Where do people with a small chest go for a bra fitting?

[mumtomaxwell]

As summer approaches and clothes are less forgiving my manky bras need to be replaced with ones that fit!!

I'm pretty flat chested (36aa or 34b) so normally wear gel bras but always struggle to get a good fit. I loathe bra shopping, so would love to go somewhere that says 'this is your size, here are a bunch of well fitting bras'.

Thanks!

I got measured in Debenhams, they measure very well and gave me a few different bras to try on, as some bra sizes can come up a bit different size wise when you try them on, I tend to go there for most of my bras too ( I am big chested and find it hard to get bras in my size that are nice)

"M and S to be avoided."

I disagree. Their bras are perfectly good. Their measuring service is deplorable and is to be avoided. I'm a 32B (yes I am) and can find plenty of choice there, although my last few bras were from Debenhams.

The only time I've been measured properly was in mothercare - then you weren't measured properly. Go to Bravissimo- even if it happens that you are actually under their size range, they will tell you your size and you can go find it elsewhere. I bet you're not though. (probably more like 32D or thereabouts)

wdf here it is m and s balcony lightly padded bra

M&S bras are great - IF they make your size

Their fitting service is atrocious. They told me I was a 34B - I was actually a 28DD.

I actually love their basic t-shirt bras and have been wearing a 30D cos they're terrific basics and super comfortable. But it's too big and I really need to get some bras that actually fit- and M&S don't make my size, so I'll have to find somewhere else. I hate the feel of Freya and other brands (at least last time I tried them out), I just want a really basic, simple, plunge, t-shirt bra. Wish M&S had a wider range of sizes!

From that link, it becomes even clearer that you are expected to spend ages in smelly hot changing rooms trying on loads of bras. It talks about ' you may.need to try a size up or down'. Yes, you just love shopping and being stuck indoors in your precious spare time.

Why? Why can't clothes fit? If I have a bra that fits perfectly according to the guidelines, why cant I just buy another in the same size? I can't - I tried and the thing was two inches too small even to do up.

Add the limited choice - I hate ugly itchy lumpy lace, pointless narrow straps, stupid colours and patterns and thick sweaty padding - and I am very glad I don't have to do office wear now. This means I can stop bothering with bras and preserve the ones I have for the occasion when I need to wear one.

If I have a bra that fits perfectly according to the guidelines, why cant I just buy another in the same size? I can't - I tried and the thing was two inches too small even to do up.

I think that definitely applies to clothes in general. And even, although to a much lesser degree, shoes.

Another vote for the better bra website method of measuring at home! I had been wearing 34AA for years and now am happy in nice 30C bras

The problem with wanting "if you know your size, all bras in that size will fit" is that not all boobs are the same shape/position. I have wide-spaced shallow breasts, which means that certain styles of bra even in the right size will gape in the middle and/or dig in at the sides. I've eventually through trial and error figured out what kind of style works, though bra websites like Bratabase are also good for "if this fits you, then so will this" type advice.

(there's also the further annoyance that not all brands are consistent - eg Stella McCartney has really tight bands so I have to go up a size - though generally I avoid suffering from this by essentially just buying from brands I know. If I do branch out into different brands I usually end up having to do some trying on.)

leedy can I ask which styles you have found to work well for you? I've just worked out that I am a similar shape and find it hard to get a good fit. Cups that are big enough width wise are too deep and gale at the front.

M&S measure wrongly and give a bra with too big a back size and too small cup. Don't let them measure you

Yes! They told me I was a 32B but I said I wasn't happy with any of their choices as I had fat bulging under my arms (I have a BMI of 18 so bulging fat isn't something I expect), I got measured via an online service (Curvy Kate rings a bell) and they suggested a 28DD. I actually find this slightly tight so have settled on 30D which fits perfectly!

M & S measured me at 36C.

After ignoring the assistant and trying loads on myself I came away with a 32F

"leedy can I ask which styles you have found to work well for you?"

Sure! I've got on best with some Cleo styles: Koko for plunges (they're quite like the Freya Deco plunge but shallower so there's no gaping risk) and their various moulded balconettes (Maddie/Morgan/Lexi/etc.) - I'd say the majority of my bras are one of these. Stella McCartney generally fits me as well though I have to go up a band size/down a cup size. Freya plunges and padded balconettes are a bit hit and miss, some work, some don't.

Also Mimi Holliday (super plunge and moulded styles are the ones I have) tend to be very shallow/wide, though also sadly usually very expensive. I stalk them on Ebay/get them in the sales, as they're really pretty and very comfortable.

I tried the new way of measuring a few years ago and went down a few back sizes and up a few cup sizes. However, I found the smaller back size unbearably tight after about 10 mins of wear. Bras seemed to fit well when I tried them on but I just couldn't wear them for long. I must have been dong something wrong!

leedy cakes I have a shallow and wide bust too. I tried on loads of different styles and brands, but the best fit for me is the Fantasie Rebecca, so I only wear those now - just as well I prefer function over frills! They are pricey though.

Ooh, haven't tried the Rebecca. It looks quite like the Cleo Maddie and related styles.

Thanks - will investigate!!

Just a caution, I found that the Fantasie Rebecca smushed my boobs flat & the top of the underwire dug in painfully to my chest bone.

My basic everyday bra for wide shallow boobs that like to hide in my armpits is the Cleo Juna. It gives good forwards projection.

rebecca is a bit flattening yes, but good functional t-shirt bra. They do a new version which is a bit less covering, called Eclipse - worth a try.

Also check ebay - plenty of Rebeccas for about 12-15 quid.

Any tips for brands / styles for moulded cup plunge bras, available in a 28 back size?

I don't have much volume up top so need a moulded cup to avoid bagging, plus I prefer a smooth line (ie not lacy) under a t-shirt top

For plunges, Freya Deco is very popular and comes in 28 back. Smooth moulded bra, has several variations like Deco Darling, Deco Vibe, Deco Charm etc.

Any entrepreneurs out there? Business opportunity - bras for females who hate wearing bras.

No lace, no stupid bows, wide straps , consistent back sizing ( if I am x inches round that is a fact unaffected by shape), two colours - white or beige.

Make it, I'll buy it.

I just got the rage earlier today when I saw an ad (by Sloggi) that promised just that - simple, smooth, super comfortable bras. Long story about how great they are and how all women can now be comfortable and do anything in that bra that offers superb support ....'up to a D cup!'

Ah. All women then, you say?

Have finally got round to measuring according to this method and I think I'm looking at 32DD or even E!!!!

Am shocked!

I agree - avoid M & S bra fitting (they said I was 34C

I went to John Lewis who measured me at 30 D but in the style I liked 32D fitted better