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!

For me I found JL didn’t have a huge amount of choice if you’re a narrow back size…

Bravissimo I found a few of the fitters were quite bossy and wanted to put me in a certain style!

I’ve found 2 local larger size lingerie boutiques and they’re great! Friendly, helpful and I’m shopping local. So that’s where I’d try personally.

Freya bras are good also panache etc. Curvy Kate also good.

The advantage of a 'proper' lingerie shop is that they will get the right size snd then adjust using the straps snd back hooks so that it fits you perfectly. It's just not possible to do that yourself.

Honestly, it's really worth arranging a day trip to London for a proper fitting. No tape measures in sight, all done by eye snd really the widest selection of bras anywhere.

https://www.rigbyandpeller.com/en-gb

Their price for the bra I buy are pretty competitive. The fitting is free they will make you a coffee or a glass of Prosecco just to make an event if it.

After years of uncomfortable bras, I was stunned the first time i tried them. I really couldn't believe how easy it all was v and how comfortable their bras are, once configured properly.

I but the same model online now snd only go back for a fitting if I have lost , or gained, weight.

@Frymetothemoon

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

I always thought this would be a game changer and finally got around to going to one that is famous (been in the media) after I lost a bit of weight. I was measured, told ‘my size’ and brought bras that were clearly too small around the body. We eventually (after a lot of ‘this is your size’) tried a larger back size. I took it and found it uncomfortable to wear!, so going off the ‘if your bra fits like this’ instructions online, I worked out my own correct size 🙄

Bras are the devil's own underwear. I went to Rigby & Peller once, and they put me in a series of bras so painful I could hardly breathe. Never again.

Spanx make the only comfy bra I've ever had. The Bra-llelujah range - terrible name, but very wide spandex back and shoulder straps that stay put, and underwire and padding at the front. John Lewis used to sell them but sadly not any more. Once you know your size you can get them on Zalando.

I genuinely can’t feel my bras at all. I got fitted at Rigby & Peller about 4 years ago, they moved me from a 34b to a 30c. I realise they are expensive but they’re the only place I’ve had a fitting that didn’t even involve a tape measure and they fit much better than anything else I’ve ever tried.

You sound a similar size to me. I gave up on bras years ago, tried every brand going and got fitted in every shop going with no joy. I am very sensitive touch wise though, I can't wear jewellery, watches or halter necks either.

I love these Sloggi zero feel tops uk.sloggi.com/women/bras-camisoles/t-shirts-tops-vests/10205192.html?color=7291_Claret

I like the vest version but they also do crop tops, bralettes and bras. It's surprisingly supportive, it comes with pads in if you want extra support but I remove them.

I also recommend Bravissimo, I can’t feel that I’m wearing a bra. It took a couple of styles to find the right one though. They also taught me to do the swoop and scoop and also wriggle my boobs into my bra, which makes all the difference!

I find boob or bust terrible, it makes women wear their bras so tight round the body that they are uncomfortable can’t wait to get them off and have welts on their skin, honestly can’t believe people keep using that method.

Agree with the comment to ho to Bravissimo. I was 32E and now wear 30H! I would have never have found that size/fit without being measured/fit by sight.

My bras are now under wired plunge and I can't feel them they are that comfortable.

@IdLoveToButCantBeArsed these look so comfy. You sound similar to me, I can’t wear certain fabrics or things touching my neck, just sensitive to things on my skin in general! I checked my size and it’s saying I’m a M. Would you say sloggi are true to size or come up small/large?

I bought the small which fits well, I think a medium would be too big.

I struggle as have one boob a lot bigger than the other. Did have some success with smaller back size and larger cup. As apparently if the cup is too small it ends up lending to the back size. I just find the wire goes really high into my arm pit on large cup sized underwired bras, despite being really tall. It's very hard to get large cup sizes.

Have you asked them for a fit check on their Facebook page, did you do the band test. Remember that the calculator is just a starting point. If the bra passes the band test then wear an extender until the bra stretches enough to be comfortable

Several people have already said this but get a proper fitting from John Lewis or an independent not M&S and yes I echo warcoal are amazing bras, once you are in the right size you can barely feel it.

Hate bras! Only a size b so gel covers for me these days!

I found the sizes recommended by boob and bust hideously uncomfortable round the back and I barely filled half the cup so it doesn’t work for everyone.

I’m inclined to think it’s more for women with big boobs who need the support, those of us with smaller boobs don’t really need that and can just go with what’s comfortable - which in my case is either bralettes or vest tops with a bit of built in support. Or no bra at all now I’m a remote worker

Definitely get fitted
I also find that only one brand of bra fits me perfectly, I do wear a 34 back (size 16) and yes it leaves sock marks (not welts) but I need the support with my size boobs!
I wear Elomi plunge style. Panache is like the gore tried to stab me and curvy Kate just don't fit

I’ve only found the right bra size this year, thanks to boob or bust & I’m in my 40’s. I only wish I had realised there’s a world of bra sizes not on the rack sooner.
I’m a 30D but had been wearing a 32C for years and yanking it down every half hour because it was too wide and would move around. Utterly sad and ridiculous I’ve made it this far without the right bra.
Wacoal and Chantelle are my faves

All bras are uncomfortable to some degree, there is no health or medical reason to wear them, unless you are quite big and doing exercise like running etc. Bras are purely for the look, like high heels and long fingernails, which all just get in the way of comfort and everyday activities. One thing many of us have learned since covid and lockdown is that soft sports tops are more than enough for most women, that trainers are great and look fine with any outfit and that being comfortable is far more important than looking a certain way. I'm hoping women stick with this kind of common sense, and will therefore have healthier feet and greater comfort

@Bertiebiscuit

All bras are uncomfortable to some degree, there is no health or medical reason to wear them, unless you are quite big and doing exercise like running etc. Bras are purely for the look, like high heels and long fingernails, which all just get in the way of comfort and everyday activities. One thing many of us have learned since covid and lockdown is that soft sports tops are more than enough for most women, that trainers are great and look fine with any outfit and that being comfortable is far more important than looking a certain way. I'm hoping women stick with this kind of common sense, and will therefore have healthier feet and greater comfort

Mine aren't uncomfortable. I can happily fall asleep in them! At my bra size, there is no way in hell I could go without a bra or wear a soft one

I find M&S generally really uncomfortable, I still buy them though cos it’s convenient and then wonder why I did . If you find unsee wires uncomfy, have a look at Molke-honestly it was a total game changer for me and they have a fabulous Facebook group/customer service that helps you find the right size. I have the original and couldn’t believe how supportive it was.
molke.co.uk/

*underwires not unsee

I went from a 36DD to a 32H when I first did the BOB method. It felt as though my ribs were being crushed for the first few wears of the new size tbh, but that's just because I wasn't used to a bra fitting me properly. It's fine now, and I always wear underwired. Much better shape and support!

Why are bras so uncomfortable?

Because we live in a capitalist patriarchy that demands unrealistic standards of women, wants us to be uncomfortable and dissatisfied, and hates real women's bodies.