Can you recommend plus size bras or shape wear?

[HanarCantWearSweaters]

Is scurvy Kate the best place for bras? I am very big in the back but not in the cup, I think I would need to get some of the extender strap bits.

And for shape wear, I used to wear some years ago but had the awful rolling down and getting the nice roll of back fat over the top. I'm a 22/24 so not looking for miracles, just something to firm it all up a bit under dresses and the like.

Thank you

Curvy Kate, obviously

Try What Katie Did. You should find what you want shapewear wise there and it's lovely and glam.

I couldn't get on with curvy Kate bras at all, I think certain shapes fit certain makes, the best for me are Cleo by Panache and some Bravissimo own make ones, I had a fitting at a Bravissimo store and would recommend this if you possibly can, its amazing to finally have a few bras that fit and are supportive!!

Bravissimo! They have the most fantastic selection of bras for bigger cups and backs - different brands and their own one too. The ladies on the phone or in the stores are absolutely fantastic. I have been going to them for years.

www.bravissimo.com

Curvy Kate (scurvy Kate sounds itchy!) bras tend to be best if you have wide set breasts with a lot of tissue around the sides, but not particularly wide set shoulders. Their balconettes are just about all that I'm comfortable in, but that doesn't mean they'll fit you or the next person well.

I second paying a visit to Bravissimo for a proper fitting and chance to try on a few different styles. It can get down to something as simple as a plunge vs a balconette, within the same brand. You might also find that your back size is smaller than you think. I was a 16, this time, last year, but still only needed a 32 back. My bust is heavy, but not massive. You might find that you need no more than a 38 or 40 back, so long as the cups are large enough not to pull it too tight for overall circumference (so, even if you don't have a massive bust, you may be a bigger cup size than you think)

Brastop.com stock curvy Kate and lots more brands in larger sizes at cheap prices. I tend to go for a fitting at bravissimo and but one bra. Then I buy more from brastop as they are often half the price.

*buy one bra, obviously!

I recommend Fantasie bras. I always go to an independent retailer to get mine.

Thanks for all your advice! Hadn't even thought about different types of bras. I've never had a fitting before quite embarrassed about letting half the bakery out in view but I guess they've seen it all before. I'll have a search for my nearest Bravissimo

Bravissimo are great and anytime I've been fitted there they've asked me if I'd like them to step outside while I put the bra on - but to be honest, it's easier to have them stay and hoick you into place. Make an appointment though, and you'll get much better attention than a drop in if they are busy.

TBH You'll probably not have any trouble much. A larger band and smallish breasts are what the bra makers seem most keen to sell.

in terms of band size - an 18/20 is most usually a 38 or 40 band, sometimes a 42. Those are all pretty readily available, with bras it's actually the smaller band / bigger cup sizes that are harder to get.

I'll find you a link to the bra intervention measuring thing, it's ever so easy to do.

here. Do. Not. Add. 4. To. The. Band. Measurement

Having tried Freya, Curvy Kate etc and spent a fortune on bras that are never quite right I've recently discovered the Keira Goddess bras and they are amazing. Very supportive and a great silhouette. They're American I think so you'll need to convert the size but that's easy. They come in loads of colours.

I've got two of these ex M&S slips.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M-S-SECRET-SLIMMING-WEAR-YOUR-OWN-BRA-SLIP-FIRM-CONTROL-SIZE-24-FAWN-BNWT-/371717748069?hash=item568c1ab565:g:M7oAAOSw65FXvFjm

Actually I'm a bigger size and ebay is the only place I can get them my size. But they are fantastic and don't roll at all - provided you get your proper size not your "wish" size. I also wear them with trousers sometimes as I'm tall. Best thing ever after years of trying to find comfy shapewear.

Thanks all, some great advice here. My nearest Bravissimo is Oxford Circus so I'll make an appointment for this weekend and then I'll buy some of the lovely bras recommended.
I'll also have a crack at the bra intervention; I've oft seen it mentioned on threads but never got around to figuring out how to actually do it!

Thanks Perspicacia, I'm going to buy that one this is why I needed the help as I would automatically think any slip type shapewear would roll so I would have discounted that immediately without you lot. What a bunch of good eggs.