Best bra for a 36D

[doireallyneedaname]

I’ve been living in bralettes but my return to work is looming and so I’m in need of some new bras.

My history with bra shopping is horrendous. I have never felt like I’ve owned a bra that truly worked for me

I’m looking for something simple looking that is smooth so it won’t show through clothes. Ideally a tshirt bra, I suppose! I’m not a fan of lace and bright colours

I need the lift though as they’ve changed somewhat after baby! I also have a long chest and my breasts sit low so anything without the lift just makes them look saggy.

Has anyone in my size found the perfect bra yet?

For eg 36D = 34DD = 32E with regards to cup volume

triumph amourette

@dementedpixie Jesus. It’s all a bit complicated! I had assumed number was back and letter was actual breast size.

The D was always a 36, but like I say I’ve never found them to be a perfect fit. When I was measured im fairly certain I tried larger ones too, which is why I ended up with the smaller ones.

I think I’ll have to order some and see how they fit.

I'm a 36D and find that M and S T shirt underwired bras fit me perfectly.

This demonstrates cup size relative to back size

The number is the back size and the letter is the actual boob size relative to the back size. That’s what you are missing the cup size is determined by the number of inches between your under and over (dangly) bust measurements, so means nothing on its own.

If you’ve been wearing a larger band size, it’s likely that a lot of breast tissue is actually sitting under the band and not in the cups. With a tighter band, you’ll likely need the larger cup to accommodate for this. So although a 32FF is a larger cup volume than a 36D, it will probably be a more comfortable fit!

@doireallyneedaname I just got two bras from M&S today and they are perfect and I think what you would be looking for from your description...don't know how to link but they are called flexifit underwired minimiser.

Smooth lines, minimising and really supportive yet comfy (v plain though)

Thanks all! I will have a look :)

Well, I found a bra and 32FF wasn’t in stock, so I’ve taken a risk and ordered a 34DD. I personally feel a 32 would be too tight anyway

It arrives today so we’ll see..

Why 34DD?
A sister size of 32FF would be 34F. The 34DD has the same cup volume as your 36D so the cup may be too small.

OP, you measured your ribcage and it was 32 inches, right?

So that's your band size. Don't doubt it.

Now you just have to get your head around the fact that you need a much bigger cup size than you're used to, to accommodate all of the 'body' that is actually 'tit'.

I'm a big bird but I look positively svelte in my 36G. A smaller cup size would look (and feel) horrible because I'd be all squashed up.

@dementedpixie No idea, in my head it made sense. It’s a risk! I’ll probably end up returning it. M&S do next day delivery so I’ll test them this way.

@Gruntwork Band size when I measured was 32.6 - if it had been 32 or just under then fair enough, but as it’s over I didn’t want it to feel too tight or dig in at all - I hate being able to see the digging in through tight tops etc

OP why did you ask for advise on here and then ignore it!?

With your ‘ hit and miss make it up as I go along ‘ method you will never get one to fit or look good .

If 36D has never properly fit you and you actually measure 32 then 34DD will not fit you either.
Try here, if you're worried about too tight band then for example Curvy Kate tends to fit big and bands are generally stretcy. www.brastop.com/collections/32ff-lingerie-bras

@SpeckledyHen Blimey, bit blunt! I did explain above the the size I needed was out of stock, so I went for a different one.

If this one is a disaster I will try the 32FF. It just seems like such an odd size for me and even when I weighed less than I do now my band size wasn’t a 32 (measured in M&S)

But M&D add inches to the back size so you'd only measure 32 there if you had a 28 inch back

M&S*

What dress size are you?
I wear a 36 back and am a size 20/22

Didn't M&S do something funny with their sizing, missing out FF or something? So you might need 32G in their bras.

Yes M&S miss out FF too so it throws out all the sizes above that

My dd swears by Asda, she's a 34d. They are smooth and come in many colours at £4 (last time I bought them for her, she's at university now)

I was measured at 32G but so uncomfortable and left deep red marks even in the fitting room. I wear a 36e and it's comfortable for all day, but I have a couple of 34f "best" bras for under formal clothes

@dementedpixie I’m a size 10-12.

I’m eagerly awaiting the postman.

Right, so if this is a disaster then I’m going for a 32G with M&S?

@doireallyneedaname Just for reference, I am a size 10 and wear a 30 band.

You need to think of the number as inches. Most peoples rib measurement will be bigger than their waist and much smaller than their hips. I find that a useful way of reframing the number.

You have been wearing such a large band for so long, that it will feel small and tight, but think of it like compression leggings. You notice them at first, but it doesn't mean they don't fit. Just be really strict with the gusset lying flat (if not cup often too small) and it lying flat along your back (if not band too big).

Essentially, m&s are a bit shit and just do their own thing. I don't buy from them, because I find the other measurement system simpler and more effective. Plus m&s still doesn't have a great range of big cup bras. Bravissimo, curvy Kate, brastop are all better.