Why are bras so uncomfortable

[Lucille89]

Hi. I recently measured my bra size properly. I'm a size 8 and until recently I thought I was a 34B. I used the boob or bust bra calculator and it said I was a 28E. I went to M&S and tried on several sizes, couldn't breathe in a 28E, but 30DD seemed better. The cups fit properly around my boobs now, and I feel better supported.
However, I find the bra feels tight around my ribs! It's on the loosest clasp and is not underwired. Do I just need to get used to it, after years of wearing a loose bra? Or are there better bra brands out there anyone would recommend? Comfort is my main priority- any recommendations gratefully received!

You may just be unused to the feeling, it may be a poorly designed bra or you may still not have the right fit.

Have a look at "a bra that fits" on Reddit for more information about getting the right bra for you. Similar to boob or bust but a bit more detailed.

Look for ones with broad bands rather than thin elastic that can dig in.

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon That's great, thank you for the recommendation... looking at their calculator now.

Try a wired one. Non-wired bras never give as much support and that might be the reason it's digging in. Also yes longline bras are certainly more supportive and comfortable, like this type www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/freya/freya-fancies-underwired-longline-bra-424467

Two things that might help - M&S back sizes seem to come up very small, so definitely go up a band size there, but have a look at 28 backs if you're shopping elsewhere. Also, some people with small back sizes find that they need to go up a band size for comfort, as they don't have much padding between the band and their ribs IYSWIM.

Non wired may be the issue - the lack of wires means that most of the weight is directly on the band. I generally find them uncomfortable unless they're too big (in which case the shape is terrible).

I find long lines bras very uncomfortable.

Bras generally are not comfortable.

A long time ago I realised I was wearing 34C and should have been wearing 30FF. The change in the back measurement was a bit odd at first but now I don't find bras uncomfortable at all. In fact the tighter the better because I know they will start to loosen almost immediately under all the strain.

I went to a little independent lingerie shop (sadly now closed) and got a fitting there rather than try to do it myself. 32B became 28DD and a million times more comfortable. But not all bras are comfortable for me and sometimes I can’t tell in the shop. I’ve learned not to buy ones with wires that nearly meet in the middle, as for me that digs in.

I have never had an uncomfortable bra. Get properly fitted at somewhere like John Lewis and find your style. Only two styles fit me: Triumph Ampourette and Wild Blooms M&S.

I think we have to find the right size in the right make and style for ourselves. Anyone would think I had shares in the company as I keep saying this, but I have recently discovered Wacoal bras and I love. I rarely feel as if I’m wearing a bra. I also get on pretty well with Triumph. I see women on here who swear by M&S, but I’ve tried several designs and on me, they are all uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, I think we all have to go through (a usually) trial and error with bras. Then when we find our make and style/s, stick with them.

Walk away from M&S go to John Lewis as suggested above and try on lots of different makes. They don't half come up in different sizes and shapes - just like women.

I find the size suggested by the Boob or Bust method extremely uncomfortable too.

I recently switched from M&S to Triumph Amourette and feel much more comfortable and supported. It’s called Amourette 300 minimiser and is wired, £38. I am much bigger than you so not sure if they do it in your size and really you probably don’t want a minimiser but there is a whole Amourette range you should check out. They aren’t cheap but I would prefer one of these bras and hand wash it than 3 M&S bras. My teenage daughter is very slim like you and wears Sloggi, not so much support, more of a pull on bra.

Bra buying is a nightmare but if you find one that’s comfortable it makes such a difference.

I’m the same size as you and find M&S bras uncomfortable and weirdly shaped. The only underwired bras I can wear are plunge bras as otherwise the underwires hurt the bones in between my boobs. Panache cleo plunge bras fit me well.
But day to day, I’ve started wearing pull on type bras from tk maxx. Still padded so they give a nice shape and enough support. So much more comfortable.

If you are close enough to a store pop into bravissimo for a fitting they are normally very knowledgeable and helpful.

I think all bras are pretty horrible and uncomfortable. They looks good but I always felt horrendous in them.

I only wear crop top type pull on bras now, definitely no underwire.

@TrueGrit54 thanks for mentioning Sloggi. I’ve just had a look and that’s exactly what I’m looking for. They look a lot better quality and more comfortable than what I’ve been wearing.

Don't buy bras from M&S ... they are all really uncomfortable.

Have a look at Freya, Curvy Kate and Panache ... my fave places to buy are Bravissimo, Figleaves and Brastop.

I know what you mean op. A tight band can be hard to tolerate. I decided a year or two ago that I would try exclusively wearing sports bras. They're actually super comfortable and really supportive , I've even got some Reebok ones that give a lovely shape when worn with low cut dresses so they don't always have to be plainish racer back style bras.

It might be worth looking around for different styles of bra if you don't like wires and tight bands

Get yourself to a proper lingerie shop and get fitted by a professional. I am wearing a professionally fitted underwired bra and I can't even feel it. If you're uncomfortable, you need a better fit

Definitely try a wired bra. I find non-wired bras very uncomfortable. I used to wear a 32 back but went down to a 30 after BoB. It took a little while to get used to but now if I wear a 32 back, it feels awful - rides up all the time. I don't know how I ever used to find it comfortable!

I get most of my bras from M&S (but I just fit them myself) so I don't think it necessarily an M&S thing.

Twinmumwithtoddler you are welcome. DD also wears Sweaty Betty yoga bra tops, light support, some are overly strappy design but still comfortable. They are pricey so I get her one in the sale or at Christmas.

If its just the part around your ribs that is tight I would size up or you can buy the extenders.

Wow thanks for all the tips. I’m going to spend an afternoon underwear shopping! Will go to a JL and try on lots of different styles as suggested. Have heard sloggi bras are very comfortable so will try these too.

I really like Freya bras. Take a tape measure as well to check that if they say 28inch, they really are.