Bra fitting - could someone confirm?

[PatchworkGirl]

I know there are a lot of similar threads (I've spent the last few hours reading them) so I'm sorry to add another one. I measured myself in the past and went from 34C to 32D but now I'm looking at 30/32G! Measurements are 31.5. and 40. Does this sound right? It's such a big change!

I only really have M&S handy for decent ones so I'm off to try a handful on this morning - just wanted some extra guidance really!

Yep, that sounds about right! You probably won't find much in that size in M&S though.

Thank you! You're right about M&S - there was very little there. 34F was the closest I could find. Guess I'll have to order a lot online and try them all!

Help! Are there any bra fitting experts around? I plan to order some online and I need some help selecting the best sizes. I'd prefer not to order hundreds!

I've checked my measurements again (32 & 40/41) and tried on several bras in M&S. 30 is far too tight - can't even do it up. 32G also seems very tight and squashes my back, producing back fat! They are also quite tight fitting across the edge of the cup - the bit that runs from the middle to the strap is pressing in and creating a small '2 boob effect'. I have read that M&S bras do come up small but have nothing to compare them to - no other options locally.

I've read the blog page about bra fitting that gets recommended on here and did the whole 'scoop' thing with the cups but I don't think I've found the best size yet. Would anyone be kind enough to offer an opinion? Do you think I need to try more 30Gs, go up to 32FF/G/GG or 34?

M&S are crap. Look at Debenhams. You probably ought to stick with the 32 back. It'll feel weird at first because you've probably been wearing too large a band which has been a bit slack.

Thanks for replying! I think I will stick with 32 and try G and GG. The only problem is I don't have any other shops locally and could really do with getting a couple asap - I've been looking at Brastop but I might try Debenhams online! This is all so confusing - it's been years since I bothered to measure!

If you can get to bravissimo they are so good at fitting you, but appreciate that might not be easy. They will also give fitting advice over the phone. I also found that lots of websites will give free delivery over say £75, so you could order a bunch…maybe the same style in 3 or 4 different sizes, then return the ones that don't fit. Debenhams do have a much better range for larger cup sizes if you can get there more easily than bravissimo, but their staff are not as knowledgeable in my experience.

It will feel so different if you are used to wearing a bigger band size than you need, but once you're used to it they are so much better.

If it helps, I've found Brastop brilliant with postage and returns. I order from them a lot and it's always speedy

Also, bravissimo have a good 'troubleshooting' bit on their website, to help you find the right fit.

I promise I don't work for them! Just very impressed with their service and range of bras for bigger boobs!

Thanks all! Just ordered several sizes/styles from Brastop - their delivery and returns look good so I'll give it a go! I wish there was a Bravissimo near me but everything's a 3+ hour drive from me. Next time I'm near one I'll definitely pop in.

Figleaves is pretty good too.

Sorry, more questions! I have now tried a selection and 32s are comfortable, but are going straight to the middle/tighest fastenings so I think they will be too big with wear. I have a 30 which seems to fit well but is quite tight - I have to pull to get it fastened. Does this sound right? I know it will loosen up but I'm worried about breaking it!

The cups seem to fit well - there is a little looseness under the boob (between boob and underwire) but I think this is down to the style.

I rely on this booborbust.com

I think it's on boob or bust but to check the back size put it on back to front (so cups are at your back). You should be able to do it up on the tightest setting but fit a couple of fingers through but that is all.

pulling to fasen is normal. When it's on, it should be indeed so tight that you can't pull it for more than about an inch from your body. Bras stretch and if you need to move to middle hook immediately it won't support enough soon.

I'm a 34 and I was shocked as I'm a size 14, they start off a bit tight on the last clip and after a while I move along a bit. They are suppose to be tight.

Just realised I said tightest setting and I meant biggest setting

Thanks so much - that's reassuring. I will keep the 30, return the 32s and order some more to try. I'm a 12 on top so it sounds as if I'm about right - it's just a lot tighter on the ribcage than I'm used to!

I'll check out booborbust. Thanks again for all the help!

It's totally bizzare that I've reached the age of thirty-cough without knowing how to fit a bra...