Bra sizing- bands

[ChocolateGingers]

When you buy a bra would you expect the band to measure more or less what it is supposed to?

I've always bought M&S but find recently that their band sizes are (on average) 6 to 8 inches less than the label.

So, a 30 inch is 24 inches from end to end.

I've now gone up to a 34 band even though I measure 29/30 because I can't cope with the tightness of the bands when they stretch 8 inches!

Is this common now?

The size is the measurement it will stretch to when worn and it will measure less than this when not being worn. Whatever your underbust measurement is should be the size that you buy (if you're between sizes, then normally size down). That said, all bras are slightly different so it could be that a different size fits you in a particular style - and this may be an M&S problem as they are notorious for not being consistent in their sizing.

It sounds like the cup is likely too small for you - if this is the case then the boobs "steal" fabric from the band when there's not enough cup to cover them! Try the bra on backwards to see if the band fits (so the cups don't interfere with the measurement). If it does, then try a bigger cup size with 30" band - and maybe different brands.

If then it really is too tight, go up one band size to a 32" - to its "sister size" (down a cup size when you go up a band size).

Reloaded I didn’t really answer your question! Yes, I would expect the band to measure roughly what it says (when stretched/being worn)

*Realised not reloaded!

I buy my bras in M and S because there is loads of choice in my size, but I do find the band size very tight. According to BoB I should be a 30C, but I can't breathe in that size so I buy 32B, and very comfortable it is for me.

I've bought bras from M&S recently and find the sizing so inconsistent that I found it easier to go in and try them on. One set of 36CC ( my measured size) fitted perfectly but for another a 38C was the right size.
I would buy a different brand but I like the minimiser range and provided you can get the right fit, the quality seems good for the price.

The band size refers to the size it should be when comfortably stretched. Even from the same manufacturer this varies with different styles. Not all bands have the same level of elasticity.