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Bra Interventionalists - here's my measurements, what size am I please?

22 replies

CrispyBathTowel · 17/05/2017 09:37

I was a size 32E prior to having 10 month old DD and have finally lost the majority of my post-baby weight as it's time to buy some new bras as none of my old ones fit me correctly (slight cup over spill) and they make all my tops look shit on me Grin

I measured this morning and I am 32 inches around the rib cage under the boobs. Dangling forward I am 41 inches.

What size does this mean I am? Surely it's not 32FF??

Am not sure if I'm working out the cup size right so your expert advice would be appreciated! Thanks Flowers

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 17/05/2017 09:54

Thats 32G starting size, FF could well fit right. It's not an exact science, just somewhere to start. For example, I measure as a 36H but but need to wear a 34ff or 32g depending on the brand and cut of the bra.

MrsLettuce · 17/05/2017 09:55

(In my case it's because I've got flared ribs and bottom heavy breasts, we're all different)

CrispyBathTowel · 17/05/2017 10:00

Thanks Lettuce. Will order a G and FF initially to see how I get on. I'm definitely spilling out of an E cup at the moment though my boobs aren't as voluminous so there is a bit of a gap where the bra strap starts now. Not sure if the gap will be even bigger with a bigger cup size though maybe I just need to tighten the bra straps.

Freya used to be my brand of choice though am contemplating getting the 2 pack of Debenhams underwired tshirt bras. Still on ML at the moment so budget won't quite stretch to a few new Freya bras.

It's strange as I think that my boobs look smaller now than before DD but maybe it's because they're droopier Grin

OP posts:
MrsLettuce · 17/05/2017 12:36

Good luck. Remember to scoop well when you're trying them on!

marriednotdead · 17/05/2017 21:07

Do you know what style of Freya you used to wear? I have found their halfcups fit me better since I lost some weight, otherwise there's a gap at the top of the cups.

CrispyBathTowel · 17/05/2017 21:15

Married it was the Freya Deco moulded plunge bra that I used to get - they are full cup bras. I've never got on with half cups in the past as regardless of the cup size I always seemed to end up with the 4-boob effect under tops. I've ordered the Debenhams bras which look similiarish to the Deco and if they don't work out I might give half-cups another try.

My boobs are definitely now more bottom heavy though so maybe they might be more suited to a half-cup.

OP posts:
marriednotdead · 17/05/2017 21:42

I used to wear Deco too. It's not actually a full cup but if it is on you, I suspect that your breasts sit quite high on your torso- a giveaway is that V necks and wrap tops are often indecently low!

Some of the Freya half cups are deeper than others which for me means they dig uncomfortably in the centre.
I've now got the Freya Fearne in both the balconette and half cup version- they're both very comfy but the half cup definitely gives me more lift.
You might need to try a few on within the same range to get the perfect fit. If you find a t shirt bra that works, do let me know cos I'm still looking...

rightsofwomen · 17/05/2017 21:56

Can I interrupt?

Just measured - 28 underneath and 31 bending over = 28C ?

The boobs are just spaniel ears of skin really (with a nipple!).

I only really wear a bra to stop my nipples showing or to give a smooth line under tighter tops - often don't bother with loose tops.

CrispyBathTowel · 17/05/2017 22:02

I've never considered my boobs to be high on the torso though I've always avoided v-necks or wrap tops for work due to the fear of being escorted from the premises for indecent exposure so maybe they are! Grin I'll make a note of the Freya Fearne half-cup and try it out when my maternity leave finishes and I finally have money again.

I'm not holding out much hope for the Debenhams tshirt bras as they were very cheap (2 pairs for £16 in one style and 2 pairs for £25 in another style) but if they're good I will let you know married. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised. I ordered a FF and a G to try though am wondering if I should have ordered an F as well. Would've been better to try on in an actual shop really but delivery should be here in s few days.

OP posts:
CrispyBathTowel · 17/05/2017 22:03

Sorry right I'm clueless so will let one of the experts advise Grin

OP posts:
marriednotdead · 17/05/2017 23:24

Rights, 28C sounds good but is a bugger to find in most places-might be worth giving 30B (sister size) a go too.

marriednotdead · 17/05/2017 23:30

Don't look at the lowest point when figuring where your breast sit- consider the height of the space between the curve under your breast (where the wire/band should be) and your armpit where the strap can go no higher. That's the ideal space your breasts should sit in when you've got a bra on. The shorter it is, the trickier it is to find a t shirt bra to fit everything in!

SomeOtherFuckers · 17/05/2017 23:46

Don't worry babe, the numbers and letters don't change your breast size .. people put too much investment in them.
I am a 28DD ( try buying that in a shop) and people always say ' no way you're a DD' because they're fairly small boobies .. but I am.
And I have never been more comfortable in my life !

rightsofwomen · 18/05/2017 11:15

Thanks married

I could do with some new bras so will have a hunt.

MightyMunki · 18/05/2017 18:16

Can someone help me too? Measuring 36 and 44.

marriednotdead · 18/05/2017 22:34

Munki- start with 36FF but be prepared to try F or G too.

MightyMunki · 19/05/2017 07:05

Thanks you!

wfrances · 20/05/2017 12:08

can i have some help as well please , i've been wearing a 38c or 36d m&s bras forever and they don't feel right.
my measurements are 35 and 41.

bluebiro · 20/05/2017 14:20

wfrances start with a 34E or F. Perhaps 36DD/E, but a 34 will likely be better even if it feels a bit tighter at first than you're used to. Don't forget to scoop!

wfrances · 20/05/2017 14:33

thanks , whats a scoop!

Furball · 20/05/2017 20:54

Have a look at this website - but it says there

'Once you have the band right, time to test the cups. Here is what to do:
Lean forward, drop your breasts in to the cups and do the bra up at the back. Now, take your right hand, put it round inside the left cup, all the way round under your armpit, and scoop all the soft tissue and flesh in to the cup. You might not know it, but all that soft tissue under your armpit is breast, and it needs to be in the cup. Now, repeat on the other side. The wire should totally encase your soft breast tissue, and you should have no overspill or wrinkling in the cups. The central gore should sit flat in between your boob'

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html Better bra campaign

BrexitSucks · 20/05/2017 21:24

Need to have something under the arms besides ribs.

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