Bras - sizing and reasonably priced?

[Graphista]

Need new bras but am a larger size (38dd last I checked) and budget tight.

Tips on sizing and where to buy please?

Brastop.com, good prices. If you read the reviews you often get an idea of what would suit you.

I'm a bit sceptical of that sizing - where did you get it done?
Read this
thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html?m=1

Are you really a 38dd? Have you tried the bra intervention? If you want to measure under your bust and around your bust and then post the results we can work out your size?

Don't have tape measure just now. Sized at m&s last time.

I'm a size 16/18 Apple shape

M and S sizing is shocking. If you are a 16/18 clothing size I would guess that your back size is at the very most a 36, but more likely to be a 34 (I wore a 34 in this clothing size).
You need to measure up really as an accurate size will give you better options for purchasing. You could go to bravissimo for a sizing but you are not obliged to buy anything.

Thank you. I'd feel guilty going to bravissimo as aren't they quite expensive?

To buy stuff yes, but a fitting is free. If you just get a tape measure though you can get your size on here, just post the numbers.

I'm mid house move chaos so will do that in a couple days when things more settled

It's difficult to advise; I'm 38F, clothes size 14/16 depending on the shop.
A size 36bra would be very uncomfortable to wear (and yes, I've been properly measured in Bravissimo).

BraStop and My Curves and Me both have really good prices on good well made bras. Also, once you find a bra that is a good fit and is comfortable, you can often pick it up from Amazon or eBay for a fraction of the Bravissimo price provided that you don't mind it being in last year's design or colour.

I don't give a stuff about design/colour from a fashion perspective. I AM currently hating that even bras for big ladies have padding in them! I don't need extra I've enough there already!

Op I've been properly measured and I'm a 38dd/38E (size 12/14).

I recently bought four new bras in that size in Sainsbury's and they are great.

Like you I so not wear any hint of padding, even the moulded cups I avoid.