So fed up of trying to find out the right bra size!!

[Maruni]

I think I’ve worn the wrong size bras all my life and now it’s seriously starting to get to me. I have so many pretty bras and after 2 dcs none of them fit me well. I’m currently wearing 38D but even with full cup styles the bras cover less than half of me, the middle of the bra doesn’t sit flat against my chest and I can definitely fit more than 2 fingers under the band!

I tried measuring myself using the boob or bust method after reading some threads on here and that put me at a 36F so off I went and ordered some bras online at that size and it was terrible! I couldn’t even get into the bras, had to use a bra extender, the cups seemed to be tiny and I had the new problem of under boob peeking through! I was so fed up and embarrassed I just lobbed them in the back of the drawer and didn’t even try and return them.

Also tmi and this may be the problem but after the kids I’ve lost my fullness and perkiness, I’m basically sagging and without a bra on my boobs don’t project forward like they should…. So can this skew my measurements?

What am I doing wrong? Help please!

Something definitely isn’t right but it’s no doubt your measuring skills and not your boobs! It seems odd that a 38 back would be too big but a 36 would need an extender because the tightest hook on the 38 is only a tiny difference compared to the loosest on the 36. My guess is you’re still massively underestimating your cup size. Which is easy to do, after doing boob or bust I went from a C to an E Bras fit so much better now though! Also are you happy to share your dress size? That will give an indication of whether you’re in the right area with the back size.

I think of bra measurements as a guide. Go into an actual shop and pick a load of different sizes off the shelf - so 34-38, cup sizes D to F - and just try them on until you get the right size. Then buy half a dozen or so just in case they change the design and you have to start over.

It depends on what kind of bras you want to wear. I have a small back and if I go via boob or bust I wear 28F. If, however, I want a strapless bra to fit properly and not fall down I need a 36D.

Go to bravissimo they are great

I didn’t use eye full boob or bust calculator. I did the leaning over boob measurement and standing up under boob measurement. What are your two measurements using this method?

Thanks all for your replies

@LakeShoreD I’m a size 16 and like you said I think I must be a lot bigger than I think I am I think for short term I will have to try and measure myself again hopefully more accurately this time!

@Bedpost I’ve heard great things about Bravissimo but truth be told I’m too embarrassed about my state to go!

@user1495884211 Haha that’s exactly what I was thinking of doing, trying on every possible bra size in that range until I strike it lucky!!

@Ozanj I’ve always thought for a bigger bust the full cup style is the most supportive? Ready to be told different though, I swear finding the right bra really does feel like rocket science!!

@SergeiL I will update a bit later with my new measurements

Bravissimo fitting guide is here and super helpful.

www.bravissimo.com/bra-fitting-guide/

Go to bravissimo! They are really good at making sure you've got the right size and they're very professional - I don't love getting naked infront of people, but I've never felt awkward at a fitting.

Not all bras of the same size fit. I've struggled over lockdown not having the proper fitting - ordered my 'usual' size online and they aren't quite right. They wouldn't happen with a face to face fitting. Between different designs I can go up or down back and cup size.

I changed size after starting HRT recently. I had a webchat on bravissimo's website which was incredibly helpful. They offer zoom calls as well which is great if you're not near a store.

Thanks all, I know the best thing is for me to get fitted properly but I’m so nervous about it which sounds so silly. Think I might start by calling them or using the live chat option which I didn’t know they had!

I’ve just measured myself again;

Tight: 35
Snug: 37
Standing: 41/42
Leaning: 47

Based on your measurements I might try a 36G as a starting point, especially if 38D is too big on the back and 36F too small in the cup. But I definitely agree that going into a shop and grabbing lots to try in various sizes so probably 34-38 back and cups E-H would be helpful, as would a fitting, no need to be embarrassed as they’ve literally seen it all!

I’m the same! I did those online calculators and got something like 30GG. They feel hideous on. So I went to M&S and just tried a zillion on! Ended up with a radically different size that is probably “wrong”, but feels comfortable to me.

It does sound like the live chat would be a good idea. I think from your measurements you are probably at least a G cup. It is really hard to get used to the tighter band when you use this method but not being able to do it up doesn’t sound right.

I do think the right size bra can feel quite tight to begin with, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the wrong size. I was wearing 34C, should have been 30FF so felt really odd and tight to start with.

Also different styles suit different shapes.

The ladies in Bravissimo have literally seen it all before, definitely worth doing.

I'd try a 38H or 36J as a starting point.

Look at website/Instagram of A Bra That Fits.

They have loads of info about measuring and pining down what type of boob shape you have etc and therefore which styles/sizes to look for in which brands.

Try the band on without the cups so front to back and without the straps up
Then you can check the band without the cups skewing it
I'm a size 16 and wear a 34 band and it's comfortable

I recently discovered Molke bras after they were recommended on here. Take a bit of getting used to to get on, but super comfy, give great shape to my massive 30KK boobs and the sizing is a bit more forgiving that a 'proper' bra.

I wear the original bra. You need to measure yourself according to their guidelines to get your size.

https://molke.co.uk

As someone who used to measure ladies for loving prerelease go to Bravissimo.Im a larger girl and my quality of life has improved drastically in a correct bra (back,posture,clothes etc )
Nobody is judging you ,just trust their measurements( at first they correct size might feel a tad tight )

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who has struggled to find a decent bra.

I’m going to the 36F ones again and will put on back to front to check the band size- great suggestion! And from there will head for a fitting!

Thanks again.

It’s not just About finding the right Size, you also need to find the best style or Bra maker for your shape.

IVe been wearing fantasie for years but after putting on weight I couldn’t find my new size.

I did my BoB size, ordered loads online, then got fitted in Rigby and Peller, bravissimo and 2 little independents that I had to travel some distance to! I must have tried on over 50 bras over the last few weeks! Finally at the 2nd little independent, I found someone who knew her stock Well and Managed to sort me out with a couple of bras in a sister size to my bob size.

Once you’ve found at least one bra That’s a good fit, you can look on bratsbase For others that fit similarly.

Its quite unusual to have never have had a fitting and be anxious about it. This is what would get you in a well fitting bra quickly and without wasting money.

What is it you are worried about?

Do you realise they never see your breasts? And if you were a vest top and drop the straps you can keep your tummy covered. (I dont like showing mine).

You basically try one on-they come in and look at it. Analyse what size to try next and bring you it-and you keep going till you get the perfect fit.

They look at bras, breasts and bodies of all shapes and sizes every day and are good at making people comfortable.

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions!

@isitweds9thseptyet I guess I’ve always been self conscious about the way I look and always tried to avoid having eyes on me but you’re right it’s a silly way to think especially as it’s their job to help me find a solution! Thanks for the idea of the vest top too!