completely ignoring the fact that the bra visibly didn't fit. I'm fortunate to live fairly near to a very good outlet shop that has things like Rigby and Peller, and staff who know how to use a tape measure and their eyes. It turns out I'm a 32E. It fits, it supports, it stays put and it doesn't hurt.

M&S bras tend to run a bit tight, and when you are pregnant you should buy on the loose side but in general fitting someone who measures a 30 in to a 34 is very much not a good fitting.

I love Bravissimo. They're opening a second branch here in LIverpool.

Sometimes they do put you in bras that feel too tight - generally it's because bras do loosen over time and wear, but sometimes it's a bit too much isn't it?

The last time I went to M&S for a bra was nearly 8 years ago - I had just had twins and needed a nursing bra. The woman literally looked me up and down, told me my bra was too small (well, durrrrr, that's why I'm here....) and told me they had nothing for me, because I told her it was a 32FF and I thought I needed at least a G. It's true, they didn't - but there was no need for the rudeness!

which calculators did you use? Most of them still use the adding inches method and you might need even bigger cup.
Boob or bust calculator on Facebook is not bad

with Squirrel, who is clearly my boob twin

Felicia - I've had that attitude in M&S too. That look that says "Get out of my sight and come back when you've got smaller breasts!"