Anyone else struggle to get a bra that fits?

[Zapdos]

I think maybe I'm just the wrong shape for bras!

I'm slim and small busted, but by boobs seems to sit quite far apart on my body. So small cup sizes aren't wide enough/the cups are too close together and the wire sits on my boob. Bigger cup sizes are wide enough but totally empty at the top (even if I scoop).

Where am I going wrong??

Does anyone else really struggle to get a decent fitting bra?!

I struggled for ages (big boobs and really wide ribcage) it’s not exaggerating to say I was uncomfortable for years. I made a pilgrimage of 120 miles to my nearest Bravissimo and it was worth every bloody penny. The best thing was that she talked me through what styles would work for me so I managed to get two more in the sale from figleaves because I have now Been Educated.

Me!

My body is very different to yours but I'm the same in terms of never finding well fitting bras. I'm tall and a size 16 and my boobs are huge (34G when last measured 2 years ago pre baby!) but seem to just never fit into any bras no matter what!

Badger everyone recommends Bravissimo so like you I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go to one. Quite a distance but if it's worth it for a well-fitting bra then it's worth doing.

I wish Bravissimo would work for me, but they start at a D cup (I ideally need a B, but the cups are too close together so I end up in an empty C cup most of the time). Ugh.

Me.

Also tried bravissimo. I normally wear a 34D, but I was told to use 30E. So I bought one, brought it home, first time wearing it the front ripped! Fortunately I wasn't yet out of the house.

Oh no! I hope they let you return it?!

They didn't take it back as I had taken the label off and had damaged the product. I let it go.

That's exactly the same as me except I'm probably a lot bigger overall. There's a Bravissimo in my parents' town where I'll be in about a month, so I might go and see what they say.

There’s no Bravissimo near me but my local Debenhams found me lovely bras that fit beautifully.

Hmmmm Zap have you tried that bra intervention thing on here where you do some kind of measuring magic on yourself? Otherwise could you get to an independent bra shop? There was one where I used to live and the lady who owned it was really knowledgeable. Also, I’m wondering if you could try a different type of bra. So if you always try non padded underwired, try a padded one? Or those lovely bralet things, as they’re fabric would they mould to you a bit better?

I have measured myself mumsnet style and came out as 32 C. But 32 inch bands dig in and leave red marks so I wear a 34.

Today I tried on loads of 32 C bras and could barely get them fastened on the loosest hook. I had to really stretch them. It's just not comfy.

id try a 32D then

Yes me, wide back small boobs.
I had a bra fitting and apparently a 40D. The 40 i agree with but the D definitely not.
If I put a D cup on there may as well not be a bra there, so much room.
I've tried smaller cups and they still don't fit properly, still too much room. I give up.

But would a 32 D not just have the same problem i.e. far too tight around the back?

The bra I ended up buying - in desperation - is a 34 C. I can wear it and breathe. The wires sit comfortably round the sides of my boobs. But the top of the cup is empty

I tried balconette styles, full cup ones, a long-line one...same problem with all of them. I'd love a bralette, but my nipples require a bit of padding!

Lemon I feel your empty cup pain!!

There's a great website called Boob or bust (can't post a link as I'm on the mobile app). They have a straight forward way of measuring yourself and they've admin if you've any questions. I found it really helpful and went from wearing 34C to 32EE which is a far better fit and silhouette on me.

I used the mn way and I'm a 34f

My problem is I can find a bra (going up and down depending on brand and style) that looks good when I'm walking about/standing but when I'm sitting slumping on the sofa the boob seems to disappear and the top of the cup looks totally empty.

I have tried going down a cup but then when standing it's way way too small.

Does this happen to everyone, is it normal or are my boobs weird?

I struggle too, I can find bras that fit look great and feel comfortable, bit give it an hour and the underwires kill me under the arm. I don't know ow where I go wrong.

But would a 32 D not just have the same problem i.e. far too tight around the back?

No, not necessarily - if the C cup is too small then the boobs "steal" fabric from the band making the whole bra feel too tight overall. A D cup (or bigger) may solve this.

A good way to tell whether the 32" does actually fit you is to try it on backwards - that way the boobs/cups do not interfere with the band measurement. It should be pretty firm (but not painful!) - you should only be able to pull it an inch or two from your body.

I would have thought a balconette or plunge would be best for the problem you describe - may be worth trying some more once you're more confident of your size (probably not moulded ones, as you have to be lucky to find one that actually matches your shape).

I am very similar sounding shape to you, OP, and I can’t find a bra for toffee. I tried to bra intervention thing, and it came up as a 28E. I ordered a whole range of 28E/30DD/30D etc etc and all of them looked like a 12 year old trying on her mum’s bras. I’ve given up and just wear crop tops now.

I have two perfect fitting bras, I didn't get any change out of £170, however for the first time in my bra wearing life, I don't have an overwhelming urge to rip them off at six in the evening. They are comfortable all day.

I always put bras on backwards first as it's the only way I can fasten them. So it's definitely a band size issue. Or maybe just an M&S band size issue (that's where I was shopping today). There's no way I could have pulled the 32s anywhere close to an inch away. I could barely get the hook-and-eyes fastened!

I tend to take my bra off for slumping lounging Ginky. I wear a tight vest instead! Bliss!!

I'll check out Boob or Bust Givemyhead - thanks.

Where do you get your cop tops from Gin? I have a couple but the straps aren't long enough so they ride up all the time.

Just from M&S. they’re not very exciting, plain black and white, but I found the same issue as you with the prettier crop tops. I’ve also got a few tshirt bras from H&M, but they have started losing their shape now from numerous washes so aren’t as good.

Another vote for Bravissimo, but I did find the identical bra in John Lewis was £8 cheaper.