What bra size am I?

[PinkDaydreams]

Morning all!
I was measured at m&s last year as a 34DD but haven’t felt like they feel right on me. The bra fitter was horrible and after giving me a lecture on wearing the incorrect bra whilst I was pregnant (my little one was around 6 months old at the time so I don’t know why she felt she needed to tell me off as I wasn’t pregnant anymore!) and making me feel inadequate, I don’t want to go back there. I desperately need new bras so have measured myself. Bottom measurement is 31 and top measurement is 35. What sizes do you wise mumsnetters think I should try?
Thanks all!!

If your measurements are correct then a 30 DD or 32D I think. But if I didn’t know your measurements but did know Marks had given you 34DD I would suggest 32E.

But how does the 34DD fit? Does the back stay level across your back? Are there gaps between your breast and the cup or is it so snug there’s bulges?

Different styles feel comfortable to different people so try a few different cuts in those sizes.

Put your measurements into booborbust.com/ as a starting point.

Thank you for the replies! I’ve got t shirt bras but they feel a bit gappy along the top of the cup. I’m after every day bras, is a t shirt bra the right thing to go for?

Do you have a Bravissimo near you? They are excellent!

I'd try 30DD as well. And other sizes around that e.g. 30D, 32C, 32D.

This is a post from someone on MN for a few months ago on how to measure yourself properly. I took a screenshot 😂.

You need this bit first

Right then, measuring bending forward I’m actually a 37

That would make you about a 32E, but try lots of similar sizes and styles, honestly everyone’s shape is a little different so different cuts/ brands will fit differently. Don’t be afraid of wearing something more styled and firmer than a t shirt bra, it’s more important that it’s comfortable and fits your shape well than that it is a particular style.

Make sure the band is feeling snug but comfortable on the loosest setting when you buy the bra, if it needs to be on the tightest hook it will stretch and be too big very quickly. Bear in mind you’ll likely change shape through the month so if you get a bra with cups a little bulgy when your period has just finished and you’re at your smallest you might find it unwearable with pre-period water retention.

Thank you so much for your advice! 32 sounds better, the 34s I’ve got feel too big but the lady was adamant that they were the right size so I just bought them as I felt forced. Not looking forward to trying on a million different sizes but feel more confident from the advice from you all

If you can get to a Bravissimo then that’s by far the best option.

Are bravissimo really expensive?

Try 30 back too e.g 30F, 30E

Flippin eck can’t believe I’ll be trying that large a cup size! I was shocked when I was told DD last time 😂

Right - start by putting all your measurements into Boob or Bust, what does that suggest? It’s not always exact because breasts vary so much in shape, but a good place to start. Much better doing 4 measurements than 2.
Definitely recommend then getting fitted in Bravissimo - it is a bit more expensive but it will really help get the right size and fit and you don’t have to buy in there. Brastop online is then great for buying, get a few and send back the ones that are wrong.
Also good to remember that different bra styles will suit different shapes of breasts, and that bras also differ in size between companies, so it’s good to learn how a bra should actually fit and where (which is what Bravissimo is great for) I’m generally a 32FF, but I have a 30FF that fits and a 32F that fits, due to differences between companies and the shape of those bras cups.

Also - there’s so much confusion about what bra sizes mean. The cup letter only matters in relation to the band, a D or an E isn’t a size on its own, it just indicates how many inches bigger than the band three cup is. A D isn’t the same size cup on different bands. 28D breasts will be quite small, 36D much bigger. This idea we have of a D being big is really unhelpful. Trying to post a helpful picture but it won’t let me!

Oh I didn’t know that! Thank you! Boob or bust is saying 30E so I’ll have a try of those first

This illustrates different D cups

Thanks Pixie the picture I was trying to share is similar.

PinkDaydreams fab! Definitely give it a go. The band should be reasonably tight but still be able to get a finger under it, the support should come from the band not the straps. Good luck!

Ladies thank you all for your help! Gone for a 30E in a t shirt bra. Also got measured in boux Avenue who were very helpful and measured me the same size. Tried balcony bras which I’d have to go up in size but the t shirt felt a better fit