Help! I need new bras

[MachineBee]

Since lockdown I’ve been on a bit of a lifestyle change and have lost over 30lbs and dropped 2 dress sizes. I feel great and can now reuse a lot of old favourite clothes, but I’m struggling to find new bras. Despite measuring carefully, ordering loads in various sizes online from M&S, none fit. I’m 59, and was a 38D before but they are all too big and not supporting me any more.

Can the MN collective please share their wisdom?

Have you tried boob or bust for measuring tips?

• Basically a snug measurement under your bust gives your back size (no extra inches added)
• A measurement around the fullest part of your bust while tipping forward will give your cup size
• for each inch difference between under and over bust measurements you go up a cup size

1inch - A , 2 inch - B, 3 inch - C, etc

And the numbers run
A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H,HH, J, JJ, K, etc

So if you had a 6 inch difference that would be an E cup

Thanks @dementedpixie. I’ll look into them.

A lot of people don't rate M &S bras, especially for bigger sizes. I would try Bravissimo or Figleaves as they have a lot of brands. Also, its worth figuring out your shape. Full on the top/full on the bottom etc. Different brands or cuts seem to work better with different shapes. This is a good place to start. www.reddit.com/r/abrathatfits/about

M&S miss out FF so their G is equivalent to FF

All useful stuff. The Boob or Bust has me down as a 32 G which I’m not sure I can quite get my head around.

Thanks for the Reddit link too - it makes sense that different brands have different shapes.

I don't rate M&S in bigger sizes. Have you looked at Bravissimo (not cheap unfortunately)

Once you figure out what the right shape/brand/size is, I buy the fancier brands (past seasons from outlets) on eBay, so that will cut the cost down.

38D is a v unlikely size - if you are that big in the chest then you likely have much bigger boobs than a D cup. So I would go with Boob or Bust that you were wearing the wrong size all along and now you have lost 30 lb and need an entirely different size.

Almost all of the support should be coming from the band - since elastic was developed you don't need to add 4 inches anymore like old school measurements. Which is why you can't get your head round the measurement - the band size is much smaller and you scoop everything into the cups.

Pour Moi has a fab range of bras, most come in the bigger sizes and to suit most budgets 😊

They also have a "find your fit" tool on the website!

32G = 34FF = 36F = 38E

The above shows the same cup volume on different back sizes (same amount of breast tissue in the cup)

This means that the 32G is only 2 cup sizes bigger than the 38D bra but you will get more support under your bust from the smaller back size

Years ago I was fitted in Selfridges as a 32F. Even now fitters will measure me as a 34 and roll their eyes when I say I can't bare a 34. I'm currently in 36GG and since I bought them have lost two stone plus so think the time has come but bra shopping is always so stressful. Even Bravissimo wasn't successful. Appeared to fit in the shop then wasn't comfortable later. Same with Rigby & Peller.

Thanks everyone for all the comments.

The Reddit link was really useful @silentpool. Lots to read but worth it. A measuring fest is planned for this weekend and then a buying fest once payday has arrived 🤗

@DementedPixie - that’s a really useful illustration

@SunshineCake - I totally understand your sentiments at bra buying being so stressful. However, I’m going to have to get on with it and hopefully find a bra that fits properly, buy it in every colour and not have to do it again for quite a while. 😂

Glad it was helpful @MachineBee. I've spent ages trying to find the right bra and the difference it makes, when you do, is amazing!

I hate bra shopping.

I recently stopped breastfeeding my last baby so decided it was time to get some new ones.

I went to my local independent shop. It was amazing! The woman knew her stuff and fitted me really well. It wasn't cheap for 3 bras, but they fit which is so important