Went to Bravissimo on Sunday to get fitted....

[Birdly]

... and thought they were great! The fitter was really helpful, and from my vague descriptions of what I wanted she somehow managed to find bras I loved. She was very thorough - even suggesting that I try on the different colours I wanted in the same style, just in case there were any tiny differences in fit. She also stressed that quite often you need different sizes in different makes/styles, and I did indeed come out with bras in two different sizes. She didn't rush me at all, and kept bringing different styles and sizes until we were both happy.
I thoroughly recommend them! So much better than my last long and unproductive session in John Lewis

Having been told for years I am a 34A, and NEVER having a bra that fits..I went to a 'posh' shop to be told I am a 32D!! What a life changer!! Always wanted bigger boobs! Mind you, then she said 'yes but it's all under your arm pits!!' Charming! (All fit now though!..Yey)

Thanks ggirl. I think I may be a funny shape...

Cargirl - try this one: PN1C

soya bean go get a tape measure and measure UNDER your boobs. If you are 38" then fair enough. But if you are not. Then that is your back measurement.

soyabean - apparently the straps shouldn't be taking the weight. Your bra straps shouldn't dig in. Maybe you should be trying a smaller back and larger cup? 36D maybe? Different bras do fit differently though.

That looks lovely and the right shape (I can tell by looking usually) sadly it's only ultra gel filled bras for me now!

soya we could probably place bets on you being a completely difference size to 38c!

when you go down in the back you go up in the cup. And the back should fit you snugly on the LOOSEST notch.
38 C is the same wire/cup size as a 36 D or a 34 DD or a 32 E etc etc.

Come on soya...get yer tits oot!

Soya - what dress size do you normally take in shirts etc?

Soya I'm waiting too, please tell us you have a tape measure......

I reckon probably a 34, possible a 36

I used to think I was a 38B.

Am now a 32DD (occasionally a 34D, depending on the style).

Love the Freya bras. Have one in pale pink, white and nude. Would love that hot pink one. Mental note: must go back to the bra shop. I go to Leia in Bluewater.

Soybean go to Bravissimo. You are probably a 34FF or something mad. If your shoulder straps dig in and your breasts are drooping your back size is way too big. Does the back of your bra stay level all round your body or does it ride up?

Good to see I am not the only advocate/obsessive here!

Gotta be honest and say £26 isn't too bad, I went to a small independent and got properly fitted (and yes I ended up with 2 styles of bra in 2 different sizes) and they were 32 quid each. But it was well worth the money, they are the best bras I've ever had, they make me feel like a million dollars when I'm wearing them and I'm convinced they've improved my posture. Would never go back to M&S.

Plus, if you buy decent bras they make cheap clothes look better! All my bras are from Bravissimo (obviously) and clothes from Primarni!

I keep trying to get my mother to be fitted properly (i.e. not at M&S). She wears something like a 40B. But isn't particularly broad of back, and from what I remember (long time since I saw them) had boobs not dissimilar to mine.

But she baulks at the price.

Oh, the back of my bra rides up - what does that mean? I dropped down because a 38 really didn't fit, but is my 36 too small too?
Aargh!

you are probably a 34 or 36 but need to go up a few cup sizes to get your norks in!

If your bra rides up at the back it means its too big in the back for you.
You need to go down a back size which = up a cup size.

Ooh I havent posted here for ages (lurk occasionally) (well more than occasionally) and had forgotten how amazingly quickly people post! Thanks all. I cannot lay my hands on a tape measure but will look again.
M and S said I was 38c about 5 years ago but I have been told different sizes in the past. The backs of my bras do always ride up, and I can never adjust the straps enough to get my boobs in the right position!

Kate does the 36 ride up too????

Pooka - personally I think you cant put a price on having your tits in the proper place!

Soya - what dress size do you wear?